Seattle Forward

Most Encampment Dwellers Refuse City Aid

The City Council was told this morning that the vast majority of homeless living in encampments refuse offers of aid from city outreach workers.  In 2008, 90 outreach visits were made to 17 encampments (three or more tents or other shelters) and 19 to camps (less than three shelters).  A total of 320 individuals were contacted by outreach workers and offered assistance; only 106, or 33%, accepted emergency shelter or other assistance. 

The city adopted new administrative policies designed to help people living in illegal encampments and camps in April 2008.  The rules were refined throughout the year in response to public concerns about disposition of personal property and whether those living in the encampments were receiving adequate notice they would be prohibited from staying in the make-shift shelters.  Most of the illegal encampments and camps are located in city greenbelt areas, parks, or unused portions of transportation right-of-ways. Complaints about garbage, drug use, crime, and unsanitary conditions prompted the city to become more aggressive is clearing the camps and removing garbage.  Over 12 tons of garbage was removed from one encampment site on west Queen Anne last summer. 

The Council was also told this morning by a representative of the city's Human Services Department that none of those who agreed to accept city assistance were turned away.  This has been an important focus for me, making sure all individuals who wanted it could receive emergency shelter beds and other assistance. 

Seattle's Finest in DC

Here's a photo of SPD's contribution to security at President Obama's inauguration last week.

Husky Nation Rules!

Another great win for the Dawgs today. Woof! Woof!

Inauguration: Final Thoughts

Being in Washington, D. C. for the inauguration of President Barack Obama has truly been an amazing experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live through a historical transformation. 

Certainly, this week has been fun, exciting, celebratory.  Just being here and seeing all of the people—even though we didn't get through security in time to witness the swearing-in in person, but neither did Mayor Nickels or Chief Kerlikowske—was an experience in and of itself.  The ever-present smiles, laughter, joy-filled outbursts of pride in country and ethnicity, all this was priceless. 

But, on this day after, I've had more reflective thoughts. 

I read the text of the president's inaugural address today in the newspaper.  And I had one overarching

Inauguration: Additional Thoughts

Well, it's happened . . . we have a new president.  Joy!

We started early this morning from our hotel, about 6:30 a.m.  We had to walk the final two miles because of all the closed streets and crowds. It was clear early on that we should have started our journey hours earlier.

We stood in the line for nearly four hours before realizing that we would never pass through the security checkpoint in time to reach our designated standing area.  (Tickets were color-coded--yellow, purple, silver; ours were purple.) Truth be told, we left the line and took Metro back to our hotel so we wouldn't miss the official ceremony; we made it just in time.  I'm glad we did because no one we were communicating with by cell phone made it inside the security cordon.  The crowds were crushing. 

But, our line experience was gratifying for a time.  We met a family from Tacoma, another from Baltimore.  Everyone was laughing and telling stories.  The mood began to shift when we realized that we weren't going to make it.  Chants of "open the gates" spontaneously erupted.  A few people shouted at police officers inside the fence, but it remained orderly. 

So, we took off and rushed back to watch the whole thing on TV.  It was a moving experience to be in the same city. 

Inauguration Eve: First Impressions

Joleen and I arrived in Washington, D.C. late Saturday afternoon; it's been a whirlwind of activity ever since.  Get to the Capitol to pick up tickets, over to this office for others.  Meet friends.  Arrange schedules.  Get ready for the big day. 

Saturday night we got our bearings from Seattlite Devin Hampton, an Obama advance team leader.  (You can read about Devin's amazing story here.)

Sunday afternoon we attended a private brunch where leaders of the African American community in Washington State reflected on what this week means to them.  It was humbling to sit and listen to their heartfelt comments, reflections on lives lived with hope.  Congressman Jim McDermott spoke briefly about a new day when some citizens "won't ever have to cast their eyes down again."  A corporate executive involved in government relations work told of being called a "high-priced N-----" in the chambers of a Northwest state's Senate but never gave up.  Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice quoted the author of Hebrews in the Christian scriptures, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen," and told of the long journey toward equality, a journey punctuated with fear, anger, and hope.

After the brunch, we walked to the Mall and caught the last half of the Lincoln Memorial concert.  Wow!  (We stayed up really late and watched the whole event on HBO.)

Last night we attended the Washington State Society reception, an event hosted by Washingtonians living and working in D.C.  A who's who of Seattle politics was there.  Of course, I kept my gawking as discreet as possible.

I have two predominant thoughts so far. 

First, Washington resembles a giant party, which it is in so many ways.  But, I'm referring to people's faces.  Big smiles.  Hearty laughs.  Families with children everywhere.  Our hotel is packed with African American families; children everywhere.  I can imagine the bedtime conversations, whispers of pride and joy between Moms and Dads and their kids.  I can only capture a sliver of the meaning of all this.  Decades of spiritual, emotional, and binding shackles must be falling away.  It is truly amazing to be here and be an eyewitness to history being made.

Second, tomorrow at Noon our country will once again process a peaceful transfer of power.  I don't think we realize the magnitude of this fact.  There is no violence in our streets.  Leaders aren't being poisoned.  One president will stand and watch as a new president takes the oath of office and then we'll be done.  So simple, yet so profound.  America will stand tall tomorrow!

Ironically, I received an email letter from a friend serving in Iraq earlier today.  He's halfway around the world in a far away country with his pistol strapped to his side hoping for peace while we stand here witnessing a peaceful and historic transition.  So, on inauguration eve, we are hopeful, excited, and filled with anticipation.  Tomorrow will be a great day for America.

Devin Hampton and Barack Obama

Here's a great story about Devin Hampton, a friend from Seattle who has been heavily involved in Seattle politics and community activities:  http://uwnews.org/uweek/index.aspx 

Agreement Reached for Alaskan Way Corridor

The best possible solution for the Alaskan Way Corridor will be announced tomorrow morning by the Governor, County Executive and Mayor.  It's leaked out already here and here.  Most Council members will also participate in the announcement tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. at the World Trade Center at Pier 66.

I believe the agreed upon solution--a deep bore tunnel under downtown--is the best.  It fully meets the criteria I set early in the process, which are:

• Enhance, stimulate, and grow our economic diversity—maritime, manufacturing, freight, tourism, and downtown retail and service industries.
• Enhance mobility of people through and in and around our central city—buses, streetcars, vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles.
• Enhance and create new public places—more open space and parks, better sight lines/views, better connections to the waterfront.
• Enhance public safety—create an environment where people are and feel safe 24/7 throughout the downtown district and waterfront.

The tunnel option will result in the least disruption to the central waterfront since it can be completed and opened before demolition of the existing viaduct is necessary.  More tomorrow . . .

Threats Against Gay Bars

(Left to right in photo above)  Councilmembers Sally Clark, Bruce Harrell, Richard Conlin, myself, and Tom Rasmussen.  Conlin's wife, Sue Ann, also joined us.  This photo was taken mid-way through our walking tour.

We toured several bars and nightclubs on Capitol Hill late last night, well after my normal bedtime, to demonstrate concern about the mailed letter threats against gay bars and to reinforce the city's commitment to safe nightlife and entertainment businesses.  We also stopped at SPD's East Precinct and spoke briefly with police officers.  If nothing else, the walking tour proved to me, yet again, that I'm too old for any type of late nightlife scene. 

Seattle police, with cooperation from the FBI, are actively investigating the mailed threats.  On Friday afternoon, Mayor Nickels and police officials met with bar owners and briefed them on the progress of the investigation and steps the city is taking to protect bar and club patrons and staff. 

Threats Against Capitol Hill Bars

The City Council issued the following statement this afternoon related to the threatening letters received by several gay bars on Capitol Hill and the Stranger newspaper—

“We condemn the threatening letters sent to a number of gay establishments operating in the greater Capitol Hill area and to the Stranger newspaper.  We are maintaining ongoing contact with the Seattle Police Department to stay apprised of the situation, with hopes that the offending parties will be swiftly apprehended.

“The Seattle Police Department and the FBI are investigating the source of these letters and are reaching out to targeted establishments.  We applaud the diligent work of these enforcement agencies and their high-priority response to this threatening situation.

“We would like to affirm that the City of Seattle has a zero tolerance policy toward messages that incite hate and prey on fear.  Whether this is a serious threat or not, the Seattle City Council, in partnership with the Seattle Police Department, asks the community to be on alert for any suspicious activity and immediately report such activity by calling 911.”

Last year, my colleague, Tom Rasmussen, and I took a walking tour of Capitol Hill bars after several reported incidents of gay bashing and assaults.  We're working on another visit for sometime next week.