🚑 Portland ambulances are still too slow

Ambulance Response Times Still a Problem

Multnomah County’s ambulance contractor AMR has made vast improvements in responding to emergencies. There are no longer any moments with “Level Zero” — when no ambulances are available. But the response times are still below the national standard, which would require 90% of calls be responded to within 8 minutes within the city. [KGW]

Seismic Risk a Factor for Closing Schools?

Portland Public Schools is weighing two major issues related to school buildings: Which schools are most in need of seismic upgrades? And which schools might need to close as enrollment declines? Now the PPS school board is saying it makes sense to answer those two questions together. “We’re not going to be inhabiting every single building,” says board member Michelle DePass. [Willamette Week]

Outside City Council Consultant Drops Out

On the Friday news roundup, national political consultant HR&A Advisors offered earlier this year to come in for free to help the new City Council work better together. But after the Council opted to run a formal procurement process the group dropped out; no reason has been provided publicly. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Today’s image of the scavenger hunt shows a slightly different angle on the mural at the corner of Northwest Couch Street and 4th Avenue. The Nike clad-strong guy is carrying the St. Johns bridge (and around the corner, the Portland, Oregon sign).

Shoutout to reader Dax Mayer who knew the location.

This week’s scavenger hunt comes from reader MH:

Where is this alley?

Please click here to send me the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt (almost) every Friday. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly and reveal the answer.

📸 Want to submit a photo? Please email me a snapshot of somewhere in the Portland metro area, and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!

Each week, we’re hearing about favorite local spots and organizations from City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city:

• Portland Samba | Creston-Kenilworth | "Samba drumming for everyone! Join Portland Samba and learn to play Rio-style carnival drumming and dancing on Saturdays. All ages and levels welcome." — Esteban D.
• Mercado Las Palomas/Taqueria Las Palomas | Mill Park | “I love Mercado Las Palomas/Taqueria Las Palomas. Great food and a great little grocery store.” — Scott H.
• Hand Up Project | North Mississippi Avenue | “Hand Up Project in the Q Center helps offer healthy foods to incredible Portlanders with an executive director who works his tail off and volunteers who love what they do and the people who come.” — Maya M.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!