Seattle Forward

Hope Amid Violence

Seattle police commanders briefed the Council this morning about the recent surge in gun violence the city has experienced.  I know our officers and detectives are working hard to solve these crimes and prevent others before they occur. 

At the end of our morning session, we had the privilege of hearing from members of the Seattle Youth Commission, a student-led advisory body that advises the Council on a wide range of issues. Against the backdrop of violence on our streets, their presentation reminded me of the hope and potential of this city’s younger generation. 

The Commission members were poised, articulate, smart and very engaged as they briefed us on their work to prevent violence, end youth homelessness, improve Metro transit service, teach wise environmental practices and improve dialog with police.

A big shout out to our Youth Commission members! Well done and thank you.

Another Small Step Against Human Trafficking

UPDATE: Monday, July 19, 2010 at 5:45 p.m.
The Council passed legislation today that regulates the display of human bodies like those shown in Bodies: The Exhibition.  The vote was 9-0.

I've written many times about human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and the highly coercive commercial sex industry, including the reality of these practices here in Seattle. On Monday, the City Council will take another small step against human trafficking with passage of legislation advanced by my colleague, Nick Licata, that will prohibit the commercial display of human remains without documented authorization from the deceased.  I am a co-sponsor of Licata's legislation. 

Nicholas Kristof writes about these issues in today's Seattle Times.  As Kristof points out, small steps can have a big impact.  The Washington legislature passed legislation introduced by Representative Mary Lou Dickerson earlier this year that recognizes that juveniles engaged in prostitution are victims, not criminal suspects, a policy that is consistent with federal law and United Nations recommended practice. 

The City Council has passed various ordinances over the past 18 months that increase penalties for so-called "johns" engaged in prostitution, including new authority for police to impound vehicles used by "johns."  Court fines and fees have also been significantly increased.  These steps reflect a policy shift that increasingly focuses on "pimps" and "johns."  

And, the city has established only the fourth-in-the-country residential treatment center for young women involved in street prostitution.  The first three residents have started their journey toward recovery and productive lives.  

These issues are not easy, nor are they likely to be the topic of choice at tonight's dinner party.  But they demand our continued attention.  Small steps matter. 

Positive Results: Government Leadership

I took the above photo last Saturday at City Hall during Mayor McGinn's talk on "listening and action."  I've never seen City Hall so packed with people.  It was a great event; hundreds showed up to wander around to their heart's content. 

But, for me, the Mayor's speech highlighted a very important reality that we dare not overlook: current and future opportunities for our kids.  Mayor McGinn announced a special, joint outreach effort with the City Council over the next few months to listen to concerns about youth safety, education, and opportunities.  He pledged to listen to everyone, including those who sometimes aren't heard.  Former Mayor Rice will lead the effort.   The Council's Public Safety and Education Committee will be intimately involved.  This is the next logical step following on our work the past two years with violence, gangs, and school issues.  I appreciate very much the Mayor's approach and willingness to partner with the Council on this important effort.  Together, we can make things better for our youth and for our city.

I saw the evidence of the positive results we can achieve last Thursday when I participated in the graduation ceremony for 18 men and women who had just completed a special welding course through the Seattle Jobs Initiative.  It was a very meaningful time for the graduates—they ranged in age from 16 to 63—and their families and friends. 

It was especially meaningful for me because four of the graduates had been referred to the program by the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative.  I met these young men and learned their stories and I was grateful that this training was available to them.  You can read my remarks here: Download SJI Talk 1-7-10

So, two very special events over the last few days that keep me encouraged and motivated.  What a privilege I have to serve our city.  Please continue to share your thoughts and ideas with me. 

Limited Victory, Strange Sentence

Read this story at Seattlepi.com.  It details an ongoing case involving a street gang in West Seattle that forced young, underage girls into prostitution.  As typically happens, these individuals used coercion and violence to control and intimidate the girls they prostituted.  A companion trial resumes next week in King County Superior Court.

Note how the second defendant was sentenced, despite the fact that the prosecutor and defense attorney agreed to a stiffer sentence.  Very strange. I wonder if the judge clearly understands how the children who were forced into street prostitution were treated and how long it will take them to recover from their trauma?  What a shame!

Funds for Prostituted Children Stripped Away

The King County Regional Policy Council voted this week to strip away special funding that had been approved last year to establish safe housing for children involved in street prostitution.  But, at the same time, we voted to preserve the funding category so when the economy improves and funds are available the project would be eligible for restoration.  But, I'm not going to wait.

Ever since it became clear that the funds would likely disappear I've heard from several individuals who wanted to know what they could do.  One individual even pledged $125,000 in personal funds to help launch the safe house project. 

Today's Seattle Times carries an excellent opinion piece by State Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, chair of the House Human Services Committee, on why this project is so very important. 

My goal now is to put together a package of government and private sector funds that will allow this crucial safe housing project move forward.  Stay tuned. 

Violent Crime Rate Increases Dramatically

We have experienced a surge in violent crime this year, according to police department crime stats through the end of July.  Total violent crime (homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) reported to the police increased 22% through the first seven months of the year compared to the same period last year.

The overall serious crime rate (Part One offenses, violent crimes plus burglary, theft, and vehicle theft) increased 6% through July.

The increase in violent crime is limited to two street-crime offenses--robbery and aggravated assault.  Robbery has increased 25% and aggravated assault (an assault involving a weapon and/or serious bodily injury) is up 22%.  Conversely, homicide is down 33% and rape is down 11%.

Vehicle theft continues to decline sharply, down 17% through July, continuing a drop that began several years ago when City Attorney Tom Carr launched a unique targeted prosecution effort aimed at the most frequent auto theft suspects. 

The crime rate increases we are seeing this year are an abrupt reversal of the multi-year decline we had been experiencing through last year.  In 2008, city reported crime dropped to levels last seen in the late 1960s. 

Action Steps to Save Rescue Funding for Prostituted Children

Several people have asked who will make final decisions about the funding for safe housing for children involved in prostitution.  Read earlier posts here.

Here is a list of the decision makers and their contact details—

King County Interim Executive Kurt Triplett, 401 5th Ave, Suite 800, Seattle 98104, [email protected], 206-296-4040

King County Council, 516 3rd Ave, Room 1200, Seattle 98104 - Visit www.kingcounty.gov/council.aspx to find your Council District

• Bob Ferguson, District 1, [email protected], 206-296-1011
• Larry Gossett, District 2, [email protected], 206-296-1002
• Kathy Lambert, District 3, [email protected], 206-296-1003
• Larry Phillips, District 4, [email protected], 206-296-1004
• Julia Patterson, District 5, [email protected], 206-296-1005
• Jane Hague, District 6, [email protected], 206-296-1006
• Pete von Reichbauer, District 7, [email protected], 206-296-1007
• Dow Constantine, Candidate for County Executive, Council Chair, District 8, [email protected], 206-296-1008
• Reagan Dunn, District 9, [email protected], 206-296-1009

Safe Housing for Prostituted Children At Risk

The economic crisis is taking a toll on local governments and is threatening new rescue services aimed at children involved in street prostitution in Seattle and King County.  Prostituted children is a topic we don't like to discuss, often seek to avoid, and would rather have it just go away.  But, we have ignored this crisis for too long already. 

The Seattle Times has a good summary of the latest developments in this morning's paper.  

My earlier posts on this issue are here. 

The King County Regional Policy Committee—my colleague, Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, and I represent the City on this panel—will take up this issue next Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the County Council chambers.

This has been an uphill battle from the beginning, starting last summer when the City released a special study that documented the magnitude of the problem.  Get the Boyer report on children involved in prostitution in Seattle here:  Download Report_YouthInProstitution

Another Win for Anti-Gang Efforts

Another big win on Friday for our city's effort to get gun-violence gang members off our streets.  Read the story here.  The earlier victory is described here. 

Big Win for Anti-Gang Efforts

Here's some good news on the gang front from today's Seattlepi.com.  This case, now wrapped up with the sentencing of the defendant, is a good example of regional law enforcement cooperation, especially between Seattle police and federal prosecutors. 

The City is spending several million dollars this year to help young people involved in gangs or tempted to join.  Our efforts our focused on counseling, job training, job placement, mentoring and tutoring, and a wide range of social services.  But the City has been consistent in drawing the line when guns and violence are involved . . . no tolerance.  Pick up a gun and you will face severe consequences as Eric Sanford now realizes.