Plus: Savør is a week of sober sipping.
 
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Today’s Forecast

49º | Showers | 49% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 5:24 p.m.
 
🦦 Planning the next 15 years at the Oregon Zoo
A rendering shows a potential design for a future penguin enclosure outside. The penguins stand around a spacious outdoor enclosure surrounded by trees and observers.
If you’ve visited the penguins at Oregon Zoo, you know that everyone could benefit from some fresh air. | Rendering via Oregon Zoo
When the Oregon Zoo lost power during the recent winter storms, staff were able to keep animals safe thanks to emergency generators, funded by a $125 million voter-approved bond in 2008.

Soon, the Portland public will again be asked to show their support for the state’s most-visited ticketed attraction, with approx. 1.5 million guests per year, beyond just keeping the lights on.

At its core, the Oregon Zoo is committed to animal conservation and well-being, education, and sustainability, here in the Pacific Northwest and abroad. Nearly 40% of its 64 acres has undergone dramatic changes over the past decade thanks to past community investment, including the construction of a veterinary center and expanded classrooms, plus enclosure upgrades for the chimpanzees, polar bears, elephants, condors, and other species.

Now, Metro will put the next phase of upgrades in front of voters in the May election. According to officials, the proposed 15 year, $380 million bond would not increase current tax rates of 8.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value — about $3.54 per month for the owner of a $500,000 home.

A curious sea otter at the Oregon Zoo nuzzles close to the camera, its whiskers arcing from its face and dripping with water.

Whatever the future sea otter enclosure looks like, we hope it has a full basketball court.

|

Photo via Oregon Zoo

Priority investments would include water and energy saving systems and steps toward transitioning to a fossil fuel-free campus. Climate resilience and accessibility improvements are also on the docket.

Perhaps the most visible impacts for visitors would be the overhaul of several of the zoo’s oldest habitats; the penguin and sea otter areas date back to the 1950s, and the Africa section (especially the giraffe enclosure) would be another emphasis.

If the measure passes, the Oregon Zoo will put together a more detailed implementation plan outlining specific timing for its various projects by this fall.
 
Asked
 
If the Oregon Zoo’s bond passes during the next election, what would you want to see prioritized?
A. Enclosure upgrades
B. Community outreach
C. Conservation efforts
D. Other
 
Active Path Mental Health
 
Events
 
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Trivia & Taco Tuesdays | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 7-9 p.m. | The Advice Booth, 5426 N. Gay Ave., Portland | Free | Stuff your face and flex your brain with friends to take home the top prize.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
  • Craft Mixology Class: Cupid & Cocktails | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Straightaway Cocktails, 901 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland | $85 | Shake up (and stir) some love at this great date night where you’ll elevate your libation game.
  • Yassir Lester | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 8 p.m. | Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE Ninth Ave., Portland | $10-$30 | Have a laugh with the stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and director, most known for Showtime’s series “Black Monday.”
Thursday, Feb. 8
  • Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $5+ | It’s a battle of the bottom dwellers when the last-placed team in the Eastern Conference comes to town — hey, at least tickets are cheap.
Friday, Feb. 9
  • Epic Garage Sale 2024 | Friday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | Monticello Antique Marketplace, 8600 SE Stark St., Portland | Free | Hidden treasures for rock-bottom prices? You’re in the right place.
Saturday, Feb. 10
  • Goth Bingo | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 8 p.m. | Either/Or, 4003 N. Williams Ave., Portland | $1-$2 | Dress in your black heart attire for a special pre-Valentine’s Day event where the more emo you are, the better.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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Sports
 
🏈 Super essentials for game day
A rotating gif of Super Bowl game day essentials, including tees that support Taylor and a slow cooker buffet.
It’s Super Bowl LVIII: Taylor’s Version. | Photos via Amazon
Ready for Super Bowl Sunday? Gear up for hosting, snacking, and cheering on Taylor’s boyfriend your favorite team with game day essentials.
 
News Notes
 
Feel Good
  • Do you have a local love story? Submit your memories to our local love map by Friday, Feb. 9 for a chance to be featured in the newsletter. Psst — putting your love on the map makes a nice surprise for your sweetheart.
Try This
  • Enjoy a spirit-free sip at 15+ cocktail bars during Savør week, a celebration organized by Portland’s nonalcoholic drink-finding app BuzzCutt. Originally planned for Dry January, the event will now run until Saturday, Feb. 10. Each location will have an $8 mocktail on the menu. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Cause
  • Blood donations are down by 40% over the last two decades according to the American Red Cross. That trend, coupled with Oregon having the most canceled blood drives (due to winter storms) in the country, has put reserves at an all-time low. Find a donation event in your area. (OPB)
Ranked
  • OpenTable published its Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America, which analyzed “over 12 million diner reviews and metrics” to find spots that had users head-over-heels. RingSide Steakhouse represented the City of Roses thanks to its cozy ambiance, wine selection, quality steaks, and fireplace.
Biz
  • In the face of an uncertain 2024, Columbia Sportswear has announced it will implement layoffs that will cut the company’s US corporate personnel costs by 3 to 5%. It’s unclear how many people will be let go at the Portland headquarters, however the actions are expected to be completed by the end of March. (Portland Business Journal)
Number
  • $4.25 million. That’s how much funding is being distributed to the Portland urbanized area in FY2024 through the Carbon Reduction Program. A few months ago, you told us how you’d like to see the funding utilized.
Finance
  • If you’ve been dreaming of a “one-card wallet,” it’s time to wake up and get your hands on this credit card. Not only does it offer 0% APR into 2025, but cardholders can also earn up to 5% cash back — with no annual fee to boot.*
 
 
Shop
 
How sweet is your love?
A graphic with cartoon candy hearts that have different gift categories written inside, like "Home Goods" and "Books."
Six & Main’s snacks, cards, and home goods might just be our love language.  | Graphic by 6AM City
Consider this your official reminder that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. We’re making it easy for you to find the sweetest, most unique gifts for friends, family, and significant others. Bonus: These gifts ship right to your door. Scroll and shop your favorites.
  • City Editor Cambrie’s pick: “This little point-and-shoot camera has been a major hit in my household. You get instant keepsake prints that you can put a wallet, drop in a card, or hang on a ribbon to be reminded of special memories.”
  • City Editor Ben’s pick: “Look out for the flock-arazzi. This ingenious bird feeder and camera combination is the perfect gift for the backyard nature lover in your life.”
Want more options? Swoon over Six & Main’s Valentine’s Day collection.
 
The Buy
 
This set of six colored wine glasses, which remind us of Estelle stemware, only more affordable. The multicolor stemware set is perfect for parties, Galentine’s Day, or girls’ night in.
 
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The Wrap
 
Today’s edition by:
Ben
From the editor
Over the weekend I went to Portland Art Museum for its Miller Family Free Day. Although most of the galleries are closed during construction, I still got to see Africa Fashion and Black Artists of Oregon — and they were phenomenal. Both of the exhibitions will be leaving soon, so I highly recommend going to see them.
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