City Cast Portland
š² How to cut your own Christmas tree
December 7, 2023
Good morning! Itās City Cast editor Adrian GonzĆ”lez filling in for Rachel today. If youāre of the opinion that Portland has lost its āvibe,ā essayist William Deresiewicz agrees ā and he has ideas on how to get it back.
What's CITY Talking About?
š Rail Raincheck
Heavy rainfall and a landslide forced Amtrak to suspend passenger trains between Seattle and Portland for several days this week. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings as an atmospheric river brought record-breaking rainfall and warm winter temperatures to the region, closing schools, roads, and rail links. Amtrak plans to resume Cascades service this morning at 8:30 a.m. [Oregonian]
- Related: How to Feel Good During Portland's Rainy Season [Hey Portland š°]
šµļø Brown Hope Investigation Drags On
A year after a whistleblower released allegations against the CEO of Brown Hope, a local nonprofit serving Black residents, the investigation is still unresolved. The organizationās CEO Cameron Whitten was put on administrative leave after claims of a toxic workplace and giving himself a salary raise without permission from the board of directors. The Department of Justice picked up the investigation and blames Brown Hope for continued delays. [Willamette Week]
š§¾ Oregon Wildfire Settlement
PacifiCorp, the parent company of Pacific Power, is set to pay $299 million to settle lawsuits stemming from the 2020 Archie Creek fire in Southern Oregon, which razed around 170 homes. The settlement resolves allegations that the utility ignored warning signs and contributed to the wildfire by not shutting off power during extreme fire risk conditions. Despite the resolution, PacifiCorp still faces ongoing legal challenges related to wildfire damages from various businesses and individuals in its Oregon territory. [OPB]
- Related: Itās Not Just Wildfire Season Polluting Portlandās Air [City Cast Portland š§]
š§āš« Teachers Strike Fallout
The teachers strike is over and kids are back in school, so what now? We spoke to OPBās K-12 education reporter Natalie Pate about what all the major stakeholders are saying in the strikeās aftermath and what it means for the future of Portlandās public schools. [City Cast Portland š§]
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What To Do
š¬ āShort Term 12ā | Thursday | 6 p.m.
The modern classic starring Brie Larson and Lakeith Stanfield is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Includes a pre-screening performance by composer and songwriter Joel P West. [$15, Richmond]
š Queer Men Speed Dating | Friday | 6:30 p.m.
Looking for love this cuffing season? Luvvly Dating has you covered. Check out the full event lineup on their website. [$25, Buckman]
šļø Omiyage Holiday Store | Through December 23 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Pick up some unique Japanese-inspired gifts at the Japanese American Museum of Oregonās holiday pop-up. [Free, Chinatown]
Today on City Cast
The Teachers Strike Is Over. Now What?
Portland students are settled back into classes, but thereās still a lot of political dust flying around in the wake of the districtās first-ever teachers strike. Today, OPBās K-12 education reporter Natalie Pate shares what all the major stakeholders are saying in the strikeās aftermath and what it means for the future of Portlandās public schools.
We can't just throw money at the problem necessarily, but all the things that we need to do to improve schools also cost money.
If youāve ever wondered what petrified wood is, the National Park Service has a hilarious answer. Have a good day!
ā Adrian GonzĆ”lez
Edited by John Notarianni
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