Smoke From Wildfires + Smith For Congress + Big Police Changes

Greetings, fellow humans, we're half way through the week, so let's see what's on the agenda for today.

Weather

Clouds in the morning, but it's all sun for the afternoon. Yet, the high temp will only be 83. Sounds like a perfect summer day to me.

Top news stories for Portland

1. Smoke from the Warm Springs Reservation fire will be moving into the Portland area. Fortunately, Portland's Air Quality Index is currently rated as "Good" and the National Weather Service predicts light winds that will push the smoke back eastward. Crews continue to fight the blaze and have achieved 10% containment. (Willamette Week)
2. Unlike other universities in Oregon, Portland Community College will not be requiring students and staff to be vaccinated when they return to campus this fall. They claim that, due to racial disparities affecting access to the vaccine, a vaccination requirement would create barriers to students of color. (The Oregonian)
3. Local organizations have crafted a petition to the City of Lake Oswego to allow public access to Oswego Lake. This issue has plagued the city since 2012, when a resolution prohibited public access from city-owned properties, with lawsuits against the resolution going as high as the Oregon Supreme Court. In response to the petition, the Lake Oswego School District said the issue of public access is up to the courts and the city to determine. (Pamplin Media)
4. As a result of the 2020 Census, Oregon is getting a new seat in congress and former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith hopes it will be hers. If elected, she would be Oregon's first Black congresswoman. (The Skanner)
5. At a press conference yesterday, Mayor Ted Wheeler announced two procedural changes for the Portland Police Department. The first is for officers to stop focusing on low level traffic violations, like expired tags. The second is new consent search procedures for officers to follow, to make sure those who consent to a search understand their rights. (KOIN)

Today's Events for Portland

1. What wine goes best with chili dogs? Pairing the best wine for a particular meal is confusing to many, which is why I appreciate Sunday Wine School and their helpful tips. Tonight is their Virtual Pairings Party. Register and get your wine questions answered. 7:00 – 8:00 PM.
2. Fox and Bones will be playing at SE Portland favorite Produce Row. Catch this pop-folk duo while you drink your favorite Oregon craft beer and enjoy the warm, summer night. 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
3. The Star Theater and the Cult Movie Club presents Wyrd War Wednesdays. Tonight's feature is the 1987 cult classic Cherry 2000 starring Melanie Griffith. Get your tickets online. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
4. It's House Marg Comedy Night at Tamale Boy in NE Portland. Tonight will feature Mohanad Elshieky and a night of outdoor, socially distanced, comedy fun. Tickets sold online in sets of 2 or 4. 7:30 – 10:30 PM.
5. Has the pandemic got you itching for some company, but you're unsure how to ease back into society? Well, the Verve Lifestyle Center has you covered. They'll be holding their June Chill in the Park event at Wallace Park in NW Portland. Drinks and snacks will be provided in a low-key environment. 6:30 – 8:30 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

1. If you love kittens, (and, really, who doesn't) then you should check out the Cat Adoption Team's Kitten Palooza! On June 25th, visit their website to see as many as 100 Kittens up for adoption. There will be a virtual adoption counseling session on the 26th and a Drive-Thru Pick-up Parade on the 27th. Meow! (Cat Adoption Team)
2. Portland's annual food festival Feast will be back this year after last year's pandemic hiatus. This Feast will be a shift from previous years, focusing more on smaller events throughout July and August. They will also be working with the non-profit Feed the Mass, a zero-barrier food site that offers meals to those in need. (KATU)

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Featured event

• June 22nd: Our blood supply is running on empty and our community needs YOU
• June 28th: Our blood supply is running on empty and our community needs YOU

There you have it folks, your Wednesday in a nutshell. That is, if the nutshell were actually a piñata and the piñata were filled sunshine, music and joy. Go break it open!