PORTLAND DRIZZLE

Tuesday cool and cloudy with a high of 63 today. Still too early to carve the jack-o-lanterns, with some hot, pumpkin cooking days arriving later this week. Here’s what we know: Portland is starting to get serious about robotaxis, and serious about tasty Halloween treats. Plus we have great news for people who like polar bear cubs. Dancers, hikers, and music likers will all find something to do in tonight’s events. Enjoy!

Portland City Councilors begin looking at rules for robotaxis like Waymo on Tuesday, when the public works committee hears from PBOT. The proposal would cap each company at 75 vehicles and the city at 225 driverless taxis in the first year. Companies would need 50,000 test miles in Portland before offering paid rides. Portland Drivers United wants robotaxis kept out of the city. PBOT expects to bring an ordinance to the committee later this month. KATU

Also, Amazon delivery drones could be coming too- OPB

Just an hour east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is calling, and Gorge Gatherings makes answering easy. This luxury concierge planning service designs romantic weekends, girls' trips, proposals, wellness retreats, farm-to-table dinners, and bachelor and bachelorette celebrations. With more than 20 years of event experience, founder Maggi Shupe handles every detail so you can simply soak in the views. We plan. You enjoy.

Call 435-654-8999

Or visit gorgegatherings.com

Portland's food and drink scene is deep into Halloween mode. Salt & Straw released its annual Halloween Series, including a Creepy Crawly Critters flavor with candied mealworms and chocolate-covered crickets. Woodblock Chocolate's chocolate baby heads are back for October only. Pix Patisserie brought back Ichabod Creme, a pumpkin crème brûlée tart, for its 22nd season. Mikiko Mochi Donuts has a dozen spooky flavors, and McMenamins has a Samhain pop-up bar at The Annex at Crystal Hotel. Bridgetown Bites

Nora, a former fan favorite at the Oregon Zoo, is showing promising signs of pregnancy at Wisconsin's Henry Vilas Zoo. Keepers can't confirm it, because there is no pregnancy test for polar bears. Between March and September, Nora gained 237 pounds, about one third of her body weight, and she is spending more time in her den. If she is pregnant, a cub would likely arrive in December or January. KPTV

Cafe Shedevr has just moved into downtown Portland from Beaverton, along with their collection of Russian with European influenced style fruit/dessert displays. They still do catering and custom cakes. Fans are obsessed with their delightful, eye-catching deserts, and of course they offer coffee and espresso to go along with them.

Maribonn T gave them⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Google:

“We have been looking for a great dessert place and my husband was able to find this gem. They have the macaron cake which is very hard to find in the US. We have tried a couple of their cakes and they were sooo good!!! You can really see the passion and the talent of the chef/owner who we met during our visit. Thank you for existing and baking all these wonderful desserts! We cannot wait to go back! ♥️”

On this day in 1995, Portland dedicated the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden in northeast Portland's Grant Park, a lasting tribute to the beloved author and her characters.

Tuesday, Oct 13

Mazamas Street Rambles, hiking club | Keen Garage (Pearl District)
Weekly Forest Park Tuesday Hike for 20s and 30s | Lower Macleay Park
Queer Salsa Tuesdays (Salsa for Beginners) | Portland Dance Studio (Our Dance Studio)
Montavilla Station Open Mic | Montavilla Station
Open Jam & Games | Barrel Room

If you’re interested in trying out the Canadian table-top game Crokinole, there’s a board you can play at Hollywood Q food hall. Also there’s lots of great food and beer. We went on Friday night to try it out after reading about it. Lynette won 6/7 games 🤣🤣🤣

by Michael Simpson Contact: [email protected]