City Cast Portland
🍩 Voodoo donuts is overrated
August 25, 2023
Happy Friday, Portland! Are you of the mentality that Voodoo Donuts is an overrated tourist attraction? Well, now you have empirical “proof.”
What's CITY Talking About?
🔎 Disgraced City Contractor Shuts Down Nonprofit
Linda Woodley’s nonprofit Diversifying Energy had landed a $12 million city contract to install air conditioners for low-income Portlanders, then subsequently lost it after an investigation revealed shady financial misdeeds. Woodley is under investigation by the Oregon Justice Department and has agreed to close the nonprofit. [Oregonian 🔒]
🚉 Increased Transit Policing and Prosecution
“In some cases, [they’re] the best tools we have,” says TriMet director of safety Andrew Wilson. The transportation agency signed a five-year contract worth $108 million with a private security company in an effort to ease ridership safety worries, particularly at transit stations near homelessness encampments. That money was originally allocated for Portland police officers, but there aren’t enough officers to fill the positions. [Willamette Week]
🚌 Encampment Sweeps Escalating Ahead of School Year
When kids return to school on Tuesday the routes they take to get there will look a little different. City officials say they will increase the cleanup of homeless encampments near school safe routes after continued outcry from parents in recent weeks. The city will also begin enforcing unsanctioned camping laws this week. [KOIN]
🍔 ICYMI: Eating Our Way Through Burger Week 2023
There’s still plenty of time to stuff yourself with burgers for Portland Mercury’s Burger Week, which goes through Sunday. We spoke to Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden to help you narrow down which burgers should make your list. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
What To Do
🎺 Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival | Friday - Sunday | Various Times
The fest is 23 years strong, which is a testament to the level of entertainment and drinks it provides. It’s also the largest jazz festival of its kind in the northwest. [Vancouver; $25+]
🚲 MADE: Handmade Bike Show | Friday - Sunday | Various Times
Celebrate the art of handmade bicycles with 200 builders and vendors at Zidell Yards. [South Waterfront; $20]
🇨🇺 Celia Cruz Tribute | Friday | 7 p.m.
Spend the evening dancing at Mekong Bistro and Lounge in honor of the Cuban queen of salsa. [Madison South; $13.50]
🤣 The People’s Republic of Comedy | Friday | 7 p.m.
Billed as “jokes for plebeians,” this show brings together five comedians together to roast capitalist oppression. [Buckman; $10]
😎 Freeland Spirits' Summer Bash | Saturday | Noon - 8 p.m.
Visit the spirits house for a summer celebration with music and drinks from local vendors. [Northwest; Free]
🎬 ‘Blackwaters’ Film Premiere | Saturday | 1 p.m.
Be among the first to see the film about five Black men in the outdoor industry fighting climate change. [Pearl; Free]
🍺 Beaverton Lager Fest | Saturday | 2 - 6 p.m.
The town celebration is back for its second year, promising a haven for beer lovers, live music, and more. [Beaverton; $30 advance, $40 at the door]
🥳 IPRC Anniversary Block Party | Saturday | 6 p.m.
The Independent Publishing Resource Center is celebrating its milestone with DJs, food, drinks, games, live printing, and more. [Buckman; $25 suggested donation]
👗 ThriftCon | Sunday | 10 - 5 p.m.
The traveling thrift expo features more than 100 vintage clothing and collectibles vendors. There’s an accompanying clothing drive, so bring any unwanted clothes to donate. [North Kenton; $12+, kids under 13 free]
📻 Hip Hop in the Park | Sunday | 2 - 6 p.m.
Groove in the park with the Roots and Beats Project. Food & drinks are limited, so be sure to pack your own. [Lents; Free]
🎙️ Drag Karaoke | Sunday | 6 p.m.
Sing your heart out at Gigantic Brewing Company. [Reed; Free]
🛶 Paddle Under the Stars | Sunday | 6:45 p.m.
Take an evening kayak ride along the Tualatin River and learn about the wildlife in the area. [Tigard; $10 with your own kayak, $50 to rent]
Today on City Cast
Alarming Homeless Services Audit and Wheeler Wants Workers and State Troopers Downtown
We’re digging into what the audit of the city and county’s Joint Office of Homeless Services uncovered, and Mayor Ted Wheeler’s big asks at Gov. Tina Kotek’s downtown revitalization task force meeting. KBOO news director Althea Billings and lead producer John Notarianni join host Claudia Meza.
It’s like the worst trip to the mechanic of all time, where they're like, ‘Well, I was gonna check your brakes, but it looks like we need to replace everything else.’
Enjoy your weekend. ✌️
— Adrian González
Edited by John Notarianni and copy edited by Giulia Fiaoni
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