🌱Voter Backed Initiative Helps Homeless +Bullying In Portland Schools

We're in a whole new month, people. Welcome to September! We almost have too much happening today. An initiative is actually getting homeless people get housed, one of our distilleries may be in the top 10 in the country and, hey, it's First Thursday! Let's get this party started.

First, today's weather:

A clear and sunny day with a high of 90. This summer thing is getting a little repetitive.

Here are the top five stories in Portland today:

1. An initiative that tri-county voters approved in May of 2020 is actually making a dent in the homelessness crisis. A regional supportive housing effort funded permanent housing for more than 1,600 people over the last year, which is about 25% of the homeless population in the tri-county area, according to a report by Metro. It also added 514 year-round shelter beds across the metro area, as well as providing rental assistance to more than 9,200 people facing eviction, possibly preventing them from losing their homes. (KOIN.com)
2. There are some reports that say Portland's downtown area is bouncing back from the mass exodus that occurred during the pandemic, but office workers don't seem to have gotten that memo. At least 40% of city employees are still working remotely, according to city of Portland estimates, most of them required to come to the office only one day a week. Bringing them back won't be easy. In a June letter, 70 employees — including leaders of each of the city’s 12 affinity groups representing a total of more than 1,300 city employees — said they should not be brought back to work to revitalize downtown, calling it “inappropriate and not an essential part of our job.” (Willamette Week)
3. A tenacious homeless camp has inspired one Oregonian to run for office. George Donnerberg is so fed up with the homeless camp that has taken over the Big Four Corners Natural Area, he's running to represent his neighborhood in the Oregon House, District 45. In July of 2021, a two-person investigative team hiked into the natural area, about a third of a mile along the Columbia Slough. They found tents, trash and chopped-up stolen cars covered what's supposed to be environmentally protected land. Over a year later, not much has changed. (KATU)
4. It's not just the heat that Portland schools are worried about. Last year, students and parents said bullying and fights were “out of control” at schools. In part to prevent a repeat of these problems, Portland middle schools are adding restorative justice coordinators based at several schools. Those are staff members who are tasked with helping students and staff resolve conflicts in ways that do not always lead to punishment. Eight middle schools and four K-8 schools are set to receive the new staff: Astor, Cesar Chavez, Faubion, Harrison Park, Beaumont, George, Harriet Tubman, Kellogg, Lane, Mt. Tabor, Ockley Green and Roseway Heights. (OPB)
5. Portland State University is set to demolish the historic Parkway Manor in anticipation of building a new residence hall or mixed-use academic building. The five-story, brick building located at 1609 Park Avenue was one of nine apartment blocks purchased by PSU Student Services in 1969 and has served as a student dormitory since that time. However, 53 years later, the aging parkway is in such disrepair that PSU spokesperson Katy Swordfisk said that the university’s best financial option is to tear it down and start over. (KOIN)

Today in Portland:

• Are you excited about the Grand Prix of Portland? Then celebrate at the Grand Prix of Portland Kick-Off Party at Kenton Station! Meet all kinds of drivers, get autographs, win great prizes and more. Plus, you know, beer. 3 - 7 p.m.
• Are you an open-minded Portlander on the dating scene? Then come to The Feeld Report Zine Launch Party at Honey Latte Café. The Feeld Report is a zine collaboration with FISK projects that highlights local artists, and speaks to open minded friends and lovers. Say hello to some of the contributors and enjoy a beverage! 4 - 7 p.m.
• How could I forget that it's First Thursday? Come to downtown Portland's monthly celebration of its art scene. City blocks are closed off in NW Portland on 13th street between Hoyt and Kearney for local artists to showcase their original, hand-made artwork. Also, there's usually some pretty awesome street performances, too. 5 - 9 p.m.
• You know what sounds like fun tonight? A Bollywood Block Party! And there's one happening on NW 13th Ave. Huh, I think that's right around where they block the streets off for First Thursday. Coincidence? I think not! Don't miss the chance to dance with DJ Prashant for Free! 6 - 8 p.m.
• There's Science on Tap at The Alberta Rose Theater with How'd They Film That? At this very special Science on Tap, a behind-the-scenes look at how the folks behind the new OPB show “All Science. No Fiction.” communicate science. How do they pull off all the different things they do on camera to try to get you as excited about science in the Pacific Northwest as they are? And if you can't go in person, they even have a live stream set up. Doors open at 6 p.m.

From my notebook:

• Portland Farmers Market: "Mark your calendars for our all-day at-market celebration!" (Portland Farmers Market via Facebook)
• How have I not been to this place before? The Aimsir Distilling Company in NE Portland is a nominee for the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice award for the best new craft distillery category. The award contest highlights top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. 18 craft distilleries have made it to the nominations. As of Wednesday morning, Aimsir Distilling is ranked in 6th place amongst voters. You can cast your vote on USA Today’s website here until Monday, Sept. 26. (KOIN)
• One little spray can help you save someone's life. With the fentanyl epidemic that has hit Portland, along with several other major cities, OHSU pharmacist Emily Skogrand is encouraging everyone to carry the generic nasal spray, or the brand Narcan. This can be used in an emergency to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. "You never know when you’re going to encounter someone that’s in need of Narcan. You could be at the grocery store, on your commute, even at the park with your kids," said Skogrand, a Doctor of Pharmacy. (KATU)
• Hey, do you want to go see a movie? On Saturday, September 3, many movie theaters across the nation will only charge $3 for tickets to their shows, as part of a new holiday called National Cinema Day. The new holiday is sort of like Record Store Day for movie theaters, as it entices audiences back into movie theaters, hoping they'll make a habit of it. (Portland Mercury)
• State fairs have numerous competitions and Oregon's is no different. Best pie, largest pumpkin, best table setting, wait, what? Best table setting? On Aug. 24, two days before the fair opened, table setters assembled their entries inside the Creative Living pavilion at the Salem fairgrounds. This is their story. (The Oregonian)
• Rebuilding Center's Shed Talks aims to inspire, engage, and inform Portland community members about the intersection between sustainability and art. The seminar series features a collection of artists across disciplines including carpentry, fine art, architecture, urban design, interior design, and landscaping. Shed Talks starts tonight and will host reuse artist, Curtis Reid Henderson, as our featured speaker. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today, my friends. If you liked the newsletter, meet me back here tomorrow for more stories of Portland. Till then, Stay Fresh, Cheese Bags!

— 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