Mayor Wheeler Confronted+Cocktails To-Go+Arson Investigation

I’m back, my friends, here to distill all the juicy goodness of Portland into one concise newsletter to help you through your day. Let’s see what’s going on!

Weather

Cooler weather moves in for a party cloudy day and a high of 79.

Top news stories for Portland

1. Mayor Ted Wheeler was confronted by a protester while eating out at Bamboo Sushi in the Northwest. It didn’t go any further than some shouting, as restaurant employees ushered the person out of the restaurant, but video of the episode did end up online. (The Oregonian)
2. Of all the pivots the restaurant industry has done during the pandemic, cocktails to go has been one of the most popular. Now, the Oregon House of Representatives is trying to make it a permanent thing. Senate Bill 317 will allow bars and restaurant to sell to-go cocktails, as long as they’re sold in a sealed container. The bill now goes to Gov. Kate Brown’s desk for her signature. (PDX Eater)
3. Portland Parks and Recreation open its pools on June 22nd and is facing a shortage of life guards and swimming instructors. Officials are seeking applicants and are willing to provide training. (KGW)
4. A rash of fires that broke out in North Portland are being investigated as arson. Portland Fire and Rescue offered little additional information, after responding to six different vehicle and structure fires. They are asking the public for any video footage from the area that may help the investigation. (The Columbian)
5. Portland Police have been charging protesters based on statements from informants who have infiltrated “Black Bloc” marches. “Black Bloc” refers to the black masks and clothing protesters wear, for anonymity and solidarity. This also allows police informants to blend in unnoticed. (Willamette Week)

Today’s events in Portland

1. First Thursdays are Back! To kick it off, the Annual Portland Rose Festival Show hosted by the Oregon Society of Artists opens tonight and runs through June 23rd. (6:00 PM)
2. Why does housing cost so much? That is the topic of discussion with Kim McCarthy, executive director of Community Alliance of Tenants, Lorelei Juntunen of ECONorthwest and developer Eli Spevek. The event will be streaming over Zoom and YouTube. (5:00 PM)
3. There’s a free virtual show tonight at the Crystal Ballroom. Rock band, The Quality, will be streaming as part of the Crystal’s Dance on Air Balcony series. (6:00 PM)
4. It’s game 6 of the NBA play-offs tonight, as the Portland Trail Blazers face the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center. After an intense game 5, which the Nuggets won in double overtime, they have a 3-2 lead. (5:00 PM)
5. Need to get your steps in? Join the Transit-Oriented Social Club for a 4-mile ramble along SE Stark Street at the entrance of the Lone Fir Cemetery. (6:00 PM)

Portland Patch Notebook

• The Oregon Senate has voted unanimously to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday on June 19th. It commemorates the arrival of the news of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, TX. (OPB)
• The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is back after a year-long hiatus, due to the pandemic. Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test will be required, as will masks and social distancing. Tickets will be digital only. (osfashland.org)

There you have it, another action packed day in the city. Keep living your best life, Portland!