Portland's only earthquake-prep worker may go

Half a Billion to Spend in State Funds

Lawmakers will have $560 million in revenues to spend by next June, according to numbers released yesterday. The cash comes from two sources: State economists now forecast an additional $76 million in tax revenue. The rest of the funds were not spent during the last two-year budget cycle. That’s good news for Gov. Tina Kotek, who is pushing for $500 million in spending on housing. [Oregonian 🔒]

Pizzicato’s $300K Fine for Faulty Tip-Sharing

The Biden administration, in its effort to champion workers’ rights, is cracking down on Portland restaurants that share their pooled tips with managers. McMenamins last week stood accused of unfairly giving managers $800,000 tips. But Pizzicato actually paid a $570,000 settlement over similar practices, though the owners say they didn’t realize they were running afoul of the rules. Also, Northeast Portland’s Fuel Cafe got a visit from investigators last week. [Willamette Week]

Cutting the City’s Only Earthquake Prep Worker?

It’s a time-honored tradition for Portland bureau directors to propose cuts to their agencies that no mayor could accept. But still, it seems alarming that the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management is proposing to eliminate the one employee whose sole job is earthquake preparedness. [OPB]

The Continued Rise in Traffic Deaths

Why have Portland traffic fatalities risen to the highest number since 1986? Sarah Iannarone, executive director of The Street Trust executive director, explains why the efforts underway haven’t made streets safer and what she thinks should happen now. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

My gripe on drivers running red lights, from earlier this week, invited a lot of mail. I was charmed by everyone’s response. Thank you to all who wrote in to share different perspectives. Here are a few of the notes:

“I’ve been driving in Portland for more than 30 years and still rarely hear a horn or see people blatantly run red lights. When I do hear a horn it’s usually someone sitting at a light who has become distracted on their phone. Those people absolutely deserve a little toot to get things moving. On the contrary, I think it’s amazing how courteous Portland area drivers still are given the amount of traffic and never-ending construction we now deal with. I think you’re suffering from a simple case of negativity bias.” — Joe S., Tigard

“I always first stop at red lights, but if it’s late at night and I’m absolutely sure the intersection is deserted / no one will be affected, I will proceed through the red light. I think there is a growing consensus in this country that the people in power, from the police forces to the presidents, don’t follow the rules so why should we?” — Anonymous

“Just this week I saw a TriMet bus sit for a few moments and then go through the red light. The light was taking a long time due to cable cars coming through. Not a great example.” — Nancy

“I too am seeing a huge increase of red light runners and because of that I have changed my driving habits. When my light turns green, I hesitate, check all lanes, then proceed with caution. It takes more time and thought, but it has helped me avoid ‘runners.’ Tell your friends and family. It may save a life.“ — Eric Wheeler

Shouldn’t Our Roads Be Less Dangerous by Now?

Last year Portland saw the highest number of traffic fatalities since 1986, despite efforts to make city streets more accessible and less dangerous. Sarah Iannarone, executive director of The Street Trust, explains what needs to happen to get the city on a safer path, including the tough choices to pay for it all.