A Century Ago, Portland Faced a Health Crisis That Now Sounds Eerily Familiar

The spread of the coronavirus, and the response to it, may seem unprecedented in our civic experience. But the similarities between COVID-19 and the malady that stole into the City of Roses in the early 20th century are almost eerie, from the sloganeering to the lack of preparedness to the antecedents of the “social distancing” measures we’re grappling with today.

My Essential Seven: Dámaso Rodríguez

A Local Arts Promoter is Launching Digital Programming Featuring Portland Performers

Now that Portland’s theaters have gone dark for the foreseeable future, a local arts promoter is helping fill that void by launching streaming services and podcasts that feature area performers. Artslandia is rolling out programs that begin this week to help break up your Netflix binges during this period of self-isolation.

No Live Theater? No Problem. Here’s Your Essential Watchlist

Powell’s Shuts Down the City of Books Through the End of the Month

Powell’s has announced it will shutter all five of its Portland-area locations, including the downtown City of Books, through March 31, effective immediately. Its online store will remain open for the time being.

A Black Family’s Bonds are Tested in a Play That Examines the Schoolhouse-to-Jailhouse Track in “Pipeline”

Murmurs: City Objects to Highway Widening Above Esplanade

In other news: Porn theater goes dark.

Portland’s Last Porn Theater Has Closed

On March 3, the theater’s door was locked, its phone was disconnected, and its Twitter account was deleted.