(July 9) A group of what appears to be around 200 individuals - mostly young college kids and individuals on the streets marched from the North Park Blocks to the Clean & Safe (Portland Patrol Inc.) headquarters chanting, "Stop police brutality, stop the war against the poor."
The group is apparently protesting the sit-lie and camping ordinances while trying to raise awareness about the Portland Patrol Inc. (PPI) overseen by the Portland Business Alliance via the City of Portland. The controversial private security company has the capacity to enforce public policy (park exclusions) with no government oversight.
The group gathered to give a round of speeches across the street from the downtown Clean & Safe offices. After one speaker told the crowd that PPI has the authority to carry weapons, one onlooker asked who gives them that authority? There was no answer.
After a few speeches the group moved from the Clean & Safe offices down 1st Avenue in route to the police station and the Portland Business Alliance headquarters.
One individual was ticketed by police for interfering with traffic at NW 1st & Davis.
A Portland Coalition Against Poverty pamphlet handed out during the rally says they are "dedicated to ending poverty through community empowerment and the dismantling of institutions that perpetuate inequality and oppression."
posted by Israel Bayer
