🌱 New Leader Of Homeless Services Office + I-5 Bridge Updates

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Breezy with periods of rain. High: 53 Low: 47.
• Friday: Cloudy with a shower in spots. High: 57 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. The joint Portland-Multnomah County homeless services office has a new director —Dan Field, an executive at Kaiser Permanente, was named as the new leader on Wednesday by Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Mayor Ted Wheeler. The decision brings an end to the national search for the office's new leader. Field was selected from among 48 candidates, and if he is approved by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, he will begin his role on Apr. 28. (OregonLive)
2. Although many questions remain about funding and design for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program for the I-5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver, there are several developmental updates on the process that have taken place over the last month. Currently, the plan is to replace the bridge with a "fixed span" design, but due to concerns about clearance for river traffic by federal officials, the planners will be drafting both a fixed-span design and a drawbridge design for consideration. Meanwhile, state lawmakers in Salem are working on a plan to provide funding for the project, which is estimated to cost between $5 billion and $7.5 billion. Lastly, the Washington Legislature is reviewing a bill that would allow tolling on the new bridge in order to fund existing and future projects for the bridge. (KGW.com)
3. A study by PriceListo.com named Oregon the most "Starbucks-obsessed" state. Rankings were determined by the number of residents per Starbucks store: Oregon has one Starbucks branch per 10,450 residents. The number two spot was taken by Washington, which has 10,710 residents per branch. Spots three through five were taken by Nevada, Colorado, and California, respectively. (KOIN.com)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Portland:

Thursday, April 6

• Toddler Time At Tigard Public Library, Tigard (10:15 AM)
• Movie Matinees For Seniors At Tigard Public Library, Tigard (1:30 PM)

Friday, April 7

• Bubbles + Books Weekly Story Time With Literacy Lady PDX At REC Room In Hammer + Jacks (10:30 AM)
• Leave Your Troubles At The Door At Funhouse Lounge (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On the hunt for a new home? To help in your search, check out this list of five upcoming open houses in and around the Portland area, including one for a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house on Saturday, Apr. 8 at 1:00 p.m. (Portland Patch)
• There are many events to look forward to in and around the Portland area this week and heading into the weekend! Check out the ‘80s Video Dance Attack 18th Anniversary Party, the Easter Champagne Brunch Cruise, and more at the link. (Willamette Week)
• Join the PSU Farmers Market on Saturday, Apr. 22 for the Spring Wellness Fair! Meet with community organizations to talk about health and movement, learn about spring gardening, participate in fun activities for everyone, and enjoy live music. Plus, shop the over 90 farm and food producers who will be selling everything from baked goods to mushrooms and spirits. (Portland Farmers Market via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all soon for 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.