Statue Vandalized + Homeless Help + Recycler Fined

What’s going on, my peeps? It’s another Portland day just bursting with promise, so let’s discuss.

Weather

Rain must like Friday, because it’s going to be around all day. The high temp will be 63.

The top news stories for Portland

1. A woman was caught on film vandalizing a statue, the bust of explorer York, at Mt. Tabor Park. York was the only black member of the Lewis and Clark expedition and a slave belonging to Clark. The statue was placed in the park in February, to replace one that had been toppled in 2020. (KPTV)
2. The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill intended to protect the homeless. House Bill 3115 forces cities to create laws that would protect homeless individuals from fines or arrest for camping outdoors if they have no where else to go. (KATU)
3. Summer is almost here, but school’s still in session — for breakfast and lunch anyway. Portland Public Schools will continue a program that provides grab-and-go bags for breakfast and lunch at 15 different locations. (KOIN)
4. After a year of protests and vandalism, the Portland Police Association is leaving the North Portland building it was housed. About 100 people were at the last demonstration outside the building where the front doors were set on fire. The PPA has not disclosed its new location. (KGW)
5. Portland-based Owens-Brockway, a glass recycler, has been fined over $1 million for repeated air quality violations. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the fine after what it claimed were repeated violations of emissions standards. (KXL)

Today’s events in Portland

1. Dancing is back at the Ponderosa Lounge, with DJ Pauly spinning everyone’s favorite country hits. Get your tickets early, because they’re limiting the number of those attending to 80. COVID precautions will be enforced. 7:00 PM.
2. Do you feel the need for speed? The Portland International Raceway can scratch that itch with its Friday Late Night Drags. Masks and social distancing are required. Admission at the front gate is cash only. 5:30 – 10:00 PM.
3. Paint pouring art has become all the rage on the interwebs and art studio Live Laugh Love Art wants to teach you how to do it. They’re hosting a paint pouring workshop and providing all the material you will need to create your own work of art. They do ask that attendees arrive 15 minutes early for check in. 1:00 – 2:00 PM.
4. To commemorate Philippine Independence Day, there will be a free screening of the documentary "A Thousand Cuts" at Colonel Summers Park in the Buckman Neighborhood. The movie focuses on the escalating war between the Duterte Regime and the Press. Bring a blanket and a mask. Reservations required. 5:30 PM.
5. If you want to work up a sweat on your lunch hour, there’s a free, online Zumba class presented by Trainer Tyra. Streaming over Zoom, the class will feature basic Zumba rhythms, as well as Sabor Afro-Latino routines. All bodies, fitness levels and identities are welcomed. Noon – 1:00 PM.

Portland Patch Notebook

1. Father’s Day is approaching and the STEELPORT Knife Co. is holding an open house to celebrate. They will be showing off their hand-crafted, carbon steel Chef Knives and will be joined by the Olympic Provisions “Hambulance,” Coava Coffee, Pfriem Brewery and handmade cutting boards by Goby Walnut. There will also be a raffle to win FINEX cast iron cookware. June 12th, Noon – 5:00 PM.
2. If you’re a cat lover, you can’t miss Netflix’s new docuseries, Cat People, featuring Portland’s own Cat Rapper, Moshow. He’s been writing rap songs about his cats for years and currently has an impressive 347,000 followers on Instagram. The series premieres on Netflix on July 7th.

That’s one heck of a Friday! Don’t strain yourself having too much fun and meet me back here for more tales of our fine city.