NWS forecasts heat wave through Saturday
Temperatures will shoot up this week and into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. While unlikely to break any records, the agency predicts parts of Oregon will see temperatures in the 80s. Pendleton even has a slight chance to hit 90. Warmer weather will likely give a jolt to river and stream levels, but the weather service does not project any flooding. Temperatures are expected to revert to seasonal averages next week. (Dakota Castets-Didier/East Oregonian)
Deschutes River Trail gets an upgrade at Riverbend Park
The Bend Park and Recreation District has completed upgrades to a popular footpath and river access points on the Deschutes River. Stone steps will now allow recreational floaters, paddlers and swimmers access to the river while protecting the vulnerable banks. The agency has fenced off and will begin restoration on heavily eroded riparian areas that are critical to many wildlife species, including the Oregon spotted frog. (Joe Siess/The Bend Bulletin)
Eugene ordinance would overhaul public camping restrictions
Eugene’s City Council is considering an ordinance that would make camping legal in some public spaces. Currently, Eugene bans camping on public property without prior approval. But a recent state law says the city must account for people seeking shelter. Under a new proposal, camping on sidewalks would be allowed when enough space is left for pedestrians. And a sleeping bag alone would not trigger campsite restrictions. The city would ban camping in close proximity to the Willamette River, other waterways and educational facilities. Public parking lots would also be off-limits, and officials would enforce the boundaries with new fines. (Nathan Wilk/KLCC)
Related: Look back at the bill to curb anti-camping policies in Oregon ⏪
Lawsuit against new Washington gun law names Clark County sheriff, prosecutor
A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday against Washington’s new ban on many semi-automatic rifles lists Clark County’s sheriff and prosecutor as defendants. Sheriff John Horch and prosecutor Tony Golik are among 10 defendants being sued by gun-rights groups. It’s unclear why the two officials are listed as defendants, but the suit says they’d be responsible for arresting and prosecuting people who violate the weapons ban in Clark County. The law is among a suite of other gun measures recently signed by Gov. Jay Inslee. It bans the sale and import of several high-capacity and semi-automatic rifles. (Shari Phiel/The Columbian)
Portland Trail Blazers to launch G League team next season
The Portland Trail Blazers are adding a G League team for next season, bringing the NBA’s development league to 31 teams. The team name and coaching staff have not been announced yet. The new team will play at the University of Portland’s Chiles Center. It seats nearly 5,000 people and it’s the home arena for the Portland Pilots. In November, the center hosted several games for the Phil Knight Invitational, bringing together some of the top college basketball players and teams in the nation. The Trail Blazers have called up 20 players from the G League since it was established in 2001. The team has also assigned 27 players to the league for development or rehabilitation. (OPB staff)
Oregon Brewers Festival back on as part of this year’s Rose Festival
The Oregon Brewers Festival will hold a three-day “tap takeover” as part of this year’s Rose Festival on the Portland waterfront. Organizers of the heralded beer fest had planned to put the annual event on hiatus this year to reevaluate its future as higher costs, lower attendance and extreme weather took a toll. But Portland’s annual spring party, the Rose Festival, agreed to collaborate on a tap takeover hosted by the Oregon Brewers Festival at CityFair on the waterfront from June 2-4. Access to the Oregon Brewers Festival activities will be included with CityFair admission. (Jason Vondersmith/The Portland Tribune)
Related: How Oregon became 'Beervana,' a beer capital of the world 🍻