City Cast Portland
Guess who'll be cooking at Portland's Ritz?
May 22, 2023
Welcome to the week, Portland! Our population is smaller than two years ago. There’s more on that below, but what’s your view? Why do you think fewer people are moving here? Email me.
What's CITY Talking About?
School Pride Event Canceled Over Security
A Portland elementary school canceled Friday’s scheduled Pride festival over concerns for safety. Atkinson Elementary School parents asked the district for help with security (and did not receive it) after conservative media, including the KXL’s Lars Larson and Libs of TikTok, had highlighted the event, which was to include BIPOC drag performers. [Willamette Week]
Ritz-Carlton Hires Top Local Chef
A new restaurant on the Ritz-Carlton Portland’s 20th floor will be led by Lauro Romero, a former executive chef at República who’s been running the acclaimed pop-up Clandestino since December 2022. His new restaurant Bellpine, which will serve Northwest cuisine, is expected to open this summer. [Portland Monthly]
Oregon Has 3 of the Country’s Top 100 ‘Secret Beaches’
Gold Beach (No. 43), Bandon State Natural Area (No. 55), and the aptly-named Secret Beach (No. 77) are among the top 100 so-called “secret beaches” in the country. That’s according to a ranking by Family Destinations Guide, which surveyed families on places they want to visit. [Oregonian]
A Nuclear Future vs. Nuclear Danger
A Portland-area company is leading the way on the future of nuclear power. But a Portland filmmaker took a look at the region’s nuclear past and is warning about its future. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
What To Do
A Toast to the Rose Festival: Floats, Floods, Gasbags, and Good Times | Monday | 7 p.m.
As part of the History Pub series, Marilyn Clint, Rose Festival historian and first female CEO of the festival, will chat about all things floats and fun. [$5, Concordia]
National Geographic Live: Adaptation | Monday | 7:30 p.m.
Environmental anthropologist and filmmaker Alizé Carrère talks about finding examples of resilience and innovation from around the world in the face of changing global climate. [$25+, Downtown]
Consider This: Redrawing Borders | Tuesday | 7 p.m.
Matt McCaw, spokesperson for the Greater Idaho movement, and Carina Miller, chair of the Columbia River Gorge Commission and a research analyst with Warm Springs Community Action Team, will discuss history and culture of borders. [$15+, with a limited number of no-cost tickets also available, Concordia]
Today on City Cast
Portland, Oregon, vs. Portland, Maine
About a month ago, a banner went up in downtown Portland, Maine, that read, “We were here first, Oregon. You’re not even a port.” Today, we’re talking with comedian Mo Awale, a Portland, Mainer, about our respective cities, their differences, and their many similarities.
A local hotel is gathering donations for the 100 people displaced by a massive fire this week. Hotel deLuxe, located near the Good Hollow apartment building, is accepting clothing, food, and other necessities through Sunday.
— Rachel Monahan
Free · Daily