Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 3h

I am working w/colleagues to bring an ordinance on chemical weapons, so stay tuned. (It's going slower than anyone would like.)

It only focuses on chemical weapons. I don't know of any upcoming Council proposal around other "less lethal" physical munitions, e.g. rubber bullets, 40mm rounds, Tasers.

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 3h

I support federal funds and assistance coming to Portland because a) their award to Portland is lawful, and sending armed military personnel to Portland isn't, and b) it's good for the City to get federal money or assistance (e.g. FEMA).

Why on earth would the city, or any city, refuse funding?

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 10h

You'll be able to testify on both at once. I'd love your support for both the normative parts of the resolution and the binding City Code in the ordinance!

1 2

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 12h

This ordinance is vital to ensure Portland's laws reflect our values, that sanctuary status is secure / binding law; that we're providing info to the public; & that we're meeting the needs of all our employees & supervisors (especially the most vulnerable).

I'm looking forward to Wednesday!

5/end

1 21

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 12h

... commit the City to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to learn (& share with the public) what the feds are doing; & define public/private spaces in City buildings so everyone knows where anyone can enter vs. where you need a City badge or judicial warrant to go, among other things.

4/5

1 1 14

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 12h

The last item on the agenda is one I am cosponsoring, the Sanctuary City Codification Ordinance, which will elevate our 2017 Sanctuary City resolution to binding law; provide resources for City employees & supervisors on how to react to federal activity that may affect employees ...

3/5

Add Code to enact Sanctuary City status protections (add Code Chapter 23.20)

www.portland.gov

1 2 18

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 12h

The earlier of these (2nd item overall) is a resolution to create a Protect Portland Initiative (PPI). This resolution has been led by @counciloravalos.bsky.social, and would specifically denounce federal intervention & urge the Mayor to take specific steps to protect Portlanders.

2/5

Denounce any attempts to deploy the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, or militarized Federal Immigration Enforcement in Portland and establish the Protect Portland Initiative

www.portland.gov

2 3 16

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 12h

On Wednesday 10/15 at 6 PM, City Council will be hearing the first two pieces of legislation related to Portland's response to the federal government.

A short 🧵on this meeting:

There are three items on the agenda: The first is the Urban Forest Plan. The other two are about the federal gov't.

1/5

City Council | Portland.gov

City Council holds regular meetings at 9:30 a.m. on the first, second, fourth and fifth Wednesday and 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. If there is sufficient business, additional meetin...

www.portland.gov

3 13 52

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 13h

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Representative Hòa Nguyễn. We had met only a few times, but I admired from afar the work she did for HD 48 & the communities she served. Her advocacy & success paved the way for future API political success - including mine. She will be missed.

2 11 56

Reposted by Councilor Sameer Kanal

ACLU @aclu.org · 15h

History shows that when people organize, protest, and demand justice, we can disrupt abuses of power, and build collective power in response.

Our advocacy experts answered your questions about how we all can help protect our communities.

How to Push Back Against Trump’s Abuses of Power

From defending free speech to organizing locally, ACLU experts explain what actions actually work to hold the Trump administration accountable and protect democracy.

www.aclu.org

5 150 390

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 1d

You're correct!

And when you do visit, please come check out City Hall too!

19

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 3d

Portland is a safe city.

#PDX #Portland

Portland ranks No. 4 among U.S. cities for preventing and reducing gun violence

Recognition builds on Portland’s decrease in violent crime .

www.portland.gov

4 33 130

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 3d

Scheduling update:

Community and Public Safety Committee meetings were originally scheduled for 11/11 & 11/25. 11/11 is Veterans Day.

We've rescheduled for 11/4 & 11/18, both at 2:30 PM. We also will still meet 10/21 at 2:30 PM.

(11/25 may be rescheduled later.)

Agendas & how to watch/join:

Community and Public Safety Committee | Portland.gov

Subject matter:Community safety and violence prevention programs.All law enforcement officers of the city.Portland Fire & Rescue, Bureau of Emergency Communications, Portland Street Response and other...

www.portland.gov

3

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 3d

Have a broken bicycle or small appliance that needs fixing? Repair PDX volunteers will be at Leaven Community House, 5431 NE 20th Ave. this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 12-3pm. Walk-ins welcome, or fill out the form to let them know what you're bringing.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

2025 Repair Café @ Leaven Community Center the second Saturday of every month 12-3pm

Hello! Thank you for your interest in joining our Repair Café! THIS IS TO HELP US KNOW WHAT'S COMING, NOT REGISTERING YOUR ITEM OR MAKING AN APPOINTMENT. At this event, volunteers will be fixing sm...

docs.google.com

4 37 80

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 4d

I stand with Hispanic and Latino Portlanders in joy, in struggle, and in solidarity and celebrate your diverse cultures, traditions and histories—and your immeasurable contributions to this city and this country.

#HispanicHeritageMonth

The words "Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! on a blue, teal, yellow and red background.

63 330

Reposted by Councilor Sameer Kanal

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield @agdanrayfield.bsky.social · 4d

The president must follow the Constitution. If he wants to push the boundaries, we’ll hold the line in court.

This is America. The U.S. military has no place in our streets.

Portland is peaceful. There is no reason to deploy National Guard here.

39 350 1K

Reposted by Councilor Sameer Kanal

The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 4d

And now for a report from the hellish, war-zone that is Portland

220 1.6K 5.3K

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 4d

*Hypothetical situations, including one that was not so hypothetical. In late June was a call that Project Respond could have been dispatched to, SHOULD have been dispatched to, but was not - & it resulted in a death in PPB custody.

The work of our crisis continuum matters - and saves lives.

9/end

1 2

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 4d

We then ended the meeting with a five-minute highlight of the Great Shakeout on October 16, including an earthquake drill in chambers. For more information, see www.shakeout.org.

The next meeting of the Community and Public Safety Committee is Tuesday, October 21, at 2:30 PM.

8/

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills help people in homes, schools, and organizations worldwide improve preparedness and practice how to be safe during earthquakes. Register to participate in your state or country's drill at www.ShakeOut.org.

www.shakeout.org

1 1

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 4d

This was a really informative presentation, in which we discussed from both a descriptive and hypothetical situation* perspective who does what, where there are (good) overlaps, where there may be lack of clarity, etc. One really exciting piece was how much coordination is newly underway.

7/

1 1

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 4d

After that, we had a crisis continuum presentation, which included presenters from the Portland Police Bureau's Behavioral Health Unit (who also spoke about general patrol responsibilities & Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team), Portland Street Response, & also Multnomah County's Project Respond.

6/

1 1

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 5d

The brand-new Portland Street Response Committee, which was created by the resolution I co-sponsored, is accepting applications for 14 members who will advise the City Council on the development and growth of Portland Street Response. Apply today! Applications are due Monday, Oct. 27.

Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Portland Street Response Committee

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01988189184173e2a4f533359898a72dThe Portland Street Response Committee (“PSRC” or “Committee”) is a volunteer body that will advise City Council as it sup...

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor/jobs/5060003/volunteer-non-paid-position-portland-street-…"

3 57 140

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 5d

We're asking for more Community and Public Safety Committee time pretty constantly because we have a huge backlog of issues to address. That's on the list.

1 1

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 5d

I want to thank our three presenters, their whole offices & electeds for them being here and answering questions.

We need, and I feel we have, solidarity with the other cities facing down this federal threat, and not just the city govts - to the people of LA, DC, and Chicago, we are with you.

5/

2 5

Councilor Sameer Kanal @councilorkanal.bsky.social · 5d

I can't summarize the excellent conversation and information received from Jenn, Alison, and Kate, but I strongly encourage everyone to watch the video. They were clear, they were stark, and they were comprehensive in their descriptions of their experiences - things that could happen here.

4/

1 3