news brief

Disaster relief for Oregon

Two weeks ago Gov. Ted Kulongoski made a request for federal relief aid to cope with approximately $16 million worth of public damages caused by the state’s severe snowstorm. President George W. Bush declared the storm, which also caused Portland State University’s closure during the first week of January, a major disaster. As a result, the federal government will pay 75 percent of the costs incurred for repairs and replacements.

Hollywood … here you come?

Director Gus Van Sant, a Portland native, will be holding an open casting call Sunday, Feb. 29, for his new, currently untitled film about the Northwest grunge rock movement.

He’s looking for men and women between ages 16 and 25, all types, no experience necessary. A similar open casting call was held for his last movie, “Elephant,” also filmed in Portland.

Auditions are held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 531 S.E. 14th Ave. in the Child Services Center for Portland Public Schools. For more information, call 503-248-6741.

– Sara Gundell