IMMIGRATION PROTEST
Hundreds rally in Oregon’s capital for immigrant rights
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Statesman Journal reports that hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the Oregon State Capitol to support immigration rights.
The newspaper says Yesica Navarro spoke in the Capitol Mall about growing up as an immigrant. She says she came to the U.S. as a child with her family, and they managed to succeed despite the odds.
Navarro said: “We love this country, and we want to be accepted. This is our home.”
The Statesman Journal reports that the crowd cheered and clapped as cars driving along State Street honked. The rally was part of a national effort called Immigrants’ March Presidents Day 2017.
Organizer Maya Lopez of Portland says a small group started organizing the gathering about three weeks ago.
JAIL-HOMELESS SHELTER
New Oregon jail displaces shelter, addiction services center
(Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com)
BEND, Ore. (AP) — A homeless shelter and an addiction services center that have been operating in central Oregon for several years have been forced to relocate as Crook County moves forward with plans for a new jail.
The Bend Bulletin reports the two facilities left the county-owned homes they were operating out of this month. The houses are located on the site of the future jail and will soon be demolished.
Regeneration House, which served about 50 homeless people last year, has temporarily relocated to a church basement but is still searching for a permanent spot.
The addiction support center, Rebel’s Roost, is seeking help and donated supplies to fix up a 100-year-old home that will support its operations.
Construction of the jail is expected to start next year.
___
DRUG BUST
Man facing charges after authorities find drugs, cash, guns
(Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com)
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A man is facing charges after search warrants uncovered pounds of drugs, thousands of dollars and guns.
The Statesman Journal reports the Salem Police Department says authorities found 17 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 pounds of cocaine, a quarter pound of heroin, 10,000 oxycodone pills, 40 pounds of marijuana, and more than $40,000 in cash.
Searches also turned up five guns and two sets of body armor.
The man is being held on $1.5 million bail.
He is expected in court March 3.
It’s unclear whether he has an attorney.
___
KAYAKER RESCUED
Coast Guard rescues kayaker ejected from boat
HAMMOND, Ore. (AP) — The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker who fell out of his boat while paddling toward the Columbia River near Hammond, Oregon.
Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report of a man in the water Sunday. Dispatch reported that the man struck pilings and was ejected from his kayak.
A Jayhawk helicopter crew reached the man and lifted him from the piling. He was taken to shore where he received medical services and was later released.
Search and Rescue controller Mark Dobney says with spring coming, it’s important to remind boaters of safety while in the water along the Oregon and Washington coast.
He says water temperatures hover around 50 degrees. The man had a floatation device but was not properly dressed. Without a rescue, things could have become dire.
POLICE SHOOTING-TRAFFIC STOP
Police officer shoots driver during traffic stop
(Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com)
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State Police say a man was hospitalized after a Central Point officer shot him during a traffic stop in Jackson County.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that the officer pulled the man over at about 3 a.m. Sunday for a traffic violation.
Police say during the encounter with the driver, the unnamed officer fired his weapon and shot the driver.
Police believe the driver had a firearm at the time of the shooting.
The driver, whose name was also withheld, was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.
The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office has requested an investigation into the incident.
___
ROCK FALL-ROAD CLOSED
Rock fall closes rode in Southwest Portland
(Information from: KATU-TV, http://www.katu.com/)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Falling rocks prompted transportation officials to close down a Southwest Portland road on Sunday morning.
KATU TV reports that the rocks fell from an embankment along Southeast Sam Jackson Park Road.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has the roadway closed from Terwilliger Boulevard to Campus Drive.
Officials say anyone trying to get to the Oregon Health and Science University should use Campus Drive as a detour.
Crews have been called out to clear the road and assess the hillside’s stability. No word on when the road will reopen.
___
SHOOTING SUSPECT-SEARCH
Deputies search for suspect in Columbia County shooting
VERNONIA, Ore. (AP) — The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect in a shooting that left one man wounded just south of Vernonia, Oregon.
Officials say the suspect in the Saturday afternoon shooting is Gregory Reynolds. They say he’s wanted on several felony warrants not related to this incident, but is wanted for questioning in the shooting.
Officials say Reynolds should be considered armed and dangerous.
Deputies who responded to the shooting after a caller said Reynolds had driven to the residence and opened fire, striking Lewis Cochrane. The 45-year-old victim was hospitalized with a gunshot wound.
Officials found Reynolds’ vehicle and went to his last known residence, but he wasn’t found.
IMMIGRATION RALLY
Times Square rally protests Trump immigration policies
NEW YORK (AP) — More than a thousand people of various faiths rallied in New York City in support of Muslim Americans and to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
The “I Am A Muslim Too” rally was held in Times Square on Sunday and was organized by several groups, including the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
The protesters waved American flags, held signs saying “No Muslim Ban,” and chanted “We are One.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke at the peaceful rally, saying “we have to dispel the stereotypes” and that America is “a country founded to protect all faiths and all beliefs.”
Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons headlined the rally. He said the Muslim community was being used as a scapegoat, but that “diversity will prevail.”
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.