Vaccine Mandates + Lightning Starts Wildfires+ Workplace Rudeness

Welcome to a new Wednesday, my Portland peeps. Did you know that Wednesday is derived from Old English Wōdnesdæg and Middle English Wednesdei, "day of Woden." Woden, in case you were wondering, is an Old English term for the Norse god Odin. So, let's hear it for Wednesday!

First, today's weather: Morning clouds give way to afternoon sun for a simply smashing day, if but a tad warm, with a high of 90.

Here are the top stories in Portland today:

1. There might not be a mask mandate yet, but local bars and restaurants are taking matters into their own hands and requiring proof of vaccination from patrons. And Portland isn't alone, as cities from San Francisco to New York see many establishments adopting similar rules. (KGW.com)
2. Last week, the city of Portland made good on its promise to sweep the homeless camp that had occupied Laurelhurst Park, but how was that done and, more importantly, what happens to the homeless afterwards? Journalist Alex Zielinski dives deep into the events of that day and where the campers might end up. (Portland Mercury)
3. Despite Oregon state law barring employers from mandating vaccines for healthcare workers, Kaiser Permanente is doing just that. As of July 31, 77.8% of Kaiser Permanente employees and more than 95% of Permanente Medical Group physicians have been fully vaccinated, and Kaiser Permanente has set a target date of September 30 to achieve a fully vaccinated workforce. OHSU announced mandatory vaccinations for its employees back in May and, just last week, the Department of Veterans Affairs declared a similar policy. (KPTV)
4. Some people in our parched state might think that thunderstorms could bring some much needed rain to the region, but that's not all they bring. On Monday, they unleashed roughly 700 lightning bolts in a 24-hour period, starting some 50 new wildfires. Firefighters and support personnel worked through the night to locate and extinguish fires. (OPB)
5. As more workers start to return to the office, it's becoming evident just how out of practice they are at dealing with one another. A study released by Portland State University researchers outlines the manifestations and effects of workplace incivility. (KGW)

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Today in Portland

• Are you concerned about the salmon population that live in Oregon rivers and streams? Do you have an appreciation for locally brewed craft beer? This afternoon you can combine these two interests at the Steelheaders Rally for the River night at Hopworks Urban Brewery in SE Portland. Regester online. 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
• For those Phish fans who can't be bothered flying all the way to Nashville to see the band live in concert, yet don't want to stream the performance all by themselves at home, SE Portland bar Goodfoot has a solution. It will be live streaming the concert in HD video projected on a big screen, with sound coming in through a concert P.A. Enjoy drinks, food and company while rocking out to Phish! 5:00 PM.
• The Lavish Pucker Pageant drag show competition, Suns Out Buns Out, will be at Local Lounge tonight. Hosted by Touche Douche, it is bound to be a unique experience. Tickets are $7 online or $10 at the door. 7:00 - 10:00 PM.
• Portland sure does love the circus and if you've got the itch to see some high flying and fun performers, get yourself to the Crane Truck Circus Show on SE Hawthorne. In this hour-long show, you’ll be razzled & dazzled by the music, strength, movement & comedy of this all-star cast of circus artists. This event is suitable for all ages and mostly word free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair & stake out a spot for you and your pod! 7:00 PM.
• The Church of Film and the Clinton Street Theater present Japanese cult classic AKA Serial Killer. This documentary focuses on 19-year-old Norio Nagayama who stole a gun and killed four people before being caught. Come see director Masao Adachi's revolutionary work. 8:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

• I bet you think you're pretty tough, don't you? A real he-man that don't back down from nothing. Well, I've got some news for you, tough guy, you should go read a book with the Tough Guy Book Club. The club was started by a couple of guys just like you. Guys who wanted to read more and connect a bit more with their community. Guys with something to say and not always the place to say it. I don't think it's a coincidence that their only U.S. chapter is out of Natian Brewery in East Portland. Check them out! If you dare.
• Pix Patisserie has been a Portland fixture for almost 20 years (it celebrates its 20th anniversary next month). Now one of its summertime events is coming back as with Movies at Dusk. The series starts, as is tradition, with The Big Lebowski, but this show is already sold out. Worry not, my friends, it's showing movies throughout the entire month of August, so don't miss out! (Pix Patisserie)
• Summer is the season for outdoor music festivals and Portland continues this tradition with the Vanport Jazz Festival. This one-day festival will feature jazz greats from all over, including headliner Sheila E. who worked with Prince during the Purple Rain recording sessions. Bring a chair or some blankets and enjoy the music. Tickets online.
• Portland Trail Blazers: "Our coaching staff is set! Drop a in the comments to welcome the new additions to #RipCity" (Instagram)
• Portland, Oregon: "Another weekend in the books - filled with sunsets, concerts, markets, and more! What're you looking forward to this ..." (Instagram)
• Portland Audubon: "Over the past 50 years, Bobolink breeding population declined by 65%, mostly due to habitat loss associated with deve..." (Instagram)
• Portland Art Museum: "I look at America’s heart—people, landscapes, and cityscapes—and I see it as an opportunity to add to an American art..." (Instagram)
• Portland Flea: "Thrilled to have @commsize with us on AUG 15. Brand new + size fashion brand focusing on slow fashion and sustaina..." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Legacy Emanuel Pop-Up Donor Center (August 14)

That's more stuff than you can shake a stick at and it's only half way through the week. So, have some fun and make the world a better place and I'll meet you back here tomorrow to talk your ear off about my favorite city. If you're loving 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.