Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are crimes against people rising in Portland’s Pearl District?

Be sure to catch Kwanzaa on the Portland Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
Wednesday December 24th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Portland! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are crimes against people rising in Portland’s Pearl District?
  • How could new zoning rules transform empty downtown Portland offices?
  • Why are llamas roaming Portland’s airport this holiday travel season?

Also on today's calendar: Kwanzaa and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Nate P.!

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Windy with a touch of rain, with a high of 51 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, temps: high: 51, low: 38.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy with a shower, with a high of 49 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Suspect still at large after reported stabbing in Portland's Pearl District on Saturday (katu.com) — A woman was stabbed Saturday night in Portland’s Pearl District, and the suspect has not yet been found. Police data show crimes against people in the neighborhood are up 17% year-over-year, while local leaders stress ongoing safety efforts and plan new initiatives with police and community partners next year.
   

2. Portland will consider plan to boost jobs and allow more diversity of uses downtown (kgw.com) — Portland officials are weighing a major economic blueprint that could reshape how downtown and neighborhood commercial areas are used, aiming to fill vacant offices and support hybrid work. The plan would loosen zoning to allow more light production, modernize home-business rules, and encourage interim uses of empty spaces while targeting industrial job growth through infrastructure and brownfield investments.
   

3. ‘They make it better': Portland airport welcomes therapy llamas, dogs, to ease holiday travel stress (oregonlive.com) — Holiday travelers passing through Portland International Airport are being greeted by therapy llamas and dogs aimed at easing stress during the busy season. Volunteers from local nonprofits bring the animals into the terminal to offer a lighthearted break, welcome people to Portland, and help anxious fliers — especially kids — feel calmer before or after flights.
   

4. ‘Struggling is a normal thing': Portland-based nonprofit offers holiday support (koin.com) — A Portland-based nonprofit that runs Oregon’s 988 crisis line is reminding residents that holiday stress and loneliness are common and that help is available around the clock. Lines for Life says calls, texts, and chats are rising as people grow more comfortable seeking support, and encourages Portlanders to check in on loved ones even when there’s no immediate crisis.
   

📸 Around Portland

Feedback image
📸 Neighbor Terry on his morning walk. Southwest Portland —Nate P. Like

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Portland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Sunday December 28
  • Kwanzaa
    1217 NE Burnside Rd, Gresham
    3:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Portland PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Ford Motor Company posted a job opening for Temporary Hourly Warehouse Team Member - Portland HVC in Portland. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Part Time Positions- Janitorial in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Portland