Cascadia today: WA bail system on trial + can OR ban new detention centers? + creating a Black cultural district in Seattle
Do you appreciate Cascadia Journal? Tell a friend about it! It's the Pacific Northwest's feisty roundup of news, environmental reporting, and arts & culture. Plus, weekly essays about the movement for Cascadia autonomy! If you missed it this week, I wrote about how autonomy and fiscal independence are still necessary after massive Democratic victories in the US house and senate last week:
Andrew Engelson
On trial: WA's bail system
Washington State Standard reports on a case before the Washington state supreme court challenging the fairness of the state's bail system. Public defenders across the state say the system unfairly impacts people of color, while the state's prosecutor association says the system is just fine. In related news, the Urbanist reports that a non-profit public defense firm that does about 40% of public defense appeals in Washington is in danger of closing after it failed to reach a contract with the department of public defense.
OR governor wants law banning new detention centers
Oregon governor Tina Kotek announced she supports passing a law in the next legislative session banning new federal immigration detention centers Oregon Capital Chronicle reports. This comes after ICE & DHS attempted to start building a center in the coastal city of Newport, but were blocked by vigorous local opposition and lawsuits. Naysayers claim a ban on't pass muster in the courts but it's time to remind them of the principle behind soft secession: DON'T OBEY IN ADVANCE. Try out options and see what the courts say.
Immigrant rights nonprofit hired union-busting law firm
The sad story of the immigrant rights organization Washington Immigration Solidarity Network (WAISN) continues to get worse. After the nonprofit burned through donations and fired staff, the Stranger reports it also hired the notorious union-busting law firm Davis Grimm Payne & Marra to help with layoffs.
If you're looking for better organizations to support that fight for the rights of immigrants in Washington, check out Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Superfamilia KC, and La Resistencia.
Racists tried to stop a Seattle Diwali celebration. It didn't go well.
Lynnwood Times reports that far right social media influencer Jake Lang tried to shut down a Diwali celebration at Seattle Center this week by chanting racist slogans and holding signs with racist messages about Hindus. Bystanders tore down the signs and forced Lang and his fellow Nazi chuds out of the hall. And who was tipped off to take video of the "action?" Local right-wing grifter Jonathan Choe, of course.
“I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display. Diwali is an important holiday and our community should feel safe to celebrate it. This hateful display has no place in our city or this country.” – US rep Pramila Jayapal
Scabs cross picket line at BC copper mine strike
The Tyee reports that striking copper mine workers at the Highland Valley copper mine west of Kamloops, British Columbia are frustrated by what appear to be buses of newly hired workers – strike-breaking "scabs" brought in by owner Teck Resources. 1,200 mine workers have been on strike since Oct 24 seeking better pay and improved working conditions. Always remember the one iron rule of solidarity: never cross a picket line.
Designating a Black cultural district in central Seattle
The South Seattle Emerald reports on efforts by Seattle's Africatown Community Land Trust to get much of Yesler Way in the central district designated a Black cultural district. The district would celebrate the rich Black history, cultural institutions, business, and the arts in a neighborhood where gentrification and displacement have pushed many residents out. The plan would include significant funding to support organizations, plus increased affordable housing.
Thanks for reading. Keep loving and keep fighting. --Andy
.jpg){kind=link}