Podcasts about multnomah county

Half a century of winning labor disputes left the waterfront employers feeling overconfident. When the Portland longshoremen walked out, they expected it would be a repeat of earlier victories for them ... it wasn't. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1930s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1304a-1934-dock-strike-paralyzed-oregon.html)

Paddlewheel riverboats and fancy bordello girls seem like a match made in pop-culture heaven, don't they? Plush “parlour houses” and luxurious riverboats both were common in the “naughty nineties,” and both represented probably the closest thing to luxury a working man or woman would find in a frontier waterfront city like Portland or San Francisco, or even St. Louis or New Orleans. And yeah, there were times when the twain did meet in real life. Naïve farmboy Aquilla Ernest Clark was lured into the clutches of Portland shanghaier Larry Sullivan by a flock of beautiful, friendly ladies obviously hired for the purpose, who joined him and eight other victims on a chartered riverboat for what they thought was a “birthday party” cruise. (Here's a link to that story.) And who can forget Eliza “Boneyard Mary” Bunets, the 40-year-old solo practitioner who apparently entertained her customers aboard mothballed sternwheelers in the Oregon Steam & Navigation Co.'s “boneyard” at the foot of Flanders Street? (Here's a link to that one.) But the combination seems to have reached its peak in the case of a Portland madam named Nancy Boggs, who actually operated a bordello aboard a 40-by-80-foot barge anchored in the middle of the Willamette River, in the early 1880s.... (Portland, Multnomah County; 1880s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/2502b1007d.nancy-boggs-floating-bordello-688.120.html)

On Tuesday, Oregon's first measles case of the year was reported in Multnomah County, joining a slew of other states who have had reported cases this year. The individual who tested positive is an adult who is believed to have acquired the disease while traveling abroad and was hospitalized in Portland. The highly contagious disease is transmitted through the air via coughs and sneezes, with symptoms including fever, cough and a rash appearing from seven to 21 days after exposure. Paul Ciselak is the medical director for communicable disease and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority. He joins us to share more.

Portlander Walter Waters arrived in D.C. at the head of 20,000 disciplined, well-intentioned petitioners to request that First World War vets be paid their service bonus early. Hoover refused to meet with him — a big mistake. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1930s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1704d.bonus-army-ended-hoovers-hopes-440.html)

An interview with Charlene McGee, Director, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotions Unit with the Multnomah County Health Department about the dangers of tobacco use, its impact on BIPOC communities, and their programs offered, including smoking cessation programs.

In Multnomah County, the number of deaths of homeless residents grew from 113 in 2019 to more than 450 in 2023. Research has found that encampment sweeps can threaten the health of people experiencing homelessness. Portland has carried out 19,000 sweeps since 2021, according to city records. Reporting from Street Roots and ProPublica examines why residents of Multnomah County die at a higher rate than in any major West Coast county, according to available homeless mortality data. K. Rambo is the editor-in-chief of Street Roots and produced the story for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network. Rambo joins us with details.

Fresh from breaking out of jail in Utah, Harry Tracy apparently came to Portland looking for a fresh start; he married, and then for three years kept his nose clean. But, it seems, the call of the outlaw trail was too much for him to resist, and he was caught and sent to prison. His prison break, and the subsequent two-month manhunt for him, became legendary. (Salem, Portland; Marion and Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/22-10.harry-tracy-wild-west-outlaw-jailbreak-614.html)

Arguably, the outcome of World War II became inevitable on the day the S.S. Star of Oregon slid into the Columbia River. It was followed by a torrent of new ships — far more than the Nazis could ever hope to sink. (Vanport, Multnomah County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1612c.portland-liberty-ships-saved-canada-422.html)

DURING THE FIRST year of the Second World War, the conflict in the Pacific was all about aircraft carriers. With a carrier, one could take the fight to the enemy. Without one, one could only huddle on an island as a passive target, waiting for an enemy carrier's aircraft to arrive and attack. When the war broke out, the U.S. had seven of these precious warships, but only three were in the Pacific. They were the actual targets of the attack on Pearl Harbor — the Japanese knew if they could get them out of the way, they'd have a free hand for at least a year. It had taken an average of more than three years to build a regular full-size aircraft carrier before the war. Mobilization would cut that timeframe to under a year, but that was still a long wait. The Japanese almost had a free hand for that year anyway. Much of their equipment was just more advanced in 1942, especially airplanes. By the end of that year the U.S. was down to one carrier. Both sides were hurriedly converting existing ships to bolster their fleets, but it certainly looked, from far away, as if the U.S. was not too far from ending up in that helpless position that the Japanese had hoped to put it in with the Pearl Harbor attack. Carriers were rare, complicated ships, hard and time-consuming to build. Japan had lost four of their best ones at Midway, but they still had at least six left. And that's about the point at which Henry Kaiser decided to go into the aircraft-carrier business.... (Vanport, Multnomah County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/22-07.kaiser-aircraft-carriers-611.html)

During this episode, Chris discusses his long career with the Multnomah County Sheriff in Oregon. Chris discusses his continuing rotation between patrol and detectives and developing relationships within the community to solve crimes. Chris talks about his time as the co-lead investigator on the Happy Face serial killer case and what it was like talking to Keith Jesperson. Chris tells several interesting stories, including working undercover, being featured in the early days of the television show COPS, as well as working for 25 years as a private detective in order to exonerate a man in prison for a murder he didn't commit.Chris is the author of It Was Interesting: 50 years as an investigator, which can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Was-Interesting-50-years-investigator/dp/1915852900

Both the latest federal point-in-time count and Multnomah County's own recent data on our area's homeless population show that a serious homelessness crisis remains on Portland's streets. Today, we're talking with Oregonian reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes to get caught up on where we are with solutions. We're finding out what the latest numbers actually tell us, what every level of government is doing about the issue, and when we'll actually know what next year's homelessness services will look like in our city. For Further Reading: Homelessness Continues To Rise in Portland Area Even as Increased Services Help Thousands [Oregonian ] Officials Now Have a Much Better Idea of How Many Homeless People Live in Multnomah County. It's a Lot [Oregonian

We're diving into the real reasons the Portland real estate market feels stuck, and spoiler alert, it's not just interest rates or a lack of buyers. In this episode, Steve Nassar and Joe Fistolo of the Portland Real Estate Podcast tackle the state of the market as of May 21st, 2025, revealing the hidden forces at play and what it means for you. Steve and Joe break down why certain segments are struggling more than others (we're looking at you, downtown condos!), and the surprising factors driving high-income earners out of Multnomah County. From the impact of "cash for keys" and tax burdens to the complexities of HOA issues and insurance woes, they share practical insights on why the market has been a story of "fits and starts" for the past three years.  You'll hear about the SDC moratorium and why it's not enough to solve the core housing crisis, and how subtle shifts in buyer behavior are creating a nervous, indecisive environment. This episode is about clarity, strategy, and understanding the nuances of a challenging market.  If you're serious about navigating Portland's real estate landscape, this conversation is your next move. Listen in for a real, relatable, and energizing discussion on what it takes to thrive in today's unpredictable market.   Key Takeaways The Q1 and early Q2 real estate market was weak due to economic volatility, 7% interest rates, and increased inventory. The detached home market saw brief improvement, but condos and townhomes continue to struggle with high HOA fees and insurance issues. The market has experienced "fits and starts" for the past three years, with a particularly slow spring season. Buyers are nervous, making and quickly retracting offers due to economic uncertainty and news. Multnomah County's high-end market has lower appreciation due to high property and other taxes. A three-year SDC moratorium in Multnomah County is seen as insufficient to address core housing development issues. Multnomah County's "cash for keys" tenant rights make it unattractive for rental property investors. Realtors should strongly recommend buyers hire an HOA consultant to review HOA documents. Insurance companies are scrutinizing homeownership details, leading to denied coverage for certain piping types. NAR commission changes have had little negative impact on agents, but have reduced buyer spontaneity. In the current market, price reductions are more effective than concessions for attracting buyers. AI tools like ChatGPT can help tighten listing remarks but aren't a magical solution for poor performance.   Connect with Joe Soldera Properties Joe on LinkedIn   Connect with Steve Steve's Team at Premiere Property Group Steve on LinkedIn   Listen to The Portland Real Estate Podcast on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  

Get ready for a powerful and reveling new moon in Gemini on May 26th 2025, this cosmic reset brings global blessings and warnings you won't want to miss. In this video, I'll share some powerful insights for countries around the world, plus love, health, and wealth predictions for every zodiac sign. Find out what unfolding globally from Financial shifts to natural events , maybe there is a beautiful sign or message for you. don't miss this magical map of what could happen ahead for this lovely energy of the new moon. #global #market #love #health #wealth #predictions If you enjoyed this video and would like to make a donation, please use the following link. Thank You. https://psychicdebbie.com/donations/ ENTERTAINMENT ONLY Debbie's Links= https://linktr.ee/psychicdebbiegriggs email= photopsychicdebbie@gmail.com email= ghosthuntinggrandmas@gmail.com Debbie's P.O. Box: P.O. Box 5882, Oxnard, CA 93031, or for street addressing: 1961 N. C Street, #5882, Oxnard, CA 93031 Timberwolf Tracks, The 80th Anniversary of Liberation: Below is the info for the two channels showing the documentary. I'm sure most of your audience will watch via the online link so here is is as well as below in the description. They said there will most likely be up to a 1 minute delay online so don't panic if it doesn't start right away. Link: https://www.opensignalpdx.org/pop Our short documentary was filmed last fall during the pups trip to Holland will be premiering in Portland this weekend for Memorial Day! As of now it will be airing through ‘Open Signal' on their ‘Pulse of Portland' segment on their cable channels through Xfinity in Multnomah County. It is also airing through TVCTV on channel 21 in the greater Portland area! If you don't live in Oregon, Multnomah County, or have Xfinity, DON'T WORRY, it can be viewed on their online steaming website which is linked below! Here is the schedule for Xfinity members in Multnomah County: Channel 29 (SD) 329 (HD): Saturday, 05-24-2025, 8:30 pm PDT Sunday, 05-25-2025, 7:00 pm PDT Monday, 05-26-2025, 8:00 pm PDT Thank you to everyone who helped bring this story to life and we are excited to share with the members who could not join us. Happy Memorial Day and always remember, Nothing in Hell Can Stop the Timberwolves! Kenny Griggs

Portland officials finally admit what we've been saying all along: handing out free tents creates more homeless encampments. After spending millions on a failed approach, Multnomah County now reverses course on their tent distribution policy—yet allows non-profits to continue the enabling cycle. This video exposes the $16 million being wasted on 'Rapid Response' teams that remove the very tents taxpayers funded, while addicts openly admit they'll 'make effing tents' rather than accept shelter. Meanwhile, officials dance around the real issues of addiction and mental illness that require involuntary commitment. When will Portland acknowledge that their 'compassionate' policies have created this disaster? Help us hold government accountable by liking, sharing, and subscribing to see more examples of your tax dollars at work in liberal utopias nationwide.

Crusty, spluttering city leaders, full of self-righteous outrage over mixed-race dancing that was going on at “The Dude Ranch,” found an excuse to order the West Coast's hottest jazz club shut down. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1203b-dude-ranch-portland-jazz-scene.html)

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, the Democratic Party hit record recruitment numbers for 2026.Then, on the rest of the menu, Multnomah County health officials have confirmed one case of active tuberculosis at a middle school in Southeast Portland, Oregon; Trump has suspended the asylum system, leaving immigrants to face an uncertain future; and, the US lost a major percentage of business travelers in April as economic anxiety and border detentions have cooled demand.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where Estonia warned that Russia is using military force to defend its shadow fleet of aging tankers violating international sanctions; and, Vietnam approved the Trump Organization's $1.5 billion golf and real estate project to avoid Donnie Two Doll's 46% tariff.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.” ― Douglas Adams "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Dr. Sharon Meieran, MD, has an impressive pedigree. She did her undergraduate work at UC Berkeley; her JD at University of California, Hastings College of Law; and her MD at UCSF School of Medicine. She worked as a lawyer for six years before going to medical school. Dr. Meieran worked as an ER physician from 2013 until recently. She continues to do volunteer street medicine work. She served on the Board of Commissioners for Multnomah County, Oregon, where Portland is situated, for eight years. Dr. Meieran has termed out as a commissioner, but may take another run at the chair seat. She remains an active public servant, working with the legislature to improve access to mental health and addiction services, working to craft policy at the county level, and consulting with elected officials and candidates for office. She does all of this as a volunteer. Andy Chandler from the show NW Fresh co-hosts.https://www.wweek.com/news/2024/07/22/meieran-to-make-another-run-at-ambulance-staffing/https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qeWJjhPeNQgFp1QalVZAk?si=XOouYJSjRaun0IBKQxbwtQhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0gCcUfipmwYhSzLf2GKRof?si=sCbWEXs7QvWrrhsmuZUTrAhttps://x.com/rationalinpdx/status/1783936334077563047?s=46https://x.com/rationalinpdx/status/1795330785081532431?s=46https://x.com/rationalinpdx/status/1667029372254167040?s=46https://x.com/rationalinpdx/status/1666861880630214656?s=46https://x.com/rationalinpdx/status/1661245320330878976?s=46https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB19q_MRs6b/?igsh=bDV2c2ZmNzJhbW11https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzwYJkS9zq/?igsh=c3kxOGdxM2Z5M3Vxhttps://www.koin.com/news/oregon/oregon-ranks-worst-in-the-country-for-drug-problems-report/https://fortune.com/well/2024/04/08/10-worst-states-live-mental-health-study/https://mhanational.org/the-state-of-mental-health-in-america/data-rankings/prevalence-data/

Today we're talking about Multnomah County's upcoming May 20 special election. Host Claudia Meza joins executive producer John Notarianni to discuss the gigantic Portland Public Schools bond, the school board elections, and other ballot items. They also break open our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners! Discussed in Today's Episode: Late to the Party? Here's What You Need To Know About Portland Public Schools' 2025 Bond [OPB] May 2025 Voter's Guide: Election Resources for Portland-Area Voters [League of Women Voters of Portland]  Get more from City Cast Portland when you become a City Cast Portland Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. 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 the sponsors of this May 14th episode: League of Women's Voters Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alfred Belding targeted his wife's family with murderous rampage, shot at his young son, and tried to claim “temporary insanity.” It didn't work ... and neither did his crackpot plan for a prison break. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1804e.UL-alfred-belding-murderer-493.html)

On Monday, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson unveiled a budget for the city as it faces a massive budget shortfall. That deficit is $65 million if you don’t include the cost of the mayor’s ambitious plan to end unsheltered homelessness, or the city's new obligations to pay for homeless shelters that Multnomah County previously paid for. Mayor Wilson’s budget calls for staff layoffs and cuts to some programs and services, while also expanding staffing for homeless services outreach, Portland Street Response and Portland Fire & Rescue. In February, City Administrator Michael Jordan outlined the scope of the deficit in the city’s general fund that is due to a range of factors, from steep declines in property and business tax revenues to mounting overtime and healthcare costs.  The 12-member city council has until June to approve a budget and has held budget listening sessions where it’s heard from constituents concerned about cuts to city programs and services. Joining us to share details about Mayor Wilson’s proposed budget is OPB’s Portland city government reporter Alex Zielinski.

From 1901 until the First World War, in the age just before movies became popular, Mayor George Baker's theater was the great shaper and driver of Portland's unique culture. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s, 1910s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1803d.baker-stock-theater-in-portland-488.html)

Multnomah County chair Jessica Vega Pederson released a proposed $4 billion budget plan this week. The budget includes cuts to several programs and over 100 staff to address a $77 million shortfall. Earlier this year the county asked local and state jurisdictions to help fill a shortfall of over $100 million in the county’s homeless services budget. Chair Vega Pederson joins us to explain her budget proposal.

PORTLAND'S RIVER VIEW Cemetery is the state's oldest nonprofit cemetery, founded in 1882 by three of Portland's most prominent citizens: Henry Corbett, Henry Failing, and William S. Ladd. All three of them are buried there — Ladd's grave in particular was the target of a bizarre raid by a gang of grave robbers 15 years later, but that's a story for another time. But the most visited grave at River View isn't one of them. It's not even the grave of an Oregonian. The name carved into the stone is Virgil W. Earp. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1880s, 1890s, 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/2401c-1009d_virgil-earp-090.631.html)

Legendary physician Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair was an unstoppable force battling to get a eugenic-sterilization law passed ... until she encountered the immovable object that was medical-liberty activist Lora C. Little. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1910s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1808d.lora-little-vs-bethenia-owens-adair-eugenic-sterilization-510.html)

On today's midweek roundup, we're talking about the nearly half a billion dollars of unspent money from Multnomah County's Preschool for All program, the kitchen fire that closed a beloved steakhouse, the death of an iconic Portland folk singer, and the most recent battles to keep Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge safe for all the animals that inhabit its wetlands. We're also hearing from you, our listeners! Joining host Claudia Meza is our very own executive producer, John Notarianni.  Discussed in Today's Episode: Preschool for All Had $485 Million Left in Its Coffers After Fiscal Year 2024 [Willamette Week] RingSide, Portland's Oldest Steakhouse, Is Closed After a Kitchen Fire [Eater Portland] The Apple of Portland's Eye, Michael Hurley Passes Away at 83 [Portland Mercury] Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Faces Off With an Amusement Park Ride and New Sellwood Apartments [Willamette Week]  Join City Cast Portland at the 503 Day Block Party, Saturday, May 3, at downtown Portland's Ankeny Alley!! Details and RSVP here. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up 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 Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multnomah County’s Preschool For All program has overshot its goals in each of its first three years, and this year is no exception. The county's coal was to support 3,000 slots, but it expects to have capacity for 3,800 3 and 4-year-olds in the 2025-2026 school year. Still, that number is far below demand, with nearly double the amount of applications filed every year than there are slots available. Backers hope capacity will be sufficient by 2030, when the county aims to offer 11,000 slots and meet its goal of universal access. County voters approved the Preschool For All ballot measure in 2020 and the program opened in the 2022-23 school year. The preschool effort is funded by a 1.5% marginal tax on earnings of more than $150,000 per year for an individual and over $200,000 for households.  Leslee Barnes, director of the Preschool and Early Learning Division at Multnomah County, and Patrick Earnest, director of the St. James Child Development Center, join us to talk about the program.

Abigail Scott Duniway is remembered today as a journalist, a suffragist, and an intellectual powerhouse ... all of which would have surprised her: She expected to be remembered for the novels that, today, very few people realize she wrote. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1870s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1806c.abigail-scott-duniway-noveliste-500.html)

Portlanders tolerated three years of strident calls for revolution and regime change, but when The Firebrand started saying mean things about marriage, the gloves were off. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1890s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1803c.firebrand-newspaper-shut-down-for-smut-487.html)

Printer George Himes saw the historical value of the everyday things around him, and although that made for some very unsuccessful publishing ventures, his collection is the heart of the Oregon Historical Society's archives today. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1870s, 1880s, 1890s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1512b.george-himes-history-hoarder.html)

ONE OF THE most significant events in the history of the world took place in 1892, when a corrupt political hack named James Lotan managed to land a cushy government job as the head of the customs inspection service for the Port of Portland. Believe it or not, Lotan's landing that job led directly to Pearl Harbor and eventually Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and indirectly to the defeat of Nazi Germany in Europe. Not bad for a small-time white-collar criminal in a tiny backwater seaport town on the far side of the world, eh? I realize you may be a bit skeptical of this claim. Bear with me while I unpack it and prove it to you, along with the strong possibility that most of us owe our lives and the continued existence of human civilization to James Lotan and the sleazy little band of well-heeled drug smugglers and human traffickers who worked with and for him, on the Portland waterfront in the early 1890s.... (Portland, Multnomah County; 1890s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/2408a-1202d.james-lotan-opium-king-661.161.html)

Passengers on the speeding liner said an incompetent crew and disappearing ship's officers contributed to a shocking death toll after the liner Alaska crashed onto the rocks in the fog; the captain blamed an “uncharted current.” (Portland, Multnomah County; 1920s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1512a.alaska-shipwreck-368.html)

Back before World War II, when racism was still a mainstream attitude with little or no social stigma attached, Portland was not a very friendly town for Black people. It's not that way any more, of course. There's still racism; but the toxic race-hierarchalism that winked at lynchings and enabled the rise of the Ku Klux Klan — that, thankfully, is a distant and uncomfortable memory today. And one has to wonder how much of that transformation — not just in Portland, but around the nation — can be attributed to the influence of one man, a man still today widely known as “The World's Greatest Entertainer”: Sammy Davis, Jr. Davis came to Portland with his dance group, the Will Mastin Trio — composed of Davis, his father, and his father's best friend, Will Mastin — just after the Second World War. For a little while he was a regular in P-town's clubs and Vaudeville theaters. ... (Portland, Multnomah County; 1940s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/2404d-1111d.sammy-davis-jr-portland-story-149.646.html)

The rainy gloom of winter will soon give way to the sunshine and flowers of spring. That means hiking trails are sure to get busier in the Columbia Gorge, Willamette Falls and other popular destinations near Portland. But even experienced hikers can lose their way or get stranded as a mild, sunny day turns to a cold, damp night outdoors.  That’s where the Green Hornets can help keep a bad situation from getting much worse. They’re a search and rescue team within the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office who are experienced backcountry athletes and sheriff’s deputies who can mobilize within minutes to find lost or injured hikers. According to Sergeant Aaron Sieczkowski, the Green Hornets perform about a dozen search and rescue missions a year, primarily in the western Columbia Gorge. He joins us to talk about their work, including a recent rescue on Larch Mountain, and how to stay safe on hikes. 

As a 9-year-old boy, Javier Zamora traveled over 3,000 miles to be with his parents, who had fled El Salvador to live and work in the United States. Zamora traveled with a group of people who were initially strangers and the various people they paid to help them survive the two month journey. Zamora’s memoir about the experience, “Solito,” is the choice for Multnomah County’s ‘Everybody Reads’ program in 2025. We talk to Zamora in front of students at Portland’s McDaniel High School.

Having trouble with your finances? Well, Multnomah County and the city of Portland feel your pain. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now we discuss the challenging budget cycle facing two of the state’s largest governments – and why the situation for state government is vastly different. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Preliminary results from a new state survey on wood combustion show more people are using fireplaces and woodstoves in urban areas in Oregon, despite efforts by state and local governments to decrease their use. Why the increase? And just how dangerous are wood stoves and wood-burning fireplaces to our health and the health of the planet? John Wasiutynski, the director for Multnomah County's Office of Sustainability, talked on the Beat Check podcast about the pollution impacts of wood combustion and about why it's so difficult to get people to stop using wood burning devices.  READ MORE: Budget cuts jeopardize program providing heat pumps for low-income Oregonians Oregon attorney general's office joins lawsuit against the EPA over wood-burning stove standards Limiting winter fires helps Portland's toxic air, and it's the law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a time when anarchist terrorists had Americans good and scared, a rumor got started that a cell of Polish radicals based in the White Eagle Tavern was planning to assassinate President Roosevelt ... luckily, one of the local newspaper reporters spoke Polish. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1806b.white-eagle-anarchists-499.html)

Today we're discussing suggested changes to our police accountability board causing tension at City Hall, Multnomah County's massive homeless services budget shortfall, and the ongoing train heists targeting Nike sneakers. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Where To Find Portland's Best Sweet Treats, Savory Sandwiches, and Perfect Loaves [City Cast Portland] Elected Officials ‘Dismayed,' ‘Appalled' by Multnomah County's Homeless Budget Shortfall [OPB] Councilor Kanal's Proposed Tweaks to Police Accountability Board Inflame Police Union [Willamette Week] Inside the Mojave Desert Train Heists Targeting Nike Sneakers [Los Angeles Times] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up 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 Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 28th episode: Treefort Music Fest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PORTLAND, 1901 — The police wouldn't return her call, and she knew the thieves would be gone by morning. So Mrs. Whitlock picked up the phone and woke up the District Attorney. And it turned out theft wasn't the only crime Jack Wade and William Dalton were guilty of ... (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1804c.dalton-wade-murderers-ratted-out-by-snoopy-landlady-491.html)

Send us a textWhat if misguided economic policies and entrenched ideologies are pushing a major American city to the brink? Join us as we unravel the complexities of Portland's precarious state, with Mayor Keith Wilson—a "spineless nice guy"—struggling against union pressures and DEI policies that leave city governance paralyzed. Drawing insights from my upcoming book, we explore the stark realities faced by first-term politicians in cities similar to Portland, where maintaining voter approval often conflicts with making necessary but unpopular decisions.Multnomah County's tax rates soar as public services lag, painting a picture of disparity and inefficiency. We tackle the thorny issues of rising crime among homeless communities and troubling welfare practices, while questioning Portland's public spending priorities, like preschool funding and housing for immigrants. Plus, we dive into recent controversies—from Whoopi Goldberg's comments on SpaceX funding to the portrayal of President Zelensky in the media—and navigate the complex landscape of gender identity within the LGBTQ community, challenging mainstream narratives on mental health and societal expectations.From economic woes to unsettling public incidents, Portland's challenges are a cautionary tale for cities across the nation. The episode confronts Portland's net population loss, urban decay, and struggles to attract private sector investment amid a backdrop of crime and homelessness. We also dissect the enduring nature of government bureaucracies and the broader implications of federal contracts, with thought-provoking commentary on Whoopi Goldberg's stance on SpaceX and the ongoing debate over transgender participation in sports. Join us for a candid exploration of these pressing societal issues, topped off with a heartfelt reflection on America's future.

All she wanted to do was not finance the killing that was going on in war-torn Europe. But in the war-crazed atmosphere of Portland during World War 1, pacifism was tantamount to high treason. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1918) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1805c.traitor-louise-hunt-wouldnt-buy-war-bonds-496.html)

Oregon Health & Science University has been facing a series of mounting challenges in recent months, including its proposed merger with Legacy Health, which is being reviewed by the Oregon Health Authority. If approved, OHSU would control five of the six hospitals in Multnomah County, according to a report issued by OHA last November.  OHSU has also had to contend with the departure of prominent executives such as the interim head of its health unit last month, and Dr. Brian Druker, a world renowned cancer researcher, who resigned in December as CEO of the Knight Cancer Institute. Among the reasons Druker shared with OPB for his decision included low staff morale, a lack of trust in OHSU’s leaders and the organization’s cost-cutting measures, such as its decision to lay off more than 500 employees.  Leading OHSU during this turbulent time is Steve Stadum. The board of directors appointed him as interim president in November, marking his return to the organization which he first worked at more than 25 years ago. Stadum joins us to share his vision for OHSU and how he aims to navigate its internal and external challenges, including threats to federally funded research from the new Trump administration.  

Joe Wolf invented it for loggers, but they wanted nothing to do with his electric saw. Luckily for Joe, the construction and shipbuilding industry loved it. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1920s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1809a.wolf-electric-chainsaw-511.html)

R. Thomas Dickerson, after gunning down the chief witness in his wife's upcoming suit for divorce, clearly expected the jury to buy his claim that the man was a “home-wrecker” and deserved what he got. He miscalculated. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s)(For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1510a.dickerson-UnLaw.html)

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the budget boost Portland City Council just voted in for themselves this week and their game plan for committee work. We're also looking into Metro Council's proposed changes to the homeless services tax that Multnomah County commissioners are not too happy about. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are Oregonian City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Portland City Council Greenlights $4.6M Boost for Council, Mayoral Budgets [Oregonian

Today on the Friday news roundup, we're talking about some of the biggest deficits we've seen in city and county budgets in decades, the challenges the new Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will be facing this year, and the Providence labor disputes that could affect the care of thousands of patients statewide. Joining host Claudia Meza are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: City of Portland Projects a $27 Million Budget Shortfall, but It Will Balloon to Much More [Willamette Week] Here's What Looms for Multnomah County's Fresh Board of Commissioners [Oregonian

One of America's first known serial killers, Earle Leonard Nelson preyed on landladies, killing them while they were showing him real estate. By the time he was hanged, he'd slain at least 21 women — including four in Portland. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1920s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1309d-dark-strangler-earle-nelson.html)

The “good guy” was a petty swindler. The “wronged woman” was a prostitute and bigamist. And the “innocent victim” was a serial philanderer. By the time the “bad guy” was caught, everybody in Portland just wanted to forget the whole thing. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1509c.bradley-gittings-part2-UnLaw-357.html)

What started out looking like a clean-cut morality play, with a hero, a villain, an innocent victim and a bereaved widow — at Christmastime no less! — quickly turned into a tale of remarkable sordidness as the truth slowly emerged. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1509b.bradley-gittings-part1-UnLaw-356.html)

UNWRITTEN LAW FILES, Episode 1: Orlando Murray's trial had something for everyone: Sex, revenge, vigilante action, a Fallen Woman, drunkenness, hysteria, the insane asylum, and even lawyers getting in fistfights. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1508e.orlando-murray-UnLaw-354.html)