🌟 Should Portland appoint a night mayor?

Should Portland Appoint a Night Mayor?

Portland’s strong bar, live music, and strip club scene could be something that City Hall promotes and develops. About 16 U.S. cities have hired nighttime economy directors, or “night mayors,” to do just that. Philadelphia's nighttime economy director Raheem Manning talks about whether Portland should hire someone for the role. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Pass Moda Center Funding Bill, Says City Council

Every member of Portland City Council and the mayor submitted written testimony urging the State Legislature to approve the Senate Bill 1501, funding Moda Center renovations. If approved, that would still leave the city on the hook for coming up with its piece of the funding. At issue is whether the Portland Trail Blazers stay in town under new ownership. [Willamette Week]

RIP Avel Gordly, Oregon’s First Black State Senator

Avel Gordly, 79, who served in Salem for 22 years, was remembered as a “conscience of the Legislature” and hailed as an independent voice amid partisanship. Born and raised in Portland, she was among the first Black leaders in the House and the very first in the state Senate. She died Monday of natural causes. [Oregonian]

The chance of snow this week feels like it could be our one experience of winter this year. Still, it could rain straight through till July after this. Either way, here are some suggestions from your fellow readers about what they like to do during our wintry, rainy weather:

“A running coach once told me there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. My response to going out in the rain is that it's only water and I'm going to go home and take a shower anyway.” — Fay

“Misty walks to the Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum are like a scene out of a Twilight movie.” — Rebekah G.

“It's good to ride your bike all the time! Mellow Monday is a slow paced, music-based ride that happens every Monday at Abernethy Elementary School at 7 p.m. Rain or shine or... not so much shine for a couple more months. Thursday Night Ride happens no matter what. Salmon Street Springs fountain 7 p.m. And Friday Night Ride, a faster paced adventure ride with all kinds of terrain, leaves Ladd Circle Park 8 p.m. Year-round bicycle calendar at shift2bikes.org.” — Moses G.

“My favorite oasis in the city is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. I’ve never actually been there when the rhodies are in bloom, because parking can be crazy, but it’s beautiful year-round. Ducks, nutria, beavers, geese, eagles — wildlife watching is also year-round. Paths wind through tree-size rhodies, ferns, hellebores, cyclamen — over stunning bridges, alongside a lake fed by several springs, with benches to pause and take in the view and water features. Only $5 to enter, but to support the volunteer efforts I get an annual pass that allows me to introduce friends to this wonderful place.” — Cheryl M.

“Mid-week movie nights with friends. Pick a wacky theme, try to match dinner or snacks to that theme, and watch bad movies together. Don’t save all your fun stuff for the weekend. Looking forward to a Wed. or Thurs. night can really help defeat the winter blues.” — Leah C.

“Ebb and Ember floating sauna.” — Poppy Rack

Occasioned by the news of measles cases in Oregon, one reader offered a word of caution:

“I have noticed the measles outbreak news never mentions another aspect of the measles. What made it a very scary disease was all the complications that came with it: Pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and most common is hearing loss. I don't understand why the news personnel never speak of it.” — Sheree

Thanks to everyone who wrote in. I welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please email me. Or you can hit reply on any of our newsletters.