Surgeries On Pause+Police Are Hands-Off+Street Stunts Cause Chaos

It's the middle of the week, Portland, and that means we're that much closer to the weekend. All we have to do is get over the hump, which is going to be easy, because we've got plenty to keep us busy. Let me tell you all about it.

First, today's weather: Wow, I could not have crafted a more perfect day if I tried. That is if I actually had the power to control the weather. Which I don't. We'll see those partly cloudy skies that Portland is famous for and a high of 80.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. As the COVID surge continues to overburden our medical system, Legacy Health has announced that they will be pausing all non-urgent surgical procedures for at least the next two weeks. Both Kaiser Permanente and OHSU have also stated that they will be reducing the number of inpatient surgical cases to be performed. (KATU)
2. The illegal street racing event that closed down one tier of the Fremont Bridge was not the only event that occurred Sunday night. Reports of these events happening came in from at least 4 different locations. I-405 was closed to traffic, there were reports coming from SE Division and SE 48th Ave. and Cully residents made 911 calls regarding activity in their neighborhood, but to no avail. (KGW.com)
3. In the violent clash between far-right and far-left demonstrators that occurred over the weekend, the Portland Police Bureau took a hands-off approach to the conflict. Mayor Ted Wheeler believes this approach successful at mitigating the violence many expected to take place. Many Portland residents do not agree. Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal told OPB in a statement. “The ensuing violence was unnecessary and disruptive to our community, causing much needless pain and fear for the people who live there.” Several Portland officials remain silent on these events. (OPB)
4. The Portland Charter Commission is hard at work, focusing on the city’s form of government and city council elections. They are currently taking public feedback, some of which may result in a subcommittee to address climate change. The city is also in contract negotiations with a Portland-based organization called, Coalition of Communities of Color. It would possibly provide community engagement and education regarding the charter review process. (KOIN)
5. Less than 24 hours after a man was shot and killed in Portland's Old Town, 5 more people were injured by gunfire while attending a vigil for the murder victim. Portland police responded to reports of gunfire Sunday evening, arriving in Old Town where the vigil was being held. They found one gunshot victim, who was transported to the hospital. Police said over the next few hours, officers learned four other people had been shot and were taken to hospitals by private vehicles. (KGW.com)

Tired of paying too much for your prescriptions? GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies. Works for pet medications, too! GoodRx also helps bring the Daily to Portland. Support our sponsor and see how much you can save by going to GoodRx.com.

Today in Portland

• Do you remember the craze that break dancing was? Do you know that it's still alive and well? Come see the phenomenal talent that is still out there at the USA Breakin Skilfest! It's going down tonight at the 722 in SE Portland. Featuring performances by Chinoxl and Big Wyno and, of course 1-on-1 B-Battles. Get your tickets online.6:00 PM.
• Local non-profit Next Up would like you to meet their new Executive Director, Elona Wilson, and they're hosting a happy hour to make it a party. For over eighteen years, Next Up has amplified the voice and leadership of young people to achieve a more just and equitable state. This casual meet & greet is happening at Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery in SE Portland. Register online. 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
• I guess tonight is all about nostalgia, because the Hollywood Theater will be showing MTV:Year One. Take a fantastic voyage into the first year of Music Television when directors first explored what was possible in this new era. Featuring amazing performances from: The Pretenders, Asia, Pat Benatar, The Who, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks and many more. Tickets available online. 7:30 PM.
• If you looking for a laughter-filled evening, look no further than Mississippi Pizza in North Portland. They're hosting DOUGH, a weekly comedy showcase hosted by local Portland comedians Thomas Lundy, Jake Silbermann, Chris Johnson, and Lance Edward. Get your tickets online. 8:00 - 10:30 PM.
• Cork Screw Wine Bar in SE Portland features The Newport Nightingales, a three part harmony group ala Boswell Sisters. They aspire to create an authentic vintage sound that transports you back to the 1930s and keeps you swinging on the dance floor. 8:00 - 10:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• Portland Audubon: "It may be the tail end of summer but fall migration has already begun. Get ready to help migratory birds on their long journeys by making your windows bird-safe. We have tons of resources, from DIY to professional solutions to stop birds..." (Instagram)
• One of the Portland news stories of 2021 has been the mysterious appearance, and subsequent vandalism, of a bust of York, who travelled with Lewis and Clark on their expeditions, as William Clark’s slave. Last week the city’s Regional Arts & Culture Council released a fairly listenable recorded discussion between PSU Professor of History and Black Studies Darrell Millner and the unidentified artist who created York. RACC’s Public Art Director Kristin Calhoun served as moderator. You can listen to it here. (Willamette Week)
• COVID-19 has been responsible for the cancellation of one beer festival after another, but now we hear that one might still be on. PDX Fresh Hop Festival, Oregon's largest fresh hops festival, is back, in person and with full vaccination required. It's set for the first weekend of October. (KATU)
• Samudra, the Oregon Zoo's Asian elephant, has just turned 13. Staff shared some video clips of Samudra over the past year, from his enjoying a mud bath to munching on pumpkins and watermelons. (KATU)
• Redditor oldgrowth1 has posted an amazing video shot from a drone. It has great views of Mt. Tabor, Sellwood and the Willamette River. (Reddit)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions! (August 29)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions! (September 5)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions! (September 5)
• Add your event

Holy fudge sticks, that's a full Wednesday! From break dancing to charter reform, there's a lot going on in town. Don't over exert yourself, though, because this is Portland, and I can guarantee you that I'll be back tomorrow with a whole new boatload of stuff to talk about. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. 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? Contact me at portland@patch.com.