🌱 DPS Plan To Address Police Training Period + Portland Pride

Hello all. I'm back with your new edition of the Portland Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Hot. High: 93 Low: 58.
• Wednesday: Very warm. High: 89 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in and around Portland:

1. Gregory Lee Rodvelt, a 71-year-old man from nearby Williams, has been found guilty of federal charges for setting up booby traps, including a shotgun-rigged wheelchair, to injure an FBI bomb technician in response to a property dispute. The jury reached their verdict in less than two hours following a five-day trial that presented over 150 evidence exhibits, including physical traps and photos. Rodvelt, who has a history of offenses and is already serving prison time in Arizona, now faces the possibility of decades in prison for assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm in a crime of violence. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
2. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in Oregon is proposing a $6.4 million plan to address the six-month wait for new police officers to start the academy and comply with state law. The plan includes adding night classes and expanding academies from 40-person classes to 60-person classes, allowing for the training of hundreds more officers over the next two years. This proposal particularly impacts the Portland Police Bureau, which has hired around 100 new officers in the past year. Many of them are waiting for access to training academies, extending the total time to about two years before officers are on the streets alone. (KATU)
3. Pride Northwest has announced that this year's Portland Pride Parade Grand Marshal will consist of multiple local drag performers to honor the significant role drag has played in the Portland LGBTQIA2S+ community and queer liberation. Drag performers like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and local legend Darcelle IV have been leaders and advocates within the LGBTQIA2S+ community, providing support and shelter for marginalized individuals. The 2023 Portland Pride Parade in July will feature a diverse lineup of local drag performers as the Grand Marshal, and more information will be provided on the Portland Pride website soon. (KOIN.com)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Portland:

Tuesday, June 6

• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At BrewStop Taphouse, Beaverton (7:00 PM)

Wednesday, June 7

• Bebe Rexha At McMenamins Crystal Ballroom (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Starting today, Jun. 6, registration is open for the July sessions of Rose City Self-Defense classes. The classes, which are free of charge, are specifically open to women, trans individuals, and non-binary individuals aged 13 and above, with young women under 16 needing adult accompaniment. (City of Portland, OR via Facebook)
• The Portland Flea Market offers more than just vendors — the pups are the stars of the show! Take a look at the flea market's recent furry attendees at the link. (Portland Flea via Instagram)
• The Portland Police Bureau has addressed concerns about the investigations into the deaths of six women in the metro area. You can read more about the cases here. (Portland Police Bureau via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (Jun. 6)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you soon with another update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.