Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the latest research into Oregon’s income disparities, the famous burger shop causing controversy in Beaverton, and the dark money political group that’s calling it quits. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Oregonian business and technology reporter Mike Rogoway and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni.  Discussed in Today’s Episode:  Oregon Poverty Remains Relatively Low Overall – but Higher for Some Groups, and in Some Places [Oregonian🔒] Portland-Area In-N-Out Plans Were Approved (Again); Here’s What We Know [Oregonian🔒] Vote for the Best Burger in the Portland Area: The Oregonian’s Readers Choice Awards [Oregonian] Controversial Dark Money Group, People For Portland, Dissolves Amid State Elections Investigation [Portland Mercury] Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Portland and Hey Portland running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Portland today. Every member makes a difference! Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 4th episode: Paint Care City Club of Portland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you spend any time in East Portland, you might notice how the region lacks the parks and sidewalks common in the rest of our city. The lack of city infrastructure is mirrored by the fact that East Portland residents also feel perennially underrepresented by city government — but that’s about to change. Today we’re talking with one of the city’s East Portland experts: Randy Leonard. He’s a former state legislator and Portland commissioner who first moved to East Portland in the ’80’s. Leonard is here to talk about the history of that area, the politics that led to its lack of infrastructure, and how those issues might factor into the coming election. Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Portland and Hey Portland running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Portland today. Every member makes a difference! Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 3rd episode: Paint Care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the weather turns wetter and colder, many of us are going to be looking for new clothes for the season. But whether you’re trying to limit your impact on the environment or are just into scoring deals, our city has an overwhelming amount of good thrift and vintage stores for you. So many in fact, it can feel overwhelming just knowing where to start. Today we’re listening back to a conversation with Jay Flewelling, a self-proclaimed “thrift store junky” and a local comedian. He’s sharing all his best thrifting tips on where to go, for whatever you’re hoping to find, without having to spend too much. This conversation first aired on June 12, 2024 Discussed in Today’s Episode: Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette Value Village Union Gospel Mission Estate Sale Finder William Temple House ReTails Red White & Blue  Deseret Industries  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 23rd episode: Visit Vancouver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re looking into a new-age spirituality group that’s raising eyebrows in Ashland, and how they fit into Oregon’s strange propensity for attracting religious cults. Plus, we’ll take a look at the worst reviews of some of Portland’s best karaoke spots. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this midweek news roundup is our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today’s Episode: The TwinRay Mystery: A Spiritual Group in Ashland Raises Eyebrows and Worries [OPB]    Inside Ashland's TwinRay Cult [The Guru]  ‘Bundyville’ [OPB] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s the perfect time of year to jump from dance club to music bar for a late night out in the city. Producer Giulia Fiaoni has spent a lot of time tracking down the best places to dance in town and joins host, Claudia Meza, with tips on how to make the most out of a night out dancing – whether you’re moshing to live punk, grooving to ABBA, or learning how to two-step, we’ve got you covered.  This conversation first aired on Jan. 16, 2024 Places to Dance This Mess Around: Lollipop Shoppe  The Coffin Club The Goodfoot Aztec Willies Landmark Saloon Holocene Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey there! We are excited to share the trailer for a new special limited series from our friends and colleagues at City Cast Denver. If you’re a fan of what we do at City Cast, you’ll want to check it out: You’ve probably heard a story about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Like, how she got kicked out of a production of “Beetlejuice” for vaping and groping her date. Or, that time she heckled President Biden during his State of the Union address. Throughout it all, she keeps winning elections and amassing followers, so it’s hard not to watch her meteoric rise and wonder: What does it mean for the future of American Politics? Host Bree Davies and Executive Producer Paul Karolyi have been covering Boebert’s wildest moments on City Cast Denver for years. And with only a month until her make-or-break primary on June 25, they’re talking to former friends and rivals, supporters and detractors, real people throughout Colorado who have been affected by her work in Congress, and hopefully Lauren herself.  It’s a new limited series from City Cast, because no matter how you feel about her, you have to admit, it feels like Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose. Subscribe to Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose wherever you get your podcasts. Our first episode drops on May 15. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the safety issues facing Portland’s transit system, the aftermath of the PSU ceasefire protests, and the city camping ban that has been officially approved after many iterations. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this week’s Friday news roundup are Portland Mercury news reporter Taylor Griggs and our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed on Today’s Episode: STREET VIEW: Public Transit Safety Concerns Deserve a Thoughtful Response [Portland Mercury]  Students in Oregon and Across U.S. Call for Divestment. It’s Not So Simple. [Oregonian]  Posts Called for Targeted Vandalism, Violence During Portland State University Protests, Police Say [KGW]  PSU Requests Portland Police Help in Clearing Library Occupied by Student Protesters [Oregonian] Portland Mayor’s Scaled-Back Homeless Camping Ban Approved, Enforcement Can Begin Immediately [Oregonian] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Bon Coeur Home and Wellness with offer code BonCoeurCityCast20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four of the five seats on the Multnomah County Commission are up for grabs during this month’s primary election. Despite being under-the-radar for many voters, this race could lead to a significant shift in the priorities of county leaders. Today, Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh is sharing his cheat sheet on who’s running and where they stand on the issues. And don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure what the county commission even does — we’ve got you covered. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Bon Coeur Home and Wellness with offer code BonCoeurCityCast20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last year, Portland’s had alternative shelters spring up, a 90-day fentanyl emergency declared, Measure 110 rolled back, and a ton of money funneled into new affordable housing. But are any of these things changing the day-to-day on city streets? Today we’re asking Blanchet House executive director Scott Kerman about his ground-level perspective on the state of homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health.  Mentioned in this episode: What Portland Gets Wrong About Old Town [City Cast Portland 🎧] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Bon Coeur Home and Wellness with offer code BonCoeurCityCast20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the proposed $8.2 billion city budget that dropped last Friday, including some of the items the Portland Clean Energy Fund is throwing down for, as well as a couple of updates on some stories we talked about in last week’s Friday news roundup. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s midweek roundup is our executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed on Today’s Episode: Mayor Ted Wheeler plans to fully fund Portland Street Response, cash-strapped Fire Bureau [Oregonian]  Mayor's Proposed Budget City of Portland, Oregon Fiscal Year 2024-25 [Portland.gov] U.S. Senate Dems Launch Renewed Push for Full Marijuana Legalization [Oregon Capital Chronicle]   Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Bon Coeur Home and Wellness with offer code BonCoeurCityCast20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Oakley is best known for his work as a showrunner for “The Simpsons”; he’s probably written some of your favorite lines from the show. But in recent years, Oakley has become Portland’s resident fast food expert. With National Hamburger Day coming up on May 28, Oakley is here to give us his honest takes on Portland’s fast food scene — from vegan junk food to the best burgers — as well as his expert opinion on where Homer Simpson would dine in town.  This episode originally aired on Nov 21, 2023. Restaurants Discussed in Today’s Episode: The Original Food Carts at John’s Marketplace The Hinterland Bar & Food Carts Gnarlys Boxcar Pizza Buddy’s Steaks Bottle Rocket Burgers Bunk Bar Canard Fuller's Burger Shack MidCity Smashedburger Farmer and the Beast Sure Shot Burger Hit the Spot! Wolfs Head Burger Champs Burger Los Burros Supremos Tight Tacos Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Bon Coeur Home and Wellness with offer code BonCoeurCityCast20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 503 Day, everyone! Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about some of the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s planned greenway additions, what the upcoming federal reclassification of cannabis would mean to our local industry, and the participatory budgeting campaign currently gathering signatures. Plus, we reveal our new unofficial city slogan! Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week’s Potlander column author, Brianna Wheeler, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed on Today’s Episode: Federal Cannabis Reclassification Could Bring Pharmaceutical Companies to Oregon’s Marijuana Industry [OPB] What Would You Do With $15 Million of City Money? Petition Would Give Portlanders a Say [Portland Mercury] News Release: Biking in Portland Grows by 5%, as PBOT Announces New Greenways and Retrofits Opening This Year [Portland.gov]  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the past month, City Cast Portland has been campaigning to make May 3 an official holiday celebrating all that is Portland. But since it’s a brand-new holiday, host Claudia Meza and producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni have picked the best ideas for how to celebrate the inaugural 503 Day, with contributions from city leaders, regular contributors, and you — our amazing listeners. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about Portland scoring a WNBA team and mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio’s latest car-related infraction. Plus, updates to this week’s big stories, including Mayor Ted Wheeler’s chief of staff Bobby Lee resigning after reports that he directed $60,000 in taxpayer money to a city art project. Joining host Claudia Meza on this Friday news roundup are KBOO news director, Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today’s Episode: Portland Lands WNBA Expansion Franchise Set to Play in 2026 [Oregonian] Portland Mayoral Hopeful Carmen Rubio, Dogged by Driving Record, Damages Parked Tesla, Then Walks Away [Oregonian🔒]  ‘Exceedingly Close Call’ of Illegality in Gonzalez’s Wikipedia Edits, Portland Auditor Says; Calls for State Investigation [Oregonian] Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Chief of Staff Announces Resignation [OPB]  Prosper Portland Board Votes to Sell Eastside Lot to Live Nation’s Development Partners [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 20th episode: Portland Art Museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Portland community.  From checking out a mausoleum tour to getting outdoors with a NW forest pass, there’s no shortage of things to do this month in Portland. So the City Cast Portland team is here to narrow down your May bucket list to the must-dos, like this seasonal food guide.  One bonus suggestion from our episode archive: “Why Spring Is the Perfect Time To Visit Oregon’s High Desert” For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Portland, check out Hey Portland’s take on what to do this month.  City Cast Portland is powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Portland. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Reach us at portland@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re starting something new: neighborhood guides where we talk with notable Portlanders about the good, the bad, and the ugly of where they live. First up: potentially our most controversial neighborhood, Old Town Chinatown. Suzette Smith, from the Portland Mercury, has lived there for nearly a decade and has plenty of reasons why we have Old Town pegged all wrong. And a note to our ride-or-dies: our midweek roundup will be back next week. Places mentioned in this episode: Karaoke From Hell at Dante’s Sushi Ichiban Darcelle XV Showplace Kingsland Kitchen Little Peacock Hallway PDX Deadstock Coffee Cafe United Stumptown Kells Irish Pub Buranko Cafe The Society Hotel The Hoxton Lan Su Chinese Garden Sizzle Pie Voodoo Doughnut Pine Street Market Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: McMenamins UFO Fest May 17 & 18 in McMinnville Cake Hoopla in Tigard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite our iconic forests, mountains, and waterfalls, some Oregonians say the real adventure awaits us in the high desert, east of the Cascades. Out there, you’ll see landscapes unlike anywhere else in the Northwest, remnants of volcanic activity, aromatic brush and desert wildflowers, black-tailed jackrabbits, and a big ole crack in the ground. Today on City Cast Portland, Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding fills us in on why spring is the perfect time to visit the high desert. Discussed in today’s episode: Maupin Lower Deschutes River Criterion Tract Smith Rock Gray Butte Painted Hills Natural Beef Christmas Valley Fort Rock Crack in the Ground The Lost Forest and Shifting Sand Dunes Summer Lake Hot Springs Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: McMenamins UFO Fest May 17 & 18 in McMinnville Cake Hoopla in Tigard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re talking about why a North Portland affordable housing development for seniors is sitting empty, which type of homeless shelters are most successful in moving people into permanent housing, and whether Metro should be diverting supportive housing services dollars to buy existing cheap residential properties. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are KOIN 6 investigative reporter Elise Haas, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories discussed in today’s episode: Rosemont Court Residents Wonder, ‘What Is Our Fate?’ [KOIN] Study Finds Motels and Village Shelters Provide Best Outcome for Those Experiencing Homelessness [KGW] Portland Apartment Buildings Are Selling Cheap. Is That an Opportunity for Local Governments? [Willamette Week] Inside a Portland Micro-Village [City Cast Portland 🎧] What’s Working (and Not) in Portland’s Shelter Programs [City Cast Portland 🎧] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 21, a primary election is likely to decide whether Mike Schmidt remains Multnomah County’s District Attorney or if instead the job will be passed on to Nathan Vasquez, a prosecutor working in the DA's office. Schmidt has appeared on the show a couple of times, so today we’re talking with Vasquez about why he thinks our city would be safer with him in office. Events mentioned in today’s episode: The Portland Night Market ‘Return of the Living Dead 3’ at the Clinton Street Theater ’Avatar: The Last Airbender’ in Concert at the Keller Auditorium Register to vote in the May primary election Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Nguyen is the owner of Portland’s Sports Bra — the first bar in America dedicated to playing only women’s sports. Following this week’s news that The Sports Bra plans to begin opening franchises nationwide, we’re revisiting a conversation host Claudia Meza had with Nguyen about her role in raising the profile of college and professional women’s basketball, in our city and across the country. This conversation originally aired on May 25, 2023 Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about a recent report on the health of the Willamette River and our local coastal waters. We also have updates on stories from last week, including Commissioner Rene Gonzalez’s backtracking on Mayor Ted Wheeler’s updated camping ban, and redemption for a maligned executive producer. Joining host Claudia Meza on our midweek roundup is our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today’s Episode: Oregon Could Place Limits on River Trash, Ocean Acidification [OPB] The Portland Spirit Turns 30 Years Old [Willamette Week] Gonzalez’s Punitive Camping Ban, Unfinished City Projects in SE, and Changing Public School Funding [City Cast Portland] Gonzalez Pares Back Camping Ban Proposal [Willamette Week]   High-Visibility Crossing at SE 80th and Stark [Montavilla News] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Joint Office of Homeless Services was created in 2016 to centralize planning for homelessness programs and coordinate services between the county and the city. But despite a budget of $279 million a year, critics say it’s been slow to act and ineffective. There’s been enough controversy that the city auditor’s office just released a comprehensive look at the office. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with KC Jones, the city’s director of the audit services division, about what’s working in shelter programs, what’s broken, and how it’s getting fixed. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about delayed and unfinished city infrastructure projects in Montavilla, how parent fundraising for Portland Public Schools might be changing, and Commissioner Gonzalez’s surprise camping ban proposal. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are City Cast director of digital strategy, Bryan M. Vance, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed on Today’s Episode: $5M Update to SE Portland Park Will Include New Skatepark, Playground [FOX12]  Is Portland’s Tradition of Parent Fundraising to Add Teachers at Their Child’s School Near an End? [Oregonian]   Rene Gonzalez, Candidate for Portland Mayor, Pitches More Punitive Approach to Homeless Campers [Oregonian]  Vans Staffed with Medical Workers Bring Physical, Mental Health Care to Unhoused Portlanders Where They Are [Oregonian 🔒] No Sidewalk? Your Problem. [City Cast Portland 🎧] City Camping Ban Revised and Portland’s Giant Powerball Winner. Plus, Plans for 503 Day! [City Cast Portland 🎧] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Camps at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This tax season, $5.61 billion is headed back into our pockets, courtesy of Oregon’s largest-ever “kicker” tax credit. Why were our state economists so far off? And why don’t they just use that money on all the stuff Oregon really NEEDS, like mental health services, housing, or schools? Today on City Cast Portland, OPB politics and government reporter Dirk VanderHart is walking us through the hows and whys of the Oregon law — and hopefully sharing with us how he’s spending his rebate. Discussed in today’s episode: Oregon’s massive kicker is spurring a fresh look at the state’s unique tax rebate law [OPB]  Events mentioned in today’s episode: Earth Day ReUse Craft Fair at the ReBuilding Center, Saturday Portland Mercury’s Pizza Week, through Sunday One Moto Show, through Sunday Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Camps at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past decade, scientists and activists have been sounding the alarm about a looming environmental disaster right in the heart of our city. The Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub or CEI Hub is where 90% of Oregon’s liquid fuel is stored – and it just so happens to reside on wildly unstable land, right by the Willamette River. So what happens not if, but when an earthquake hits? And what can we do now to avoid an environmental catastrophe? Science reporter Erin Ross is here to walk us through what’s at stake.  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 19th episode: Portland Art Museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with WeShine, a neighbor-organized nonprofit that builds and runs micro-villages in our city. Executive Director Jan McManus and facility coordinator Hunter Burkett are sharing how their micro-villages address the ongoing housing crisis and how their model fits in with the city and county’s larger efforts to address homelessness. Volunteer at WeShine: https://weshinepdx.org/about/join-us/ Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Camps at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about how Pho Gabo owner Eddie Dong is preparing to sue the city after an odor ordinance forced him to close his restaurant. Plus, we play our new one-star review game, where we read some hilariously brutal one-star reviews of very popular outdoor spaces and attempt to name the establishments. Joining host Claudia Meza on the midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Pho Gabo Owner Eddie Dong Prepares to Sue City [Willamette Week] Why a Portland Restaurant Closed for Smelling Like Food [City Cast Portland 🎧]   Portland’s 25 Best Patios and Rooftop Bars for Soaking up the Sun [Oregonian] The ‘Nasal Ranger’ Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Camps at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Portlanders seem to have a bit of a superiority complex regarding our suburbs, but over the past decade or so, areas like Beaverton and Hillsboro have become serious foodie destinations. Today on City Cast Portland, Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden is sharing her picks for the best places to eat west of the city. Restaurants discussed in this episode: Coredam Always Spring Restaurant The Korean Mama Yvette Ciao India Sweets and Spices Yuubi Sushi Oyatsupan Bakers Jollibee Magna Kubo Best Baguette Ome Calli Frozen Treats Hapa Pizza Don’s Favorite Foods Bootleggers Whiskey Bar Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Camps at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the costly outcome of Mayor Ted Wheeler’s missing text messages, Lake Oswego’s battle to keep the public out of their lake, and the dramatic cost increase in rebuilding Jefferson High School. Joining host Claudia Meza on our Friday news roundup are our very own producer Giulia Fiaoni and Althea Billings, KBOO news director and host of the weekly talk show “The Gap.” Stories Discussed in Today’s Episode: The Cost of Rebuilding Portland’s Jefferson High School Is Going Up. A Lot [OPB] Portland Pays $167,000 To Settle Lawsuit Over Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Text Messages [OPB] How Thousands of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Texts Were Missing for Years [OPB] Fight Over Access to Oswego Lake Heads Back to Trial [OPB] Jury Trial Underway in Lawsuit Challenging Lake Oswego Ban on Public Lake Access [KGW] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham’ at Seattle Rep through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2020, Oregon was the first state in the U.S. to pass a law legalizing psilocybin use at treatment centers. And now there are nearly 300 licensed facilitators across the state and by last year, more than 700 people had already gone through treatment. But what does therapy look like? How much does it cost, and is it really worth it? Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Courtney Campbell, a trained facilitator and founder of Chariot — a Portland-based psilocybin service center — to answer all of our questions concerning this new type of therapy.  Events mentioned in today’s episode: The Ladds 500 Saturday at 10 a.m. The Portland Trail Blazers Friday at 7 p.m. The Portland Timbers Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Portland Winterhawks both Friday (7 p.m.) and Saturday (6 p.m.) The Sip and Shop Pop-up Market at White Owl Social Club Saturday at 4 p.m. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham’ at Seattle Rep through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists say we’re long overdue for a devastatingly large earthquake. They predict it could be big enough to bring down most of Portland’s bridges and cut off electricity and water for weeks. And after recent high-profile quakes in Taiwan and New Jersey, experts are reminding anyone who will listen that Portland is not ready for The Big One. Today science journalist Erin Ross is updating us on experts’ latest Cascadia earthquake predictions and sharing tips on how to keep you and your family safe. Preparedness resources: Preparing for the Cascadia Earthquake The Great ShakeOut Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET) Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Oregon Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham’ at Seattle Rep through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about Mayor Ted Wheeler’s new proposed camping ban ordinance and the $1.3 billion Powerball winner in Northeast Portland. Plus we’re reading from our listener mailbag about your ideas for the very real 503 Day. Joining host Claudia Meza on the midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Oregon Powerball Player Wins $1.3B Jackpot After 3 Months Without a Grand Prize [OPB] Portland Leaders Plan to Drop Restrictive Camping Ban, Propose Outlawing Camping Only When Shelter is Available [Oregonian] Overlook Porchfest [Instagram] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham’ at Seattle Rep through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Multnomah County Library is one of the busiest library systems in the country based on circulation. With a $387 million dollar construction boom underway, as well as ongoing concerns about safety, there’s a lot more going on than just quiet reading these days. Today on City Cast Portland, executive producer John Notarianni talks with the library’s director Vailey Oehlke about the massive changes coming to libraries across the region. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Science Week From the Association of Science Communicators through April 12 ‘Fat Ham’ at Seattle Rep through through May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the Portland Police Bureau’s handling of a decades-old rape case linked to a man convicted of killing a well-known Portland activist. We’re also discussing the need for additional mental health and drug treatment staff for beds funded in this year’s legislative session and the Moda Center court’s irregular 3-point lines discovered by a fan at this year’s women’s March Madness games. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s roundup are OPB producer and podcast host of “The Evergreen” Jenn Chávez, and our very own producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed in Today’s Episode: Man Who Killed Portland Activist Linked by DNA to Decades-Old Rape [OPB] Oregon Lawmakers Allocated $85M to Add Mental Health Treatment Beds, Didn’t Show Same Drive to Expedite Staffing [Oregonian 🔒]           How a Portland Divorce Lawyer Spotted the Irregular 3-Point Lines on the Moda Center Court [Willamette Week]  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland area’s rainy weather and rich soil give us exceptional local produce, but some crops that can only be found here are at risk of disappearing. Today we’re talking with food historian (and City Cast Las Vegas co-host) Sarah Lohman. She investigated the country’s nearly-forgotten foods in her recent book “Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods,” and is joining us to talk about some of our area’s rarest foods —where to find them and how to keep them alive. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about a string of seemingly organized restaurant break-ins and what the city is finally doing about it. Plus, we dive into our listener mailbag to hear your thoughts on MAX train fare evasions, neighborhood recommendations, and more! Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni.  Discussed in Today’s Episode: 'Very Scary for Us': Northeast Portland Restaurants Hit With Back-to-Back Break-Ins [KGW] One of World’s Best Cocktails Bars Comes to Portland Next Month [Oregonian🔒] The 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024 [Bon Appétit] Clyde Common has Closed, Ending Go-Go Era for Downtown Portland Dining [Oregonian] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 18th episode: Portland Art Museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a $2.1 billion dollar renovation underway at Portland International Airport, we had questions for the airport experts. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with the guy in charge of this massive renovation project: Christopher Neal, director of PDX Next Operations for the Port of Portland. He’s letting us know what to expect from this expansion, whether flying has become more dangerous, and if a certain carpet is ever coming back. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland we’ll look at how Oregon’s new “right to repair” law could help customers across the country get cell phones fixed, hear about the latest local battle over pickleball noise complaints, and dive into our mailbag to discuss city smells and spring bicycling tips. Discussed in Today’s Episode: With Kotek’s Signature, Oregon Now Has One of the Nation’s Strongest ‘Right to Repair’ Laws [OPB]         Oregon’s Governor Signs Right-to-Repair Law that Bans ‘Parts Pairing’ [The Verge] Irvington Club Pauses Pickleball After Receiving Cease-and-Desist Letter From Neighbor [Willamette Week] Your Guide to April in Portland [City Cast Portland] Repair PDX Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy April! Today on City Cast Portland we have our top picks for the month in food, entertainment, and everything in between. Joining host Claudia Meza on the show are our very own producers, John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni. Our Picks for April: Dog Mountain Oregon Park Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Portland Japanese Garden Portland Trail Blazers Hollywood Farmers Market The One Moto Show The Portland Pickles Pub Ruthie’s Someday Victoria Bar Bike Farm Portland Arts Tax Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about how some are saying an Oregon law is robbing murder victims and their families of justice, why the City Auditor’s office is calling out fossil fuel company Zenith Energy for violating city code, and how a new scam allows fraudulent deeds and house transaction sales to go through our County Assessor’s office. Joining host Claudia Meza on our Friday news roundup are Oregonian court reporter, Zane Sparling, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed on Today’s Episode: Zenith Energy Violated City Code by Not Reporting Lobbying, City Auditor Says [Oregonian 🔒]        Oregon Law May Set Trend to Resolve Murder Cases Through Plea Deals [KATU] A Crook Stole a North Portland House, Exposing a Gaping Vulnerability in Property Records: Forged Signatures [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. City Cast is seeking a Director of Finance to develop our financial operations, lead finance strategy, and oversee finance and accounting. Get all the details here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live Nation Entertainment recently obtained an exclusive contract to host live performances at Providence Park, and is now in talks with a local developer for a massive music venue on the Willamette’s east bank, with capacity for 3,000 people. Though a waterfront music venue might sound amazing, local music advocates, including venue owners, are worried. Today we’re talking with MusicPortland board member Jamie Dunphy about why so many people in the local music scene are saying that Live Nation venues could damage Portland’s beloved music scene.  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. City Cast is seeking a Director of Finance to develop our financial operations, lead finance strategy, and oversee finance and accounting. Get all the details here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt was voted into office back in 2020, he won in a landslide. He campaigned on a progressive platform, including calling for police accountability and support for Measure 110. But now, running for reelection, he has walked back his advocacy for key parts of drug decriminalization. So today on City Cast Portland, DA Mike Schmidt is joining us for an honest conversation on what got him to change his mind on Measure 110 and the extent of his office’s responsibility for addressing crime in our county.  Mentioned on Today’s Episode: Top Prosecutor Files Complaint Against DA Mike Schmidt, Alleging Favoritism, Discrimination [Oregonian]  Grand Jury Indicts Man Accused of Stabbing 2 Teens in MAX Train Bias Crime [KOIN]  Portland Hate Crime Assailant Who Stomped on Stranger’s Face Gets Less Prison Time in Deal With DA [Oregonian] District Attorney Mike Schmidt on Dealing With Record Crime [City Cast Portland]  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. City Cast is seeking a Director of Finance to develop our financial operations, lead finance strategy, and oversee finance and accounting. Get all the details here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about Commissioner Rubio walking back her proposal to allocate some of the interest from the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) to the Portland Street Response and Governor Tina Kotek creating an office for her spouse within her administration. We’re also diving into our mailbag for more cocktail bar recommendations and friend-making tips from our listeners. Host Claudia Meza and producer Giulia Fiaoni round up the midweek news. Stories Discussed in Today’s Episode: Commissioner Carmen Rubio Flip-Flops on Proposal To Financially Aid Portland Street Response [Oregonian] Governor’s Office Confirms That First Lady Has State-Paid Office Space and, Starting Monday, Staff [Willamette Week] Gov. Tina Kotek Considering Creating Office of First Spouse [Oregonian] Previous Episodes Mentioned: Go to These Bars for Great Cocktails [City Cast Portland] How To Make Friends in Portland [City Cast Portland] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early last month, local Vietnamese restaurant chain Pho Gabo closed its Northeast location for good after a neighbor repeatedly complained to the city about food odor. How could this happen? Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking with Willamette Week arts and culture reporter Rachel Saslow, who broke the story. Saslow lays out what happened and updates us on where things landed. Mentioned in the Episode: Portland Location of Pho Gabo Closes After 18-Month Battle With Neighbor [Willamette Week] Restaurant Association Calls City Odor Code “Unfair” and “Unbelievable” [Willamette Week] Support Eddie Dong & Phở Gabo Get Back to Grillin’ [GoFundMe] Become a founding member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the possible changes to the Portland Clean Energy Fund tax (PCEF), the new City Council-approved crowd control unit in the Portland Police Bureau, and the opening of the Soho House — a new luxury social club that’s been called “the Multnomah Athletic Club for hipsters.” Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week City Hall reporter, Sophie Peel, and producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Stories Discussed in Today’s Episode: As Gonzalez Ramps Up Effort to Remodel PCEF Tax, Community Groups Plan a Defense [Willamette Week] Portland Anticipates Presidential Election Protests By Proposing New Police Crowd Control Unit [Oregonian] Portlanders Are Lining Up For Upscale Members-Only Social Club, Soho House [Oregonian] Why Is Soho House, an ‘Exclusive Social Club,’ Opening in Portland of All Places? [Eater Portland] Does Portland Need a Soho House? (Does It Even Want One?) [New York Times] Are You Soho House Material? [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These past few days of fake spring had a lot of us daydreaming about warmer weather and drinks on sunny patios. That’s why today on City Cast Portland, we’re bringing back a conversation about the best cocktail bars in town. Which are our all-around favorites? Which are the best date spots? Who has the most adventurous menu? And can you still get a decent drink for cheap in Portland? Host Claudia Meza and producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni share their top picks. This episode originally aired on November 7, 2023. Where To Find Zero-Proof Cocktails: Portland Bartenders Are Reinventing Cocktails — Without the Alcohol [City Cast Portland] Cocktail Bars Discussed: The Shaku Bar Rum Club The Garrison Sousòl The Emerald Room The Lift Off Lounge Scotch Lodge Hey Love Angel Face The Houston Blacklight Teardrop Lounge Aalto Lounge Wonderly Abigail Hall Sad Valley Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Maxine Bernstein, staff writer at the Oregonian. She’s been following dozens of suspicious lawsuits against small businesses for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many of these small, immigrant-owned businesses spent thousands of dollars to make repairs and avoid court. But some lawyers say they were basically extortion and local judges have been throwing these lawsuits out of court. Bernstein is here to share the scoop. Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Lawyer Alleges Widespread Scheme to ‘Extort’ Money from Portland Businesses Over Disability Access [Oregonian🔒] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this September 17th episode: Portland Art Museum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hiking to see majestic waterfalls is one of the perks of living in the Northwest. But with certain areas recovering from wildfires, not all are as safe to visit as you might expect. And yet some things that sound risky — like bushwhacking to find secret falls — are actually more doable than you might think. Today on City Cast Portland, Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding is here to talk about all things waterfalls: which make for the best hikes, when it’s okay to go off-trail, and when you should keep an eye out for landslides.  Waterfall Hikes: Silver Falls State Park Lewis River Falls Starvation Creek Falls Niagara & Pheasant Creek Falls Kilchis Falls Resources: Northwest Waterfall Survey ‘Curious Gorge,’ by Scott Cook ‘Romance of Waterfalls,’ by Barbara Bloom and Garry Cohen Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the city’s mismanagement of the Historic Kenton Firehouse, the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s campaign against potholes, and an update on the PGE rate hikes. Plus, we dig into our mailbag and discuss the real meaning of NIMBY. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Correction: The agency responsible for recently failing to water several dozen neglected trees was PBOT, not Portland Parks & Recreation. Stories Discussed on Today’s Episode: Can You Find a Bigger Pothole? [Willamette Week] Portland Bureau Bungles Landmark Property; State Lawmakers Reap Rock-Bottom Rents, Watchdog Finds [Oregonian 🔒] Ratepayer Group Asks Oregon Regulators To Throw Out PGE Rate Hike Bid [Portland Business Journal 🔒] Your Guide to March in Portland [City Cast Portland]  DA Mike Schmidt’s Change of Heart, the Portland Police Union’s New Ballot Petition, and a Controversial Bottle Drop Location [City Cast Portland] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Portland’s Albina neighborhood used to be home to a thriving music scene, where Black musicians would perform nightly in nightclubs and community spaces. Urban renewal bulldozed many of those neighborhoods in the ’60s and ’70s, but thanks to the Albina Music Trust, we’re now all able to dig into the past through a new digital community archive. Today we’re talking with the project’s lead archivist Bobby Smith and Norman Sylvester, a longtime musician who grew up playing in the Albina music scene.  Links From Today’s Show: Rated X performing “Rated X” from the Albina Community Archive Events:  Norman Sylvester at iliani Casino, March 21 Norman Sylvester at Waterfront Blues Festival, July 4 - 7 Albina Music Trust at Summer Free For All Save the Date: Albina Music Trust and the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center present: “Time Sound,” August 24 Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices