What’s most infuriating about Portland

The Problem With PPS Sending Air Purifiers to LA

Portland Public Schools didn’t meet its pledge to have two air purifiers in every classroom before donating 2,000 to Los Angeles schools. Parents and teachers are objecting to the decision. [Willamette Week]

• Key fact: About 1 in 4 elementary and middle school classrooms didn’t meet the minimum standards for sufficient airflow in a study from the 2021-22 school year. [Willamette Week]

National Honors for Local Restaurants and Bars

Congrats to Portland’s semifinalists in the Oscars of food and drink. The James Beard Award singled out a bunch of tasty spots yesterday. Winners are announced in June. [Oregonian 🔒]

• Outstanding chef: Sarah Minnick of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty and Gabriel Rucker of Le Pigeon
• Outstanding restaurant: Coquine
• Outstanding bakery: JinJu Patisserie
• Outstanding bar: Scotch Lodge
• Outstanding professional in beverage service: sommelier Joel Gunderson of Heavenly Creatures
• Outstanding regional chef: Thomas Pisha-Duffly of Gado Gado and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro

Portland’s Grumpiest Gripes

Portland is lovely, but there’s still plenty that’s annoying or even downright infuriating. Comedian Jay Flewelling shares his own grumpiest gripes as well as some from the city’s top comedians. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

I got a lot of informative mail from you all this week:

💃 More Ways to Stay Active Indoors

A recent article on the best ways to stay active during the Portland winter (along with a podcast interview) elicited some intriguing suggestions from readers:

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Portland (Hat tip to reader Lance for that suggestion)

“Bar Method - Portland in the Pearl District has incredible exercise classes and is a great way to connect and workout with your community. (Check out the [current] new client specials… 30 days for just $50!!)” — Stephanie

“I noticed you included some social dancing in your newsletter today. I also wanted you to know about the many events in the Argentine Tango community here in Portland:

• Tuesdays: tango dance (milonga) at Shabu Studios from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: tango practice (practica) at Tango Berretin from 7 - 9 p.m.
• Saturdays: tango dance (milonga) at Tango Berretin from 8:30 p.m. - 12 midnight

"The Portland Lindy Hop/swing dance community has many indoor events, too:

• Swing Things PDX
• The Portland Lindy Society” — Emily

🫖 British Teahouse Recommendation

A recent newsletter article and a podcast episode on the best Portland teahouses sparked conversation, including a reader recommendation:

“For the finest British high tea in Oregon, we enjoy the Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium in Beaverton. They are an incredible tea house in the area with a steampunk aesthetic. We try to go every 1-2 months and on special occasions. I love them, they are a Portland gem!, and I want their business to survive and thrive! Sincerely from a tea lover” — Adam

🚲 Opposition to E-Bike Rules

A recent news item on a proposed law to prohibit some e-bikes from using bike lanes elicited this response:

“How about we post some occasional signs on the bike lanes, like we see on the people movers at PDX? ‘Slower traffic, move to the right + Passing traffic, move to the left.’ Also: how about single lane traffic for bikes? I believe that’s the law anyway, but in my neck of the woods, I’m constantly getting dirty looks from three-across cyclists when I hover behind them or pass them.” — Christine B.