
City Cast Portland
🍞 Lake Oswego’s lavish new short-term rental
March 30, 2026 · — Rachel Monahan
Good morning! A new, extraordinarily expensive short-term rental comes on the market in June. Shobi Dahl, the former CEO of the local company Dave’s Killer Bread, once saved the Lake Oswego mansion from demolition. A few years ago, after becoming a drag burlesque artist, Dahl announced their plans to sell the place (last listed for $8.9 million).
Apparently, it didn’t sell, but the palatial home — 10 bedrooms, 10 baths, decorated in French Empire style — might have a new future as a lavish vacation home, if anyone can afford it. (I received a nearly $20,000 estimate for a three-day stay — the minimum.)

Today's Must-Know

A Roadblock on Moda Center Funding
In an interview with Willamette Week, City Councilor Steve Novick makes clear he won’t be voting to direct climate fund dollars toward renovating the Moda Center. That’s a problem for Mayor Keith Wilson and other elected officials who want to use that source of funding to keep the Portland Trail Blazers in town.
- Where climate funds should go: Novick wants more climate money to go toward addressing transportation and makes the point that he could be the decisive swing vote on this issue. [Willamette Week]
- Novick’s warning shot: He’d previously told the Oregonian about his reservations. His latest interview draws a brighter line. [Oregonian]
- Remember: The mayor isn’t the only one eyeing the Portland Clean Energy Fund for other projects. The police union is supporting a possible ballot measure to divert money toward hiring 400 police. [KOIN]
Climate change is not just the overriding issue of our time, it’s the overriding issue in the entire history of the human race.
Novick appreciation: On the podcast, we recently started the show with our favorite Novick moments, including funny ads from his unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
- Police in drag? Councilor Novick himself also recently appeared on the podcast to discuss ideas — some wild, some practical — for downtown. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
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What's CITY Talking About
Measles in Gresham
So far this year, there’s been one documented case of measles contracted in Multnomah County. A partially vaccinated individual came into contact with the airborne virus at a WinCo in Gresham on March 7 — where health officials had previously warned of potential exposures. Reminder: The risk of measles is low if you’re fully vaccinated. [Willamette Week]
- Related: As of Friday, there'd been 11 cases identified so far this year in Oregon. [Oregon Health Authority]
Actor Kurt Russell at Portland’s Hollywood Theatre
In the midst of a year-long celebration of its centennial anniversary, the Hollywood Theatre is hosting the actor Kurt Russell for a Q&A and a screening of “The Thing,” the frightening sci-fi movie from the 1980s. [Oregonian]
- Tickets for the May 9 event will be available to the general public on Friday — if Hollywood Theatre members don’t snap them all up during a presale offering.
Another Landslide on Northwest Cornell Road
Ten days after a landslide resulted in a sinkhole and closure of Northwest Cornell Road, a nearby stretch of the road through the West Hills again closed. This time, a landslide led to downed trees between two tunnels. [KGW]

What To Do
Monday, March 30
- 🌲 Forest Pub: Mass Timber, Made in Oregon | McMenamins Mission Theater (Northwest District)
- 📽️ La Belle et la Bête Screening & Discussion | Jojo (Pearl District)
- ❇️ Past Life Regression with Chel | Glimmer Wellness Center (Buckman)
Tuesday, March 31
- ✒️ Espresso Martini Tattoo Special | Gomez Maddams Tattoos (Buckman)
- 💔 TrauMaMatized: SOB | Covert Café (Montavilla)
- 🤽 Introduction to Water Polo (4th - 12th grade) | David Douglas Aquatics Center (Hazelwood)
- 🤝 Mass Timber Mingle | Metropolitan Tavern (Lloyd)
- 🎬 The Addiction of Hope | Cinema 21 (Northwest District)
Wednesday, April 1
- 🍹 Craft Mixology Class: Tropical Cocktails | Straightaway Cocktails (Buckman)
- 📽️ Boys of Summer: Short Stop (Documentary Screening) | Virtual
- 😆 Amy Silverberg | Helium Comedy Club (Hosford-Abernethy)
- 🎤 Open Mic for Teens and Young Adults | Artichoke Community Music (Hosford-Abernethy)
🚗 Name change now, please: In an essay for Willamette Week, writer Crystal Contreras describes her grief after learning of labor leader Cesar Chavez’s alleged sexual abuse. She is among those calling for a name change for the Portland school and street named after him.
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