City Cast Portland: Recent Episodes
City Cast
City Cast Portland captures the one-of-a-kind creative spirit of this place and tackles who we are and where we’re going — from big deals, like equity and livability, to tiny delights, like the city's most wonderful doughnut. Our home is teeming with creativity and controversy, natural beauty and impossibly good food and drink. Host Claudia Meza is so over the notion that ‘Portland is over.’ On the show, she’ll revive your civic pride and stir you to help create local change — through conversations with neighbors, newsmakers, artists and entrepreneurs about our ever-changing city.
We’ve had a lot of conversations on the show involving hikes and out-of-town trips in the past. But pretty much all of them have depended on a car for transportation. So today on City Cast Portland, we’re challenging ourselves alongside Norther Emily, the founder of Wild Solitude Guiding, to focus on using car-free modes of transportation for some outdoor adventures outside of the city.
Trip Planning Resources:
Mount Hood Express: https://www.mthoodexpress.com/
Columbia Gorge Car Free: https://columbiagorgecarfree.com/
Columbia Area Transit: https://www.ridecatbus.org/
Bike-Specific Information:
Bike The Gorge: https://bikethegorge.org/
E-Bike Multnomah Falls: https://ebikemultnomahfalls.com/
Car-Free Path in the Gorge: https://bikeportland.org/2023/08/09/an-e-bike-ride-on-a-carfree-path-in-the-columbia-river-gorge-378048
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kids across the Portland area have returned to school. Though remote learning, social distancing, and mask mandates may be in the past, the longer impacts of the pandemic are still lingering in Oregon schools. There are a lot of concerns on the minds of local parents and teachers, from worries about safety to entire school relocations and possible teacher strikes. Today on City Cast Portland, OPB K-12 reporter Natalie Pate is here to talk about some of the biggest issues facing our schools right now.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oregonians are facing an extreme housing shortage across the state. We have one of the lowest supplies of rentals that are affordable to people at or below poverty levels, and we also rank fourth in the country when it comes to underproducing housing. Although researchers say there isn’t a quick fix to address decades of under-building, there are efforts underway to help reduce the strain. Today lead producer John Notarianni is talking with OPB news editor April Ehrlich about how we got here and why the future of housing in Portland could be co-housing.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week’s rain showers are a sign that the final weeks of summer are upon us. So what better way to mark the end of the season than to take in a few more glorious sunsets? Go grab those picnic blankets: Eden Dawn, author of “The Portland Book of Dates” and host of the “We Can't Print This” podcast is sharing the ultimate guide to Portland’s golden hour activities and hangouts.
Eden’s Date Ideas: Romantic:
Mt. Tabor Park
The Sapphire Hotel
Noble Rot
Clydes Prime Rib
Kayak Tillamook
Friend-Friendly:
Skidmore Bluffs
The Alibi
Cannon Beach
Solo Dates:
The Sou’Wester
North Willamette Blvd Overlook
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Skating is the ultimate DIY sport: All you need is a board or a pair of skates and a creative eye for the urban environment. Portland has a history of skaters making their own skate parks, without city funding or even permission. Now a coalition of skaters and supporters are trying to convince the city to create a new skate park under the west end of the Steel Bridge. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Sara Campos of Queer Skate PDX about why Portland needs more inclusive skating spaces.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did you know that Portland has some of the oldest drinking establishments on the West Coast? Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Nathan P. Gale & Alfredo Moreno, hosts of the “History by the Glass” podcast. They’ve been drinking their way through Portland’s historic taverns and are here to share some of the unexpected history from some of our favorite watering holes. So pull up your barstool; we’ve got some stories. Bars discussed in today’s episode:
Slim’s
Huber’s Cafe
Sellwood Saloon
Jake’s Famous Crawfish
Nick’s Famous Coney Island
Barley Mill Pub
The Leaky Roof Gastropub
Lutz Tavern
Nob Hill Bar & Grill
Your Inn Tavern
The Alibi
The Sandy Hut
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about what the audit of the city and county’s Joint Office of Homeless Services uncovered, and Mayor Ted Wheeler’s big asks at Governor Tina Kotek’s downtown revitalization task force meeting. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s news roundup are KBOO news director, Althea Billings and lead producer, John Notarianni. Stories discussed in today’s episode:
Audit finds internal flaws in Portland-area homeless service agency [OPB]
Downtown Portland task force co-chair balks at making workers come to office, even as mayor calls it a priority [Oregonian]
Mayor Ted Wheeler wants nearly 100 state troopers to help police Portland [OPB]
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
From Panang Curry to Pho, Portland’s New Pizza Scene [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two of our area’s largest medical institutions are planning on merging: OHSU is seeking to absorb Legacy Health before the end of 2024, employing more than 32,000 people in over 100 locations. But what does this mean for patients and the overall quality of care? Or for the cost? And especially for all their health care workers who are still struggling since the pandemic? We’re talking with Oregonian reporter Jeff Manning about the impending merger and how it may impact the Portland health care market in the coming years.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re currently smack dab in the middle of the Portland Mercury’s most popular themed food week: Burger Week 2023. Every year, dozens of local restaurants create a specialty burger and then offer it at a ridiculously low price: All for the love of burgers. And this year there are nearly 80 restaurants taking part! Yes: That’s an impossible number of burgers to eat in a week. So today on City Cast Portland, Brooke Jackson-Glidden, editor for Eater Portland, is helping narrow down which burgers should make your list. Full Portland Mercury Burger Week 2023 list here Burgers discussed in today’s episode:
Wagyu Smash Burger at Abigail Hall
Queso Stevens at Burger Stevens
Green Chili Cheese Burger at Grand Fir Brewing
Lil Spicy B. at Carina Lounge
Pupusa Burger at Salvi PDX
Miami Burger at Papi Sal’s
Creamed Corn Elote Burger at Wolf’s Head Portland
The Yummy Burger at Mighty Moe’s Tanker
'Nduja Remember? at Pacific Standard
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beekeepers celebrated World Honey Bee Day this past weekend, celebrating all the work that pollinators do for us every day. But here in Oregon, there’s a lot more than just honey bees buzzing around: We have 600 species of bees, all doing their thing, pollinating plants. And a lot of them don’t look or act how you’d expect. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re listening back to a conversation between lead producer John Notarianni and Rich Hatfield, a senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society who’s studied native bees for 25 years. He’s here to tell us why they’re so important, how to protect them, and how to observe them out in the wild — without getting stung. This conversation first aired on May 11, 2023
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s no secret that Portland has a lot of great pizza, but there’s a new class of pizzerias trying to take a slice of the pie by drawing inspiration from their international roots and creating some unique and wild flavor combinations. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Oregonian restaurant critic Michael Russell about the new vanguard of pizza parlors that are going way, way beyond red sauce and cheese. Discussed in this episode:
Grana PDX
Hapa Pizza
Pan Con Queso
Fusion Curry Pizza (coming soon)
Reeva
Crust Collective
Assembly Brewing
Pop Pizza
Ranch Pizza
East Glisan Pizza Lounge
Boxcar Pizza
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on the show we’re talking about the county’s inability to follow through on plans to tackle homelessness, how state lawmakers forgot to pay their art bills, and what to do about PGE’s dire warnings of what’s to come. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s news roundup are City Cast’s director of newsletters, Bryan M. Vance, and lead producer, John Notarianni. Stories discussed in today’s episode:
Portland’s Artists Repertory Theatre Suspends Upcoming Season, Due to Lack of Funding [OPB]
Lawmakers Stiffed Arts Groups in 2023 [Willamette Week]
Multnomah County Delays SE Portland Safe Park Shelter Debut in Latest Homeless Services Stumble [Oregonian 🔒]
With Unparalleled Resources, Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Faces Unprecedented Scrutiny on Spending [Willamette Week]
Extreme Heat, High Demand Puts Stress on Power Grid, PGE Warns [KOIN]
PGE’s Power Outage Resources:
Medical Certificate Program
Outage Kit
Food Reimbursement Claim
Previous episodes mentioned:
Portland’s Renters Are Sweltering, But This New Program Could Help
The Paddler’s Guide to Exploring the Willamette [City Cast Portland 🎧]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country’s best backpacking trails. But hiking and camping for days can feel daunting. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Karrie Carnes, a volunteer ambassador for the nonprofit women’s outdoor empowerment organization, Women Who Explore. Their Portland chapter leads groups through the wilderness year-round on free backpacking excursions. Karrie’s sharing her best-kept tips for first-time backpackers and a few of her favorite trails to start your journey. Karrie’s picks for backpacking trips: Easy:
Salmon River Trail
Lower Twin Lake
Boulder Lake
Shell Rock Lake
Timothy Lake
Intermediate: Silver Star Hard: Timberline Trail
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since the 2021 heat dome, there’s been a ton of interest in helping Oregonians prepare for a warming climate, with incentive programs for homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient home cooling options. Still, up until recently, renters — who experts say are most at-risk from extreme heat — have been largely left out of these initiatives. But this year, the Oregon Department of Energy launched a program to provide rebates for landlords to install heat pumps and electrical upgrades in rental properties. Today on the show, we’re talking with OPB climate reporter Monica Samayoa about how the program works and whether it will be successful in getting landlords on board.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Even though Portland has recently seen a significant drop in cycling, our city still has the highest number of bike commuters in the country. But with 43 traffic fatalities this year and 70 last year, many cyclists say riding has felt more dangerous than ever. Today we’re talking with BikePortland editor Jonathan Maus—he’s giving us some tips on how both drivers and pedestrians can stay safe on our streets.
Bike resources mentioned on the show:
Metro “Bike There!” Map
City of Portland Bike Map
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been over 100 years since sea otters lived on the Oregon coast, but recently there are new efforts to reintroduce them. And experts say it’s not only viable but could also have a huge positive impact on our region’s marine ecosystem. Today on the show, host Claudia Meza talks with science journalist Erin Ross about why we should all be excited for the return of the Oregon sea otter.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about Multnomah County bailing on promises made to the city, the dozens of wrongful convictions in Clackamas and Washington counties caused by Oregon DMVs, and how Portland’s police chief is asking his officers to stop talking smack about the district attorney. Joining host Claudia Meza today are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni.
Stories discussed in today’s episode:
Portland police chief to city cops: Stop telling residents DA Mike Schmidt won’t prosecute crimes [Oregonian]
Multnomah County leaders drop ball on helping Portland launch well-run mass outdoor shelter for homeless [Oregonian]
Dozens more wrongful convictions uncovered as Oregon DAs review suspended license cases [Oregonian]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A short road trip can be a great way to soak in the last weeks of an Oregon summer. Getting out on the road with no real agenda is exciting, but a road trip can really go wrong if you don’t have a plan for the basics. So today on the show, lead producer John Notarianni asks Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding, a self-described Oregon road trip expert, for their best tips and route recommendations for a last-minute adventure. Destinations mentioned in the episode:
McKenzie Pass
House Rock
Lincoln City
Shipwreck in Astoria
Youngs River Falls
Tunnel Beach in Oceanside
Hug Point
Cascade Head
Hart’s Cove
Crater Lake
North Umpqua River
Mount Scott
Umpqua Hot Springs
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The pandemic might have brought a few of our favorite restaurants down, but we’re seeing a resurgence of eateries bring back the happiest time of the day — that sweet spot between 4 and 6 p.m. Today on the show, host Claudia Meza talks with Brooke Jackson-Glidden, editor of Eater Portland, about the city’s best happy hour spots to help you ride out the summer season. You can check out Eater Portland’s picks here.
Happy hours mentioned on the show:
Smart Donkey
Life of Pie
Bhuna
The Pope House Bourbon Lounge
Pink Rabbit
Hey Love
Nostrana
East Glisan
Tiny Bubble Room
Campana
Clyde’s Prime Rib
Jacqueline
The Rambler
Kachka
Bar Diane
Sad Valley
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Mike Schmidt was elected district attorney in 2020, he said, “Multnomah County has just embraced the most progressive DA platform that this state has ever seen.” But since then, he’s faced a near-perfect storm as the pandemic, a backlog of cases, and the opioid crisis sent crime in the city skyrocketing. And now special interest groups have targeted him as the face of Portland’s record crime and low prosecution rates. Today, host Claudia Meza talks with DA Mike Schmidt about how his strategy as the region’s top prosecutor has evolved against a myriad of challenges.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last Friday was sunflower night at Providence Park, and any diehard Portland soccer fan knows that’s a celebration of Timber Jim’s family. For 12 seasons, Timber Jim aka Jim Serrill was the Portland Timbers’ suspender-wearing lumberjack mascot. He captured the hearts of fans and the club with his stunts: hanging from rafters, climbing 100 ft. poles, and slicing logs. Today we’re bringing back a conversation with Timber Jim where we take a behind-the-scenes look at his time with the club and talk about the deeply personal meaning behind the song that’s sung at the 80th minute of every game.
Previously aired on May 1st, 2023
Additional links:
Timber Jim, Soccer Legend (via OPB): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtHMi9Bg1q8
The Sunflower Goal: https://youtu.be/Ce0-lcT8doA?t=193
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the city’s recently launched auto and retail theft task force, a Portland resident survey that’s tracked our most common concerns, and a city contractor that’s been overcharging victims of theft and vandalism. Joining host Claudia Meza are the Oregonian's city hall reporter, Shane Dixon Kavanaugh, and City Cast Portland lead producer John Notarianni. Stories discussed in today’s episode:
MultCo auto theft task force makes “high profile” arrest after record thefts [KOIN]
Portland, Multnomah County to unveil details of planned crackdown on car and retail theft [Oregonian]
Portland’s “greatest” challenge? For some residents, cost of living tops homelessness [Oregonian]
Contractor overcharged Portland property owners for boarding up broken windows, doors, report finds [Oregonian]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we’re talking with Noa Rubin, a community organizer for the paddle boarding group SUP PDX. Noa has also been kayaking and paddling on the Willamette for over 13 years. She’s here to share tips for the best routes and how to stay safe out on the river. Routes discussed in today’s episode:
George Rogers Park
Ross Island Loop
Willamette Narrows
Willamette Falls
Willamette Falls to St. Johns (or from Hawthorne Bridge)
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Portland area has already had another hot, dry summer, and we still have a month to go. So today on City Cast Portland we’re talking with Eden Dawn, author of “The Portland Book of Dates” and co-host of the “We Can’t Print This” podcast. She’s going to share some creative ways to escape the summer heat. Picks from today’s episode:
Get comfy at Cinemark Century Eastport Plaza 16.
Order a shaken dirty martini at Pacific Standard.
Wave to cuties at the Lloyd Center.
Spend the day at Keeler Estate Vineyard.
Play Fascination at the Funland Arcade in Seaside
Get tropical at Island Cafe.
Take a cold plunge at The Society Hotel in Bingen, Wash.
Travel the Hood River Fruit Loop.
For further reading:
The Land Beyond the Drug War [Esquire]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Several stories this year have documented Portland’s slow emergency response times, but what is the city doing about it? A few years ago, city hall created the Community Safety Division to try and fix Portland’s emergency response system. The goal is that by mid-2024, the financial operations of Portland’s four public safety bureaus will live under one roof. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Mike Myers, the transition director of the Community Safety Division. He’s going to walk us through what's working, what’s not, and what the future of emergency response in Portland looks like. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tater tots are ubiquitous in Portland. You can get them specially seasoned and served with creative dipping sauces — or even as “totchos,” aka tater tot nachos. But did you know a big reason for that is because Oregon invented the tater tot?! Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with food writer and OPB’s Superabundant newsletter producer Heather Arndt Anderson about Oregon’s starchy history and picking a few spots that excel in our state’s snack of choice. Tater tot spots featured in this episode:
Fire on the Mountain
McMenamins
Bottle Rocket Burgers
Hungry Tiger
Read more: How 2 Oregon brothers’ efforts to mitigate food waste created the beloved tater tot [OPB]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the latest developments in downtown’s open-air drug markets, heat mapping the east side, and the city’s decision to stop funding the Regional Arts and Culture Council. Joining host Claudia Meza for this week’s news roundup are Willamette Week’s “Dive” podcast host and "Potlander" column author Brianna Wheeler and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni.
Headlines featured this week:
On Portland’s Fentanyl Corner, a Dance With Death Sells for $20 [Willamette Week]
Heat Mapping Campaign to Identify Neighborhoods Most Vulnerable to Extreme Heat [Oregonian]
City of Portland Will Stop Funding the Regional Arts and Culture Council Next Summer [Willamette Week]
Learn more:
Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program
Multnomah County’s 2023 Heat Vulnerability Index
Share Your RACC Story
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are plenty of places to grab a drink in our city, and nowhere is as quintessentially Portland as the humble neighborhood bar. But there’s an unspoken code of conduct at these places. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Tanya Frantzen about Portland bar etiquette. She owns The Basement Pub and the B-Side Tavern, and is the author of “Happy 21st Birthday: A Field Guide for Bar Patrons of All Ages.”
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A coalition of sex workers, their allies, and lawmakers are encouraging Oregon to decriminalize sex work. They say current laws punish consenting adults who buy and sell sex, drawing a distinction from sex trafficking. But how would that work? And how will this differ from the messy process of decriminalizing drug possession in the state? Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Elle Stanger, a Portland-based certified holistic sex educator, sex worker, and host of the “They Talk Sex” podcast. They’re here to help walk us through those questions. This interview touches on some explicit topics, including sex work and sex trafficking. Resources: The Cupcake Girls Call to Safety Sexual Assault Resource Center
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We made it to the dog days of summer! There’s nothing more tempting than catching some cooler, fresher air on the Oregon coast. Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza is joined by producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni as they share their top picks for fun coastal day trips. Destinations mentioned in today’s episode: Astoria: The Haunt
Gearhart: The Beard family cabin Good Times
Seaside: Painted Rock Beach Klootchy Creek Park
Cannon Beach: Indian Beach Warren House Pub
Oswald West State Park: Short Sand Beach Cape Falcon Trail
Rockaway Beach: Rockaway Beach to Garibaldi Train Ride “Rockaway Beach” by The Ramones
Oceanside/Netarts: The Schooner Bayside Market Cape Lookout Trail
Coos Bay: Spinreel Dune Buggy
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We often think of Oregon as a verdant wonderland, which is why it’s surprising that Portland has some of the worst air quality in the nation—and it’s getting worse. So why is it so bad? And what can we do about it? As we sit smack dab in the middle of another smoky wildfire season, we’re sharing a conversation from earlier this year with the executive director of Neighbors for Clean Air, Mary Peveto. She’s been advocating for better air quality in our city for over a decade and says most people still don’t know how polluted our air really is.
Previously aired on April 10, 2023
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the first rollout of Mayor Ted Wheelers’ Alchemy-managed shelter sites, the wrangling of our city’s Clean Energy Fund, and the controversial attempts by certain city council members to modify the voter-approved charter reform. Joining host Claudia Meza in this week’s news roundup are Portland Mercury’s news editor, Courtney Vaughn, and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni. Headlines discussed in the episode:
Portland's First Temporary Mass Shelter Site Will Open This Month [Portland Mercury]
Portland’s Massive Clean Energy Fund Makes Strides in Accountability, Management, Auditor Says [Oregonian 🔒]
Spirited City Council Discussion on Proposed Changes to Charter Reform Measure Resolves Little [Willamette Week]
Ranked choice voting explainer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq7N2hmX9FI
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last month when Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced that the state wouldn’t toll highways until at least 2026, the Oregon Department of Transportation pumped the brakes on a billion-dollar plan to expand I-5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter. That was big news for Adah Crandall of Sunrise Movement, a national youth climate justice organization. Adah has led the fight against the I-5 expansion, despite the fact that today she’s only 17 years old. Today we’re talking with a youth climate change organizer about why she’s been fighting so hard against the freeway expansion, and why the younger generation sees the issue so differently from most adults.
Links to get involved: Sunrise Movement PDX 350 PDX
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
McMenamins, the ubiquitous chain of brewpubs, is turning 40 years old! Did you know many of their locations are in rehabilitated historic properties, and at least nine are on the National Register of Historic Places? There’s a lot more to them than just tater tots and beer. To celebrate, host Claudia Meza is joined by our very own producers, Giulia Fiaoni and John Notarianni, to discuss our most- and least-favorite McMenamins. Which are haunted? Which are actually good date spots? Which ones previously employed us? McMenamins locations discussed in today’s show:
Edgefield
Kennedy School
Olympic Club
Crystal Ballroom
Blue Moon Tavern
Back Stage Bar
Grand Lodge
Rams Head
(Did you really read all the way down here just to see Claudia’s cool Breeders shirt? Here you go!)
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our 911 line has come under fire recently for long hold times and slow emergency response. But the city’s Bureau of Emergency Communications, or BOEC, has been working hard to shorten response times all around. And just this month, they scored a big win; one of their dispatchers, Stephen Zipprich, was named North American 911 Dispatcher of the Year. Mayor Wheeler even declared an official day last week in appreciation of Stephen. Today we’re talking with him about everything that goes into being a 911 dispatcher.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Searching for restaurants to eat at earlier in the week, especially on a Monday, can feel impossible. Staffing shortages, inflation, and other costs of doing business are making eateries all over Portland prioritize opening closer to the weekends, which typically bring in more customers. Today, Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden joins host Claudia Meza with her picks on where to find top-rated eats at the start of your week. Restaurants discussed in today’s episode:
Oma’s Hideaway
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Eem
XLB
Gumba
Nimblefish
OK Omens
Maruti
Duck House
Tasty Corner
Bullard Tavern
St. Jack
Mama Bird
Slim’s
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the county backtracking on a fentanyl harm reduction initiative, Commissioner Mingus Mapps announcing his mayoral run, and an apology video from a Portland police officer. Plus, a highly important detour into the Jonah Hill texts scandal. Willamette Week city hall reporter Sophie Peel and our lead producer John Notarianni join host Claudia Meza to discuss this week's news stories.
Headlines discussed in the episode:
Multnomah County Reverses Plans to Distribute Foil to Fentanyl Smokers [Willamette Week]
In His Mayoral Run, Mingus Mapps Wants to Lead "Portland 2.0" [Portland Mercury]
Portland Police Officer Apologizes to Photographer Struck in the Head With Baton During 2020 Protest [Portland Mercury]
Police officer Corey Budworth's apology video
Video of the assault incident
More on the Jonah Hill texts scandal here. More on the city’s non-emergency line here.
Previously aired episode mentioned on the show: Commissioner Mapps on His Plan to Increase Traffic Stops
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Small businesses across Portland have been struggling: first with the pandemic, then with inflation, and now with the rising number of petty crimes. Many of these business owners love the communities they serve but are finding a recent wave of crime increasingly challenging and disheartening. Today host Claudia Meza talks with Nicole Blanchette, co-owner of the Leisure Public House, a restaurant and bar in North Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood. She’s here to tell us about the challenges she’s faced keeping her business afloat.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland’s food scene is so tuned into our changing seasons that we even have seasonal restaurants in the form of pop-ups. This summer, we’re seeing a wave of food experimentation from some very talented chefs, but where to go? Today we’re talking with Michael Russell, restaurant critic and food writer over at the Oregonian. He’s already done the legwork finding this year’s best short-run eating spots and has his top picks ready to share with us all.
Pop-ups discussed in this episode:
Cafe Olli @ Division Winemaking Co
Paradise Hamburguesas @ Güero
Peter Cat @ Nodoguro
Tacos Con Onda @ Hungry Heart Bakery & Woodsman Tavern
Tocayo @ Palomar
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a hot, dry spring, Oregon has a long wildfire season ahead: a new report says all of Northwest Oregon and much of Central Oregon are at above-normal fire danger for all of July and August. Zach Urness, Outdoors Editor for Statesman Journal and host of the "Explore Oregon Podcast," has been keeping a close eye on this summer’s fire season. He’s here to tell us what to expect, knowing the smoke could still be coming.
Here’s a list of wildfire safety tips from the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Fire scar hikes mentioned in today’s episode: Rocky Top Trail Stahlman Point Trail Eight Lakes Basin
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland pizza is strangely controversial. Not because of how it tastes but for how highly rated it has become. Ken’s Artisan Pizza was even crowned the second-best shop IN THE WORLD earlier this year. Plus a few weeks ago, the Top 50 Pizza list included not just Ken’s Artisan Pizza as the third-best in the country, but also ranked Apizza Scholls and Nostrana among the best. In celebration of that news, City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is returning to a conversation she had with local pizza expert, Blaine Bartholomew. He’s been making pies and documenting the Portland pizza scene since 2014. They answer the question, is Portland pizza really that good? Pizza spots mentioned on the show:
Ken’s Artisan Pizza
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Gracie’s Apizza
Dove Vivi
Please Lousie
Apizza Scholls
Ranch Pizza
Pizza Jerk
Boxcar Pizza
Cafe Olli
Escape From New York Pizza
Signal Station Pizza
Previously aired on February 2, 2023
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about a century-old downtown building being renovated to help people move out of homelessness, our ever-increasing mosquito population, and how our city is becoming a destination for people fleeing red states. Joining host Claudia Meza for this week’s news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Stories discussed in today’s episode:
A 112-Year-Old Building in Downtown Portland Will Play a Key Role in Tackling Homelessness [Portland Mercury]
Why Are Mosquitos Swarming Portland? [Portland Monthly]
They Arrived: Portland Is Becoming a Haven for Gender Refugees [Willamette Week]
Rose City Catholics Fight for LGBTQ Rights—and Start a War With Portland’s Archbishop [Willamette Week]
Check out the new voting district maps and voice your opinion here!
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At the peak of drag performance being criminalized across the country, the downtown clothing store Wildfang has partnered with the iconic Darcelle XV Showplace to break a Guinness World Record for the longest drag artist stage show. Kicking off on Monday, the event is also raising $250k for LGBTQ+ youth. So today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza talks with Kevin Cook or, as he’s better known, Poison Waters. She’s been working at the legendary Darcelle XV Showplace for over 30 years. And since reigning queen Darcelle XV, and world record holder of oldest working drag queen, passed away earlier this year at 92, Poison became the official host. Poison is sharing how she became a part of Darcelle XV Showplace’s legacy and why drag performance is so deeply entrenched in Portland culture.
Mentioned on the show:
Link to DRAG-A-THON event: https://www.wildfang.com/pages/dragathon
More information on the proposed district maps: https://www.portland.gov/transition/districtcommission/district-plan
And where to fill out the survey to share your thoughts with the city: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YPRFD5R
If you want to learn more about Darcelle, listen to our previous episode: Remembering Portland’s 92-Year-Old Iconic Drag Queen
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza is talking with Willamette Week city hall and politics reporter Sophie Peel about the future of Portland Street Response. Especially now that its founding program manager, Robyn Burek*, has resigned. Studies have shown that the roughly two-year-old program has been successful in not only assisting people experiencing mental and behavioral health crises but also reducing police and hospital intervention. In other words, Portland Street Response is meeting all of its goals, but even still, funding for future operation and expansion is uncertain.
Here's a comprehensive article from The Oregonian about where things stand with PSR: https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2023/06/portland-street-responses-future-hangs-in-balance-i-feel-like-its-about-to-implode.html
*A quick note that during our conversation with Sophie Peel, Robyn Burek announced her resignation. So you will hear Sophie refer to Burek as the program manager of PSR in the following conversation. But as of this recording, a successor has yet to be named.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Big changes could be coming to the Lloyd Center now that Mayor Wheeler is backing a proposal to turn it into a Major League Baseball stadium. But Portland’s beloved shopping mall still has plenty of life left in it: Sometime last year, a new buzz began growing around the space, and people started affectionately referring to it as the “Punk Rock Mall.” Local vendors started opening smaller, more eclectic pop-up shops, from homemade clothing stores to record shops and communal gaming spaces. Today on the show, host Claudia Meza and audio producer Giulia Fiaoni journey to the mall to find out who’s behind these changes at the Lloyd Center and what shopping there is like today. This episode originally aired on April 5th, 2023.
Guests: Salvador Ybarra from Euphoria James Lucas Jones, owner of Brickdiculous Eric Mast, co-owner of Dreem Street
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza wraps up this year’s legislative session with Oregon Public Broadcasting’s politics and government reporter, Dirk VanderHart, and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni. We’re talking about what passed, what failed, and what will continue gumming up the process for the next go-around.
Stories discussed in today’s episode: After record-breaking legislative walkout, Oregon 2023 legislative session ends in crush of bills [OPB]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did you know more than 15 varieties of strawberries were invented in Oregon? From May through September, we actually became the #4 growing region for strawberries in the country. Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza is joined by OPB “All Things Considered” host and “Superabundant” producer Crystal Ligori and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni, to find out what makes the Oregon strawberry so special.
Link: Superabundant: Strawberry [OPB]
Oregon-grown strawberries featured in this interview: Hood Marys Peak Puget Crimson Albion
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the past 46 years, Willamette Week has published an anonymous survey where our state capitol’s lobbyists and staff members rank and comment on the lawmakers who were part of that year’s legislative session. They’re scored on everything from how smart they appeared to how well-liked they were. So today on the show, host Claudia Meza is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning political Willamette Week reporter Nigel Jaquiss for a gossip-laden analysis of this year’s legislative session.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.
Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you think of a classic diner, what comes to mind: A counter? Cozy booths? Never-ending coffee refills? This month Eater Portland wrestled with this very concept of what even constitutes a Portland diner in a city that’s had more diner closures this past few years than ever before. So today on the show, host Claudia Meza talks with Brooke Jackson-Glidden, editor of Eater Portland (and recent James Beard award-winner), about her picks for that true diner experience.
Diners mentioned on the show:
Stepping Stone Cafe
Nite Hawk
Slim’s
My Father’s Place
Banning’s
Fuller’s Coffee Shop
Cameo Café East
This has nothing to do with diners, but c’mon: Steamed Hams by Bill Oakley
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Part of the fun of going to a new city is experiencing it all for the first time and learning about the place you’re visiting. You might check out some things that wouldn’t interest you back home (and you might feel a little silly doing it). But what if you brought that same tourist energy to rediscover Portland? Today on City Cast Portland, host Claudia Meza is joined by Eden Dawn, author of “The Portland Book of Dates” and co-host of the “We Can’t Print This” podcast, and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni. We’ll look at our city through a newcomer’s gaze for the final episode of our Summer Entertainment Guide.
Locations mentioned in the episode:
Wine tours
Pine Street Biscuits
Peninsula Park
International Rose Test Garden
Silver Falls State Park
Multnomah Falls
Jetboat Excursions
Huber’s Cafe
Hale Pele
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Clinton Street Theater
Dots Cafe
Bar Norman
Portland Japanese Garden
Kick Ass Walking Tours
Previously aired episodes mentioned:
The Great Portland Doughnut Throwdown
The Lore of Old Town's Shanghai Tunnels
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking about the last-minute billion-dollar amendment for the I-5 bridge expansion, the city testing artificial intelligence for non-emergency calls, and two major proposals from the committee working on Portland’s charter reform. Joining host Claudia Meza is Portland Mercury reporter Taylor Griggs and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni.
Stories discussed in today’s episode: In last-minute amendment, Oregon lawmakers propose $1 billion for I-5 bridge replacement project [Portland Mercury] A.I. call taker will begin taking over police nonemergency phone lines next week [Willamette Week] Portland’s charter reform is moving full steam ahead [Portland Mercury]
Link to citizen-proposed charter reform maps: https://districtr.org/tag/Portland2023
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fentanyl has led to a record number of overdose deaths in Portland. But it’s not just the risk associated with using the drug that’s grown: it turns out it’s actually much harder to get off the drug too. And that’s become one of the many factors exacerbating our city’s homelessness crisis. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re talking with Emily Green of the Lund Report. She recently looked into the challenges fentanyl and other drugs have created for detox providers and other treatment centers in the Portland area. She’s helping us unpack some of the issues at play we’re actively seeing in our streets today. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When we started this podcast last December, it felt like we were at the height of stereotypes and misconceptions about Portland all over social media. People wanted to know what the heck was going on over here. Even City Cast CEO (and Slate Political Gabfest co-host) David Plotz had questions. Today we’re re-airing a conversation from February with David Plotz in the host seat, asking Claudia Meza what Portland’s really all about. Maybe it’ll help first-timers learn a bit more about our city. Hopefully, it’ll just help the rest of us remember why this city is awesome.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the next installment of our Summer Entertainment Guide, where we help you make the most of this short sweet season that’s upon us: It’s Pride Month! So much sweat and tears have gone into turning one brutal night in 1969 into an internationally celebrated month-long party. Today we’re talking with Pride Northwest executive director Debra Porta about the events she’s most looking forward to and why this year’s Pride is breaking the mold of our city’s previous celebrations.
Events discussed in today’s episode: The Takeoff Flight 2: The Jetlag 2023 Portland Gay Prides Pageant Portland Gay Men's Chorus: Disney Pride in Concert Ankeny Alley Festival Portland Pride Parade
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we’re talking about our dismal ambulance response times, a controversial lawyer striking once again, and the newly-launched PPB drone program. Joining host Claudia Meza for this week’s news roundup is Willamette Week’s “Dive” podcast host and "Potlander" column author Brianna Wheeler and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni. Stories discussed in today's episode:
Multnomah County struggles with delayed ambulance response times amid paramedic shortage [KATU]
A Portland man died waiting for an ambulance that didn't arrive for 32 minutes [KGW]
A Portland lawyer known for representing property owners sends Multnomah County a warning [Willamette Week]
Police drone pilot program to lift off next week [Portland Mercury]
State agency to consider whether to pull police certification of retired West Linn Chief Terry Timeus [Oregonian]
How a controversial technology firm courted Portland police [The Guardian]
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer’s nearly here, and so too is the stress of trying to fit in every warm-weather activity you dreamed about all winter. Over the next few weeks, our Summer Entertainment Guide will bring you recommendations for how to spend these sunny days. Today we’re kicking it off with our city’s event guru, Portland actor, and creator Michele Venlee. She’s helping us comb through all the upcoming summer festivals to figure out which are worth the crowd.
Parks events: Portland Parks’ Summer Free For All East Portland Summer Arts Festival Tiger Tiger Comedy In The Park
Bigger festivals: Waterfront Blues Festival Cathedral Park Jazz Festival Mississippi Street Fair Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade PDX Adult Soapbox Derby
Food events: Pride Vegan Night Market Cider Summit Portland Beer and Cheese Festival Portland Craft Beer Festival Jade International Night Market
Events this weekend: Juneteenth Cookout at The Redd on Salmon Juneteenth at Lillis-Albina Park Haute Dog Fashion Show Delta Park Powwow and Encampment
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When the film “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature this year, it greatly validated Portland’s animation industry. Much of the work on the film was done not only at the Portland offices of animation studio ShadowMachine, but also in the backyards and homes of our local fabricators and animators. Now a new exhibit at the Portland Art Museum highlights the artistry behind the film. ShadowMachine co-founder Alex Bulkley is here to tell us more about this exhibit and why our city continues to be the perfect place to make animation.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, we’re looking into the very real possibility of a public passenger ferry operating on the Willamette River. Susan Bladholm, founder and president of Friends of Frog Ferry, says most major river and coastal cities already have functioning ferry systems built into their public transportation. But how much is this going to cost? Where is the money coming from? And does Portland really need a ferry?
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This year, Portland won more James Beard Awards than any other city. All in all, our food scene is killing it. To celebrate, we’re bringing back a conversation with Brent Braun, manager and sommelier at OK Omens, which was a 2023 James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Wine Program. Brent helped us figure out what the whole deal is with natural wine and how that seems to be all that anyone wants to drink nowadays. What’s with all the hype?
Links to other local wine bars mentioned on the show: Bar Norman: https://www.barnorman.com/ Company: https://companybar.co/
We’re doing a listener survey so we can make City Cast Portland an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 5 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card! Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we’re talking about updates on the daytime camping ban now that it’s passed, the growing wait times at train crossings, and the sewage spill in Lake Oswego that ended up in the Willamette River. Joining host Claudia Meza for this week’s news roundup is Portland Mercury news editor Courtney Vaughn and City Cast’s director of newsletters, Bryan M. Vance.
Stories discussed in today’s episode:
City Council Approves Daytime Camping Ban; Legal Challenges Could Arise [Portland Mercury]
Freight Train Pain: City Will Study Solutions for Frequently Blocked Eastside Railroad Crossings [Portland Mercury]
500,000 gallons of treated sewage spills into Willamette River [KPTV]
Helpful guide to avoid train traffic delays at the SE Portland crossing (on foot or bike).
Previously aired episodes mentioned: How Safe Is It ACTUALLY to Swim in the Willamette River??
We’re doing a listener survey so we can make City Cast Portland an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 5 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card! Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Frontier times were much more inclusive and interesting than many of our Western films have led us to believe. And Ivan McClellan, a Portland-based photojournalist, hopes to uncover and share a bit of that unseen history at his Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo. Ivan is attempting something spectacular; not only will it be Portland’s first Black Rodeo, but it’s possibly the first rodeo ever hosted within city limits. Today on City Cast Portland, he’s talking with host Claudia Meza about what it takes to put on a rodeo that you can get to by riding the Max.
Get your rodeo tickets here. Other Juneteenth weekend events.
Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Portland loves brunch so much it has its own “Portlandia” skit. Our brunch scene was once mighty and line-worthy, but then the pandemic hit, and many of our favorite spots closed. Still, Oregonian food writer (and self-proclaimed king of brunch) Michael Russell says a brunching renaissance is afoot. He’s sharing some of his new (and old) favorite spots in town to inspire us all to get back out there and Make Portland Brunch Again.
Brunches discussed in this episode: The Original Pancake House The Woodsman Tavern HK Cafe Pure Spice Hà VL Lazy Susan Toki Screen Door Matt’s BBQ Tacos Grits N’ Gravy Fair Weather (RIP)
We’re doing a listener survey so we can make City Cast Portland an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 5 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card!
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
City Cast Portland captures the one-of-a-kind creative spirit of this place and tackles who we are and where we’re going — from big deals, like equity and livability, to tiny delights, like the city's most wonderful doughnut. Our home is teeming with creativity and controversy, natural beauty and impossibly good food and drink. Start your weekday with neighbors, newsmakers, artists and entrepreneurs — the conversations you don’t want to miss — starting Dec 6.