Morning Roundup: Portland rethinks homeless shelters; Oregon pot labs in business


In today’s news, Land Use board blocks Right 2 Dream Too relocation, Little Big Burger settles a wage dispute suit and Oregon pot labs gear up for business.

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1. Right 2 Dream Too future unclear

The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals has blocked Portland’s attempt to relocate Right 2 Dream Too to the Central Eastside, according to the Oregonian. The board ruled the city misapplied zoning rules when it made the decision to move the homeless camp from downtown. The ruling, which determined mass shelters are not allowed on industrial property, has implications for other homeless shelter projects as well. Portland Developer Homer Williams said Monday he intends to move forward with his plans for a shelter at Terminal 1.

2. Portland burger chain settles wage dispute

Little Big Burger founders Micah Camden and Katie Poppe settled a wage dispute lawsuit yesterday for $675,000, the Portland Business Journal reports. The suit alleged employees were not being compensated for overtime pay, and one former employee alleged they were fired after demanding unpaid wages. Little Big Burger was purchased by Chanticleer Holdings — which owns Hooters — last September for $6.1 million.

3. Oregon pot labs in business

Oregon has issued its first four laboratory and processor licenses for marijuana facilities. All four labs are in Multnomah County, reports the Portland Business Journal. Pixis Labs and Green Leaf Labs can test cannabis flower, while Loud Labs and Frave Inc. can process cannabis flower to produce other marijuana products.

4. In other pot news, Bend tests home delivery

State rules changed in June increasing the value delivery persons can carry from $100 to $3,000, which makes marijuana delivery more cost effective. The Bend Bulletin reports dispensaries are keen on the idea for customer convenience, but also for medical marijuana patients who have a hard time getting to facilities.

5. Oregon candidates part of federal elections complaint

A federal elections complaint has been filed for contributions made by American Pacific International Capital, a Chinese-owned company that has donated thousands to Oregon candidates. Willamette Week reports the company used to have holdings in Portland, including the KOIN Center tower and the Oregon Pacific Building, but the company has since vacated the Rose City. Oregon election law doesn’t prohibit foreign campaign contributions, unlike federal rules, which is why the complaint was filed with the federal board. Donations were made to to Charlie Hales, Ted Wheeler, Tobias Read and John Kitzhaber, among others.

6. Speaking of foreign companies, Pendleton Woolen Mills is expanding in Japan

Pendleton’s signature wool products are already available in about 500 Japanese stores, in outdoor and hipster boutiques according to the East Oregonian. A recent agreement with Japanese distributor Sojitz Corporation will expand product availability into department stores.