One outcome of Portland expanding its city council to 12 seats? There are a lot of people running for office.
There are 30 candidates vying for just three positions in Southeast Portland’s District 3, not to mention those in the other three districts. On top of that, citizens are also tasked with selecting a new mayor from a packed field.
Although we at PDXtoday offer limited commentary on the complex facets of local politics — it’s kind of our thing — we know how important it is to be informed. For voters, there are several upcoming events that present an opportunity to learn about Portland’s first ranked-choice election and to hear from the contenders before casting their ballots.
Voting Made Accessible
Individuals with disabilities, as well as their representatives and advocates, are invited to join this non-partisan educational event designed to clear up any confusion as the city transitions to a new voting process. Tune in on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 3 p.m.
Get to Know Your New City Government
Join the local branch of the League of Women Voters and a panelist of community leaders on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom to learn how our city is changing and how you can shape it.
Portland is Possible
On Monday, Oct. 14, this North Star Civic Foundation-organized candidate showcase will lean away from “divisive debate or a scripted forum” and toward “more positive engagement.” Moderators will ask six candidates from each district and four mayoral candidates about their vision for what’s best in Portland’s central city. Listen to interviews with each participant ahead of time and purchase a $10 ticket to attend the event in person (there will be refreshments).
KGW + The Oregonian/Oregon Live mayoral debate
The news outlets will partner to host an hourlong debate at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. If you have questions for Rene Gonzalez, Carmen Rubio, Keith Wilson, Mingus Mapps, and Liv Osthus, there are several ways to submit them (until Friday, Oct. 11).
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Wilderado w/ Ethan Tasch + The Takes | Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 8 p.m. | Revolution Hall | $25 | Hear the next generation of indie folk and blues rock from this lineup.
Spirit of Halloweentown | Wednesday, Oct. 9-Thursday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Locations vary, St. Helens | Free+ | The town where cult-favorite flicks “Halloweentown” and “Twilight” were filmed revives the magic of the season with decorations, themed attractions, events, and more.
Thursday, Oct. 10
Pitch Latino | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | OMSI | $25 | Latino startup entrepreneurs are invited to this networking event that provides a platform to share and cultivate ideas in front of a crowd.
Portland Fermentation Festival - A Tasting Extravaganza! | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 6-9 p.m. | Ecotrust Building | $15 | Enjoy fermented foods and beverages and pay a visit to the Starter Culture Sharing & Adoption Center so you can make your own sourdough or kombucha.
“BatMusical: A Little Dark Knight Music” | Thursday, Oct. 10-Saturday, Oct. 19 | Times vary | Funhouse Lounge | $35+ | Dunna dunna dunna dunna Batman! Venture to Gotham for an original musical retelling of the origin + adventures of the Caped Crusader.
Jonathan Van Ness | Thursday, Oct. 10-Saturday, Oct. 12 | Times vary | Helium Comedy Club | $37+ | Get ready to laugh all night with this “Queer Eye” star.
Friday, Oct. 11
Serenading the Departed | Friday, Oct. 11-Saturday, Oct. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Lone Fir Cemetery, Block 14 (southwest corner) | Free | During the Double Ninth Festival, a Chinese holiday dedicated to remembering the deceased, storytelling + musical performances will be livestreamed and projected among the tombstones.
Next Adventure UNLEASHES Winter Gear! | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m. | Next Adventure Portland Outdoor Store | Free | Get ready to shred the slopes with the newest equipment, special sales, and a raffle for epic prizes.
Sunday, Oct. 13
The Halloween Ball | Sunday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Times vary | The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts | $15 | Bring the kiddos for a costumed parade, interactive live storytime, singing + dancing, and of course, sweet treats.
Gather your family and friends for an autumn adventure at Bella Organic Farm (yes, your furry friends are invited, too). | Photos courtesy of Bella Organic Farm; GIF by PDXtoday
Corn mazes, and pumpkin patches, and hayrides, oh my. Fall fun at Bella Organic Farm is in full swing.
Following a month-plus delay, Multnomah County will open its drug deflection center on Monday, Oct. 14. Staffing and renovation hurdles have already challenged the program, which will be run by Baltimore-based nonprofit Tuerk House at 980 SE Pine St. Mobile outreach efforts will continue, especially in east county areas. (KGW)
Cause
Portland Red Cross volunteers are answering the call for aid in Florida as Hurricane Milton nears landfall, with Tampa Bay directly in its path. If you would like to help, the organization is in dire need of blood donations and financial contributions. (KGW)
Job
Lululemon’s hub in Northwest Portland is hiring for several roles, including a senior footwear designer + a people and culture manager. The BC-based athletic apparel brand opened its 28,000-sqft office in 2021, starting quickly by hiring ex-Nike and ex-Adidas executives for leadership positions. (Portland Business Journal)
Real Estate
Multi-story homes are no longer hot commodities for Portland’s prospective buyers with million-dollar budgets. Preferences have shifted since COVID, and as baby boomers age, they are looking for space to do so comfortably with plenty of room for the kids (and grandkids). That means ranch layouts outside the urban core. (Portland Business Journal)
Drink
Wine with notes of nostalgia, pop culture aromas, and perhaps a literary mouthfeel — that’s what you’ll encounter at Pairings Portland, where owner Jeffrey Weissler curates tastings based on everything from Taylor Swift to the Portland Trail Blazers. This month leans into reds with “The Vampire Diaries” and “Twilight” themed flights. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Sports
Is Scoot Henderson ready to start for the Trail Blazers? It might not matter, should the coaching staff prioritize gaining experience over results. Get the biggest stories every day from Rip City’s local experts with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
Want more eyes on your business but can’t figure out how to get them? We’ll let you in on a secret… Our self-service advertising portal is designed to help you reach our local audience through listings, banner ads, and articles. Get started.
Cause
How to contribute to Pride Northwest’s Community Resilience Drive
How you can contribute to Pride Northwest’s Community Resilience Drive
Helping hands are vital as we approach the colder months. | Photo by Alexander Grey
During the winter storm of January 2024, Pride Northwest opened a temporary warming center to provide shelter to more than four dozen community members, protecting them from life-threatening conditions. Volunteers also distributed 3,000 critical-need items, like clothing, food, and hygiene + warming supplies to LGBTQ+ identifying members of the unhoused community, who often face added hurdles when trying to access resources.
These important efforts were made possible by the nonprofit’s annual fall/winter community resilience drive. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting this year’s initiative can:
Coordinate online fundraisers and donation drives to gather funds and items for direct community needs.
Host a “collection box” in your restaurant, lobby, or breakroom.
Contribute financially through Pride Northwest’s donation portal or purchase items on its Amazon Wishlist.
Use your online or in-person presence to amplify the Community Resilience Drive as an “ambassador.”
Reach out to Ian Morton (Director of Programs) or Henry Felton (Outreach and Community Events Coordinator) for more information on how to make an impact.
For cocktails in a chilled glass (and chills that run down your spine), Portland is filled with bars that have a creepy vibe and a ghost story or two. In the spirit of sipping spirits surrounded by otherworldly spirits, give these spots a try.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.