IMAGE: WW Photo Illustration
- The Oregon Lottery generates more than $500 million a year, most of it from video gambling machines in bars and taverns. Longtime Lottery Commission Chairman Steve Ungar is stepping down and Gov. John Kitzhaber expects to appoint Portland lawyer Elisa Dozono as his replacement. One issue: The Miller Nash law firm, where Dozono is a partner, represents the Dotty’s Deli chain, long among the largest Lottery retailers. “We are aware of that,” says Kitzhaber’s spokesman, Tim Raphael. “And we don’t expect any legal or ethical conflicts.”
- More bad news about Kettleman Bagels being purchased and chewed up by national chain Noah’s Bagels. First, Portlanders lost out on great (that is, authentic) bagels. Turns out the employees of the newly branded Einstein Bros. Bagels lost out, too: They’re no longer allowed to accept tips—even a little change in the jar. The Einstein Noah Restaurant Group tells WW: “[W]e want our employees to deliver on our hospitality and guest service commitment each and every time without any expectation of a cash tip from our guests.” Unhappy employees say the policy will cost them about $100 a week.
- Multnomah County commissioners are preparing to settle for $38,000 with a former jail inmate whose nose was broken when a sheriff’s deputy allegedly punched him. David Hindal was strapped into a restraint chair and on suicide watch in March 2010 when, he says, Deputy Jason Lowe put him in a choke hold and hit him in the face and head several times, breaking his nose. The suit cites nine other incidents dating to 2004 in which Lowe “repeatedly exceeded the use and amount of force necessary to maintain order.” County Corrections Division Chief Deputy Mike Shults tells WW some force used against Hindal was appropriate but that Lowe crossed the line. Shults says Lowe has been disciplined and will receive training. “It’s unreasonable use of force when you tie someone [down] and punch them in the face,” says Kenneth Kreuscher, one of Hindal’s attorneys. “It’s as clear-cut as it gets.”
- The city of Milwaukie took a big step last week toward bringing professional baseball—of a sort—back to the area. A 39-page economic-impact statement for a proposed new ballpark along Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard, just south of the Portland city line, claims Milwaukie compares favorably with other cities with Class A short-season franchises. The report says a $25-million stadium complex could generate enough cash to pay down its debts. Milwaukie City Councilor Greg Chaimov says he and his colleagues will vote May 15 on whether to move forward with the proposal. Milwaukie voters could have a say on a funding measure in November.
