City Cast Portland
7 free things to get from the MultCo library
October 23, 2023
A good Monday to you, Portland! Welcome to the week! Check out some free offerings from the library (below). Hint: It’s not just books.
What's CITY Talking About?
PPS Strike Set for Nov. 1
Portland Public Schools’ teachers plan to strike starting Nov. 1. It would be the first time teachers have walked off the job in the district’s history. The Portland Association of Teachers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike as they seek lower class size and more planning time: 93% of members turned in a ballot, and 98.9% authorized the strike. Negotiations are ongoing, but the district is preparing; students will be able to pick up lunches, and high school health clinics will stay open. [OPB]
Anesthesiologist Shortage
Providence Portland and St. Vincent will be limiting the number of surgeries in late November and December because of a shortage of anesthesiologists — which appears connected to the hospitals’ decision to switch its anesthesiologist contractor to Sound Physicians Group of Tacoma. It’s not clear yet how many patient surgeries that will impact. The shortage exists despite Sound Physicians’ advertising salaries of $575,000 to $650,000 per year and a sign-on bonus of $75,000. [Oregonian]
Another Booster for Downtown
A Portland-themed apparel brand is moving into the heart of downtown Portland. Portland Gear, which makes rain-appropriate bags as well as sports-team windbreakers, moved to a brick-and-mortar shop near Providence Park earlier this year and will now have a spot close to Powell’s and the new Ritz-Carlton. [KOIN]
Fatal Shootings Decline
Portland has seen a decline in homicides this year after multiple years of an increasing murder rate. That good news comes as the city has embraced a new approach to fighting gun violence. Is it working? [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Sponsored Content
The Wine Club for Real People
Bright Cellars believes that anyone can be a wine person. Learn what you like with their simple and fun wine taste quiz, and experience the joy of wine delivered to your door. No commitment. No fine print. Just wine your way. Get your first six bottles for just $55 (worth $150+).
What To Do
♭ Motown Mondays | Monday | 7 p.m. - Midnight
Boogie to Motown soul, R&B, disco, and funk, with a new location as of last week. [Free, Sunnyside]
🌽 Bella Organic Corn Maze | Ongoing | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
It’s a 2.7-mile, 7-acre maze. This year’s message visible from the air is “No More Silence, End Gun Violence.” There are also free hayrides and pumpkins for the picking. [$10+, Sauvie’s Island]
😱 The Fear PDX Haunted House | Various | Various
Here’s a contender for the scariest Halloween-themed fright in the city. [$33.96+, Hazelwood]
Today on City Cast
Will Portland’s Latest Plan to Stop Gun Violence Work?
This year, Portland embraced data-driven programs that focus on violence intervention by reaching out to affected communities. And it may be working: This year’s homicide rate has dropped from last year’s. Sierra Ellis, the program manager for Ceasefire, explains the city’s latest comprehensive effort to reduce gun violence.
When I say it’s a partnership, it’s grassroots organizations. It’s law enforcement. But the biggest component is the community. They are the key.
I’ll see you tomorrow!
— Rachel Monahan
Edited by Adrian González and copy edited by Giulia Fiaoni
Free · Daily