From the open publishing newswire: As the DOJ is looking at the Portland Police and their use of "force" and as local communities join together to bring police accountability issues to the front of the table for real change, transparency and justice the ex police chief of Portland is ratcheting up his new job promoting "police tools" at an invitation only firearms and tactical show in Portland on April Fools Day.

In the shadow of the US Department of Justice Agreement with the City of Portland to reduce unnecessary use of force, this seems an ill-advised means to attract donors who wish to support law enforcement and reduce crime. It looks more like an ad for a "Lethal Weapon" sequel.

Portland Copwatch calls upon the CCC to cancel or re-focus the event on real ways the Portland Police can help make the community safer without glamorizing the violence which we are told is only used in a fraction of all police contacts.

For more information contact Portland Copwatch:
(503) 236-3065 (office) |  copwatch@portlandcopwatch.org

From the open publishing newswire: The Portland Human Rights Commission (HRC) Meeting 3.2.16
The commission holds their meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:00 PM in downtown Portland.
The Human Rights Commissioners are all volunteers and the public is invited.


These meetings are open to the public and there is a public comment component to their meetings

The 2.hr 11.min video of the Portland Human Rights Commission meeting is available on these two video websites:

[1]  https://youtu.be/06aeijkssw0 [youtube]
[2] [...]

From the open publishing newswire: This is an ad hoc group with diverse attendees and supporters that has been meeting on a weekly basis for quite some time. Just across the river off I-5 and Mill Plain, the Evergreen overpass is within easy walking distance from the Senators' offices. Extra signs are likely available, as are handouts for those driving by (on the overpass, not beneath it.)

The campaign in Vancouver against the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal (TPP) continues. We will meet in front of Murray and Cantwell's office, 1313 Officer's Row on Thursday March 3rd @ 2 PM. AT 3 PM we will move over to the Evergreen I-5 overpass for banner waving. Hope to see you there.

From the open publishing newswire: Photo Story Essay Participants and organizations from all over Oregon came together in unison on February 18, 2016, for the Oregon SOS - Fight High Rents and Low Wages rally demonstration, outside and inside the State Capitol Building in Salem, Oregon.

Their messages ranged from raising minimum wage, local control of rent costs and stopping Oregon Department of Transportation sweeps of the houseless.
Oregon SOS | Fight High Rents and Low Wages |Â Photo Essay by Mary Anne Funk

As economically repressed people we must unite in solidarity to address the laws that perpetuate and maintain this economic repression. ~ Kelsey Schomberger, Oregon SOS participant and disabled activist in Portland, Oregon.

From the open publishing newswire: Friday, March 4, 2016 4 PM until 5 p.m (PST)
We are on the shoulder of HWY 26 at 362nd Ave (in Sandy Oregon).

We welcome anyone to come and join us on March 4th. Thanks to those who are just joining in, and thank you all who live in a peaceful manner, to bring about a more peaceful world.

Other vigils in the Metro area: [...]

From the open publishing newswire: The Portland Police "Use of Force" presentation to the [citizen] "Training Advisory Council" was filmed on January 13th at the the NE Training Facility. This meeting was open to the public.

https://youtu.be/83OmvRXjbkw [video 2 hr 10 min]

Published on Jan 24, 2016

From the open publishing newswire: On Sunday, January 17, a group of 50 union activists in the Portland area picketed a "youth rally" held by Oregon Right to Life, an anti-abortion group that held a day of action nationally to "mourn" the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and attack women's right to abortion.
With a banner calling on labor to defend abortion rights, Class Struggle Workers - Portland led a determined picket with members of at least seven local unions as well as solidarity and leftist groups.

See the video: https://youtu.be/2\_ZrBPvulb8
homepage: http://www.internationalist.org

From the open publishing newswire: A weekly 30 minute review of international news and opinion, recorded from a shortwave radio and the internet. With times, frequencies, and websites for listening at home. 3 files- Highest quality broadcast, regular broadcast, and slow-modem streaming. China Radio International, NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Radio Havana Cuba, and Sputnik Radio.

The latest Shortwave Report (February 5) is up at the website  http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml in 3 forms [...]

From the open publishing newswire: A job announcement for a local non-profit, Portland Fruit Tree Project

We've got another amazing opportunity to join the PFTP team that is dedicated to equitable access to fresh, wholesome produce and strengthening our communities. Would you like to join us\? We're seeking our next amazing Orchards Program Coordinator. The position is a full-time, benefited position. Application deadline is February 17th.

Full position description & application instructions can be found here:  http://www.portlandfruit.org/opc Share this post & Apply today!

From the open publishing newswire: A Report Back on January 20 2016. Filmed at "The Peace House" in Portland Oregon.

A panel of four tell of their experiences in Paris at the Climate Talks

Introductions by: Maya Jarrad: 350PDX's volunteer coordinator
Guest Speakers: Jill Stein,Virginia Wiseman,Maralena Murphy and Ptery Leight

"Paris Climate Talks - Report Back"
 https://youtu.be/cEBAaAkpPfM [youtube video 2 hours 10 minutes]

From the open publishing newswire: On January 19, 2016, Oregon citizens state wide gather to protest the ongoing armed occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. Here in Portland the event was held at Holladay Park.

 https://youtu.be/\\\_IGMEsjGY-k

From the open publishing newswire: Please come to Troutdale, OR city council conference on ending child sex trafficking, hosted by Larry Morgan, Tues., Jan. 26th, starting at 6 pm.

For more information, message Troutdale City COuncilman Larry Morgan via his facebook
 https://www.facebook.com/Larry-Morgan-239958372726518/

From the open publishing newswire: This practice is fair in theory; workers deserve protections from capricious management, and especially from cowardly politicians. But when a police officer brings dishonor to himself, to his colleagues, to the bureau and is the cause of mistrust between officers and basically everyone else in town - he needs to go.
Former Mayor Sam Adams wanted Ron Frashour fired. So did the current mayor, Charlie Hales. So did former Chief of Police Michael Reese. So did the city attorney. So did a majority of Portland city commissioners and most of Portland's citizens.

Frashour, you'll remember, was the sniper cop who pulled out his earplug, severing communication with his commanding officer, and then killed Aaron Campbell, an unarmed African-American father in the midst of a mental health crisis, by shooting him in the back. That was six years ago.

Now, however, the Oregon Court of Appeals has told Hales, who is police commissioner as well as mayor, that Sam Adams made a mistake firing Frashour. Further, the court said, Hales erred by not reinstating Frashour immediately.

These mistakes were not mistakes. They were deliberately, but not freely, chosen. Adams and Hales didn't have other acceptable legal options. The appeal was at best an expensive delaying action meant to satisfy critics. [...]