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City Cast Portland

City Cast Portland

No convictions under Portland’s camping ban

January 22, 2026 · — Rachel Monahan

Good morning, Portland! This year’s James Beard semifinalists were announced yesterday. The local nominees for what’s sometimes called the Oscars of Food are:

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What's CITY Talking About

No Convictions Yet for Public Camping

In the first two months after Mayor Keith Wilson implemented the camping ban, no one has actually been convicted of violating it, which raises questions about its efficacy. But 20 people have been cited, and prosecutors say that it’s been a tool for pushing for people to use shelters; they’ve dropped charges in seven cases when people agreed to do so. [OPB]

Portland Public Schools Proposes $50M Cut

Increasing costs and declining enrollment mean that PPS is looking at a tough budget season. The district is proposing a cut of 288 positions — 180 at schools and 108 at the central office. [Willamette Week]

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Summer Camping and Hiking

January is a great time to start planning for the summer hiking and camping season. Here’s how to prepare by setting goals for what you want to accomplish outdoors, figuring out what permits and campgrounds to reserve, and getting your winter body ready. [City Cast Portland 🎧] 

The Real Portland That Inspired Fiction

The upper portion of the Portlandia statue against the background of the building
She stands guard downtown. (Rachel Monahan / City Cast Portland)

Today’s quiz is based on some real-life places in our city that inspired artistic creations. How well do you know the Portland that inspired the fiction?

The first question links to a longer quiz. The answers appear after each question, so you can learn as you go.

Today on the Podcast

mountains in the background
Time to prep for summer. (Norther Emily / Wild Solitude Guiding)

How To Plan Now for a Perfect Pacific Northwest Summer

Even though it’s January, now is the time to start planning for the glorious summer months ahead by securing permits and reservations for state and national parks. Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding offers tips for preparing you for the season: how to set goals for what you want to accomplish outdoors, what permits and campgrounds to reserve, and how to get your winter body ready.

What To Do

Thursday, Jan. 22

Friday, Jan. 23

🦷 Before you go: A podcaster on a mission to debunk wellness influencers moved to Portland a few years ago. Conspirituality co-founder Derek Beres tells Willamette Week, “People in wellness take anecdotes as proof of reality.” Beres says he loves Portland, but yes, he has fluoride toothpaste.

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