🔥 Oregon’s worst possible team name

WNBA Team’s Inappropriate Name?

Given the deadly impact of wildfire in Oregon, “Fire” would be a highly inappropriate name for Portland’s new WNBA team — argues Oregonian sports columnist Bill Oram. He likens it to calling a post-Katrina New Orleans team the “Tide” and shreds the management of the new WNBA team — “you had one job!” — for apparently choosing the name “Fire,” according to a recent trademark filing by the WNBA. To be fair, Fire was the name of Portland’s previous WNBA team, but times change. [Oregonian]

Tesla Sales Plummet

Tesla sales are down 17% in Oregon so far this year, now accounting for just one in six new electric vehicles in the state (a marked decline since 2023, when they were half of all EVs here). It’s part of a broader trend for Tesla, which has seen sales plummet since CEO Elon Musk’s Nazi-style salute at Trump’s inauguration, followed by his leadership role in the administration. [Oregonian]

Transportation Bill on the Rocks

Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) exercised an unusual power, kicking a fellow Democrat off the Transportation Committee and taking a committee seat for himself. The effort allowed the bill to pass out of committee, but Sen. Mark Meek (D-Gladstone) has said he’ll vote against the bill on the floor, setting it up for defeat. Republicans have all opposed the bill, so Democrats would need a unanimous supermajority to increase the gas tax and create other funding mechanisms for transportation. [Willamette Week]

It’s time for some mail from your fellow readers:

Portland Hype

What lives up to its highly regarded reputation in Portland? I asked readers for suggestions — and the City Cast Portland podcast talked to local comedians about it.

Here’s a bit more of what readers had to say. I love that a few of you offered a different perspective on Portland sweet treats:

• “Salt and Straw” — Anonymous
• “The amount of vegan options in this city is through the roof! As someone with egg allergies, the vegan doughnuts at Voodoo have been some of the best I’ve had.” — Miguel
• “Nostrana” — Ashley A.
• “Embracing others, compassionate community. I love that Portland is a place where LGBTQ+ people, people of color, elders, and others feel like they can live. Let’s create more affordable housing to ensure everyone in our community can thrive!” — Shel Mae
• “I love me a f*king pinot noir, and It's just my luck that the region has the *best* pinots this side of the planet. They're peppery. They're not buttery. They're never sweet. They're not heavy. When I go on vacation and stop in to grab a bottle, I love that I can always count on a good Oregon pinot to be there and cure my homesickness.” — Nic C.
• “The nonjudgemental culture. Coming from the Midwest, I love to see tattooed and pierced restaurant workers, teachers, leaders, runners, hikers, librarians, etc... being unconditionally welcomed and not considered ‘weird.’ It is a reminder each day what a comfortable place this is.” — John

Strawberry Farm Rec

One more quick thing: a reader has added a recommendation to the newsletter’s recent best u-pick strawberry farms:

“Thompson Farms - Damascus” — Cal

Please don’t hesitate to respond to this email if you want to share your perspective or recommend what to do and where to go in Portland.