FlyingFrZ, where do you "need" to be in Portland for your business or whatever?

Where in So Cal do you live?

I think a big difference in So Cal, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it's a car culture so you may be driving past the tents, but in Portland you'll be walking. More like San Francisco.

If you're just looking to spend a night in a nicer area and have a good dinner, how's the Pearl these days (I'm asking the local posters here)? Would that be a better option for this person?