Portland police shot and killed a man Wednesday morning in an industrial district near Portland International Airport.

Details are sparse, but a Portland Police bureau (PPB) spokesperson confirmed at the scene that an officer opened fire on an adult man while responding to a call about someone stealing electricity from a nearby business just after 10 a.m. at NE 92nd and Marx. 

According to police, two officers from PPB’s North Precinct responded to an RV parked along the street, when they encountered a man and fired. The man died at the scene. Police later reported that a handgun was found near the victim. 

The shooting happened outside the Ventura Foods warehouse, where several people live in RVs camped out across the street. At the scene Wednesday afternoon, police blocked off the street, restricting access in and out of businesses nearby. 

It’s unclear whether police were searching for a suspect when the shooting occurred. A spokesman at the scene indicated one officer opened fire, but that information has yet to be confirmed. 

Two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with bureau policy. 

“We are in the very early stages of this investigation and we intend to release more information as soon as possible,” Mike Benner, a public information officer with PPB, told media.

Police initially declined to say what type of theft they were responding to, or whether the emergency call came from a nearby business, or an individual, citing the need to "protect the integrity of their investigation."

The police bureau has taken heat in recent months for purposely delaying the release of information–specifically, names of officers involved–after police shootings. 

Police cited a policy that was unilaterally put in place late last year by former Police Chief Chuck Lovell, to no longer release names within 24 hours, instead waiting weeks.

The former chief cited concerns for officer privacy, safety, and “doxxing” of officers during active investigations. Lovell said the policy, which was criticized by police watchdog groups, “strikes the right balance between transparency and the security concerns of our PPB members.”

Police now say it’s their practice to wait 15 days, if not longer, before releasing names of officers involved in deadly force.

While it’s become common practice for police to limit the amount of information about shootings involving officers, that typically isn’t the case with investigations involving civilians. 

For example, just one day prior to the shooting, police released information about a deadly mauling of a 6-year-old boy by two dogs, which included information about the age of the boy, the relationship of the boy to the owner of the dogs, the type of dogs involved, as well as the extent of injuries to the owner of the dog, and which outside agencies were investigating. 

The week prior, police released a lengthy summary of an officer who stopped a robbery in progress, including a full summary of events and the name and physical description of the suspect in custody, in an attempt to locate additional robbery victims. 

Portland Police Chief Bob Day told media on scene Wednesday afternoon that the bureau will prioritize speedy, transparent communication about the case. He said PPB is working to reduce deadly shootings by its officers, saying the bureau is "doing everything in our power and our ability to try to minimize these tragedies as they occur.”

“With that said, I’m 100 percent committed to the process that we have in place," Day said. "I know we’ll work closely with our partners, the district attorney’s office, other investigators, to be as accountable and transparent as possible.”

Wednesday’s deadly shooting is the third officer-involved shooting by Portland police this year. The incident comes as the city is preparing to overhaul its police oversight system after voters in 2020 approved the creation of a new Community Board for Police Accountability (CBPA) to investigate misconduct complaints and use of force incidents involving police. While the community-led process won’t change criminal investigations into police shootings, the new civilian-led oversight board removes police from investigations into policy compliance and conduct of police. It will be the first oversight board in the city with the authority to impose discipline on officers. The new system is expected to be implemented sometime in 2025, pending approval by the US Department of Justice.

It’s unclear whether the new board will be subject to the same communication restrictions about its investigations that police currently observe.

It’s cold, it's wet—Portland's holiday weather is now in full swing! Good thing we've got some hot shows to warm you up this week: For starters, the Thesis celebrates nine years of lit, local-focus hip-hop! And one of Portland’s favorite soul singers is throwing a birthday show / fashion pop-up for you—for her birthday! Also, here's your final warning about an unmissable annual extravaganza from two prolific Pacific Northwest drag queens. 

Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).        

How can it be that the Thesis has  been going on for nine years already!? It seems like just yesterday the showcase was celebrating year two and trying to maintain its following; I am officially old. Fast forward to today: The Thesis is no longer just Portland’s premiere monthly hip-hop night, it’s one of the only ones that survived COVID, and it’s known in the scene for being the most consistently lit hip-hop series in town. Since the Thesis just did an epic end-of-summer yacht party, the crew is celebrating nine years with business as usual—though Thesis' version of usual is still unusually good. Thursday's show will honor photographer-filmmaker Nate Ilebode, who regularly documents the showcase, with a photo and video display. The evening's lineup spotlights rappers Vary, Tiff2Icy,  Majik 9, and twOn. We’ll be looking forward to radio-ready melodic rap from DaRoyal, and (hopefully) hearing songs from Majik 9 and Briton M.’s latest project Coast 2 Coast. Recs for that record: the title track, the filthy, upbeat and bouncy “Dash Off,” and the pop and R&B-infused “In My Head.” (Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington, Thurs, Dec 7, 9:30 pm, $15-20, tickets here, 21+)

One of Portland’s most seasoned soul singers, Arietta Ward does a lot of things, including the children’s programming that many enjoyed at Pickathon. Commonly known as Ms. Etta, the Portland-based soul and funk singer will headline an epic and eccentric show, in celebration of her upcoming birthday. At ETTABRATION 23—the "Big Brim Birthday Bash"—attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a brimmed hat 🎩. Don't have one? You can get one at a very special pop-up of Mz. Etta’s Closet—where fans can shop Ms. Etta's fashion picks and help support the completion of her next album. Church Girl & Co (featuring Aléa Loréns) supports the Ettabration as opener. (Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, Thurs, Dec 7, 8 pm, $18, tickets here, 21+)

Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.

Any reasonable person who has seen Jinkx Monsoon in any capacity, knows she is a comedic genius with undeniable musical talent. After winning season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she's gone on to do amazing, hilarious things. Need a refresher? Check out the performer’s music-infused standup special, Red Head Redemption, which is still tearing up streaming services. It's so recommended. But about your holiday hilarity: Back in 2020, Jinkx joined forces with friend and fellow Drag Race star BenDeLaCreme to record their high-camp, COVID-safe holiday special (which you can still stream on Prime Video). Past installments of the duo’s winter holiday shenanigans have seen the two prolific Pacific Northwest drag queens argue about the how to throw a special, interspersed with comedic musical numbers, dance, and interactions with some sentient eggnog. Whatever annual traditions are on your list, this show should be added. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Wed, Dec 27, 8 pm, $49.50-99.50, tickets here, show may contain adult themes and language)

A title like Dracula, a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really defeats the chance of a snappy opening review sentence. It sounds like a '90s emo song title. And the editor in me wants to point out that putting a phrase between two commas suggests a digression. This play, could we call it Dracula Really?

The idea that Portland Center Stage's holiday-timed horror production could be called Dracula Really intrigues me on a number of levels, and—for all its titular problems—Kate Hamill's adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel engaged me the same way. By the ten-minute mark, I was invested and curious about where it all would go.

Hamill's commissioned work debuted, at Classic Stage Company, in the cursed month of February 2020. The playwright told PCS Literary Manager Kamilah Bush that she chose to adapt Dracula for its inherent difficulty, saying: "People turn into bats and wolves! It's been done a million times already! Everybody already knows the basic beats of the story! - and also it's quite, ahm, misogynistic and xenophobic."

The feminist allegories in Dracula Really do not demure. It's fair to say that all the masculine characters fall into two categories: stupid or evil. But the production succeeds on at least three levels of interpretation: 1) As a lively and entertaining horror production that feels unexpectedly perfect for the dark days of our holiday season. 2) As a pop culture-influenced romp of sarcasm and reimagined fantasy. 3) As a potentially deeper treatise on the virus-like corruption of power.

You can see it for any of those reasons and come out perfectly pleased—the last may require some moody pondering, but you're in good company.

We get a sense for these layers during the opening soliloquy by the play's madwoman Renfield (Nikki Weaver), whose prayers to a "father/ who art in Earth" adorn the sides of the stage, scrawled in chalk. Renfield recounts the pleasure that can be found in giving up power and blurs the meaning of her lines across memories of her own father, devotion to a controlling master, and metaphors for religious faith. 

This character was played by Hamill during the play's debut, and Weaver handles the delicate role masterfully. Earning an audible "she's so good" from neighbors in the audience.

The rest of the cast is similarly stacked with talent. La'Tevin Alexander was immediately charming as the comical and high-strung lawyer Jonathan Harker. Setareki Weiniqolo played the title character with amicable force. His Count Dracula is entitled to power and wields it with misguided magnanimity. Costumed in floral print pants, a button-up shirt, and loafers (sans socks), the character's business bro subtext is flying.

Horror is difficult to do in a play. Jump scares and gore don't generally work on a proscenium stage. But Dracula Really uses mood-shifting light changes and a shaded scrim to great effect. It's impressive how menacing Weiniqolo looks when he's just standing at the back of the stage, illuminated in crimson hue.

Other elements of the horror genre, like unease and humor, translated well, carried by the cast's ability to make the audience care about them. We recently raved about the stage power of Sammy Rat Rios, but her performance as Lucy Westenra was a testament to her range. If the audience doesn't care what happens to the funny and clever Lucy, the whole thing falls apart. 

Doctor Van Helsing (Cycerli Ash) was a character that felt new, but believable—unique in Ash's brusque portrayal. There were moments I couldn't hear her lines, which was a shame because she got the most laughs. Pro tip: You think that "pointy" line is from Buffy, but it's actually from Game of Thrones.

It was easy to almost lose Mina Harker (Ashley Song) in the mix. Song played Mina as unsure, but growing ever-steadier. In the end, there's only one character who changes over the course of the narrative arc. The epically-titled show may wear Dracula's name, but it's Mina's story.

Dracula, a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really plays on the US Bank Main Stage at Portland Center Stage at the Armory, 128 NW 11th, through Dec 24, $25-98, some nights are pay what you will, tickets here, 13+

The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! 

GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! Whew, it's been wet out there, huh? The (super) rainy weather is set to continue today, and tomorrow, and the next day...but if you need something to look forward to, you can buy your early bird tickets for the 2024! HUMP film festival, on sale for $20 now. 

Now, early birds, here's your news.

IN LOCAL NEWS:

• Remember that off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who, high on mushrooms, tried to sabotage a flight headed to San Francisco somewhere between Astoria and Portland? Well, a Multnomah County grand jury has decided to lower his charges— he won't face 83 counts of attempted murder (for each passenger on the plane) due to his mental health state at the time. I think this is good: From the looks of it, the pilot is not a threat to society (although I wouldn't be inclined to get on a plane if he was operating it), but you gotta wonder how his status as a white guy played into the grand jury's decision. 

• New SAVAGE LOVE just dropped:

He screwed up his longtime relationship by chasing after his unattainable neighbor. Now he's 40 years old with no obvious prospects. What's a lonely guy to do? Dan Savage rides to the rescue with some solid advice in this week's SAVAGE LOVE!https://t.co/7uEisUkjYB

— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) December 5, 2023

• As mentioned earlier (and should be clear by looking out your window), the weather's been crazy. The Pineapple Express system has brought lots of rain, but weirdly balmy temperatures for December. So balmy that we've broken a few December high temp records: 

New high temperature records were broken again today (Dec 5th) across several locations. In addition, a record rainfall record was broken at Astoria. 🌡️☔️

View the report at: https://t.co/oGlFDMGdtt#ORwx #WAwx pic.twitter.com/ghhbjfOfof

— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) December 6, 2023

Plus, thanks to all the rain, highways across the Oregon Coast are flooding and landslides have forced the cancellation of Amtrak trains between Seattle and Portland. And, very sadly, two people have been found dead flooded Portland-area waterways. Be careful out there, folks!

The Stillaguamish river has reached a record height today of 21.34 feet. This is the highest the river has ever gotten in recorded history. As a result many homes, farms and some businesses in the area are flooded. Many roads are impassible. #wawx #flood #AtmosphericRiver pic.twitter.com/6CXucvI4zY

— Benjamin Jurkovich (@BenJurkovichWX) December 6, 2023

• State Rep. Maxine Dexter has entered the race to succeed Rep. Earl Blumenauer in Oregon's 3rd District, joining Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal and Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales in the field of folks vying for the seat. Dexter said she is "progressive to her core," but she thinks she has a leg-up on the other candidates in her ability to shore up moderate votes, too. 

Don't miss the funniest live game show in town: TWO EVILS with Arlo & Kate! Special guest comedian Adam Pasi competes against you—the audience—in a HOLIDAY battle of good vs. evil (and fun)! Next Wednesday @sirentheaterpdx!https://t.co/AkPQnBecq2

— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) December 5, 2023

• Jozi, a rhinoceros at the Oregon Zoo, gave birth to a rhino baby last night. According to the zoo's birth announcement, the newborn rhino is healthy, weighing in about 100 pounds, and the two are chillin' out of the public eye in the maternity den. This is important information because 1) rhinos are a critically endangered species, so new ones are always welcome into the world and 2) looking at the photos of Jozi and her new baby, I was able to understand for the first time that rhinoceroses are just modern dinosaurs. They look kinda weird, but I'm into it. Anyway, congrats Jozi.  

IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:

• After reaching a tentative agreement last month, 78 percent of unionized Hollywood actors have voted to ratify the contract with film studios, officially ending the nearly-four-month strike. The "aye" vote margins were pretty high, but clearly not unanimous, with some actors voicing concerns that the contract gives too much leeway to studios with regard to artificial intelligence. But with the contract being ratified, plus the end of the screenwriters', United Auto Workers, and Portland teachers' work walkouts, we're coming to an end of a hot labor year with most of the loose ends tied up...for now, at least. 

•  November is the sixth month in a row that Earth set a monthly heat record, which will probably tally up to make this year the hottest on record. Meanwhile, world leaders are doing just about nothing at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, with heavy emitting countries trying to sabotage a strong pact to phase out fossil fuels. 

• On the bright side, English trip hop group Massive Attack (best known for the absolute banger "House M.D." theme song) have planned a one-day music festival entirely powered by renewable energy. The musicians say the goal is to improve sustainability in the music industry and show other artists a pathway to polluting less. (Maybe you'll want to listen up, Taylor "Private Jet" Swift.) 

• Hugh Grant's really out here promoting the new "Wonka" movie with a lot of gusto and enthusiasm:

Hugh Grant Said That He "Hated" Making "Wonka": "I Have Lots Of Children And Need Money" https://t.co/OASv33bWUx

— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) December 5, 2023

• Republicans vying for the 2024 presidential nomination will take the stage again tonight for their fourth primary debate, this time with a smaller pool of candidates duking it out (still no Donald Trump, though). Participants will be Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy, the latter of whom has horrible opinions and no political experience, so is therefore, obviously, rising to the top of the candidate pool. Don't get me wrong, though: the rest of them are not good alternatives. What ridiculousness will happen on stage tonight? I, for one, won't be watching. But godspeed to you if you enjoy torturing yourself on a Wednesday night.

• And with that...happy Wednesday! 

friendship pic.twitter.com/nyJM04IadG

— Why you should have a cat (@ShouldHaveCat) December 6, 2023

I know, inconceivable right?! That orange subliterate stands a real chance at major fuck over part deux. But it's true. And I am trying to think of a way to make whatever the courts do irrelevant as far as potus is concerned. And then I got to thinking about Abramoff's play book and thought...What if? What if everyone, who would rather illiterate boy not get the chance, registered as a republican for the primary and voted for anyone other orange piece of turd or the grand wizard from florida? And then reregistered afterward? Because I have my doubts that the courts are going to lock his ass up any time soon. What if?

Are you looking for a hilarious, live comedy show where YOU can walk away with a fabulous PRIZE (or two)?

Well, you're in luck, because Mercury Geniuses of Comedy, Arlo Weierhauser and Kate Murphy, are your hosts for the most diabolical, hilarious, and EVIL live game show in town… TWO EVILS! Join Arlo and Kate as they ask a series of truly evil questions, and it’s up to our special guest contestant and the audience (who will vote on their phones) to decide which is the lesser of TWO VERY EVIL ANSWERS. Are there prizes? You bet your butt! Is there comedy? Oh, absolutely! And even better, this will be our special ho-ho-HOLIDAY EPISODE! 🎄🎅💀

Plus, this time around we'll be welcoming special guest comedian (and "Portland's Funniest Person" recipient, ADAM PASI! Oh, and guess what? If you bring a can of food or non-perishable food donation for Urban Gleaners (helping those suffering from food insecurity) you'll be entered to win a wickedly sweet PRIZE!

SO GET THOSE TIX QUICK NOW AND HERE! 

Don’t miss the most delightful and morally corrupt comedy game show of the century… TWO EVILS with Arlo & Kate!

WHEN: Wednesday, December 13, doors 7 PM / 7:30 pm show

WHERE: The Siren Theater, 3913 NE Mississippi

TICKETS: $15 advance, $20 door

Presented by your pals at the Portland Mercury!

[ Read more ]

The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!

GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! Buckle up for a week of gloomy weather. Today we’ll see an unseasonably high temp of 60, but don’t expect to see the sun until the weekend, as we get soaked in this atmospheric river that could bring flooding. But hey, at least we have holiday lights!

In Local News:

• Last week marked the end to an unprecedented, weeks-long Portland teachers strike that shut down schools. As the dust settles, teachers say the result was better wages and improvements that will benefit students. The strike also set the stage for what could come in other school labor negotiations underway. More broadly, the strike caused the kind of disruption and discomfort that forced a statewide conversation about the failures of Oregon’s education funding. Taylor Griggs has the key takeaways and reflections in this excellent piece.

  Though recollections of the Portland teachers' strike, which ended last week, won't fit neatly into a single narrative, there's no question about its impact. The strike had impacts beyond just Portland, prompting broader labor and education conversations. https://t.co/TFUj5Fbcol

  — Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) December 5, 2023

• By now, we know that next year will be Mayor Ted Wheeler’s last on the city council, after he confirmed he won’t seek reelection. We also know Commissioner Mingus Mapps, who loves nothing more than to hear himself talk, is running for mayor. Now, we know Commissioner Dan Ryan, the self-described “elder queer” won’t run for mayor, but might run for council, but isn’t sure yet? Ryan announced Monday that he isn’t launching a bid for mayor, though Willamette Week reports Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, who loathes drug users and poor people, and apparently knows very little about The Pixies, will likely announce a mayoral campaign soon.

  Women in our group way more into @PIXIES. My only thoughts are fight club.

  — Commissioner Rene Gonzalez (@CommissionerRG) September 13, 2023

• We told you last week about the city’s lucrative contract with Axon for police body cameras. This week, the council will vote on whether to spend even more–$3.4million–on tasers for police. The Portland Police Bureau just replaced its tasers in 2015, but Axon has moved to a newer model and won’t support the older models. The bid selection process, and the company’s practice of phasing out its tech frequently at a hefty cost to law enforcement agencies (taxpayers) were brought up by a watchdog group last week during the council’s vote on the body camera contract. As we noted last week, Axon seems to have done a good job lobbying the city back in 2015 and 2016, as the city was considering its purchase of body cameras. I don’t want to hear anyone whine about the cost of charter reform again, when clearly we have millions to throw at a weapons and tech company in no-bid contracts every few years.
• Once the holidays are over and the cheery lights and decorations start to fade, what do we have in this cruel world to look forward to? The ACTUAL most wonderful time of the year, HUMP! Fest. Your favorite kinky, quirky, DIY erotic film fest returns to Portland in early March. Early bird tickets are on sale now, and the price goes up in January, so stuff those stockings with a sexy gift!

  It's the most wonderful time of the year! TIX for the 2024 @humpfilmfest are on sale now! Opening fest will kick off in SEA, PDX, & SF! Then on to 40+ more cities this year! Discount tickets available for a limited time! Get yours now @ https://t.co/7Dedcyx84A -TSARY pic.twitter.com/unSiAlvkZl

  — Dan Savage (@fakedansavage) December 4, 2023

In National/World News:

• George Santos is now hawking Cameos. The disgraced pathological liar and recently ousted former congressman from New York will record a customized, yet uninteresting video of himself for you, for the right price. His site appears temporarily unavailable, but before he took it down, Sen. John Fetterman's team knew exactly what to do.

  I thought my ethically-challenged colleague @BobMenendezNJ could use some encouragement given his substantial legal problems.
  
  So, I approached a seasoned expert on the matter to give ‘Bobby from Jersey’ some advice. pic.twitter.com/y8iX55EyNi

  — John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 4, 2023

• Cigarettes are gross. Some of us can still remember wading through clouds of smoke in designated sections of Kmart as kids in the '90s. Now, the World Health Organization reports pollution and plastic waste from cigarette packaging costs about $26 billion each year to clean up, and China accounts for roughly 20 percent of the mess. 
• "They lost their families and they continue their work," a Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate leader said, recalling the unparalleled toll on journalists covering the Israel/Hamas war. The conflict has led to genocide and an ongoing humanitarian crisis for those who won't or can't leave Gaza, but it's also taken the lives of about 60 journalists who have been killed since October 7, trying to cover the situation. 
• People are rightfully roasting the New York Times, which recently published a profile of "Who's Who" in AI, sans any women. The legacy media publication profiled 12 men, including Elon Musk, who, despite his perpetual hard-on for AI and his rush to use it in every facet of his companies, hasn't developed any groundbreaking technology or AI learning methods, unlike a host of women, including Stanford University professor Fei-Fei Li, often dubbed the "godmother" of AI, and a slew of others, none of which the New York Times bothered to include.

  AI experts are roasting the NYT list of 'who's who' in AI for having zero women https://t.co/UNj4sg4wRz

  — Insider (@thisisinsider) December 4, 2023

  "It was like this when I came in" pic.twitter.com/gGPcqHtX3a

  — Paul Bronks (@SlenderSherbet) December 5, 2023

To some people, the recent Portland Public Schools (PPS) teachers’ strike was a “watershed moment” with big results. To others, the nearly-month-long strike was mishandled and left teachers, students, and other district stakeholders wanting more. Though recollections of the strike won’t fit neatly into a single narrative, it undeniably forced broader conversations about labor and statewide education funding. 

Whether or not the new contract between PPS and PAT will be transformative for Portland’s teachers and students remains to be seen. The union didn’t get the pay bumps or limits on class sizes it initially fought for. Instead, PAT agreed to a nearly 14 percent cost of living adjustment over the next three years, and the district agreed to class size committees. And, much to the dismay of some students and families, PPS will cut the first week of winter break in order to make up for lost class time. But despite reports of acrimony within union leadership, many teachers have said they’re happy with the result. 

If nothing else, the strike kicked off big conversations about— and potential changes to— how Oregon’s legislature allocates funding to public schools across the state. And the effects of the massive strike on the local labor movement are bound to reverberate for some time—  especially as other unionized PPS employees enter stalemates with the district. 

When news first broke about the tentative contract agreement between PAT and PPS last weekend, PAT President Angela Bonilla called the contract a "watershed moment for Portland students, families, and educators." Education labor leaders at the state and national levels were also eager about the terms of the contract.

Not every PAT member is so optimistic. Lincoln High School teacher Steve Lancaster, who served as the chair of the union’s bargaining team throughout the extended negotiations of the last year, resigned from his position in mid-November, prior to the union and district coming together on a contract agreement. According to the Oregonian, Lancaster told his colleagues he was “alarmed by what has clearly been an erosion of the strategic decision-making power and autonomy of the PAT bargaining team,” and that the “compromised democratic processes of the union have contributed to an unnecessarily long strike for the gains achieved.” 

Other PAT members expressed concerns about the union’s assertion that the district could utilize a pot of state money it didn’t, in fact, have access to. 

Thomas Rehm, a Jackson Middle School teacher, said he was “stunned by how little the teachers received in this new tentative deal.” 

“My God, have we been duped? It was certainly was [a watershed moment], just in the opposite way in which Ms. Bonilla means,” Rehm wrote in a November 27 email to the Mercury. 

Two primary issues teachers demanded the district act on in a new contract were class sizes and compensation. The final agreement does not include the class size caps teachers wanted, nor does it increase the added pay teachers receive if their class caseload exceeds a certain number of students. The main change to previous class size policy is the creation of class size committees, containing educators, administrators, and parents who will evaluate solutions in cases of excessive class size. 

With regard to pay, the new contract offers raises of 13.8 percent over the next three years, about 3 percent higher than the district offered before the strike began. It’s the largest three-year cost of living adjustment (COLA) ever received in PAT’s history. But those COLAs are about 10 percent lower than what the union had in mind at the start of the strike. 

Although the overwhelming majority of union members voted to ratify the contract, the high approval rate doesn’t necessarily mean everyone was elated by every article in the agreement. As the strike continued, public pressure mounted for teachers to return to school— and since educators went back to work before the contract was ratified, a “no” vote would’ve meant going back on strike after many people believed it was over. Even Lancaster and others skeptical of union leadership encouraged members to vote in favor of the agreement. 

Other teachers are more hopeful about what the agreement will yield. 

Charity Powell is a member of PAT’s bargaining team and a special education teacher at Laurelhurst School. She told the Mercury that special education teachers, school psychologists, and speech language pathologists will have more manageable caseloads under the new contract agreement, allowing them to better serve their students. 

Powell said one major change in the new contract allows students under evaluation for special education to be counted in teacher caseloads, which they couldn’t do previously. She said even though the teachers’ union didn’t manage to get class size caps in their contract, this will be a game-changer for many educators. 

“Hopefully, over time, this will lead to PPS staffing us more appropriately so that we can better meet the needs of our students,” Powell said. “That feels like a really big win to me.”

Powell said another major boon in the new contract extends student instruction time in elementary and middle schools by 15 minutes per day, which gives students “an additional chunk of time… to work with [their] students.” 

She also pointed to language in the new contract giving teachers increased planning time and more opportunities for professional development outside of the classroom. 

“In creating more space for teachers to reflect on their practice and make adjustments…[it will allow us] to adjust and regroup and make a plan for meeting student needs moving forward,” Powell said. 

Loren Chasse, a PPS 5th grade teacher, told the Mercury he thinks most of his colleagues are content with the contract agreement. 

“There are teachers who are upset they didn’t get some piece they wanted [in the contract] for their particular situation. We’re always going to have that,” Chasse said. “My general feeling is teachers are happy. The bargaining team is made up of teachers who are in classrooms and are very much in touch with reality. There’s a lot of trust with the people representing us [in the union.]” 

Other teachers say the blame for any community distrust that has resulted from the strike should be placed squarely on the shoulders of PPS administrators. Sam Balto, a physical education teacher at Alameda Elementary, told the Mercury he was surprised to see PPS administrators publicly arguing with state legislators about the teachers’ strike. (On November 1, PPS Chief of Staff Jonathan Garcia called Rep. Travis Nelson’s support for teachers “performative” in a now-deleted tweet.) 

“If the PPS administration talks to state legislators like this publicly, imagine what they say about PPS staff privately,” Balto said. “PPS leadership has caused a lot of harm and lost trust with the Portland community.” 

Bonilla told the Mercury she acknowledges her educators had concerns immediately after the tentative agreement was signed, but said the concerns “came from a lack of information” and were mostly alleviated after a five-hour question and answer session ahead of the ratification vote. That conversation, Bonilla said, gave people “a better sense of why things ended up the way they did,” and an understanding that “this was the best deal we could have gotten under the circumstances.”

Bonilla also said that it’s okay, even healthy, for organizations to be made up of people with different opinions and visions. 

“I don’t mind folks being upset and feeling frustrated and having opinions. My only concern is that I hope they’re willing to listen with open minds and open hearts,” she said. “Organizing is not something that is one and done. Organizing is the act of building community by connecting with someone else around what they care about. And we’ve organized this entire city.” 

The next step? It’s time for the Oregon legislature to examine how we fund public schools. 

On November 28—the day the PPS board and teachers’ union both voted to ratify the new contract agreement— Governor Tina Kotek announced her plan to lead a statewide conversation about the problems at Oregon’s public schools. Kotek has suggested reforms like a statewide minimum teacher salary, improved mental health support for students, and a new Oregon Department of Education office focused on school budget transparency. 

Bonilla said she was “elated” to see Kotek’s statement, and hopes the PPS strike will bring attention to the plights facing other public schools in Oregon. To PPS board members and district administration, though, Kotek’s words are inadequate and overdue.

At the November 28 meeting, PPS board member Andrew Scott— who was part of the district’s bargaining team during the strike— directed his frustration over “the last four weeks of disruption, acrimony, and lost learning time” at Oregon legislators and the governor. 

“This strike is the result of Governor Kotek and the Democrat-controlled state legislature failing to do their jobs,” Scott said.

Throughout the bargaining process, district leaders said they wished they could fund all of the union’s requests.  But that won’t be an option unless Oregon reforms its education funding structure. 

In a November interview with the Mercury, PPS Communications Director Will Howell said the union’s demands were in line with the Quality Education Model— Oregon’s framework for funding a successful public education system. Each biennium, an 11-member Quality Education Commission presents their findings of best practices to guide Oregon’s education budget process. But the legislature doesn’t always heed their advice.

“The only way you could afford to [fund the teachers’ starting proposal] is if the state of Oregon provided a quality education level funding,” Howell said. “They’ve never done that and don’t seem inclined to.”

Howell said the extended and difficult bargaining process provided at least one benefit: The “opportunity to raise awareness of the deficiency in state funding.” 

“[Public education in Oregon] has been on a slow decline since the early 1990s, when our anti-tax state passed a ballot measure that limited how much funds local school districts could raise,” Howell said. “You look at national rankings for state education, and Oregon is down there with the states we usually make fun of, like Mississippi and Alabama. You don’t want to be part of that club.” 

At the November 28 board meeting, Scott said he was surprised that state legislators and Kotek “demanded [PPS administration] give our teachers the transformational contract they were asking for,” even though he thinks they should’ve known they didn’t have the budget for it. He was also surprised when PAT leadership allied with state legislators and defended the amount of public school funding the legislature allocated last year. 

“There was a level of political gamesmanship that I did not expect,” Scott said. “It significantly set back any push for education funding reform, because it allowed our legislators to do what they do best: Pass insufficient budgets, then point at school boards and say ‘Do better.’” Scott pointed to the local option levy cap, which restricts how much money a school district can use from voter-approved property tax levies and reallocates funds above a certain threshold to other districts across the state, as a major problem in Oregon’s public school funding system. 

He also said legislators need to look at reforming the tax kicker— a controversial state law that returns excess tax funds to taxpayers if revenues exceed the budget. For the 2021-23 biennium, OEA has confirmed a record-high kicker of more than $5.61 billion, which taxpayers will receive a portion of in their 2023 tax returns. Most of that will go back to the wealthiest Oregonians, and none will go toward funding any of the state’s departments, such as education. 

“If we could harness just 50 percent of the anger that was directed towards the board over the last few weeks and redirect it towards the kicker, I guarantee you we'd have that thing overturned next year,” Scott said. “Never again will we let our legislators off the hook by begging for crumbs at the end of a legislative session.” 

Teachers say they can address the issues with Oregon’s education funding system and continue to put pressure on PPS administration to rethink their spending. 

“I think our [perspective] was that, yes, the state needs to do better,” Powell, the bargaining team member who teaches special education, told the Mercury. “And right now, PPS has money that they’re mismanaging.” 

PAT members and union supporters— along with state legislators— have criticized PPS for administrative bloat. Analysis by the Oregon Department of Education shows PPS spent less on direct classroom expenditures, including spending on teacher salaries and benefits, relative to its total spending than other large districts around the state. Instead, PPS spent more on general administrative costs relative to peer districts. 

“What if PPS invested the same amount relative to its total expenditures on direct classroom support as its peers? In 2021-22, if PPS invested the same relative percentage of its total spending as its peers, it would have invested an additional $43 million to $68 million in direct classroom expenditures,” the ODE report states. 

One area many PPS critics point to when criticizing the district’s spending: The district’s communications department, which has a $2.3 million budget, $1.8 million of which is allocated for personnel. For reference, the entirety of Creston Elementary School runs on a $2.5 million budget annually. 

PPS says their new contract with PAT will require $130 million in budget cuts over three years. It’s unclear where the budget cuts will come from, but district leaders have said they’ll take a look at administrative spending. 

Other local labor groups are looking to the Portland teachers’ strike as an example of the power of community solidarity. The teachers’ strike was one of the largest labor actions to take place in the city in years, mobilizing thousands of people to come out in support of educators and unions. 

Labor organizers point out that the strike has drawn attention to Oregon’s school funding woes and shifted the Overton window in favor of better working conditions for teachers and other school employees. 

“Our public educators have moved the conversation forward toward fully funded public schools for all,” an email newsletter from labor organization Portland Jobs With Justice states. “Thanks to PAT for…fighting (like hell) for high quality teaching and learning environments, and for building a creative, joyous, and powerful labor community movement felt in every corner of the city.” 

As PPS heads into later stages of bargaining with its other unions, workers will have the benefit of increased community awareness and employee solidarity on their side. 

“[PAT] is the largest union in our district, so we understand the power that we have to give solidarity support to our partner unions,” Bonilla told the Mercury. “You can't have school without teachers, but you can't have safe, healthy, and clean schools without our Portland Federation of School Professionals or SEIU partners…we're going to put all our energy and solidarity behind their fight.” 

Jump to: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Multi-Day

Takahiro Iwasaki: Nature of Perception
Japan Institute artist-in-residence Takahiro Iwasaki (who represented Japan at the 2017 Venice Biennale, aka the Olympics of the art world) will debut his new art exhibition, Takahiro Iwasaki: Nature of Perception, at Portland Japanese Garden. The Hiroshima-based artist's work includes "architecturally accurate models of historic Japanese sites," which are manipulated into large-scale installations of suspended sculptures and duplicates. In this way, Iwasaki "plays with our sense of the familiar" and subverts viewer expectations. Stop by the garden to view the exhibition and get some nature time as the leaves start to change colors. LC
(Portland Japanese Garden, Southwest Portland, closing)

Just in time for Hanukkah, Portlanders can feast upon some delicious Jewish deli news. Zupan’s Markets announced last week that they're offering a menu of Hanukkah holiday dishes, curated by Chef Noah Jacob, formerly of Jacob & Sons Delicatessen.

Jacob joined Zupan's as director of food service in September, and brought with him recipes for matzoh ball soup, potato latkes, and sweet & sour braised brisket, among other dishes. All of the Hanukkah menu can be ordered à la carte, but there's also an option for a four-person dinner for $99, which includes the brisket, Zupan's crowd-favorite broccoli'bouleh (broccoli tabbouleh), sweet noodle kugel, and a tzimmes of sweet potato, apricot, carrot, and prunes.

We wrote about Jacob & Sons Delicatessen in August, after Jacob organized the first-ever Portland Bagel-Off at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHE). Based on the event's speedy sell out and the businesses' prominent placement—operating Lefty's Deli in the OJMCHE first floor cafe—Jacob & Sons seemed to be thriving. But the business abruptly closed in September, leaving the museum's cafe temporarily closed.

Including the supper club he started out with, Jacob & Sons had survived for nearly three years, Jacob told the Mercury over the phone. But the business' model was based around wholesale of the deli's baked goods, like babka, challah, and rugelach. 

"Wholesale just takes a really long time to establish," he explained. By some measurements the business was doing well, selling products in 50 stores. But the large orders the business needed simply never materialized. 

In a surprising twist, the bakery side of Jacob & Sons was purchased by Henry Higgins—who won the title of Portland's Best Bagel at the Bagel-Off. The challah and chocolate babka on the Zupan's Hanukkah menu is still baked in the former Jacob & Sons bakery by former Jacob & Sons staff, but now it's sold under Henry Higgins name.

"They took our staff and our space," Jacob explained. "They were able to keep our staff employed, and in a funny twist of fate, I became the buyer for those products at Zupan's."

Zupan's also bought the bankrupt deli's entire inventory of painstakingly hand-cured lox, which is the only thing still being sold under the Jacob & Sons name—until it all sells out. "If people come in and they wanna buy it, we can start making lox at Zupan's too," Jacob said. "Jewish deli lox is the gold standard of lox."

While he's now in charge of all prepared foods for the gourmet grocer, Jacob said he's excited to continue his role as a local advocate for deli culture here in Portland.

In the Mercury's own Holiday Brisket Roundup, we noted a consternating lack of Jewish restaurants on our list. Kornblatt’s, Kenny & Zuke’s, and Holy Smokes have all closed within the last year. Jacob spoke fondly of those shops, but noted that they were often providing a Pacific Northwest version of Jewish deli staples. Through he's a Portland native, Jacob said he brings a more New York style approach to his deli curation, making foods you can't find in the city currently.

"The idea of a Jewish deli, in my mind, is a place that's making its own pastrami, its own mustard—artisans making traditional Jewish deli products." Jacob said—in what was probably the most delicious sentence anyone had ever said to this particular food critic.

The market's Hanukkah menu can be preordered and picked up at any of the store's three locations from December 6-15.

Hurrah! HUMP! IS BACK IN 2024 WITH AN ALL NEW LINEUP OF FILMS!

HUMP! is a lovingly curated festival of short erotic films made by real people for real people. The filmmakers and stars show us hot and sexy, creative and kinky, ultimate turn-ons and craziest fantasies. Our program is a cornucopia of body types, shapes, ages, colors, sexualities, genders, kinks, and fetishes—all united by a shared spirit of sex-positivity. HUMP! will shock you. HUMP! will make you laugh. HUMP! will turn you on. HUMP! has been successfully disrupting the way America sees, makes, and shares porn since 2005—and now it's BACK at Revolution Hall with a brand new lineup for 2024!

And for a short time only, you can get DISCOUNTED, $20 EARLY BIRD TICKETS on sale right now and until December 31, 2023! (Prices go up January 1, so hurry-hurry!) Do these tickets make a great holiday gift for your sexy friends and lovers? OH HELL YES, THEY DO!

HUMP! returns March 1-15 with 10 big screenings at Revolution Hall, hosted by Dan Savage and Kate Murphy... so don't dilly or dally, get those tickets ASAP because they WILL sell out!  Like always, all audiences will get to vote for their favorite films in the categories of Best Sex, Best Kink, Best Humor, and Best in Show! A true HUMP! democracy. 

(And PSST! There’s still time to submit your film to HUMP! before the December 8th deadline. No entry fee required, and every filmmaker selected for HUMP! gets paid. More details on how to submit at humpfilmfest.com/submit.)

Don't miss the irresistibly sexy HUMP! 2024—America's sweetest li'l homegrown porn festival!

Hello, Trash Pandas! I'm Elinor Jones, and this is...THE TRASH REPORT. Did anything cool happen to you last week? Please do not hesitate to let me know! Until I can report on your newsworthy events or victories, I'll have to write about the broader dumpster fire that is contemporary American life. I promise, I won't make it sad. In fact, I'll try to make it funny! (Please note that I said try. There are no guarantees. This is a free website! Be realistic!)

The beginning of December marks the annual sharing of everyone's Spotify Wrapped. Mine revealed that I am somewhat a basic bitch (no surprise there), but also that my musical soulmate might reside in Burlington, Vermont?! This was also true for a lot of people, apparently. Is Burlington, Vermont a settled middle-aged woman with the emotional inner story of a teenaged nightmare? I have a hard time believing that. The few times I tried dating someone from the East Coast I found it hard to tell when they were being polite or politely devastating; my vibe is far more obvious. Also their syntax was always kinda off. Just because someone surrounded by flawless foliage listens to a lot of Taylor Swfit and Boygenius and Sza does not mean we'd vibe otherwise. 

In other musical news and December news, did you know that Brenda Lee, the singer of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," recorded the banger when she was only 13 years old? I didn't! The New York Times recently profiled her as she attempts to usurp Mariah Carey for the biggest bop of the season. The Times can be a mess but I'll give them credit for handling at least this uprising diplomatically, referring to Lee as ~a~ Queen of Christmas rather than ~the~ Queen of Christmas, which is a title presumably reserved for Mariah. Somebody's publicist is good at their job!

The ongoing crisis in Palestine is nearly impossible to wrap my head around; it's so gruesome and sad and I can't believe it's just over there, happening, while I'm sitting here in Oregon, pointlessly refreshing my feeds, unable to do anything else. Feeling helpless is normal, and I've found that one of the best ways to deal with it is directing your rage at a celebrity. This is where former ER nurse Julianna Margulies comes in: she recently went on a totally unhinged and cruel Islamophobic rant as a podcast guest that was so deranged that I am bringing it up here despite her being otherwise basically culturally irrelevant, because at least it will give you a good place to direct some ire, and getting mad at her is as good a use of energy as anything else you might get up to this week. Sometimes celebrity obsession is an unfortunate distraction; other times it's just about the only thing keep the fucking wheels on. You're welcome.

This headline really threw me: "Paris Knife Attack Leaves One Dead and Others Injured." I'm too used to reading garbage-y gossip sites for it even to occur to me that Paris is a major world city and not simply early-aughts celebutante Paris Hilton. I was like, shit, Stop Being Poor killed someone? Or did someone attack her? Who died?? Alas, this was about Paris the city, in which a random act of violence occurred that made international headlines because the perpetrator aligned with the plight of Muslims, and villainizing Muslims is once again in vogue. This also feels very early-aughts. I'm so sick of this throwback culture. Really derivative and unoriginal.

Macaulay Culkin recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's pretty much only when these ceremonies are publicized that I think about the Hollywood Walk of Fame and wonder who does and does not have a star and begin to care. Culkin has been a star for decades! This thing I just learned about is an outrage! But I'm glad it's happened at last, and I'm glad that his Home Alone mom Catherine O'Hara was there to celebrate with him. If you haven't watched Home Alone in a while, I highly recommend that you do so. Culkin and O'Hara are marvels. Also, it's super wild to watch someone navigate '90s-era air travel. Like, the mom straight up wandered up to a gate and then tried to fleece some randos out of their seats with jewelry! Can you imagine?! Watching this with my own kid, she was like "why don't the parents just text him?" and the mere thought of having to explain how different life was before cell phones was so unsurmountable that I had to pretend to fall asleep for a minute to avoid answering her. But hey, at least I've never forgotten her at home when I've gone on vacation. 

Founding member of *NSYNC and New York Representative George Santos was expelled from Congress last week for his copious lies and stealing from his campaign to pay for fancy clothes and OnlyFans. It's good that he has gotten the boot, but I will truly miss him. I can't wait to see what he does next. This may include an interview with Ziwe and an HBO movie about his life, and hang on, the hero worship of entertaining lunatics is how we got Trump and I just realized that this fucking lunatic is going to be president in nine years, isn't he? Am I part of the problem?!

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband has been ordered to pay back $2.6 million in "manager fees" for being a shitty manager. How can someone fuck up managing one of the most charismatic and beloved pop stars of the past 20 years? It's barely even a job. The international goodwill Kelly carries for having given us "Since You've Been Gone" is so undeniable that a manager of that caliber of star purely exists to receive emails and have business cards. Nobody manages Kelly Clarkson! Some people are graced with proximity to her, and that's it. So yeah, get your money back, Kelly. Remember: you can breathe for the first time; you owe him nothing.

It's going to be a soggy week. Consider pulling some leaves out of your neighborhood storm drains! 

That's all for today, lovers. I hope that somebody gives you a juicy kiss or deserved compliment at a time when you're ready to receive it. Thanks for spending time with me. It's almost embarrassing how much I love you.

Decemberly,

The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!

GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! Happy "Another Atmospheric River Is Coming Day" to those who celebrate—which means on and off buckets of rain today (especially later) with a balmy high of 57. And now, enjoy the following atmospheric river of NEWS. (See what I did there?)

IN LOCAL NEWS:

• While it's still unclear exactly what happened, a grand jury has cleared three Portland police officers who killed the suspect that murdered a security guard at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital on July 22. The DA's office has asked the court to release the grand jury transcripts to the public in the name of transparency and to reveal what evidence led the jury to its decision. Our Courtney Vaughn has more.

Three Portland police officers opened fire on PoniaX Kane Calles on July 22, after Calles was identified as the suspect who shot and killed a security guard at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital earlier that day. A grand jury has cleared the officers. https://t.co/OkFnjRo9ab

— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) December 2, 2023

• As mentioned previously, thanks to repeated atmospheric rivers coming into the area, a flood watch has been issued for Portland through this Wednesday.

• Right-wing dipshit (and former Malheur Refuge Militia organizer) Ammon Bundy is apparently in hiding, because he doesn't want to pay the $52.5 million in damages for defaming Idaho's St. Luke’s Hospital, which he VERY FALSELY claimed was trying to take children away from Christian families to be sexually abused and given to gay couples. Maybe he disappeared because he realized what a fucking idiot he is? 

• Related: If you're wondering the political makeup of people who have been leaving Oregon and Washington to move to Idaho in the last few years, get ready for the shock of your life: the clear majority of them are Republicans. (In their defense, it's hard to live somewhere when most people disagree with you for being an anti-democratic snowflake.)

• For those who care about 🙄 football 🙄, here is some football news: Something something Oregon Ducks something something Fiesta Bowl something something Virginia's Liberty Flames something something whatever.

Tickets are on sale NOW for @fakedansavage 2024 HUMP! Film Festival! If you buy your tickets now - Dec 31, you'll receive SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICING! Hit the link to see when we'll be visiting your city, and get your tickets while they're still a steal! https://t.co/xBaC141YPs pic.twitter.com/2oIKsUsh5Y

— HUMP! (@humpfilmfest) December 4, 2023

IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS:

• The short-lived truce between Israel and Hamas is now over, and Israel has resumed its overwhelming bombing campaign and is ordering tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians to evacuate the southern town of Khan Younis and go... where? No one is exactly sure since there is no longer any safe place in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day.

.@SavannahGuthrie: Do you believe if Donald Trump were elected next year, that he would try to stay in office beyond a second term? That he would never leave office?
Liz Cheney: There’s no question. pic.twitter.com/xcniXk7QNw

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) December 4, 2023

• The Supreme Court will rule on whether or not the Sackler family—whose company Purdue Pharma was an instrumental player in America's opioid crisis, and is now trying to declare bankruptcy—who want to be protected from any future lawsuits brought against them for the millions of lives they helped ruin.

• That's a "wrap" for 17 percent of Spotify employees (roughly 1,500 people) who have been let go in a third round of company layoffs after two years of wild spending on building content for the music streaming site.

NYT confirms that the “nationwide shoplifting wave” is fake. Outside of NYC itself, retail theft is actually going down overall. This is pure propaganda, a panic fueled by an irresponsible media. pic.twitter.com/EyaetG2RHe

— Nathan J Robinson (@NathanJRobinson) December 4, 2023

• In "Teenage Hep Slang News," the Oxford University Press has declared "rizz" as its "word of the year"—a term Gen Z uses to denote a charming, or sexually attractive demeanor. Let's use it in a sentence, shall we? "Wm. Steven Humphrey is one of the few senior citizens whose rizz is on fleek. Slay, queen, slay."

• And finally... THIS is why I don't put up my tree until five days before Xmas.

Cats vs christmast trees pic.twitter.com/ZaHNHDZRSx

— Why you should have a cat (@ShouldHaveCat) December 3, 2023

GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It's the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being "the last to know," then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email's in-box... and then... YOUR HEAD.)

• PPS and the Teachers' Union Ratified a Contract Agreement. Now What?

The PPS Board of Education and teachers both voted "yes" on a new labor contract this week, officially ending the historic teachers' strike that began November 1. But educators, district leaders, and students have lingering questions and concerns. ⁠

• POP QUIZ PDX!

Calling all smarty pants! 🤓 It's time for another super fun POP QUIZ PDX. This week's trivia topics include magic mushrooms, boring football, and YOUR CHOICE for Portland's *sexiest* bridge! 😍🍆🍑 See how well YOU score!

• A Decade After Federal Directives, Portland Police Will Start Using Body Cameras Full-Time

A long-delayed plan to outfit the Portland Police Bureau with body cameras is expected to be implemented next year. The city's $2.6 million contract with Axon comes years after the company lobbied the city and helped inform body camera policy in Portland.

• THE TRASH REPORT

It's trash diggin' time! This week: Cher is blowing the Xmas roof off, school is back (finally!), and... brace yourselves... Harry Styles got a haircut!

•  New Thing in the Lloyd Center: Secret Room Workshop Pop-Up

Through December 23, Secret Room Workshop Pop-up will host art shows, present workshops, and sell riso-printed art.

• HEAR IN PORTLAND

In music news this week: "Just Have Fun!"—the new joint EP  from Covi. & Drae Slapz—is... really fun! Jenny Don’t and the Spurs headline a NYE cowboy prom. And Portlanders reeling from the 1905 closure should check out Keys Lounge!

• It's the Holiday Edition of the Delightfully Evil TWO EVILS Game Show!

Get those tickets NOW for the most eeeeevil holiday game show of the season... TWO EVILS with Arlo Weierhauser & Kate Murphy! It's the audience vs. special guest comedian ADAM PASI! Go get those ho-ho-hos! 🎅😈

• MusicOregon Awards $57,000 in Grants to 18 Portland- and Vancouver-Area Musicians

With its second year of funding, MusicOregon's Echo Fund has awarded $57,000 in grants to 18 Portland- and Vancouver-area musicians. Here's a little about the winners and their projects.

• Ticket Alert!

Sebastian Maniscalco, Mariah the Scientist, Feist, Cat Power, and lots more of Portland's hottest upcoming shows are right here! Have YOU got your tickets yet? Here's where to snap 'em up!

• SAVAGE LOVE

She can't get over losing her ex—what's an out-and-proud goddess to do? Dan Savage issues a ruling in this week's SAVAGE LOVE!

WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN'. I hope you didn't have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!

A grand jury found three Portland police officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital gunman in July, shouldn’t face criminal charges.

The decision was announced Thursday by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. 

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers searched for PoniaX Kane Calles, 33, for hours on July 22, after Calles reportedly shot security officer Bobby Smallwood outside the hospital’s maternity ward, and injured another security officer. Smallwood later died from his injuries.

Calles initially fled the scene on a moped, but a PPB sergeant spotted him in East Portland, hiding in some bushes, and later getting into a van driven by a friend he'd called to pick him up. According to police, the sergeant followed the van and called for backup. Officers tracked the van until it eventually stopped in Gresham, where police opened fire. The van’s driver was uninjured.

Officers Justin Thurman, Timothy Hoerauf, and Seth Wingfield were involved in the fatal shooting of Calles. A grand jury returned a not true bill, meaning the jury found the officers’ use of force wasn’t criminal. It's still unclear what happened in the moments leading up to officers firing on Calles. The DA’s Office asked the court for permission to release grand jury transcripts to the public, to provide additional transparency about the evidence considered. If the court grants permission, the DA's Office will post transcripts on its website. 

The day of the shooting, Legacy Health President and CEO Kathryn Correia conveyed "profound grief" on behalf of Legacy staff. "We offer our unwavering support to Bobby’s loved ones, to our patients in our care, to the staff at Legacy Good Samaritan and to all of our employees and providers suffering today," Correia said in a published statement.

The incident in July caused every Legacy and OHSU medical center in the Portland area to go lockdown. Health care workers received a “code silver” alert to run and hide. It also led to calls for increased security measures at local health care sites across Portland. In response, Legacy Health began equipping its previously unarmed security guards with tasers, and added metal detectors to its hospitals.

The investigation into Calles’ death by officers is the second officer-involved shooting involving Portland police this year. In 2022, PPB reported nine officer-involved shootings, four of which were fatal, one of which is still listed as “unknown.”

Portland’s system for reviewing police use of deadly force incidents involves an internal review, conducted within the bureau. An outside agency, like the East County Major Crimes Team, is typically also tasked with investigating. Cases also go before Portland’s Police Review Board, which includes community members, police, and members of the Independent Police Review Division. The District Attorney’s Office also conducts its own criminal investigation. 

While it won't impact the criminal investigation process, the city's police review system is about to change substantially, to be handled by a Community Board for Police Accountability. The new process, initiated by voters in 2020, will be devoid of police and instead be led by appointed community members. 

Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Multi-Day

The Broke Gravy Show
The Broke Gravy dudes (Chris, Leon, and Eric) have forged a unique path in improv comedy, using the off-the-cuff medium to inspire deeper conversations on their perspectives as Black Americans. (They're also funny AF.) Fresh off their sold-out shows at The Turnout and Portland Mercury’s Undisputed Geniuses of Comedy, they'll head to Kickstand for an hour of "unfiltered conversation, idiosyncratic characters, and the joy of unknown possibilities." LC
(Kickstand Comedy Space, Ladd's Addition, $15 - $20)

The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!

Good Morning, Portland! And good morning to all the atmospheric rivers! The National Weather Service released a flood potential outlook late yesterday, writing "a series of at least two, if not three, atmospheric rivers will bring periods of widespread heavy rain to northwest Oregon and southwest Washington this weekend into early next week." So get on your booties on and salute the septuagenarian hero of your neighborhood who gets out there, in full body storm gear, and clears your street drains. Maybe it's time you take up the torch (which, in this case, is a long pole and / or inverted rake).

IN LOCAL NEWS:
• Remember the summer and those nasty near 100-degree days? On those days, I generally camp out in a movie theater for at least two showings, sometimes three. And that's how I came to watch the documentary All Light Everywhere, which isn't  exactly scintillating, but which did tell me that body camera manufacturer Axon purposely makes body cameras that see only about as well as a human being. It's more important that the camera reflect what the officer saw, to give a picture of what they were reacting to then to actually gather what happened. I bring this up because Portland Police may being donning Axon body cameras as soon as the summer or fall of 2024. News Editor Courtney Vaughn has more on that.

• Portland police are in trouble over a slideshow again, but it's not for including right-wing memes this time. Instead, a Tuesday presentation on preventing theft at large retail stores in Cascade Station and on Janzen Beach may have violated a state law against making mug shots public.

Today in: Whoops.

"In a brief presentation before Portland City Council on people committing retail theft, Portland police officers may have also violated state law."https://t.co/hAMUPf9vZO

— Alex Zielinski (@alex_zee) November 30, 2023

• "Help Determine the Fate of the Five" sounds like a Fast and the Furious movie title. But it's actually clever copy from the City of Portland, asking you to weigh in on the five statues that activists and protesters toppled or damaged at different points during the social justice protests of 2020. A warning: The survey confusingly appears to end at multiple points, and if you're taking it on a mobile device, it can be difficult to figure out how to progress to the next section—don't stop until you get to rate each statue! On one hand, I imagine that the responses from actual Portland-area residents will be somewhat skewed once the rage bait WTF Portland accounts get ahold of this thing. However,  on the other hand, what were the chances anyone would have listened to the results anyway?

• Speaking of Portland rage bait, the Oregonian reports that Kevin Dahlgren—who achieved internet fame for filming homeless people in the city—has been charged with further criminal counts, alleging that Dahlgren committed fraud during his time as a Gresham city employee.

•Trimet announced this morning that beinning on December 3 it will expand its 48 bus line (which runs between Beaverton and Hillsboro) to frequent service. In Portland, frequent service is every 15 minutes. Imagine how many people would be able to rely on the bus if frequent service was every 7-8 minutes. But I digress.

• There's a sinkhole in Cornelius:

pic.twitter.com/0Ry2mzaZak

— WCSO Cornelius (@WCSOCornelius) December 1, 2023

• Pop culture classical live music nights are a frequent occurrence in my inbox these days. However fans of the peaceful farming game, Stardew Valley, will want to note two special shows in May 2024, at Aladdin Theater, called Stardew Valley Festival of Seasons where traveling musicians will play arrangements of the beloved score live. Tickets go on sale today at 10 am. Check out details for that and other shows dropping seats this morning via our weekly Friday morning ticket alert.

IN NATIONAL /INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
• Despite attempts to prolong the weeklong truce and exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas, Israel resumed bombing Gaza minutes after the ceasefire ended this morning. The Associated Press reports that "militants in Gaza resumed firing rockets into Israel, and fighting broke out between Israel and Hezbollah militants operating along its northern border with Lebanon." The BBC has a breakdown of reasons the ceasefire ended. The New York Times dropped an exclusive story, saying that Israeli officials knew of Hamas' plans to attack Israel's settlements around the Gaza Strip, but had dismissed it as aspirational. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is worried that the Israel-Hamas war will overshadow Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

• Sandra Day O’Connor, a retired supreme court justice who was the first woman on the Supreme Court, has died. She was 93. O'Conner was considered a moderate conservative in her time, but she fought for abortion rights and refused a 1989 attempt to overthrow Roe v Wade (which the current batch of fuckups overturned in 2022). 

• Friday morning is a good time for a nice longread. This Wired piece from earlier in the month is framed around ideas of how we co-create a culture of surveillance by filming one another in public spaces without permission. But the tale of a city dealing with homelessness and public nuisance will resonate with Portlanders. No spoilers, but the first video in this story didn't capture the whole situation—and how you feel about what unfolds will say a lot about you.

• The juiciest opening paragraph you will read this week comes from space.com, and describes solar flares:"Aurora chasers around the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a super-hot plasma eruption — known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) — that will slam into Earth." Granted, we aren't in a northern lights area, but Space has compiled this neat list of live aurora cams.

• Let us now celebrate the capricious and unprepared universe with a seasonal remembrance of this epic Patti LaBelle performance. Be the "where are my backup singers?"—interspersed with epic soloing—that you want to see in the world:

Tickets go on sale at 10 am unless otherwise noted.

MUSIC

Blind Guardian
Roseland Theater (Apr 30, 2024)

HELLO, SMARTY BUTT! It's time once again to put your brainy-brain to the test with this week's edition of POP QUIZ PDX—our weekly, local, sassy-ass trivia quiz. And this week, your brain will be tested on how much you know about magic mushrooms, extremely tedious local football, and which of Portland's many bridges you'd like to have sexy-SEX with! 😍🍑🍆

But before we continue... HOW DID YOU DO ON THE PREVIOUS QUIZ? Oooooh, very well indeed! And I have to agree with the majority's choice for the BEST "white elephant" present (especially since I've already bought it 🤫)!

OKAY, TIME FOR A NEW QUIZ! Take this week's quiz below, take our previous pop quizzes here, and come back next week for a brand spankin' new quiz! (Having a tough time answering this quiz? It's probably because you aren't getting Mercury newsletters! HINT! HINT!) Now crank up that cerebellum, because it's time to get BRAINY!

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