Police Unit Quits+Video Mini-Libraries+SW Funding Requested

Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming. Oops, no, my mistake, it’s just another awesome day in Portland! Let’s talk about today.

Weather

Technically it’s not even summer yet, but don’t tell that to the sun. It’ll be around all day without a cloud in the sky. So it's no surprise that the high temp will be a balmy 81.

Top news stories for Portland

1. All of the Portland Police Officers on the Rapid Response Team have resigned as a reaction to one of their own, Officer Corey Budworth, facing criminal charges. The Rapid Response Team is the unit responsible for policing protests in the city. Budworth has been charged with fourth degree assault for striking a protester last summer. (OPB)
2. Is Portland getting weird again? A movement called freeblockbuster.org has moved to town and is turning old newspaper boxes into free movie libraries. The city is no stranger to minilibraries for books, but now two cinephiles, Stephen Katulak and Thomas Mosher, are filling them with DVDs. (KGW)
3. With the recent, damning assessment of Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life, Southwest Neighborhoods Inc. is asking the city to reestablish its funding. The organization had its funding cut last year. In light of the audit that resulted in the resignation of 3 top employees, members say they had been treated unfairly. They have even discussed suing the city. (Pamplin Media Group)
4. The City of Portland and over 20 police officers are being sued for $800,000 for slashing the tires of a car during one of last years protests. The plaintiff in the case is disabled and when the car’s tires were damaged, the vehicle was immobilized and the passenger side door could not open, trapping her in the car overnight. (KATU)
5. With the pandemic winding down and restrictions being lifted, people seem to be in the mood to travel again. Portland International Airport (PDX) is predicting approximately 4.2 million travelers will be flying through this summer. Due to this uptick in demand, a spokesperson for PDX notes that it would a good idea for people to book flights and rental cars early, as this will likely result in higher prices. (KPTV)

Today’s events for Portland

1. The Big Legrowlski is hosting a PRIDE party from open to close, with DJs, pop-up performances and great beer. Tickets available online. Bar opens at noon and the cabaret show starts at 8:30 PM.
2. One Woman, Too Much, a new play by Ellen Margolis, will be presented in Woodlawn City Park. This comedy follows a single mother as she shifts between factory work, a new office job and her toddler. Run time is about 50 minutes, so bring something comfy to sit on. Free! 7:00 PM
3. The Elevate Unity Benefit Music Series continues at The Botanist with The Gold Experience, featuring a collaboration of seasoned musicians, blending blues, jazz, soul, gospel and hip-hop. Seating is limited due to COVID restrictions so get your tickets early. Early show at 5:00 PM and a late show at 6:45 PM.
4. If you’re passionate about the environment, come to Unthank Park to meet with Oregon Clean Energy Opportunity activists. They will be making art and writing postcards to send to legislators, urging them to vote YES for HB2021 (100% Clean Energy For All) and HB2842 (Healthy Homes) There will be food, drink and speakers in English and Spanish. Don’t forget to wear a mask! 5:00– 7:30 PM.
5. Christopher John Mead will be playing at Ruse Brewing. He’ll be joined by Brian Bottigliero on bass, Austin Stewart on drums and Mac Brown on guitar. Seating is limited, so come early to grab a table. 5:30 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

1. While not many music fans would consider Portland a major hip-hop city, there is a surprisingly vibrant community of hip-hop artists here, and one that is still growing. Jerad Walker of KLCC radio has written a great piece discussing the history of the hip-hop scene here in Portland and writes about where it’s heading. Give it a read!
2. I normally talk about events that are happening today, but the Forest Park No Ivy League volunteer event starts at 9:00 AM Saturday, so if I don’t mention it now, readers may miss out. If you’ve been to Forest Park, you know that keeping invasive ivy in check is a non-stop task. That’s why Portland Parks & Recreation’s No Ivy League and SOLVE have teamed up to organize volunteers to help out. Registration is required.

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Featured event

• June 20th: The Best Gifts For Dad This Father’s Day
• June 21st: Blood Donors Needed
• June 22nd: Our blood supply is running on empty and our community needs YOU

There you have it folks, the news about what’s going on in our fine city on this glorious Friday. Check back tomorrow, because if this is our Friday, Saturday is going to be a doozy!