Cascadia today: ACLU or OR sues Trump + Seattle city attorney promises pushback against feds + new pavilion at Portland Art Museuem
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ACLU of Oregon sues Trump for protest response
The Oregonian reports that the ACLU of Oregon, along with several protesters and freelance journalists, is suing members of the Trump administration for what it says has been a "disproportionate" response against peaceful protesters at the ICE facility in Portland. The article notes that two of the plaintiffs, Laurie and Richard Eckman, are in their 80s, and Laurie Eckman suffered a concussion after being hit by an ICE projectile while peacefully assembling.
“In an effort to suppress voices and storytelling opposed to this administration’s policies and preferred false narratives, federal officers have targeted protesters and journalists alike with brutal levels of force,”
– ACLU of Oregon
In related news, OPB has a detailed article on the sense of foreboding and anxiety people in the coastal town of Newport, Oregon are feeling as the federal government sends mixed messages about the potential creation of an ICE facility there. Meanwhile, some residents in Newport are suing the feds for the removal of a Coast Guard helicopter formerly stationed in the town, which has helped rescue numerous crab fishermen and recreational boaters over the years.
If you haven't yet, please sign the petition urging the Portland city council to revoke the permit for the Portland ICE facility:
Will Canada end BC's tanker ban to build more pipelines?
The Tyee reports on the conflict between Canadian PM Mark Carney and leaders in British Columbia over a 2019 ban on oil tankers on the northern BC coast. Alberta politician and Carney want to build yet another climate-destroying pipeline across Canada and BC premier David Eby and many First Nations remain opposed to lifting the ban. Canada has long pretended to be a leader on fighting climate change but leaders in both Victoria and Ottawa have a passion for oil and LNG pipelines.
Seattle's new city attorney promises pushback against feds
KUOW interviews newly elected Seattle city attorney Erika Evans, who says she'll emphasize diversion and non-jail based alternatives to misdemeanor crimes, and promised to do more than her predecessor, Republican Ann Davison, to push back against overreach by the feds. In related news, the Stranger looks into a proclamation by outgoing mayor Bruce Harrell insisting SPD won't cooperate with federal agents if there's a crackdown in Seattle – and finds the measure largely performative.
Douglas squirrels return to Seattle's Arboretum
Capitol Hill Seattle Blog has a lovely essay by Brendan McGarry about what seems to be evidence of native Douglas squirrels returning to Seattle's Arboretum – they've largely been pushed out by the non-native Eastern gray squirrels which are abundant in urban environments. Meanwhile, state wildlife officials trapped and killed a female coyote living the Arboretum who'd become aggressive and attacked a dog on a leash.
The Arboretum is my wild refuge – it's a quick ride on the G Line bus from Capitol Hill, where I live, and it's a lovely place to run or get a dose of nature. I recently saw an owl there one morning and have seen more than a few coyotes, but they hardly paid me any mind.
Portland Art Museum opens new Rothko Pavilion
Oregon Arts Watch reports on the Portland Art Museum's new modernist Rothko Pavilion – an airy, bright gallery space that connects the two older, art deco wings of the museum. The expansion adds more than 100,000 square feet of galleries and public space. Among the works on display are some by the contemplative abstract artist Mark Rothko, who grew up in Portland before moving to New York City and achieving renown as one of America's greatest painters.
The location of the Rothko works may seem out of the way since they are installed in a quiet gallery in the southwest corner of the Mark Building. But as Brian Ferriso noted during the press preview, Rothko’s painting is quiet and contemplative, and it begs a quiet space. --John Weber
Thanks for reading! --Andrew
