Fight brewing over Portland government reform

Opposition to Further Charter Change

Last week, City Commissioners Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez raised the idea of making some further changes to the city’s charter reform measure. But several local lawmakers have now spoken out against that proposal. Yesterday morning, protestors rallied in front of City Hall, urging to let the voter-approved plan go into effect. [Willamette Week/KOIN]

Mass Outdoor Shelter Opening By Month End

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler showed off the first of his large-scale sanctioned camping sites in Southeast Portland on Monday. The 70-pod shelter is the first of six he’s planning to open across the city. He says the site at Southeast Gideon Street and 13th Place will be up and running by the end of the month. [KGW]

Librarian Killed at Bus Stop

Impromptu memorials sprung up at the corner of Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard at Taylor Street after a woman was killed by a reckless driver while waiting at a bus stop. Jean “Jeanie” Diaz was a mother of two, who also worked as a youth librarian for Multnomah County. [BikePortland]

McMenamins Turns 40

The chain of local brewpubs is turning 40 years old this summer. At least nine McMenamins are on the National Register of Historic Places and many are rehabbed historic buildings. They make a fine tater tot and serve up good brews, but there’s more to celebrate. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🚘 Bumper Stickers

I’ve been running photos of some notable bumper stickers around town, including a friend’s first. I asked for stories of what inspired your first addition to your bumper.

David S wrote in: “In the mid 80s, there were lots of ‘baby on board’ stickers. I was listening to Metallica a lot around then, so I got a custom sticker that read ‘metalhead on board.’ Got a few smiles and devil horns from other drivers. 🤘🏻”

🏄 Sea Otters

Last week I ran a segment on the potential reintroduction of sea otters to Oregon, hunted out of existence in the early 1900s.

Sharon Rose wrote in: “Every time humans screw around with nature it’s to the detriment of the planet! I applaud trying to fix our mistakes. Our barbarism in killing off so many!”

🍔 Best Diners

A couple of readers had nominations, including Beverly Perttu, who wrote: “Original Hotcake House on Powell !!!”

Related: The best diners in Portland. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🥕 Kenton Farmers Market | Wednesday | 3 - 7 p.m.

Check out the local produce in the midst of summer bounty. [Free, Kenton]

• Related: Get the inside scoop on Portland Farmers Markets. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🥽 Duckworth Summer Wednesdays | Wednesday | 5 - 9 p.m.

It’s a swimming party in the Willamette River. [Free, Eastbank Esplanade]

• Related: How safe is it really to swim in the Willamette River? [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🍺🎨 Pints & Palettes: Watercolor Workshop at Portland Cider House | Thursday | 6 - 8 p.m.

Learn watercolor over a cold one! This month’s offerings are selling fast; you can also reserve ahead for August or September. [$39.19, Richmond]

McMenamins: The Best (And Worst) of the Ever-Present Brewpub

McMenamins, the ubiquitous chain of brewpubs, is turning 40 years old! Did you know many of their locations are in rehabilitated historic properties, and at least nine are on the National Register of Historic Places? There’s a lot more to them than just tater tots and beer.