Julia is a former news editor for Portland Monthly.

Where to Live Now

Neighborhood Guide: West Linn and Wilsonville

Close-in wineries, wildflowers, and well-lit walking trails

02/20/2021 By Julia Silverman

Parks and Recreation

In Portland, Summer 2021 Will Include Public Pools

After closures in 2020, summer camps, splash pads, and pop-up concerts will also return.

02/18/2021 By Julia Silverman

Housing

Solving Portland's Houselessness Issues Could Start with Zoning

The city council is set to consider some big changes to shelter models in the coming weeks.

02/17/2021 By Julia Silverman

Winter

So Your Power's Out in Portland. Now What?

Here's what to do—and what not to do—while you wait for the lights to come back on.

02/15/2021 By Julia Silverman

Feature

When ‘Back to School’ Becomes a Battle Cry

The debate over reopening schools in Portland gets very, very personal.

02/13/2021 By Julia Silverman

Winter

How Do You Snow Storm in Portland?

Are you a kale hoarder? A drive-at-all-coster?

02/11/2021 By Julia Silverman

Real Estate

The Ultimate Guide to Portland Neighborhoods

The city's most distinctive hoods, hangouts, and hot spots.

02/09/2021 Edited by Julia Silverman

Government

Dr. Markisha Smith Has Some Advice for Mayor Ted Wheeler

Good thing she's just accepted a job as his special adviser on racial justice and equity.

02/03/2021 By Julia Silverman

What To Do

In a Gloomy Pandemic Season, the Portland Winter Light Festival Returns Just in Time

The annual event is more dispersed, masked, and distanced, but still aglow.

02/01/2021 By Julia Silverman

Health

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s … Sort-of-Good News about Coronavirus in Oregon?

We can’t believe it either, frankly.

01/22/2021 By Julia Silverman

Education

The Bar to Reopening Schools in Portland Just Got a Little Bit Lower

New state guidelines pave the way for elementary school kids in the Portland area to return to the classroom.

01/19/2021 By Julia Silverman

Politics

Hear Ye, Hear Ye: The Oregon Legislature Is Now in Session

Here’s what to watch for in Salem over the next six months.

01/11/2021 By Julia Silverman

Organizing

Feeling Overwhelmed? Take Some Time to Organize, and Reap the Sweet Serotonin Boost

You can’t single-handedly heal the world of its many ills. But you can create order at home and clear your own head in the process.

12/30/2020 By Julia Silverman

Small Business

For Some Portland Businesses, the Pandemic Was the Chance They Needed to Get in the Game

Available commercial space and a market for little luxuries at home were silver linings of 2020.

12/29/2020 By Julia Silverman

Government

What Will 2021 Have in Store for the Portland City Council?

Watch for police reform, affordable housing and the future of downtown to take center stage.

12/22/2020 By Julia Silverman

Education

In Virtual School, More Oregon Kids Are Getting "Incompletes" On Their Report Cards

Attendance and grading data show gaps widening for BIPOC students

12/14/2020 By Julia Silverman

Travel & Outdoors

Your Next Favorite Winter Activity Awaits

You’ve skied. You’ve skated. May we entice you with something new?

12/14/2020 By Margaret Seiler, Julia Silverman, and Riley Blake

Feature

Middle-Grade Graphic Novels Are Storming the Best-Seller Lists

Portland creators are getting in on the boom.

12/13/2020 By Julia Silverman

Travel & Outdoors

Multimountain Passes Let You Sample Regional Ski Areas for One (Still Not That Low) Fee

We look at some of the multiresort options.

12/04/2020 By Julia Silverman

Light a Fire

At Portland Audubon, There’s Wildlife Rescue, Nature Education, and Environmental Advocacy for All

At our “Caring for the Planet” award winner, it’s always baby bird season.

12/02/2020 By Julia Silverman