Hawthorne’s empty storefronts are emblematic of challenges facing Portland shopping districts
Updated Jan 27, 2021;
When Ray Ameripour opened Classic Collection Hats on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard over a decade ago, his neighbors stopped by with well wishes and baked goods. It made him feel an immediate connection to the neighborhood, one that would only grow over time.
He loved how vibrant Hawthorne felt as Portlanders and tourists alike flocked to the area, drawn to the eclectic shops and local restaurants that have long made the district one of the city’s premier shopping destinations.
But Ameripour doesn’t know if his shop will survive the coronavirus pandemic.
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Israeli Restaurants Shalom Y’all and Aviv Were Vandalized in What Appears to Be a Larger Graffiti Spree A sports memorabilia shop on Hawthorne Boulevard was also tagged with references to Indigenous sovereignty despite being Native-owned. IMAGE: KATU-TV. Updated January 12 Three restaurants with Israeli-inspired menus were tagged over the weekend in what appears to have been part of a larger spree against Portland businesses. Vandals targeted both locations of Shalom Y all, as well as Aviv s brand-new Pearl District eatery. Spray-painted messages on the buildings exterior and sidewalk included Free Palestine, Murder and Yuppie Scum.