News Roundup February 4-11, 2024
PBOT parking crackdown, PCEF to fund PSR, TriMet pushes to criminalize drugs on transit, bottle bill in the spotlight, DA announces new task forces
At a glance:
See Rose City Reform's candidate tracker for the latest news, including Keith Wilson's announcement of his candidacy for mayor.
PBOT announced plans to increase parking and car registration enforcement in an effort to plug budget gaps. BikePortland
Commissioner Rubio proposed using PCEF funds to support Portland Street Response (PSR) and a variety of city bureaus facing budgetary distress. Critics say that this move turns PCEF into a slush fund and diverts resources from the intended beneficiaries of the measure. Mercury, Willamette Week
TriMet started a public push to criminalize drug use on transit. TriMet says that perceptions of drug use and lack of safety on transit are contributing to low post-pandemic ridership. Willamette Week
Willamette Week published a deep dive into Oregon's bottle bill and its unintended consequences for the community. Willamette Week
Multnomah County DA's office announced a new car and retail theft task forces. KPTV
Under-the-radar:
Commissioner Rubio released a blog post touting housing accomplishments on her Substack.
Reports released this week:
2024-02-07: Independent Police Review Director's Report
Upcoming events
February 15, 2024 (Thursday) 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: FITCOG MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2024 (website)
Opportunities and calls for volunteer service
The City of Portland seeks volunteers for several advisory groups:
Focused Intervention Team Community Oversight Group (FITCOG) deadline is February 18
PPB seeks feedback on directives under review (first phase):
PPB seeks feedback on directives under review (second phase):
February 15: 0305.00 Active Bystandership Intervention and Anti-Retaliation, 0640.20 Sexual Assault Kits and Sexual Assault Investigations
Policing and crime
Highly covered incidents:
2024-02-10: Mercury - Former Pro Wrestler Arrested on Suspicion of Shooting Wife in Couple's Lents Home
2024-02-06: KOIN - Portland police: Body found in car leads to arrest of missing woman's fiance
2024-02-05: Oregonian - He wrote books for kids. He died when a SE Portland bar fight turned deadly, police say
Crime trends:
2024-02-08: Willamette Week - Reports of Bias Crimes More Than Doubled Last Year
2024-02-06: Oregonian - 4 Portland-area sons have been accused of killing their mothers in less than a year
2024-02-06: Oregonian - Who has died in 2024 Portland homicides
2024-02-05: KATU - City will review trends in downtown Portland shootings to develop response plan
Crime and the impact of crime:
2024-02-11: KPTV - Man dead in stabbing outside Safeway in Portland
2024-02-11: KPTV - 2 dead in crash that burst into flames in Portland metro
2024-02-10: KPTV - Two teenagers shot while riding in a car on I-84
2024-02-09: KGW - Police: Portland teens arrested for child abduction
2024-02-09: KGW - Portland begins foreclosing on 6 vacant homes known for squatters
2024-02-09: KPTV - Multnomah Co. deputy injured after patrol car hit by suspected DUII driver
2024-02-08: KPTV - Homeowner says he’s fed up with drivers speeding through Portland neighborhood after crash
2024-02-07: KPTV - Victim in deadly NE Portland shooting named by police
Police and policing:
2024-02-09: OPB - ‘OPB Politics Now’: Why some Portland police struggle with use of force and what experts say
2024-02-06: KOIN - Police: Drug dealer crackdown results in 14 arrests in East Portland
Police news releases:
2024-02-10: PPB - Man Faces Assault, Bias Crime, Reckless Burning Charges After Arrest in Old Town
2024-02-10: PPB - UPDATE #4: Suspect in Lents Neighborhood Homicide Investigation Identified
2024-02-09: PPB - Detectives Seek Information about Bias Crime in the Buckman Neighborhood
2024-02-06: PPB - North Precinct Conducts Retail Theft Mission ()
2024-02-06: PPB - East Precinct Conducts Successful Mission Focused on Illegal Drug Activity
Police-produced media:
Politics and policy
Portland government transition:
Criminal justice system:
City:
2024-02-08: Willamette Week - Ryan and Gonzalez Ditch Aspirations for $800 Million Fire and Parks Bureau Bond
2024-02-08: KPTV - Poll finds Portland metro voters have negative outlook on quality of life
2024-02-06: Mercury - Darcelle XV Plaza, Formerly O’Bryant Square, Ignites Heated Debate About Public Space
County:
2024-02-11: KOIN - Kevin Fitts on Multnomah County commissioner candidacy
2024-02-11: KOIN - Multnomah County DA Schmidt on theft task forces, Measure 110, gun violence
2024-02-08: KPTV - Multnomah County helps dispose of more than 100 derelict boats
2024-02-05: Mercury - Multnomah County Commissioners Clash Over Fentanyl Emergency Declaration
2024-02-05: KPTV - DA’s office creates task forces to address car and retail theft in Portland
Metro:
State:
2024-02-07: Willamette Week - A Tax Measure Many See as Non-Negotiable Comes at a Tricky Moment for Gov. Kotek
2024-02-07: Willamette Week - Fentanyl Threatens Oregon’s Cherished Bottle Bill
2024-02-06: Willamette Week - Lawmakers Consider Increasing Retirement Benefits for Some Public Employees
2024-02-04: KOIN - John DiLorenzo on the Oregon Supreme Court upholding Measure 113
Transportation:
2024-02-09: Bike Portland - Higher parking fees and registration enforcement will help fill PBOT budget hole
2024-02-06: Bike Portland - Police battle speeding drivers as death toll piles up
Education:
Addiction:
2024-02-08: Willamette Week - TriMet and Other Transit Systems Push to Criminalize Drug Use on Buses and Trains
2024-02-07: KPTV - Oregon lawmakers hear public testimony, bills to recriminalize drug possession
Housing:
2024-02-08: Mercury - Portland Aims to Have 780 Village
2024-02-07: KPTV - Neighbors in NE Portland concerned about out-of-control homeless encampment nearby
Other news
Economy and business: