City Cast Portland
Why Portland ambulances fail to show on time
May 10, 2023
Hi, Portland! Oh wow, this weekend’s 90-degree heat may last into next week. Four days of that in May would be a record for Portland.
What's CITY Talking About?
Beaverton Schools May Cut 90 Positions
The proposed budget for Beaverton Schools would cut 90 positions, including 24 teachers and other licensed educators due to enrollment declines. The next meeting on the cuts will be a week from today. [KATU]
Late Ambulances
In February, 32% of ambulances sent on life-threatening calls failed to arrive within eight minutes — which is considered “on time” within urban areas. The county and the ambulance contractor AMR attribute the problem to workforce shortages and say they’re working to fix the problem. [Willamette Week]
PPS Board Candidate Stays in Race
After indicating that he was withdrawing from the school board race and would resign if elected, former Multnomah County deputy sheriff Derrick Peterson subsequently told a current board member he would take the position. The campaign confusion comes after Rolling Stone reported on his connection to Christian extremists. [Oregonian]
Vote by Next Week
If you haven’t yet bubbled in your special election ballot, Willamette Week reporter Sophie Peel has a rundown for the City Cast Portland podcast about the Portland Public Schools board race and the tax on the ballot to fund tenant lawyers in eviction court. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Portland Chatter
I ran a list last week of Portland’s best chocolate chip cookies and solicited suggestions for new favorites. And I’m grateful to have a few new recommendations from readers. Here they are so you can enjoy a treat too:
Showstopper
Kristen suggests: “Check out Showstopper! She only makes one thing — a delicious chocolate chip cookie. Currently delivers & in the summer you can typically find them at farmers markets.” (Showstopper's social media indicates cookies will be available on Saturday at the Moreland farmers market as well as the Crafty Wonderland.)
Hungry Hero
Jamie recommends Hungry Hero in Sherwood: “All of the cookies are good but the coconut is our favorite.”
Fresh Love
Elizabeth says: “The next best thing to homemade are the delicious chocolate chip cookies at Fresh Love in the Roseway neighborhood. They're made by one of the owners. (Fresh Love is a pretty new, literal mom-and-pop cafe/sandwich shop/fresh produce/juice place. Super-friendly and great for kids.)”
What To Do
Dermot Kennedy: The Sonder Tour | Wednesday | 7:30 p.m.
The Irish singer-songwriter who is now a global star has an emotional pop sound that’s got a bit of folk, electronic, and traditional Irish in the mix. [$39.50+, Downtown]
Bad Friends Podcast | Thursday | 7:30 p.m.
Comedians Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee bring humor and disagreements to the stage. [$39.50+, Downtown]
‘Audition From Hell’ | Through Sunday | Various
This musical follows the four actresses striving for success. [$30+, Tigard]
Today on City Cast
Your Ballots Are Due Next Week! Here’s What’s On It
Ballots are due on May 16 in Multnomah County, but no judgment if you’re thinking: what am I voting for? This is an off-cycle election, but there are still a few big issues on the ballot — and at least one that’s turned into a real head-scratcher. Today on the show, lead producer John Notarianni talks with Willamette Week’s Sophie Peel to break down the big-ish races.
No one’s really heard from Derrick Peterson, but we know he sent that text to a current school board member saying he would serve out his term … It’s very bizarre.
If you’re wondering who the next Oregon Secretary of State will be, it turns out no one will know till after next week’s election. Gov. Tina Kotek said it would be a distraction before that’s complete. See you tomorrow!
—Rachel Monahan
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