GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being “the last to know,” then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email’s in-box… and then… YOUR HEAD.)
• Kicked to the Curb: Substance Abuse Patients Ordered to Leave As Treatment Center Abruptly Closes
Management says the move was necessary for health and safety. Staff call it ethically questionable. And the 47 women who were unexpectedly told they’d need to transfer to a different drug and alcohol treatment facility say the process has been traumatic. For some, the sudden closure of the Women’s Residential Treatment Center cost them their sobriety.
In this week’s brainy local trivia quiz: magazine-destroying capitalists, crazy/unbelievable myths, and the (very much unwelcome) return of Rene Gonzalez. (UGH! Him again?) See how well YOU score!
• Study: Rent Assistance is the Most Requested Support Service Among Homeless Residents
As Portland and Multnomah County face grueling budget cycles in the coming months, both local governments are deciding how to spend dwindling resources to address the homelessness crisis. Over the past two years, a research team at Portland State University asked homeless residents what they need. The final report, out today, offers nuance to what a growing body of studies have found are the most effective ways to address homelessness. The answers are largely financial, with 98% of survey participants saying they want to move into permanent housing, but are afraid they won’t be able to afford it.
From Sweden to Portland with love, queer rave queen Cobrah turned Wonder Ballroom into a sweaty, euphoric dance hall. Andrew Jankowski was on hand to throw ass and capture the energy.
In this edition: Bryon Noem’s huge balloon cans, T-Swift and O-Rod reportedly kiss and make up (or did they?), and who can possibly replace the hotness of Viggo Mortensen? Answer: NOBODY, so stop trying.
• Business as Usual at North Portland Scrapyard, Despite Years of Environmental Violations
Auto dismantler NW Metals has amassed more than $550K in state fines over the past decade for ignoring environmental regulations. Environmental watchdogs and state agencies say the scrapyard business continues to operate without proper permits, jeopardizing public health and safety. The owner says he’s been the victim of racist, targeted enforcement by state regulators.
• Apple Hunters! Had Me in My Apple Feelings
E.M. Lewis’ Apple Hunters! is about four men in search of a rare apple. Of course, they’re actually searching for what it represents: youthful friendship and vulnerability. But they can’t talk about that, so they look for the apple. The short, 70-minute play represents the end of Lewis’ six years as playwright-in-residence at Artists Repertory Theatre and highlights both the value of Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival and Artists Rep’s investment in contemporary plays. Here’s one actual theatergoer quote: “Men would rather hunt apples than go to therapy.”
• Join the Cult of the Shrimp Burger
Step aside, Filet-o-Fish—there’s a new shrimp burger sheriff in town. Bbang, a Korean-inspired burger and fried chicken spot, opened next to Holy Ghost bar on February 18, and the shrimp burger has been one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
• A Useful Ghost Is About So Much More Than Sex With a Vacuum Cleaner
The debut film from Thai screenwriter-turned-director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, A Useful Ghost tells the tender story of a wife who returns to haunt her husband as a vacuum cleaner before jumping the shark into an anti-authoritarian queer horror rom-com. You’ve got one shot to see this in Portland right now, and it’s Monday at the Portland Panorama Film Festival.
• Ritz Carlton Building Owner To Finally Pay City For Affordable Housing Projects
When the Ritz Carlton project first came to Portland, it was supposed to build affordable housing, or pay nearly $8 million not to. By 2025, the Ritz had failed to sell enough luxury condos office leases to stay afloat, and the building’s lender threatened to foreclose on the building. Instead, Ready Capital acquired the building, and an amended agreement between the city and the owner signed March 20 means the city will finally see the money for housing it desperately needs.
This week’s picks of the week include the he/him Forty Feet Tall rockers, scratch DJ and Beastie Boys alum Mix Master Mike, Portland’s tallest girlfriend Bijoux Cone, and so much more.
• Barbara Forever Puts the Body-ody-ody in Body of Work
Barbara Forever puts—according to our critic HR Smith—“the body-ody-ody in body of work.’” Brydie O’Connor’s new documentary provides a delightful survey of Barbara Hammer’s experimental films—synthesizing the joy of throwing oneself into strange and improbable art projects with a helluva lot of dyke drama.
Unlike staff at other large venues, employees at the Moda Center aren’t unionized. As state and local government agencies consider whether to throw millions at the arena for upgrades, employees want a seat at the table, and a guarantee they won’t face union busting.
To the shock of no one, hubby did something NAUGHTY. But do his reasons for stepping out justify his actions? Dan Savage and a guest expert issue a ruling in this week’s edition of SAVAGE LOVE.
WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN’. I hope you didn’t have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
