Your Daily Guide

Massive Improvement in 911 Wait Times

Four years ago, it took 911 operators in Portland an average of 77 seconds to answer emergency calls. There’s been significant improvement with operators now answering the calls four times faster — in 18 seconds. That’s after the Bureau of Emergency Communications filled most of its vacant positions. [OPB]

• Context: Still, wait times are slower than the prepandemic average of 11 seconds, and lags behind the national standard of 90% of calls answered within 15 seconds.

Rainy and Snowy Winter Ahead?

Climatologists are predicting “one of the strongest El Niños we’ve had” for the West. The average El Niño weather pattern brings warmer and drier temperatures starting in August, but in contrast, a super El Niño, which the West has experienced just three times since 1980, could bring a lot more rain and much-needed mountain snowpack this winter. [Oregon Capitol Chronicle]

Trail Blazers Owner Demands 100% Public Subsidies

At a public appearance in Portland this week, Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon said that keeping the team in Portland is a financial sacrifice that he’s only willing to make if the local governments come up with the public subsidies to renovate the Moda Center. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

It wasn’t the distinctive sign that helped a reader identify last week’s scavenger hunt location:

“I think that’s at Trade Up Music on Southeast 46th and Division,” writes reader Leo. “I’ve never noticed it, but it’s the type of thing they’d have and the window frame looks like their building. It’s a great music store run by good people.”

Another reader says there’s a similar sign elsewhere: “Next to The Jack London. Musicians load-in/load out,” writes reader Martin.

A shoutout to those two readers.

This week’s scavenger hunt is from reader and photographer Geoffrey Hiller:

This week’s scavenger hunt is a bit different. It’s a spot of nature. Do you know what this area is called?

Please click here to submit the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt every Friday. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll reveal the answer and shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly.

📸 Want to submit a photo?Please email me a snapshot of somewhere in the Portland metro area, and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!