City Cast Portland
The 1 book Canby schools banned
October 18, 2023
Hello, Portland. I haven’t found a book ban I’d support, but I’m also not ready for my kid to read some books — particularly, depicting violence. Still, I was less horrified than I might have expected by the outcome of a recent book ban fight in the Canby schools. See more below.
What's CITY Talking About?
Canby Bans Just 1 Book
Canby School District opted to ban just one book: novelist Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita.” It’s a book that’s often banned, even as conservative activists mainly have targeted books by Black, Latina, and LGBTQ+ authors. The district had temporarily barred the use of 36 books. [Oregonian]
Relocating Cleveland HS
Portland Public Schools is eyeing a new location for Cleveland High School. The current Fred Meyer headquarters on Southeast Powell isn’t technically up for sale, but the school officials have toured the site. The current Cleveland property, also on Powell, has the smallest acreage of any Portland comprehensive high school, and the building is in danger of collapse during the earthquake. It’s likely on the list for an upgrade if voters approve a bond in 2024. [Oregonian]
Oregon’s 2 Republicans Split on U.S. House Speaker
U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) was among 20 Congressional Republicans who voted down Trump ally Rep. Jim Jordan’s effort to become U.S. House Speaker. Oregon’s other Republican congressman, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), supported Jordan. Republicans have failed to unite behind a leader, though Jordan is expected to try to convince holdouts. [OPB]
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Today I have some love for our city and what it has to offer:
Reader Rec
“If you haven’t already, you should check out Taylor Street Kitchen. Their French bread and levain (both come in boules and in baguettes) and sourdough are at least as good as Ken’s Artisan Bakery and Little T. They also have wonderful scones (sweet and savory) and cookies and cakes.” — Dave C.
Portland Fan
“I love Portland. I've been here since December 1, 2022, with plans to stay just 3 months. Here I am, month 11. I lived in St. Johns for six months and am now in the Humboldt neighborhood. I'm so happy! Thank you Portland, where people are so kind to stop and let others cross busy streets. Yes, I've seen some 'things,' but Austin and Denver have these issues too. Love the crows. Love the rain. Oh, and spring and summer were the best. Fall too. Forever grateful to have spent 11 months here.” — San Monahan
Portland Indicators
I love Portland’s devotion to Lone Fir Cemetery. (It got a mention in the best places to check out fall foliage on a recent City Cast Portland podcast.) And I’m delighted the cemetery is so popular that a Halloween weekend tour sold out more than a month in advance, and no — you can’t sneak in a friend’s ticket. Mark your calendars for next year, or go on a slightly less creepy occasion: there are tours every first and second Saturday. (Other Halloween options below.)
What To Do
🪦 Davis Graveyard | Ongoing | Various
Get a homespun fright from a local Halloween-loving husband and wife team, who started decking out the house in the 90s. [Free, Milwaukie]
🎃 Spirit of Halloweentown | Various | Various
St. Helens once served as the backdrop of the classic Disney Channel film “Halloweentown.” The celebration happens every weekend (and some weeknights) through Oct. 31. [$31.21+, St. Helens, Ore.]
🪦 Underhill Haunted House’s Season Of Scream | Ongoing | Various
Get yourself a different kind of scare! [$38.90+, Lloyd District]
Today on City Cast
The Best Nachos in Portland Might Surprise You
Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden shares her take on the best nachos in Portland. Which restaurants have the craziest combos? Which ones do you need to try today? Get ready to get hungry.
You just have like this pool of meat juice and sour cream liquid and you’re like, 'God, this is such a bummer.’
I’ll see you tomorrow!
— Rachel Monahan
Edited by John Notarianni and copy edited by Giulia Fiaoni
Free · Daily