12.13.2023

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Today’s Forecast

50º | Cloudy | 4% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:42 a.m. | Sunset 4:26 p.m.

Big tech at Big Pink

Downtown Portland’s 1st autonomous security robot is on patrol

Rob the robot poses in front of the new “Radiance” mural along Big Pink’s parking garage. | Photo by Unico Properties

A new security guard is on the job in downtown Portland — one that doesn’t need lunch breaks and looks like the cousin of an iconic astromech droid.

Unico Properties LLC, the owners of the US Bancorp Tower (aka “Big Pink”), added a robot to its security team earlier this month. It’s the first autonomous security robot in downtown Portland and patrols the perimeter of Big Pink’s parking garage.

Nicknamed “Rob,” the robot relays constant monitoring and surveillance data to (human) security officers working inside the city’s largest office building. Unico said Rob’s technology helps keep tenants and visitors safer by boosting “the eyes and ears of the already robust security team” and by amplifying “the safety measures already in place.”

Rob was built by California-based company Knightscope, which claims its robotic technologies have led to major decreases in crime reports and citations, along with increases in arrests.

Here are some of the features Rob’s packing:

4K-quality, 360-degree video surveillance
Thermal imaging
A two-way intercom allowing security officers to communicate with people in Rob’s presence
An amplified speaker for alerts
License Plate Recognition software

A white and blue robot vaguely shaped like an egg with a camera and blue lights. — Rob has software that notifies security when banned individuals are on site.
|
Photo by Unico Properties

Passersby might catch a glimpse of the 5-ft-5-inch, 420-pound robot scooting along the sidewalk outside the parking structure. Keren Eichen, Unico Properties’ director of real estate services, said the next-generation technology offers extra peace of mind for those who work and visit the building — plus a little something extra.

“Rob is also fun, interactive, and cute,” Eichen said. “Come take a selfie with Rob and add some joy to your day.”

We recommend dressing in a golden bodysuit and introducing yourself as C-3PO.

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 13

L’Chaim: A Hanukkah Pop Up Experience by Leikam Brewing | Wednesday, Dec. 13-Friday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Leikam Brewing, 5812 E. Burnside St., Portland | Free | All are welcome at this Hanukkah-themed pop-up featuring special beers like the “Ain’t No Challahback Girl,” snacks, unique cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, and more.
“Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire” Film Screening | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | PCC Cascades, Terrell Hall, Room TH 122, 5624 N. Borthwick Ave., Portland | Free | This documentary seeks to impart a better understanding of fire, exploring topics like the burning of Paradise, CA, climate research, and Native practices; a panel discussion will follow.
“Home for the Holidays” | Wednesday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Broadway Rose Theatre Company, 12850 SW Grant Ave., Tigard | $20-$52 | Contemporary and classic tunes carry this lighthearted musical about a group of people trying to get home for the holidays when a blizzard strands them at a bus station.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Marlon Wayans | Thursday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Dec. 16 | Times vary | Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE Ninth Ave., Portland | $48.58-$58.93 | The producer and actor known for roles in knee-slappers like “White Chicks” and “Scary Movie” is about to stand up and make Portland laugh.

Friday, Dec. 15

A to Zoo Lights | Friday, Dec. 15-Wednesday, Jan. 3 | 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | 8811 N. Lombard St., Portland | Free | Marvel at cartoonist Mike Bennett’s latest menagerie of hand-painted animals festooned with festive lights and representing each letter of the alphabet.
The Midwinter Revels: “Emerald Odyssey” | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Alberta Abbey, 126 NE Alberta St., Portland | $16-$74 | Find out what happens when a mysterious stranger wanders into an Irish community celebrating the winter solstice in this performance with singing, dancing, and mumming.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Christmas Photos With Dillon T. Claus | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Pickle Jar, 130 SW Taylor St., Portland | Free | Relish the holidays and bring your friends and family for dill-ightful photos with this local baseball mascot.
Portland Bazaar | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1715 NW 17th Ave., Portland | Free | Support small businesses and shop for last-minute gifts from over 160 local vendors, makers, and purveyors; custom gift wrapping is available.
32nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland | Free | Feel the music throughout your entire body as over 200 tuba players carry out this local tradition.

Events calendar here

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Biz

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News Notes

Community

The city of Vancouver will open its fourth Safe Stay Community for unhoused residents this Friday, Dec. 15. Located at 4611 Main St., the site is part of the city’s Homelessness Response Plan and will shelter up to 40 people at a time in 20 temporary structures.

Number

$15,000-$20,000. That’s the estimated value of a pair of golden Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers donated anonymously to Portland Rescue Mission. The size 12.5 shoes were custom-made for film director Spike Lee and are up for auction through Monday, Dec. 18. Proceeds benefit the Portland shelter. (KGW)

Try This

The Portland Art Museum will extend its evening and weekend hours and offer free admission on the first Thursday of every month starting in the new year. Free First Thursday tickets, as well as free admission to programs at PAM CUT Tomorrow Theater, can be reserved online.

Weather

Portland has about a 2% chance of snowfall on Christmas Day this year, according to the National Weather Service. Warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected over the next couple of weeks, so any precipitation that falls on Dec. 25 will likely be rain. (KOIN)

Job

The US Bureau of Land Management is hiring paid student interns 16 and older for roles in civil engineering, land surveying, and more. Local BLM employees will host a Zoom workshop this Thursday, Dec. 14, to help interested students build a federal resume. Apply by Monday, Dec. 18.

Real Estate

More than 29% of home listings in the Portland metro area sold above the listing price in October — an increase of about 1.4 percentage points compared to the previous year — according to Redfin Corp. The median sales price was $535,000, representing a slight decrease compared to 2022. (Portland Business Journal)

Traffic

Starting Jan. 1, Oregon drivers will be permitted to cross into the left lane — even in no-passing zones — to get around vehicles, including cyclists, traveling at less than half the speed limit. Drivers must drop to at least 5 mph below the speed limit when passing and yield to oncoming traffic. (OPB)

Job

We’re hiring a Branded Copywriter to support the strategy, creation, and placement of branded content campaigns for 6AM City’s clients. From creating dynamic content (including written articles and social) within the 6AM tone and style to closely following the process of how we fulfill advertiser contracts — see details and apply.

Eat

🍕 Eyes on the pies

Take a slice out of Portland’s pizza scene

How do you make a few simple ingredients stand out? Ken’s Artisan Pizza can answer that. | Photo by @kensartisan

Crust us, you can find great pizza in Portland. We’ve pie-oneered a guide of great, local pizzerias and thanks to recommendations from PDXtoday readers, we’ve added new locations to the list.

Pizzeria Stellina, 8000 SE 13th Ave.
With a mouth-watering menu of thin-crust pies ranging from herby ricotta with prosciutto to poached pear with caramelized onion, it might be hard to save room for dessert — but you don’t want to miss the soft serve.

PIZZA KAT, 2174 W. Burnside St.
You can order any 12- or 18-inch pie without cheese or substitute vegan cheese, or just go for one of the signature vegan options like the Club Med or Vegan Luxe.

Dimo’s Apizza, 701 E. Burnside St.
If you’ve never tried (or heard of) New Haven-style pizza, you’re in for a treat. Eater describes it as a “hotter, crispier, and dirtier descendant of Neapolitan style pie.” Thin, charred crust lovers will have a hard time resisting seconds — and thirds.

12 more pizza shops

The Buy

The Buy 12.13.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A heated vest, jacket, or socks from Ororo so you’re actually comfortable this winter. Bonus: They make great holiday gifts, too.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie

From the editor

Clark County residents interested in becoming expert composters can now apply for a free upcoming training program. Those who complete the seven-part training series will receive a compost bin and become certified Composter Recyclers with opportunities to share their knowledge on low-waste living with the community. Trainings start Jan. 31 and run through March.

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