Editorial: Find sanctuary in the facts about law
The Oregonian

“Oregon’s law allows law enforcement to help federal agents seeking those very ‘people who are here and committing crimes’ that Buehler is concerned about. It only forbids state and local police from spending money or other resources to help detect or apprehend people whose only violation is their immigration status … It’s unfortunate that Buehler is twisting facts to suit his political needs.”

FYI: The Oregonian is the second news outlet in the state to come out with an editorial against anti-immigrant Measure 105, calling it “wholly unnecessary” and dispelling the opposition’s arguments for repealing Oregon’s 30-year-old sanctuary law. The Statesman Journal first came out against the measure on July 20, three days after it qualified for the ballot. This editorial specifically criticizes Knute Buehler for his stance, just the latest fallout since he endorsed the hateful measure on Lars Larson late last month. The editorial’s tone marks a notable shift from The Oregonian’s typically pro-Buehler editorials, one of which touted his education plan despite Buehler’s two votes against increased school spending in the last three years and plans to cut teacher compensation. Democratic Party of Oregon executive director Brad Martin penned a guest column in The Oregonian highlighting Buehler’s lack of legislative accomplishments in Salem. (But don’t worry: Buehler’s wife and brothers think he’s alright).

37 Organizations and a Regional Organization Representing Over 50 Tribes Denounce Bigotry and Violence before Patriot Prayer and Proud Boys Rally in Portland on August 4
The Skanner

“A coalition of local and regional organizations issued a joint statement ahead of tomorrow’s Patriot Prayer and Proud Boys rally in Portland, Ore. The statement, organized by Western States Center, was signed by nearly 40 other organizations, including a regional body representing more than 50 tribes. The groups warn that the potential for violence is even greater than with previous protests, which descended into violence. They are calling on Mayor Ted Wheeler, City Council members, Metro Council President Tom Hughes and Governor Kate Brown to act in their official capacities to denounce racist and sexist violence and coordinate with law enforcement to address the threat posed by the gathering.”

FYI: Amid violence Saturday in downtown Portland that drew national attention, there were numerous groups who came together to peacefully oppose the extremist right-wing group Patriot Prayer. The Washington Post reported that a “coalition of labor unions, immigrant rights groups and others tried to take a high road with their gathering midmorning near City Hall, speaking of a world ‘free of homophobia and racism.'”

Oregon ballot measures at 30-year low. Here’s why.
The Oregonian

“The five measures on the Nov. 6 ballot tackle such hot-button issues as abortion, immigration and taxes, and match a total not seen since 1982. By comparison, there were 18 initiatives in 1994; 23 in 1996; 14 in 1998; and 26 in 2000 – the apex of Oregon’s initiative boom.”

FYI: It’s worth noting that even though Sizemore is no longer running his fraud-filled initiative petition blitz — after a stint in jail and elections reforms that strengthened our initiative petition system against Sizemore-style fraud — concerns remain. This year, four initiative petitions have qualified for the ballot despite serious and credible allegations of illegal signature gathering practices. The Oregon Attorney General’s office has an open criminal investigation into troubling fraud allegations on Initiative Petition 31 (now Measure 104,) but the Secretary of State moved forward with certifying the measure for the ballot anyway. Aside: Loren Parks doesn’t actually appear to be out of the Oregon political game: The Taxpayers Association of Oregon — long associated with the reclusive Nevada multimillionaire — has in-kinded more than $20,000 to the pro-Measure 104 campaign so far.

Supreme Court: Oregon’s tax on new car sales can go toward electric vehicle rebates, other programs
The Oregonian

“Oregon is not violating state law by directing revenue from a tax on new vehicle sales to electric vehicle rebates and other programs instead of highway construction and maintenance projects. That’s according to the Oregon Supreme Court, which ruled Thursday on a key component of the $5.3 billion transportation bill approved by the Legislature last year. The court ruling is a big win for Gov. Kate Brown, who called passing a transportation package one of her top priorities in 2017.”

FYI: As the Portland Tribune notes, the rebates are intended to encourage the use of all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) to help meet state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has more information on the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

Portland Tenants Union Has Raised Nearly $3,000 for Holgate Manor’s Rent Strike
Willamette Week

“Holgate Manor, a large apartment complex in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood, has been home to refugees and other low-income tenants for decades. In January, the property sold to a California investment company, which in March began pushing people to leave, including with 9.9 percent rent increases.”

FYI: This is an update to the longer Willamette Week story ORPOL featured last week about the rent strike Portland Tenants United organized. PTU aims to raise $10,000.