Safe Rest Village Nixed + Massive Fire In SE + Proud Boy Guilty

Hey, hey, people of Portland, how's your Thursday going? This being the first Thursday in October, it will be an art-filled evening in the Pearl district with the monthly First Thursday event. But that's not all that's going on in this town, so let me fill you in.

First, today's weather:

We've got a clear and crisp autumn day here in Portland, with a high of 61.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. Despite vaccine mandates for healthcare workers issued by Gov. Kate Brown, the Red Cross claims that its blood donation centers are not subject to such a mandate. Dr. Ross Herron, the chief medical officer for the Red Cross in a 15-state region that includes Oregon and Washington, said the charity is not covered by vaccine mandates because donors are not being treated for any kind of illness. The Oregon Health Authority has a different opinion on the matter, stating that it does fall within the definition of a healthcare provider and, therefore, the mandate should apply to the Red Cross. (OPB)
2. Nearly a week after an explosive report on former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley rocked the National Women's Soccer League, the fallout here at home continues: The Timbers Army and the Rose City Riveters, the Timbers and Thorns FC supporters' groups, are now calling for the organization to fire General Manager Gavin Wilkinson, among a host of other demands. On Thursday (Sept. 30), The Athletic published an investigation accusing Riley of sexual coercion, harassment and misconduct with players, much of which happened while he was coaching the Thorns in 2014 and 2015. Former Thorns players Sinead Farrelly and Meleana Shim both said they felt pressured by Riley to engage in inappropriate behavior or risk losing their careers. (KPTV)
3. One of the proposed sites for a Safe Rest Village has been nixed, since it has been determined that the site is in a flood zone. The site that was supposed to be at SE 45th and Harney is no longer a viable location. “This particular site was reviewed for many considerations but did not go through a floodplain review and should have,” said Bureau of Development Services spokesperson Ken Ray. “This will be corrected for reviews of potential Safe Rest Village sites in the future.” (KOIN)
4. A massive 3-alarm fire broke out in SE Portland, blowing out windows and injuring 2 firefighters. Crews were called out at about noon Tuesday on reports of black smoke coming from a building near the intersection of Southeast 13th Avenue and Hawthorne Boulevard. Flames quickly broke through windows and the building's roof, and fire officials called out a second and third alarm to bring in more resources. (KATU)
5. A far-right protester from Texas who clashed with others in downtown Portland during the summer of 2020 has been found guilty on multiple charges in Multnomah County court. Alan Swinney was found not guilty on one second-degree assault charge, but was convicted of the remaining counts, including unlawful use of a weapon, attempted assault, pointing a firearm at another, second-degree unlawful use of mace, among others. Swinney has been held in Multnomah County jail since being arrested Sept. 30, 2020. He now awaits sentencing, and could face several years in prison. (OPB)

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Today in Portland:

• There will be a free show tonight at the Goodfoot in SE Portland, featuring Brazilian rocker Johnny Franco. He now lives in Portland, and crafts inventive spaghetti western/folk-rock stompers. Armed with propulsive, spindly guitars, Dylanesque vocals, and adventurous vibes, Franco recently signed to label Blanket Fort. Show is at 9:00 PM.
• Holocene in SE Portland presents the Church of Royalty dance party, with a live performance by Frankie Simone. DJ Megan Rockett will be spinning the tunes and keeping the dance floor moving. Proof of vaccination is required for entry. Doors open at 8:00 PM.
• Pearl Framing & Gallery in NW Portland will be featuring the art of Ronald Irving Barncord in the show "Common Thread: Interconnections". Take a look at the visual interpretation of finding that common thread that connects each individual's pieces and allows one to understand the creative choices they have. Through lines, points and intersections with thin bits and accents of subtle colors intricately placed within and around defined lines one can feel and envision a place in the mind of artist Barney B. and a common thread that interconnects us all within this Universe. Gallery hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Blue Sky Gallery in NW Portland is pleased to announce the 2019 Critical Mass Solo Exhibition, X-Ray Vision vs. Invisibility by Noelle Mason. X-Ray Vision vs. Invisibility is a body of work about the phenomenological effects of vision technologies on the perception of undocumented immigrants. The images used in this series were collected from the Border Patrol and border-watching vigilante websites. This event is free, but registration online is required to attend. 5:00 - 6:00 PM.
• There will be a wine tasting at Bonne Chance in NE Portland, with winemaker Sam Parra. He will be pouring wine, telling his story and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Tacos will be available to pair, all wines will be available by the glass or bottle. 4:00 - 7:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Travel Portland: "@CargoInc is something special. If you're visiting Portland to get ahead of your holiday shopping, the Shopping Guide in the link in our bio will certainly help! #ThisIsPortland #PDX #PDXNOW #TravelPortland #TravelOregon #PortlandOrego..." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "How about a weekend adventure to Oregon’s rugged South Coast with Portland Audubon as your guide? Think incredible landscapes and bountiful wildlife. On this three-day trip, October 22-24, we’ll visit some of the top birding sites i..." (Instagram)
• In regards to the story about the massive fire that occurred in SE Portland, station KGW posted aerial footage of the aftermath on YouTube. You can see the destruction this fire caused. My heart goes out to the businesses that were affected; they will be missed by Portland. (YouTube)
• If you read my newsletter from yesterday, I had mentioned the online meeting for the Form of Government subcommittee as part of the Portland charter review. A kind attendee has posted some of the slides that were presented during that meeting. If you weren't able to attend, they might make for some interesting reading. (Imgur)
• The more things change,... well, you know how the saying goes. This is a page from the Oregon History Project regarding the Creston Primary School. Creston gained city-wide attention in 1914 due to a controversy that raged between parents and municipal health officials about mandatory smallpox vaccinations in public schools. While all agreed that smallpox was dangerous and potentially deadly, many argued that compulsory vaccinations limited the individual’s right to address the health needs of one’s own family. (Oregon History Project)
• Do you speak more languages than English, but feel that you don't get to speak/practice them enough. Then BlaBla Language Exchange is something you should check into. The community's mission is to bring together expatriates and locals through language events. All events are free, and everyone can take advantage of their international evenings to meet new people, make new friendships, and improve their language skills. (BlaBla Language Exchange)

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That's your Thursday my friends, so get out there and have some fun! If the world is your oyster, then Portland must be the beautiful pearl inside. But don't have so much fun that you forget to join me back here tomorrow for more goings on around town. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dominic Anaya

About me: Doctor, educator and now a writer/artist, I'm just chillin' in Portland, OR with my wife, our ferrets, our chickens and our goats.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Portland Daily? Reach out anytime to portland@patch.com.