Gina Scalpone
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homelessness, criminal justice, mental health, COVID-19,
Articles by Gina Scalpone
4J School Board Denounces Racist Social Media Posts
The Eugene School District 4J Board of Directors denounced racism and antisemitism at its virtual meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 15, saying it had “no place” in the 4J community, after threats against students were spread on social media. “These kinds of actions really undermine our students’ ability to feel safe and feel a sense of belonging,” Board Chair Judy Newman said.
Camas Construction Controversy
Feedback on the Camas Ridge Community School’s proposed new building has not been kind so far, but staff, parents and community members have a last chance to make their voices heard this week: The Eugene 4J School District is seeking input from community members on the exterior of the elementary school’s building through Sunday, Dec. 12. The school, located near the south end of Amazon Park, is being redesigned and rebuilt.
4J Board Discusses Student Representation at Dec. 1 Board Meeting
The Eugene District 4J Board of Directors met virtually on Wednesday, Dec. 1, to discuss how to include student voices in board meetings and choose representatives to the Oregon School Board Association, among a variety of topics. Board Chair Judy Newman said they hope to vote on a plan to include student representation at the next meeting, Dec. 15 so that the proposal could start right after winter break. Newman presented a two-part proposal for the 2021-2022 school year.
Anti-Maskers Delay Eugene School Board Meeting
Community members protested face mask requirements and vaccine clinics at Wednesday’s 4J school board meeting, leading to a delay in proceedings. Around 20 people arrived shortly before the 7 pm meeting began, according to 4J Chief of Staff Kerry Delf.
Say Goodbye to Campus Glenwood
The Glenwood Restaurant on Alder Street has been a hangover staple for the student population in Eugene for decades. But the restaurant will soon close to make way for new apartments. Restaurant owner Jacqui Willey sold the property in June with a hefty price tag of $3 million, according to county records. Willey confirmed that the location will close in 2022, around spring break. The Willamette Street location will continue to operate as normal.
Redistricting Chaos
Gov. Kate Brown signed redistricting legislation for Oregon’s congressional and legislative districts on Monday, Sept. 27, after the Legislature passed it just hours before the deadline. This is only the third time the Legislature has passed maps, but don’t mistake that for bipartisanship. The process was nearly derailed. First, a positive COVID test suspended the special session the governor convened for three days.
Portlanders with disabilities still fighting for rights
Big improvements, but much more work still needs to be done, advocates for people with disabilities say. When President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990, he famously announced: "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down." The ADA was life-changing legislation. It required cities, restaurants, and other public places to become more accessible.
Community courts and the homeless: Do these programs make a difference?
Jourdan Horton made her way from Minnesota to Oregon two years ago on the promise of working on a farm near Eugene. The job fell through, she lost possession of her car and Horton soon found herself living on the streets. It didn’t take long before she ended up like hundreds of other unhoused people in Eugene: charged with crimes as a result of being homeless.
Platform created for young immigrants, refugees in Portland
'Speak Up/Speak Out,' a podcast from Youth Advocates for Immigrants and Refugees, seeks to tell the stories of young immigrants. "Tell us your story." That's the first direction the subjects of a new podcast about immigration in Portland are given. The podcast is produced by a group of recent high school grads, which they created to connect young immigrants and refugees and the Portland community.
Stress and uncertainty among parents as the first day of school approaches
PPS will be online-only at least until Nov. 5, but the remote learning difficulties in the spring left parents worried about what the new year will look like. This school year will be one like no other, and as the first day of school looms, feelings of uncertainty and stress prevail among parents. Portland Public Schools will be online-only through at least Nov. 5 — and Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday, Aug.
ACLU of Oregon sues feds for violating Constitution, federal law in protest response
The ACLU is representing protesters who allege that Homeland Security's 'Operation Diligent Valor' was illegally authorized and exceeded federal authority. Protesters who were allegedly "abducted, beaten and gassed" by federal agents during the Portland protests sued President Donald Trump and other federal officials and agencies in federal court Wednesday, Aug.
Oregon sues Trump for undermining vote-by-mail
Postmaster General DeJoy says changes to the USPS will be suspended until after the election, but the lawsuit will go forward. At least 20 states, including Oregon, filed two lawsuits on Tuesday, Aug. 18, against the Trump administration for undermining vote-by-mail ahead of the election.
Fining unhoused people for sleeping, camping is unconstitutional, Oregon District Court says
The ruling clarifies that the Eighth Amendement right against cruel and unusual punishment applies to civil penalties. It is unconstitutional to fine people experiencing homelessness for "engaging in unavoidable human acts" if they have nowhere else to go, according to a recent ruling in a federal lawsuit out of Grants Pass.
Supreme Court Justice blocks injunction that allowed redistricting measure on ballot
As the more Treatment and psilocybin therapy initiatives officially head to the ballot, the Oregon Redistricting Measure will be debated in court. The Oregon Redistricting Measure is in limbo after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan blocked an injunction Tuesday, Aug. 11, that would have allowed it on the ballot.
Supporters: Report on drug-treatment ballot measure says it could alter racial disparities in drug convictions
The Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act would shift focus of drug laws from criminality to health care. A government think tank says drug convictions in Oregon could drop by 90% and racial disparities in drug arrests and convictions could be significantly reduced if a ballot measure that would decriminalize low-level drug possession passes in November.
Supporters of drug-treatment ballot measure say it could racial disparities in drug convictions
The Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act would shift focus of drug laws from criminality to health care. A government think tank says drug convictions in Oregon could drop by 90% and racial disparities in drug arrests and convictions could be significantly reduced if a ballot measure that would decriminalize low-level drug possession passes in November.
Census workers begin knocking on doors to complete survey
Oregon's self-response rate is about 65%, slightly above the national average. Census workers in Oregon are beginning to knock on the doors of people who have not self-responded to the 2020 census survey so far. Census takers started in 34 counties in Oregon on July 30, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The remaining counties, including Multnomah and Clackamas, will begin early next week.
Sunset High student nonprofit keeps kids virtually engaged
CyberBORN offers free virtual workshops to elementary school students so they continue to learn during the summer despite the pandemic. Laasya Yenduri is an academic at heart. But when the COVID-19 pandemic closed down schools and classes went remote, she didn't feel engaged. "It wasn't really learning," she said. Yenduri, a rising senior at Sunset High School in Beaverton, said she noticed that her elementary school-aged brother was bored all day, and she saw an opportunity.
'Mayor of Mt. Tabor' retires
Dave Hillman helped found the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park, started the Foot Patrol and created the visitor center The Mt. Tabor Park Visitors Center, normally a wealth of resources for visitors and treats for dogs, closed for four months when the COVID-19 pandemic came to Oregon. Visitors center coordinator Dave Hillman said neighbors sent him photos of their dogs to tell him how much they missed the center. "It was too bad we couldn't be there for people," he said.
Oregon reports 416 new COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths; Multnomah added to watch list
Multnomah, Marion and Hood River were added to the list due to coronavirus spread that cannot be traced to a source. Oregon Health Authority reported 416 new cases of COVID-19 and five deaths due to the virus on Thursday, July 30. Oregon has now reported a total of 18,131 confirmed coronavirus cases and 316 deaths. Multnomah County also has been added to the coronavirus "watch list," Gov. Kate Brown announced Thursday, 30 as the coronavirus spreads within the county.
ACLU Oregon alleges federal law enforcement unlawfully attacked reporters, violated restraining order
Motion filed to hold the federal agencies in contempt of court and bar offending officers from continuing to engage at protests. The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon filed a motion Tuesday, July 28, to hold federal agencies in contempt of court for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order blocking law enforcement from attacking journalists and legal observers documenting the protests in Portland.
Don't Shoot Portland, Wall of Moms sue feds over protest tactics
Lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., federal court claims that federal officers are violating Portland protesters' constitutional rights. Don't Shoot Portland and the Wall of Moms are suing the Department of Homeland Security and several federal agencies, alleging that the federal government's response to Black Lives Matter protests in Portland "exceeds the bounds of what the law authorizes."' The groups filed the lawsuit Monday, July 27, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Protesters are asked: What will it take?
Demonstrators say nightly skirmishes likely to continue without bold action from leaders Protesters at the Multnomah County Justice Center Wednesday night had an overwhelming message for Mayor Ted Wheeler: Quit your job. Wheeler responded to a call to listen to protesters on Wednesday, July 22, by showing up for the 55th day of protests. He stayed out on the downtown streets for hours — long enough to feel the effects of tear gas deployed near the Mark O.
Protest medics sue police, fed agencies over attacks
Federal lawsuit claims that law enforcement targeted medics with arrest and excessive force. Four volunteer medics treating people hurt during downtown Portland protests are suing the city and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, saying they were targeted and attacked by Portland and federal law enforcement.
Protester in Portland sues Trump for 'conspiracy to violate the U.S. Constitution' after alleged attack by feds
Jeff Paul was allegedly beaten by federal law enforcement while peacefully protesting in Portland. A Seattle resident is suing president Donald Trump and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf for "conspiracy to violate the U.S. Constitution" after allegedly being beaten by federal law enforcement officers at a Portland protest on July 18. The lawsuit, first reported by The Oregonian, was filed in U.S. District Court on July 21.
Medics at protests sue Portland police, federal agencies over attacks
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that law enforcement targeted protest medics with arrest and excessive force. Four medics volunteering at the ongoing Portland protests allege that they were targeted and attacked by Portland and federal law enforcement in a lawsuit filed Wednesday, July 22, in Oregon U.S. District Court.
Pioneer Pacific College to close permanently
The private, for-profit institution will close its doors on July 21. It includes the Oregon Culinary Institute. Pioneer Pacific College, a for-profit institution that includes the Oregon Culinary Institute along with campuses in Beaverton and Springfield, notified state and local officials Tuesday, July 21, that it will permanently close and lay off all its staff members due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Beaverton-based school will lay off 131 employees statewide.
Oregon senators introduce bill to limit crowd control tactics by federal troops
The legislation also has been introduced as an amendment to the national defense funding bill currently being debated by the Senate. Oregon's U.S. lawmakers submitted legislation Monday, July 20, that would prevent the Trump administration from sending federal officers for crowd control if passed.
Portland City Council to vote on ballot measure on police oversight
Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty announced the vote on Twitter and said she still wants control of the Portland Police Bureau. The Portland City Council will vote on whether to refer a ballot measure to voters to create a new system of independent police oversight, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty announced via Twitter on Tuesday, July 21. Where do we go from here? I've outlined my vision on re-imaging community safety, which you can read in full at the link below.
Portland Mayor will stay on as police commissioner
Mayor Ted Wheeler announced he will continue to lead the agency after Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty's demands by: Gina Scalpone/Portland Tribune Posted: Jul 20, 2020 / 05:55 PM PDT / Updated: Jul 20, 2020 / 05:55 PM PDT Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, right, at a 2019 City Council meeting. They have feuded over leadership of the Portland Police Bureau. (Portland Tribune/PMG File Photo) PORTLAND, Ore.
St. Mary's grad receives State Department language scholarship
Nayantara Arora, along with 500 students in the United States, is spending five weeks of her summer learning a new language through an online immersion program. Nayantara Arora, 18, already speaks English, Spanish, Hebrew, Punjabi and Hindi/Urdu. Now she's adding a new one: Arabic. The recent St. Mary's Academy graduate was awarded the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Virtual Summer Intensive scholarship to study Arabic for five weeks.
Judge grants injunction blocking Portland Police from targeting journalists
The order prevents officers from arresting, seizing recording devices from or using physical force against reporters and legal observers documenting protests. A federal judge on Thursday blocked City of Portland officials, including Portland Police, from arresting, threatening to arrest or using physical force against journalists or legal observers unless they "reasonably know" that person has committed a crime, the ACLU of Oregon announced in a July 16 press release.
Gov. Brown appoints new public records advocate
Becky Chiao will be the second appointed advocate, after Ginger McCall resigned after pressure from the governor's office. Gov. Kate Brown appointed Becky Chiao as the new public records advocate, the governor's office announced Friday, July 10. Chiao will take on the new role beginning Aug. 3, pending confirmation by the Oregon Senate.
Portland police chief appoints new assistant
Central Precinct Commander Mike Leasure will take on new role as second in command. Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell on Wednesday, July 15, appointed Commander Mike Leasure to assistant chief of the Operations Branch. Leasure had just begun serving as commander of the Central Precinct, located in the lobby of the Justice Center in downtown Portland, July 1. He was the first person of color to serve in that role, according to media reports.
Psilocybin therapy initiative qualifies for November ballot
If approved, the drug could be used in Oregon to treat mental illnesses like depression and anxiety starting in 2023. An initiative that would legalize psilocybin therapy under limited circumstances qualified for Oregon's November 2020 ballot Wednesday, July 8, according to the Oregon Secretary of State's website. Oregon Psilocybin Services Act verified 132,465 signatures, well over the 112,020 needed to make it on the ballot.
Oregon recovers nearly one-third of jobs lost since April
Oregon's unemployment rate lowered to 11.2%, in line with national statistics. Oregon has recovered almost a third of the jobs lost in March and April, according to a news release from the Oregon Employment Department. Oregon added 56,000 jobs in June, not including farming. Oregon's unemployment rate in June was 11.3%, down from 14.3% in May. The industries that saw the biggest increases in employment have been leisure and hospitality, health care and social assistance, and retail trade.
New all-women political consulting firm launches to shatter politics as usual
Shatter LLC wants to represent people who haven't been included in politics. Ahead of the 2020 election, a new political consulting firm has entered the race. Shatter LLC is a new progressive political consulting firm run by nine women connected to Hilltop Public Solutions, a consulting firm with offices all over the United States, including Portland.
Gov. Brown appoints new director of the Oregon Department of Revenue
Betsy Imholt will begin in her new role on Aug. 3 if confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Betsy Imholt, deputy director of the Department of Education Early Learning Division, will be the next director of the Oregon Department of Revenue, Gov. Kate Brown announced in a press release Monday, July 13. Imholt will begin in her new role on Aug. 3, pending confirmation by the Oregon Senate.
Gov. Brown appoints new public records advocate
Becky Chiao will be the second appointed advocate, after Ginger McCall resigned after pressure from the governor's office. Gov. Kate Brown appointed Becky Chiao as the new public records advocate, the governor's office announced Friday, June 10. Chiao will take on the new role beginning Aug. 3, pending confirmation by the Oregon Senate.
National Indian Child Welfare Association receives grant to study parenting curriculum
The Portland-based nonprofit received $700,000 from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Portland nonprofit National Indian Child Welfare Association received $700,000 in grant funding to study the effectiveness of its Positive Indian Parenting program from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the foundation announced Tuesday. The Positive Indian Parenting program is a culturally specific parenting curriculum to prevent child maltreatment, said NICWA Executive Director Sarah Kastelic.
Psilocybin therapy initiative qualifies for Oregon's November ballot
If passed, the drug could be used to treat mental illnesses like depression and anxiety starting in 2023. An initiative that would legalize psilocybin therapy under limited circumstances qualified for Oregon's 2020 ballot Wednesday, July 8, according to the Oregon Secretary of State's website. Oregon Psilocybin Services Act verified 132,465 signatures, well over the 112,020 needed to make it on the ballot.
Oregon's Native American Youth & Family Center nets federal designation
The designation from HUD will make the center will be the third in the country to serve tribal communities. The Native American Youth & Family Center, known as NAYA, will become Oregon's first EnVision Center, the nonprofit announced at a Tuesday morning virtual press conference. NAYA is the 49th EnVision Center to open in the country but only the third to specifically serve native communities and the second in the Northwest, according to a press release.
Petition calls on Portland Police to enlarge badge numbers
The petition's creator said it is a 'tiny step' toward increasing police accountability. A petition demanding that the Portland Police Bureau make officer badge numbers larger to increase visibility has collected about 2,250 signatures in the past month. Protesters in Portland have been demonstrating against police brutality and systemic racism for more than a month.
Drug treatment initiative qualifies for Oregon's November ballot
If passed, the initiative could raise $65 million or more for drug treatment. An initiative that would expand drug treatment and decriminalize low level drug possession qualified for Oregon's November ballot on Tuesday, according to the Oregon Secretary of State website. The More Treatment campaign submitted more than 160,000 signatures supporting the initiative by June 19, of which 116,622 were verified by the Oregon Secretary of State. It needed 112,020 to qualify.
Cities try to arrest their way out of homeless problems
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) — In the nine years he has been homeless, Kenneth Shultz has spent one of every three nights in jail. The 71-year-old retiree has been charged with trespassing 96 times, including after he fell asleep behind gas stations, outside office buildings and in a city park. His 1,034 days in jail have come with a crushing debt of $41,311 in court costs, fines and fees and an estimated taxpayer tab of nearly $50,000.
Cities try to arrest their way out of homeless problems
Subscriber content preview June 30, 2020 Cities try to arrest their way out of homeless problems Laws that target the homeless create a cycle of arrests, hearings and unpaid fines that make emerging from homelessness all the more difficult. By RYAN E. LITTLE, GINA SCALPONE, NICK McCOOL, THERESA DIFFENDAL, ZACK DEMARS, ANEU Howard Center for Investigative Journalism FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — In the nine years he has been homeless, Kenneth Shultz has spent one of every three nights in jail.
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon names new executive director
Christel Allen says she wants to lead the nonprofit toward reproductive justice. "Heavy" is the word Christel Allen used to describe what it's like to become the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, in the middle of a pandemic and an international antiracism movement. "It's a really tough time for so many people, and I do think that prior to this moment in time, we do and continue to get questions about, well, isn't this covered ground?" Allen said.
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