🌱 Red Cross Asks For Blood Donations + Search For Missing Girl

Hey, neighbors. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Portland Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A couple of showers. High: 45 Low: 35.
• Friday: Cloudy with a shower or two. High: 45 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. The Red Cross Cascades Region is seeking blood and platelet donations after record snowfall in Oregon forced the organization to cancel more than two dozen blood drives. Without the blood drives, the organization estimates it lost out on collecting nearly 700 units of blood. Blood Services Executive Angel Montes said, "We essentially lost a days' worth of blood, and winter isn't over yet." (KTVZ)
2. The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking the public's help in locating a 16-year-old girl in foster care who has been missing since Feb. 4. Elisa Gutierrez was last seen in the Portland area, and officials say she may likely still be within the area and is considered to be in danger. Officials encourage the public to call 911 or their local police department if they see her or have information about her whereabouts. (KATU)
3. The East Precinct Portland Police Department has teamed up with cancer researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University's Knight Cancer Institute to improve the recovery of stolen vehicles. Police officers began working with researchers in 2022 to learn how best to collect data on stolen car cases. Officers then began using the data to conduct more effective stolen vehicle operations. (KGW.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Portland:

Thursday, March 2

• Babes Coworking Hour At Living Room Realty (2:00 PM)

Friday, March 3

• Portland Golf Show At Portland Expo Center (11:00 AM)
• The Boondock Boys At Ponderosa Lounge & Grill (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all house hunters! Here are five upcoming open houses in and around the Portland area, including a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house for $519,000. (Portland Patch)
• Join the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as it kicks off its eighth annual Studio Ghibli Film Fest today. The festival will run through Apr. 2 and will feature guest speakers and screenings of Studio Ghibli films. Click the link for the schedule. (KOIN.com)
• Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival has announced its 2023 lineup, including Grammy award-winning performer Buddy Guy. The festival will run from Jul. 1-4 at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. (KATU)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next 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.