|
| | PPS Board Members Suggest Alternatives to Closing 14 Schools | Two Portland Public Schools board members, who are likely to vote against the district’s plan to close up to 14 schools, have come up with proposals for how to modify the district’s plan — they would involve fewer closures. [Oregonian] | - Close just six schools: Board member Christy Splitt has proposed closing six elementary schools, all which are projected to enroll fewer than 250 students next year: Creston, Buckman, and Woodmere in Southeast Portland; Sabin and Irvington in Northeast Portland; and Peninsula Elementary in North Portland. Split said in a memo it would give the district the chance for “more time, clarity and conversation” on other closings. [Oregonian]
- Other tweaks: PPS Board member Stephanie Engelsman suggested smaller changes to the district’s proposal, including keeping Sunnyside Environmental’s middle school grades open. [Oregonian]
- Initial take: PPS Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong told OPB’s “Think Out Loud” that she was “leaning into” the scenario that would close 11 schools — not 14. Asked about the option to close no schools this year, she said: “I’m not into delaying the inevitable.” [OPB]
|
|
|
|
| | | D’Amore Law Group believes personal injury law is about more than settlement checks — it's about advancing public safety. When powerful companies and institutions fail to keep people safe, the harm doesn't stop with those directly affected; it reverberates through the entire community. Led by veteran trial attorney Tom D'Amore, the firm holds negligent parties and corporations accountable, driving real change to make Portland safer for all. |
|
|
|
| What Portland's Talking About |
| | Washington County Chair Candidate Misstep | Washington County chair candidate Nafisa Fai recently spoke to a group in Minnesota representing African refugees and immigrants. In a recorded video of the event, the American flag behind her is upside down. Fai said she was unaware of the flag’s position during the event: “I would never disrespect and intentionally stand in front of a flag that was expressing some message about mistrust.” [Oregonian] | | | No Pinball Permits in Portland | After almost a 100 years, Portland will no longer require businesses to get a permit for pool tables and pinball machines. That rule has cost about 200 Portland businesses as much as $1,000 a year. A code update last week, sponsored by City Councilor Steve Novick, included getting rid of that permitting requirement — as well as creating stricter codes for payday lenders, secondhand stores, and pawn shops. [Willamette Week] | | PODCAST | Wednesday, October 21 |
| |  |
| Cannabis Businessowner Indicted for Tax Fraud | A federal grand jury in Portland has indicted Rosa Cazares, the CEO of the cannabis chain La Mota, for tax fraud after allegedly failing to pay $1.5 million in federal taxes. La Mota’s contract to pay former Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan $10,000 a month for her work with them ultimately led to Fagan's resignation. [City Cast Portland 🎧 / Oregonian] |
|
|
|
| | | Each week, we feature favorite local spots and organizations picked by City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city: | - “Phin Caphe — they have amazing Vietnamese coffee and occasionally host other small business owners who set up little booths” — Tianna C.
- “Bombshell Transformations on N. Ivanhoe in St. Johns is a beauty salon that serves all with a focus on the Trans community by offering alternative styles and gender-affirming hair and esthetic services. The whole place is amazing, but Wrenn deserves a special shoutout.” — Varro C.
- “Lake Grove Job Seekers! Helping Portlanders find jobs for 20 years, 100% volunteer run. Join us!" — Jennifer K.
| Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast! | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
