Podcasts about downtown portland

Today we end Season 9 with a trip to Downtown Portland . . .or should I say PORTAL-land? And then we end with a personal case I investigated: The Mystery Of The Haunted Chair! Original Air Date: May 15, 2020   Patreon (Get ad-free episodes, Patreon Discord Access, and more!) https://www.patreon.com/user?u=18482113 PayPal Donation Link https://tinyurl.com/mrxe36ph MERCH STORE!!! https://tinyurl.com/y8zam4o2 Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28CIOGSFRUXAD?ref_=wl_share   Help Promote Dead Rabbit! Dual Flyer https://i.imgur.com/OhuoI2v.jpg "As Above" Flyer https://i.imgur.com/yobMtUp.jpg “Alien Flyer” By TVP VT U https://imgur.com/gallery/aPN1Fnw “QR Code Flyer” by Finn https://imgur.com/a/aYYUMAh   Links: Dead Rabbit Radio Recommends: Butterfly Kisses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nZYNzzccWM I got sucked into a portal in downtown Portland https://www.reddit.com/r/Thetruthishere/comments/gd5k77/i_got_sucked_into_a_portal_in_downtown_portland/ Sucked into a portal in Portland OR https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/gd45m8/sucked_into_a_portal_in_portland_or/ Portland Crime https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/or/portland/crime Burnside Street History https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/295412 Kiss Car Wash https://www.yelp.com/biz/kiss-car-wash-portland-4?start=20 National Register of Historic Places https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/SearchResults/   ----------------------------------------------- Logo Art By Ash Black Opening Song: "Atlantis Attacks" Closing Song: "Bella Royale" Music By Simple Rabbitron 3000 created by Eerbud Thanks to Chris K, Founder Of The Golden Rabbit Brigade Dead Rabbit Archivist Some Weirdo On Twitter AKA Jack YouTube Champ: Stewart Meatball Reddit Champ: TheLast747 The Haunted Mic Arm provided by Chyme Chili Forever Fluffle: Cantillions, Samson, Gregory Gilbertson, Jenny The Cat Discord Mods: Mason   http://www.DeadRabbit.com Email: DeadRabbitRadio@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeadRabbitRadio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DeadRabbitRadio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadrabbitradio Dead Rabbit Radio Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeadRabbitRadio/ Paranormal News Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalNews/ Mailing Address Jason Carpenter PO Box 1363 Hood River, OR 97031 Paranormal, Conspiracy, and True Crime news as it happens! Jason Carpenter breaks the stories they'll be talking about tomorrow, assuming the world doesn't end today. All Contents Of This Podcast Copyright Jason Carpenter 2018 - 2025  

This week, a coalition of over 100 elected officials, arts organizations, labor unions and chambers of commerce signed a letter urging calm and “thoughtful civic engagement” on election day, and to preserve the “hard-won but still fragile progress” in Downtown Portland.  Amid rising concerns about possible civil unrest next week, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said there would be increased police presence, with officers canceling days off and working 12-hour shifts. A special unit of officers under the recently reconstituted Rapid Response Team will also be deployed for crowd control. Portland Police Chief Bob Day joins us to share more details about the agency’s preparedness for election day, what lessons it learned from its response to the 2020 racial justice protests and an update on what the police know about the suspected arsonist who placed incendiary devices into ballot boxes in Portland and Vancouver recently. 

Today's episode is part one of a two part interview with Rand Schenk, author of a fascinating and timely new history of the Forest Service, its founder, Gifford Pinchot, and over 100 years of forest management and mismanagement in the Pacific Northwest.The book, “Forest Under Siege: The Story of Old Growth After Gifford Pinchot”,  explores the Forest Service's progressive populist origins, how it abandoned its founding mission of conservation and drove our old growth forests to the brink of extinction, and how, or if, the agency is entering a new restoration ecology era.Forest Under Siege is available at local bookstores throughout the northwest, and you can order a copy online by searching for Forest Under Siege.Rand will be giving a book reading at Powell's Books in Downtown Portland at 7pm on Wednesday, July 31st.Research Links/Show Notes:Powell's Link:https://www.powells.com/book/forest-under-siege-9781638640257/1-1Support the Show.Please Donate to Help us Keep This Show Free!

Is more funding for SKSD teachers more important than your kids/grandkids safety? https://www.kgw.com/article/news/education/salem-keizer-school-district-approves-budget-cuts/283-1025a7ef-7bd1-43b8-8033-e2bd57a576e1 Another OR computer upgrade failure: 106M and it doesn't work for unemployed: https://www.opb.org/article/2024/04/17/oregon-employment-department-website-frances-online-unemployment-benefits/ Good explanation of big dairies trying to eliminate competition: https://oregoncatalyst.com/76849-oregons-small-dairy-farmers-face-regulatory-whiplash.html How Speaker Johnson did a 180 degree turn and should be ousted: https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/04/17/exclusive-mike-johnsons-top-policy-adviser-is-former-lobbyist-clients-have-corporate-interest-in-ukraine-war/ Kotek won't veto housing bills: who woulda thunk! https://www.opb.org/article/2024/04/17/kotek-not-veto-oregon-cities-housing-funding/ Failure? Only 14% of druggies  contacted in downtown Portland wanted help: https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/outreach-team-14-of-people-contacted-downtown-received-same-day-drug-treatment/ MC health department says new drug use not widespread. https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/health-department-tranq-use-not-thought-to-be-widespread-at-this-time-04172024/ US Senate Dems shut down impeachment of Mayorkas https://www.breitbart.com/2024-election/2024/04/17/democrats-shut-down-senate-mayorkas-impeachment-charges/ UT Sen Lee destroys Schumer's ridiculous argument that Mayorkas impeachment is unconstitutional: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/04/senator-mike-lee-expertly-destroys-majority-leader-chuck/ Biden will kill project in Alaska that could end China's dominance in minerals needed for green energy: https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/energy/biden-kill-road-project-could-end-chinas-dominance-minerals-needed-green O'Keefe undercover video: Who really is running the Biden administration: https://rumble.com/v4q48pz-okeefe-media-group-uncovers-who-is-really-running-the-regime.html  

The Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Unit will be reinstated thanks to a grant. In 2004, PPB formed a Cold Case Unit to use technological advances to review and investigate unsolved homicides dating back to the 1960s. Over the next 18 years, the Cold Case Unit reviewed more than 270 cases, clearing more than 50 of them. More than 30 individuals were charged with homicide-related crimes. In 2022, the Cold Case Unit was disbanded due to the reallocation of resources in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, unprecedented retirements and resignations, and exponential increases in both homicides and gun-related crimes. In 2023, PPB applied for and received a grant through the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). The $2.5 million grant will fund four detectives and provide $300,000 for advanced testing, including Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG). The Cold Case Unit will review not only unsolved homicides but also unsolved missing persons cases and unsolved violent crimes, such as robberies and assaults. “I feel very fortunate that we're able to bring back the Cold Case Unit,” Chief Bob Day said. Clearing unsolved cases will hopefully provide some closure for victims' families. Work in this space can also reduce crime by apprehending prolific violent offenders.” With hundreds of unsolved cases to examine, the Cold Case Unit will be tasked with prioritizing their caseload. The prioritization process will consider severity, with homicides being a priority. Violent crimes will be prioritized based on the time remaining under the statute of limitations. One of those cold cases is from August 29, 1988, police responded to a welfare check at 2612 N. Holman, which the granddaughter of the occupants of that residence called in. Police entered the residence, where they discovered the bodies of Robert Wheatley, 61, and Frieda Wheatley, 69, in the basement. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as strangulation. Detectives believe that the Wheatley's died on August 27, 1988. It is apparent from the crime scene that the motive was robbery. There was no sign of forced entry. The home was ransacked, and a television set, ATM card, credit card, and the Wheatley's light green 1979 Buick Regal were stolen. The ATM and credit cards were used extensively in Northeast, North, and Downtown Portland before Wheatley's bodies were discovered. The Buick was recovered in a Jantzen Beach Shopping Center parking lot a few days later. Investigating Detectives believe that people in the community have information about this crime.  Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, and tipsters can remain anonymous. Information about this case or any unsolved felony crime may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/index.cfm?c=35696 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some downtown Portland business leaders, the new year is a time for optimism. Some say government attention on the area, like an emphasis on the region through the Central City Task Force convened by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, could mean positive changes for downtown. Jonathan Bach is a real estate and finance reporter for the Portland Business Journal. He recently wrote about the outlook for downtown business leaders and joins us to share what he’s been hearing from them.

On that tense late-August weekend, tens of thousands of young people enjoyed themselves at McIver Park, while the much-dreaded riots failed to materialize. Was there a connection? Many voters thought so. (McIver Park, Clackamas County; 1970s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1406c.291.vortex-the-event.html)

Did Tina Kotek fix downtown Portland or did the governor just convene a big to-do task force with little to show for it? Or is the truth somewhere in between? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Alex Zielinski, Dirk VanderHart and Kyra Buckley discuss the task force, the business community’s reaction to it and much more. Find the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tuesday was the grand opening of Ritz-Carlton in downtown Portland.The highly anticipated hotel and restaurant held a ribbon cutting with Mayor Ted Wheeler.The 35-story hotel with 251 rooms took 4.5 years to build. That included designers from Dallas to study Oregon's natural beauty.The new site incorporates Oregon's landscapes throughout the interior design.Forest Hall and Meadowrue, the new lobby bar, is designed in honor of Forest Park."All of the other areas have some design inspiration. Bellpine, our restaurant, has a coastal inspiration, lots of deep blues and some beautiful wood features that represent the coastline and the dunes you find on the coast," said Marie Browne, with Ritz-Carlton Portland and Residency.Support the show

An interview with Adam Milne, owner of Old Town Brewing about their "Believe In Portland" campaign and how their t-shirt sales help a variety of non-profits in Portland, and about his pride in Old Town and Downtown Portland.

What happens when a city defunds its police force? Portland, Oregon is about to find out. Amidst escalating violence, random stabbings, and a surge in crime, the city's Mayor Ted Wheeler is calling on 96 Oregon State Troopers to bolster the city's security. The same mayor, ironically, who once supported the Defund the Police movement, now grapples with its real-world repercussions. Listen in as we dissect the dramatic unfolding of events and the desperate measures being taken to restore law and order.But there's more to the story than political irony. The city's security crisis has taken a heavy toll on its residents. Shop owners forced to foot the bill for their security, a city center struggling to bounce back post-pandemic, and a palpable sense of fear and uncertainty lurking in every corner. Portland's reality is a chilling testament to the consequences of defunding the police, and we're here to bring it to light. Get ready to witness the gritty, untold side of the Rose City's struggle with crime and unrest.Support the show

What happens when a century-old pillar of a city decides to pack up and leave? That's the question we're grappling with today, as we dig into Hoffman Construction's stunning decision to relocate their headquarters out of downtown Portland. This move isn't just a seismic shift for Oregon's largest construction company; it's a sign of the times, reflecting a wave of businesses fleeing city centers across America. We'll unpack the reasoning behind this move, set against the backdrop of Hoffman's awe-inspiring growth story.We also give the floor to Bob Ames, a local real estate developer, and Tim Harrison from Jones Lang LaSalle, who share their insights on how such departures are reshaping the city. From the concerns about leftover vacancies to the budding opportunities, they paint a picture of a city in flux, giving us a fascinating look at what the future might hold for urban hubs like Portland. So join us for this riveting episode that promises a deep dive into the complex dynamics at play in this significant urban shift.Support the show

Gov. Tina Kotek is convening a panel of local elected officials, business executives and civic leaders to focus on how to best bolster downtown Portland's economic future. The move comes as Portland's urban core remains among the nation's slowest to recover in the aftermath of the pandemic amid blocks of empty offices and storefronts as well as pervasive homelessness, open drug use and public safety concerns. On the latest Beat Check with The Oregonian podcast, city hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh speaks with Kotek about her initiative.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Downtown Portland's Driftwood Room has been shaking up craft cocktails and intimate, dimly lit hotel bar connections since opening in what was then Hotel Mallory (and today Hotel DeLuxe) in 1954. Once a pioneer of the city's mixology scene, today it remains a beloved, luxurious, unctuous, and, as we can now attest, potent purveyor of spirits.  Yes, we had an AWESOME time at Driftwood Room…and then proceeded to continue having an even awesomer time with overflowing glasses of Canadian Club at the HBTG studio over the course of a jaunty, increasingly slurry, and eventually unintelligible mess of an initial recording.  We just plain kicked the shit out of it folks.  And, after listening to the end result, decided the only way forward was the unprecedented choice to re-record the back half of the episode six days later. We had too much respect for the bar, this project, and, hell, maybe even ourselves(?!) not to take that mulligan. Unorthodox, yes, but without a doubt, a better product. So here's to Driftwood Room, Downtown Portland, and hotel bar frequenters everywhere…this episode (and its many MANY drinks) are for you.   Bar visit and initial recording: Thursday, July 20, 2023 Partially re-recorded: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 HBTG theme song: "Frozen Egg" by Lame Drivers Interlude music: "Right Track" by Lame Drivers --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historybytheglass/message

The Sports Bra opened last year as the first bar to exclusively play women’s sports. It’s a small bar in Northeast Portland, but owner Jenny Nguyen wanted to host a Women’s World Cup watch party that was big enough to accommodate the enormous enthusiasm for the team, including the Portland Thorns. The event, in collaboration with the Portland Football Club, starts at noon at Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse square and will include a showing of the classic movie “Bend It Like Beckham” at 2 p.m., with the match between the U.S. and Vietnam in Auckland at 6 p.m. We'll talk with Nguyen about the event and the excitement leading up to the U.S. team’s first match in pursuit of its third consecutive World Cup title.

The Charles F. Berg building in the heart of downtown Portland, a historic structure known for its once avant-garde design and shimmering gold façade, has fallen prey to an unfortunate plight. Vacant for several years and up for grabs in the market, the building has become the latest symbol of the urban decay eating away at the city's core, thanks to an unsolicited inhabitance of squatters. This pearl among the city's architectural treasures is now adorned with graffiti, stained with blood, and reeking of urine - a grim testament to the growing crisis facing downtown.The structure, offering 20,000 square feet of potential, was once a beacon of Portland's commercial vitality. It now stands as a stark reminder of how quickly prosperity can transform into despair. As the city contends with a mass business exodus and deteriorating street conditions, the building's owners and brokers find themselves facing an uphill battle. Yet, as any seasoned real estate expert will affirm, even the direst situations harbor potential for lucrative reinvention. While many may look at Portland and dismissively proclaim its days are numbered, this could indeed be the time when savvy investors spot the diamond in the rough and turn around a grim tale of urban decay into a story of rebirth and financial windfall.#UrbanDecay #PortlandRealEstate #InvestmentOpportunitySupport the show

Why is there 5,000 acres of near-wilderness at the heart of Oregon's largest city? Because nobody could develop it — although many tried. So, all the land reverted back to the city for unpaid taxes, and the city turned it into Forest Park. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1010d-family-camped-in-downtown-portland-for-4-years.html)

Why is there 5,000 acres of near-wilderness at the heart of Oregon's largest city? Because nobody could develop it — although many tried. So, all the land reverted back to the city for unpaid taxes, and the city turned it into Forest Park. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1010d-family-camped-in-downtown-portland-for-4-years.html)

Downtown Portland is the city's economic, cultural and transportation hub. And its future remains far from certain. In this episode, The Oregonian/OregonLive's business reporter Mike Rogoway and city hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh discuss the city center's ups and downs, its peril and promise. Read More: The Oregonian/OregonLive's 2021 ‘Downtown in distress' series. Are people coming back to downtown Portland yet? Here's what the numbers say Pills, petty crime, despair: A ‘perfect storm' batters heart of downtown Portland Portland's oldest food cart pod will reopen as 300-seat beer garden ‘Open-air drug use is at an all-time high' in downtown Portland: Police turn to citations as fentanyl crisis explodes Fences come down at Portland's troubled O'Bryant Square this fall. What comes next? Portland Ritz-Carlton tower nears completion with few apparent hiccups, defying odds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Downtown Portland has seen better days. Its recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn and resulting vandalism has been uneven at best. The area continues to grapple with high numbers of homeless campers. In some areas, open drug use and gun violence threaten the survival of some local businesses. We're joined in studio by Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell to discuss how strained local law enforcement officers are trying to stay on top of the high demand, and his plans for responding to crime downtown more broadly.

Bart is back after a week to the Pacific Northwest for Vacation and a Wedding. He's got some WILD stories about what he witnessed in Downtown Portland. Pinkalla has been on the move, getting after it with Wisconsin Muskie Opener. Hahner and Stolski are both MIA this Episode, as service is still basically impossible where they are located. And we've got a big announcement for all you PTB fans! Welcome to Past The Barb with Adam Bartusek, Ryan Pinkalla, Cody Hahner, and Will Stolski. We talk about everything outdoors the way YOU and your friends do, as well as whatever is going on in the world today. ~ Past The Barb Social Media ~ Email Us Questions and Feedback: pastthebarbpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @pastthebarbpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... ~ Follow Us On Social Media ~ Adam Bartusek Instagram: @adambartusek Adam Bartusek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adambartbart... Ryan Pinkalla Instagram: @ryan_pinkalla Ryan Pinkalla YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiRa... Will Stolski Instagram: @will_stolski Cody Hahner Instagram: @codyhahnerfishing

Downtown Portland has developed something of a bad reputation. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been a slow rebound for the area, marked by reduced foot traffic, soaring office vacancies, rampant unsheltered homelessness and a perception, at least, that the area isn't safe. But is it really as bad as it's cracked up to be?The Story's Pat Dooris took a walk through downtown earlier this week. His assessment? It's a mixed bag. Downtown Portland isn't a total bombed-out hellscape like some folks like to say post-pandemic and 2020 protests. But neither is it the place it was even five years ago.It can vary from block to block. Some streets appeared deserted, with smatterings of boarded-up and padlocked shops — businesses that have either closed, moved or transitioned online. There are office buildings that look much like they did a few years ago, but now they're half-empty, with most employees working from home.Support the show

The pending closure of REI's Pearl District store underscores the ongoing struggles for retail businesses in Portland's core, with retail availability stubbornly high three years after the pandemic hit.More than 7% of retail and restaurant spaces in downtown Portland were available for lease in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest data from the commercial real estate firm CoStar. That's nearly triple the rate of availability in 2019.The tally doesn't include owner-occupied spaces so the actual rate of empty storefronts is surely higher – probably in the double digits, according to John Gillem, CoStar's director of market analytics in Portland. But regardless of the precise number, he said the upward trajectory on vacancies and availability has been consistent.“The core, obviously, (is) still trying to get the ball rolling on a recovery,” Gillem said.REI blamed crime and theft when it announced plans to close early next year, along with issues with its landlord. But sales don't appear to have been a problem – REI said it had “outgrown” its Pearl District location and the outdoors cooperative indicated it's looking for a new location in the Portland area, though wouldn't say where.It may find the pickings are slim.Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

Spicy sports takes, plus a serious conversation about Downtown Portland

In another blow to downtown Portland real estate, the owner of Jackson Tower, a landmark building that overlooks Pioneer Square, has defaulted on a loan from JPMorgan Chase, court filings show.Jackson Tower Partners LLC, the owner of the 12-story beaux arts office building in the 800 block of Southwest Broadway, borrowed $11.5 million from JPMorgan Chase in 2018, and missed its first loan payment on Nov. 1, 2022, according to a complaint filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court on April 5.JPMorgan Chase asked the court to appoint a receiver—a neutral third party who manages an asset during a legal dispute and is often charged with selling an asset to repay a loan. The court granted JPMorgan Chase's request for a receiver on April 11, court records show.Asked why her client defaulted on the Jackson Tower loan, California-based attorney Sherry DuPont blamed “the deterioration of downtown Portland.”Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

It hasn't even opened for business yet, but the new Shake Shake in Downtown Portland has already been vandalized.Shake Shake is a popular national burger chain with roots in New York City. They are famous for their smash burgers and milkshakes.The new downtown burger restaurant, across from Powell's Books, is Shake Shack's second location in Oregon. The other store is in the Cedar Mills area of Beaverton.The downtown Portland location is set to open next Monday, April 24.Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

When you think about a mall, its success is often measured in the number of stores open and operating. If the mall is doing poorly, they close — and the more closed storefronts, the worse the perception of the "health" and prosperity of the mall.The mall can function as something of an analogy for thinking about downtown Portland, even if the latter is at a much larger scale. The more businesses that thrive downtown, the better for the whole. The more that suffer, the worse.That conjures up the latest downtown business bombshell that broke this week. Outdoor retailer REI wrote in an email to customers that its longtime store in the Pearl District will close when its lease comes up at the end of February next year.It's the only REI store in the Portland city limits, and it's been serving the area for nearly two decades. The company said that last year, even with increased security, they dealt with the highest number of break-ins and thefts since they opened the store.The company also said that it had "outgrown" the current space and could not reach a deal with the landlord to address the issues. So they're moving on out.Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

A probable cause affidavit has released details on the unusual Tuesday incident that saw a man steal a forklift and take it on a joyride through Downtown Portland. Jeffre Zelinski, 30, is charged with burglary, theft, UUV, reckless driving, and criminal mischief. Many people often keep goldfish as pets, and it's not hard to see why. Besides being a sight for sore eyes, goldfish are as intelligent as they come; it makes them such well-appreciated guests to have in small ponds, fish bowls, and aquariums. But if you think it's all glee and fun with goldfish, think again. These aquatic animals are quickly becoming a menace in Canadian waters. An invasive species of crossbred "super pigs" from Canada could eventually become an issue for the United States and experts are continuously sounding the alarm while monitoring the situation. I hate the news. Like, really hate the news. It's mostly just politics, and death, and scare tactics. So I decided to create my own news show - for people like me who hate the news - with nothing but funny and wacky stories from around the world. I call it Tony P. Oddcast. find me at http://www.tonyphenderson.com music http://www.klyma.com

Portland's Central library in the heart of the city's downtown is by far its biggest branch. It also provides internet and other services to those who may be experiencing homelessness or just want to duck in to get out of the elements. Some bond funded renovations started last year, but now the building will close while various updates get completed. The Albina branch will be closing temporarily for construction later this week, followed by the North Portland branch in early April. The Holgate and Midland branches are currently closed for renovations. Taxpayer backed bonds are also funding a huge brand new library in Gresham. Katie O'Dell has worked at the Multnomah County Library for much of her career and she's currently the capital bond deputy director there. She joins us to tell us about what's happening system-wide and the plans the library has made to backfill services while some of these critical facilities are getting remade.

The rise in remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic hollowed out downtown Portland, which was heavily-reliant on office workers. Can anything be done to bring the core of Portland back to its former glory?

The rise in remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic hollowed out downtown Portland, which was heavily-reliant on office workers. Can anything be done to bring the core of Portland back to its former glory?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Four people involved in major property development downtown — Homer Williams, Patrick Gilligan, Jim Mark, Vanessa Sturgeon — speak out on what people can see with their own eyes. The heart of Portland is in crisis.But this story doesn't look just at the problems. KOIN 6 News also looks at their suggested solutions and their reasons for optimism.In conversations with these developers and with Mayor Ted Wheeler, one thing is clear: The time to act is now — and there are things that are moving forward.Patrick Gilligan with Lincoln Property Company said he thinks “there's just a lack of a sense of urgency coming from government officials.”Jim Mark with Melvin Mark Brokerage Companies said it's also a community mindset. “Unfortunately, right now, I think we have too much naysaying, you know, how can't we do it?”Vanessa Sturgeon with TMT Development said, “I definitely think downtown Portland is saveable.”According to analysis for the Mayor's Office, Portland's central business district accounts for almost three-quarters of all gross income produced in the city, but another recent study said Portland's downtown is one of the slowest to recover compared to other larger cities. The problems plaguing downtown Portland show up as empty storefronts. The current vacancy rate for commercial buildings is about 26-27%, which was initially spurred by how technology changed the way people work and shop.Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

Portland small business owners who managed to make it through the pandemic are still facing their fair share of challenges. Sarah Shaoul runs Bricks Need Mortar, a small business support organization. She's been surveying businesses since the first pandemic shutdown of March 2020, and periodically ever since.She says too many of those businesses report vandalism and break-ins, adding to the already challenging day-to-day work of serving customers and staying within budget. We talk with Shaoul and two small business proprietors – Peter Cho of Toki and Han Oak and Sita Symonette of Black Pearl Wellness – to hear what the last year has been like for them and how they're thinking about the future

Kameron Messmer's plans were upended during the pandemic. He'd moved to Portland to start a career as a variety entertainer under the name “Daredevil Circus Wizard.” But instead, he ended up making balloon art. In fact, his giant balloon sculptures became so popular, he started getting requests for them. In 2022 Messmer created a balloon art installation in an abandoned storefront in downtown Portland. We listen back to a conversation about his work and his exhibit, the Joy Store.

Meet Danielle Wheeler, Works of Mercy Coordinator at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Downtown Portland as she shares her journey to serve the poor and isolated on the streets of Portland and how she came to St. Michael Church to help develop outreach programs that encounter the hearts and souls of their neighbors on the streets. For details visit: https://www.stmichaelportland.org/ and https://www.stmichaelportland.org/mercy-missionaries.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

On Saturday, Portlanders near Pioneer Courthouse Square will be welcomed with the sound of Christmas music played by 200 tubas. This year marks the 31st year of Tuba Christmas in Portland, but it has been celebrated across the world for close to 50 years. Chuck Bolton is the conductor of the free public concert. He joins us to share the history of Tubas Christmas in Portland and why so many musicians across Oregon come to play. We'll also hear a few holiday songs from a quartet in the studio featuring Bolton, Heidi Aispuro, Dave Matthys and Charlie Violet.

Portland business leaders said there are positive trends in downtown Portland's economic recovery but acknowledge it's a "work in progress" and won't happen overnight. In this episode of Straight Talk, representatives from the Portland Business Alliance, Prosper Portland and Travel Portland join Laural Porter to discuss the state of the city's downtown.

Portland business leaders said there are positive trends in downtown Portland's economic recovery but acknowledge it's a "work in progress" and won't happen overnight. In this episode of Straight Talk, representatives from the Portland Business Alliance, Prosper Portland and Travel Portland join Laural Porter to discuss the state of the city's downtown.

A wedding dress and other crucial things from a couple's wedding were stolen in Portland just two days after they exchanged vows.After Abby Paterson and David De Leon got married in Napa, Calif. last week, they decided to turn their 1200-mile journey back home to Vancouver, British Columbia into a mini honeymoon.“It was our dream come true, everything came together, and it was perfect,” Abby said. “Just to kind of make a bit of an adventure out of it, and, in doing so, we packed our car full of everything.”The newlyweds drove into Portland on Monday and stayed overnight at the Worldmark Waterfront Hotel downtown.When the couple woke up the next morning to grab brunch and hit the road, they were shocked to find a window on their SUV shattered and several items are gone, including an apple laptop, the couple's passports, David's wedding attire, including the blazer, which Abby says is worth $500. Abby's wedding gown also got stolen.Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

Join us TOMORROW (or today, depending on when you're listening), Thursday, November 17th, 11:30am, at Terry Schrunk Plaza in Downtown Portland, as we rally to say that Mature and Old Growth Forests are Worth More Standing!Preserving our mature and old-growth forests is one of the best ways we can fight climate change, as well as preserve wildlife habitat and drinking water. Join us and other activists rallying across the country to make sure the Forest Service (and the President!) know our forests are worth more standing! We'll start gathering between 11:30 AM and noon at Terry Schrunk Plaza (directly across from the regional Forest Service office) for live music and hot drinks, to make art together, and deliver a petition signed by over 100,000 forest lovers from across the US to make our message loud and clear that we need a lasting, durable rule that protects these climate forests from destructive logging projects.Bring a mug and a sign that says what you love most about Oregon's public forests! Carpools are currently being organized from Eugene as well. Sign up for more details and updates on this important event.https://www.climate-forests.org/eventsLearn more about the Coast Range Association's work on private and public forests, and our groundbreaking Green New Deal for Oregon's Forests at https://coastrange.org/And please consider donating to support us at: https://coastrange.networkforgood.com/projects/172942-support-coast-range-associationSupport the show

Apple has started work on a major overhaul of its downtown Portland store, with a new design that appears more resistant to vandalism. But people familiar with the company's plans say work won't be done until sometime after the holidays.Apple's downtown store has been obscured by imposing metallic fencing since February 2021. The fences protect the store's signature tall, glass panels from vandalism but have become a symbol of Portland's inability to restore normal functions after the upheaval that accompanied the pandemic and the protests that rocked downtown in 2020.Apple unveiled the planned facade in a meeting with the Downtown Neighborhood Association in May. It features a “storefront security enclosure” that consists of dozens of clear, polycarbonate panels that form a barrier in front of the store's glass walls.

In another blow to Portland's struggling downtown, the Benson Hotel has lost a recurring corporate contract for 300 rooms a month because of “safety issues,” and the hotel's owner is mulling a lawsuit against the city, according to an email obtained by WW.“The city is not living up to its duty to provide basic services (cleanliness, safety & security),” an executive from Coast Hospitality Management, the company that owns the Benson, said in an email to Jason Brandt, president of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Too many homeless and crazy people running around. Suffice to say, I'm furious!”LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos everyday. https://bit.ly/3KBUDSK

On this episode, Jake and Geoff discuss their hiking adventure, the wasteland of Downtown Portland, scooters suck, cosplay and machismo, secret files at Mar-a-Lago, semi-facism, lukewarm Republicans, and the upcoming general elections. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/saywhatyoumeanpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/saywhatyoumeanpodcast/support

As businesses grapple with hybrid work, perceptions of downtown Portland and employee retention, some businesses are moving their downtown presence elsewhere. But even as some businesses leave, others are staying put, betting on a rebound for the district. We hear more from Jonathan Bach, a staff reporter for the Portland Business Journal, on the outlook for downtown as vacancy rates there continue to rise.

Downtown Portland is recovering slower than other cities, researchers from University of California Berkeley found after studying GPS data from cell phones. The data was taken from 2019 and studied all the way up until this year. Out of 62 cities, Portland came in at No. 60. Researchers say downtown Portland only has 41% of the activity it did in 2019. LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos everyday. https://bit.ly/3KBUDSK

After 16 years in Old Town, Portland's Floating World Comics is moving out of the neighborhood. Customers will now need to head to the Lloyd Center to see the comic store's new location, which is already open. Jason Leivian is the owner of Floating World Comics. He is hopeful his move will inspire other small businesses to open shop in the mall and ultimately create a new community. Leivian joins us to share what prompted his move and what he's hoping for the future of the Lloyd Center.

Visual artist Mike Bennett delighted his one-and-a-half million followers on TikTok when he announced in March his latest and most ambitious art project to date: a dinosaur museum in downtown Portland. Three months later, Dinolandia has now opened its doors inside a 22,000 square-foot space previously occupied by a department store. The interactive museum features 67 whimsically painted plywood dinosaurs, including a 15-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex, several velociraptors and a pair of stegosauruses popping out of a psychedelic-tinted prehistoric forest. A dash of time-traveling storytelling and dinosaur facts help keep adults and children engaged and entertained. Mike Bennett joins us to talk about Dinolandia and making art that sparks, as he calls it, “public joy.”

Portland sues TriMet for $10 million over streetcar track. PCC names new president, a former professional long jumper who leads a Michigan college. Leah, a 47 year old chimpanzee, died at Oregon Zoo. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kameron Messmer's plans were upended during the pandemic. He'd moved to Portland to start a career as a variety entertainer under the name “Daredevil Circus Wizard.” But instead, he ended up making balloon art. In fact, his giant balloon sculptures became so popular, he started getting requests for them. Now, Messmer has created a balloon art installation in an abandoned storefront in downtown Portland. He joins us to share more about his work and his latest exhibit, the Joy Store.

Monique Claiborne, CEO of Greater Portland Inc. (GPI), joins host Blake St. Onge, Managing Principal for Cresa, on the Think Beyond Space Podcast to discuss the mission of GPI and how the downtowns of the future will integrate the new world of work.