Cascadia today: Protesting ICE + Vancouver housing prices drop + OR nature photographer Dorband remembered
Protests across Cascadia as region reacts to ICE
Thousands of people across Cascadia turned out for protests against ICE, the killing of Renee Good and others killed by immigration officers, as well as the Trump administration's illegal war in Venenzuela over the weekend. A large crowd filled Seattle's Cal Anderson Park, and among the speakers was mayor Katie Wilson, who said the city extends a welcome to all residents regardless of their immigration status. Hundreds staged protests in Portland and Salem as well, Oregon Capital Chronicle reports. The South Seattle Emerald has a photo essay from a vigil for Renee Good and all of those killed by ICE agents and in ICE custody.
In Portland, a police officer has been reassigned from active duty OPB reports, after telling a protester in response to comments about Renee Good that “sometimes criminals get shot if they threaten a cop.” The Portland Mercury has more on the incident, which sparked outrage by city council members. In related news, Rep. Emily Randall, who represents Bremerton and most of the Olympic peninsula, has co-sponsored an effort to impeach Kristi Noem, federal secretary of Homeland Security.
I-5 Columbia river bridge replacement is sinking
The Urbanist takes a deep dive into the faltering plan to replace the I-5 freeway bridge over the Columbia River linking Oregon and Washington. Just a few years ago the massive project seemed like a sure thing, but reporting by the Oregon Journalism Project revealed that projected costs have now soared from $6 billion to $13.6 billion – a price tag neither state can afford.
WA legislative session starts, budget & tax debates loom
The 60-day Washington legislative season starts today, Washington State Standard reports, with debate likely to center on balancing the budget, a proposal to tax those who earn over $1 million, and more progressive revenue proposals such as Rep Shaun Scott's Washington Wellness Fund which creates a payroll tax. Other bills on the docket in Washington include limits on AI chatbots, and in Oregon, some legislators are calling for new funds to support Head Start preschool programs hit hard by federal cuts.
Housing prices drop in Vancouver
The Tyee has a very odd editorial by retired professor Patrick Condon, who laments that real estate prices for homes and condos fell by about 5 % in Vancouver over the past year. I mean, if you're a homeowner I suppose that's troubling, but for the many people who can barely afford rent let alone purchase a home that's actually welcome news that construction has finally begun to halt soaring price increases.
A tribute to OR nature photographer Roger Dorband
Oregon Arts Watch looks at the art and career of Roger Dorband, an Oregon-based photographer, sculptor, and environmental activists whose nature photos helped galvanize efforts to protect salmon and forests in Cascadia. An exhibit of his work is on display through Feb 10 at the RiverSea gallery in Astoria.
Thanks for reading! – Andrew
