The 3 most Portland beers 🍺

Portland Public School Teachers Strike Today

Teachers at Portland Public Schools will go out on strike today, closing all 81 schools. After 10 months of contract negotiations, there’s still a $200 million difference between the district’s and teachers union’s proposals. Teachers are asking for higher pay, lower class sizes, and more prep time. It’s not clear how long the strike will last, but Gov. Tina Kotek and elected officials are applying pressure to get a deal. [Oregonian 🔒]

Portland to Enforce Daytime Camping Ban

Mayor Ted Wheeler announced that police will start enforcing the camping ban on Nov. 13. Camping on public property during the day is prohibited, and some areas are off limits at all times. In January, almost 4,000 people were unsheltered in Portland. The mayor says the city will enforce the ban “selectively,” focusing on the most problematic areas, and Portland Police Chief Bob Day “expects the ban to be more complaint-driven than reactive,” OPB reports. [OPB]

No to Privatizing Liquor Sales

Surprise! The state grocers association won’t go to the ballot to privatize liquor sales in Oregon next year. That’s despite the fact that multiple scandals have hit Oregon’s liquor agency recently, so it’s hard to imagine voters siding with the current system if a measure made the ballot. The Northwest Grocery Association also opted not to push for the rule change last year, after taking the first step and getting approval from the Secretary of State’s Office for ballot titles. [Willamette Week]

• Related: Scandals have rocked Oregon’s liquor commission. Should we dissolve it? [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Now for my favorite part of the week, here’s some mail from readers:

Childcare and the Strike

What are the kids in your life doing during the teachers strike? One reader has made plans that sound like a treat:

“My nine-year-old will be in a pod that will be led by an amazing local artist where they'll have daily art and outdoor adventures.” — Lisa R

If you’re up for sharing how you’re dealing with childcare during this time, I’d be interested to hear.

Reader Recs

In the category of favorite places around town, we have a recommendation for a new and good pizza spot:

“We're here in Hillsdale. A year old establishment. Please Louise. Funny name. Best pizza I have eaten since Italy!” — Mary Pelot

What’s your favorite neighborhood spot? Or is there a new pizza place we all should try? I’m always interested in your recommendations.

Bumper Stickers

So many Portlanders love bumper stickers that there are still some I’ve never seen before. Here are two favorites spotted around town by readers:

“A cat holding a bloody knife. The caption says 'What?'” — Arleen Reetz

“There’s a car I see in my neighborhood, usually by a gym I walk by. It has a sticker that says 'Don’t believe everything you think.'” — Alex Chamizo

What are your favorite bumper stickers around town?

🖋️ Cartoonists at the Mall | Wednesday | 5:30 p.m.

Portland graphic novelists and artists share their embarrassing stories, photos, and art from their youth. The event is open to all ages. [Free, Lloyd District]

💀 Dia de los Muertos | Wednesday - Thursday | 4 - 8 p.m.

The Portland Mercado celebrates Mexican culture’s day to honor the dead. [Free, Mt. Scott-Arleta]

📚 Portland Book Festival 2023 | Saturday | 10 a.m.

Check out the annual festival and the many writers who come through to share their work.  [$23+, Downtown]

• Related: It’s possible to get free tickets through the library, while supplies last. [City Cast Portland]

Why You Should Visit This World-Famous Tree in Portland Today

Did you know that one of the world’s most photographed trees is in Portland? The famous Japanese maple is a featured attraction at the Portland Japanese Garden, where the fall colors are currently reaching their peak. Megumi Kato and Will Lerner of the Portland Japanese Garden talk about how this tree got its reputation, the garden’s history, and why you need to get down there to check it out right now.