By ANDREW WILKINS

The lack of investment in East Portland emerges in so many ways, but deaths of vulnerable road users is one of the most shocking.

Traffic fatalities are up citywide, but thanks to input from local indie media source Bike Portand and advocacy group Oregon Walks, we now know that the rate of pedestrian deaths east of 82nd Avenue is twice that of the rest of Portland based on mapping the 48 pedestrian deaths between 2017 and 2019.

Also, in less than a two mile stretch on outer Stark Street (between SE 122nd & 162nd Avenues) four people have been killed in last four months.

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Published this week by new contributor Griffin Malone, is this story about another grievance against local law enforcement when it comes to race and policing: “Portland Police are consistently booking people of color protestors as white“.

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If you haven’t learned by now how important it is to participate and to have a fair and transparent vote-counting process, Travis Stovall is the new mayor of Gresham— winning by just 13 votes.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH

Christmas concert

It’s a Christmas concert from a local Portland group in their seventh season of bringing holiday cheer.

“Eclectic Christmas performs original arrangements of familiar Christmas carols and songs in a variety of styles including: Bach, bluegrass, jazz, folk, rock and more.”

Online * 7 pm * free, but donations are accepted

Shop local

If you haven’t yet this year, check out Mercy Corps‘ 7th annual holiday Northwest Made Holiday Market! Mercy Corps provides “vital financing, mentorship and education” to small businesses locally (including Village Portland, full disclosure).

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Story times, talk time, and other interesting opportunities… Multnomah County‘s great collection of educational events have moved online… check out the list here.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

Farmers market

The Montavilla Farmers Market is twice a month now, and the next market is on December 13th. Also attending will be Fill Your Pantry and Come Thru Market farmers! They’ll have a holiday market on December 20th.

Also, check out this feature from Julianna Robidoux on Come Thru from a few months back.

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Sunday heat

It’s may not be a family-friendly event, but it certainly is one of the best events to see a variety of amazing Portland performers.

Sinferno is online now, and features Jax, one of Village Portland’s contributors. If you missed her tongue-in-cheek call to turn on downtown’s fountains to rally civic pride, give it a watch here.

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Have a good weekend all! Take care of yourself and each other.