Crime, Law, and Order

Maria DeSersa was 34 years old when she was found dead of a fentanyl overdose in an apartment laundry facility in Federal Way, Washington. She had been a defendant in 24 cases over the span of seven years. Research Fellow and Program Coordinator Marsha Michaelis explores Maria’s tragic story to expose the failures of a lenient criminal justice system and what happens when we treat the addicted and the homeless like outlaws instead of providing them with the help and accountability that could set their lives on a new trajectory. Transcript “Babe, get up.” Those were the last words ever spoken to Maria DeSersa. But she couldn’t get up. She lay late last March on the grimy laminate floor of Read More ›

Independent journalist Kevin Dahlgren reports from the aftermath of the Spokane fires. Three separate fires in the Spokane area burned over 15 square miles and forced tens of thousands to evacuate earlier this month. Police have one man in custody who admitted to starting one of the three fires.

Another One Busted Bellevue community watch volunteers busted another fella this week. Young man allegedly tried to getaway with expensive steaks. But he was caught red handed and just walked away. Many of these stolen items end up in Seattle’s black market in Chinatown-ID. Homeless drug addicts steal and sell this stuff for pennies on the dollar to fuel their fetty and meth habit.

Sad Situation The Bellevue community watch volunteers are doing an invaluable service by hunting down crooks who ransack local grocery stores. On many occasions, the stolen goods end up being sold for pennies on the dollar in Seattle so drug addicts can buy their next fix. But sometimes the thieves are local grandmas, like this woman who allegedly loaded up her cart with all kinds of stolen items. The community watch volunteer was firm but gentle. In the end, she pretty much admitted to the crime and inquired about getting more government subsidies.

Citizens to the Rescue The legends are back. Bellevue community watch volunteers are fighting crime and stopping thieves at the QFC grocery store in Crossroads. Witnesses say two suspected drug addicts tried to take off with stolen items this week. But they were immediately chased down and forced to give up the goods. What’s even more pathetic, the dude tries to save himself and leaves his female accomplice behind. What a loser.

A Destructive Ecosystem The Downtown Emergency Service Center cancer is spreading across Seattle. This latest incident at DESC’s Hobson Place perfectly encompasses what’s wrong with Housing First policies and permanent supportive housing. There is an elderly woman who has to share a floor with fentanyl dealers and drug addicts. Why is this vulnerable woman living in a place like this? Was this the only option for her in the final years of her life? What responsibility does taxpayer funded DESC have in keeping senior citizens safe in their facilities? I could go on and on. Then right in front of Hobson Place, people are smoking fentanyl and partying on the sidewalk. Down the block, there is another massive tent encampment Read More ›

Abandoned Meanwhile in Seattle’s Chinatown-ID, the streets are packed with drug addicts and the criminals are selling all kinds of stolen goods. With tons of police resources committed to find the Seattle Center shooter, this Asian American neighborhood will become even more lawless.

No Enforcement Homeless drug addicts in Seattle already own 12th Ave & Jackson St in Chinatown-ID. But they’re now trying to capture the corner of 12th Ave & Lane St. Mayor Katie Wilson is MIA and has abandoned this part of the city. Humanitarian Crisis As Seattle prepares for another World Cup game this afternoon, look at the humanitarian crisis happening in Chinatown-ID just a few minutes away. Mayor Katie Wilson has pushed all the homeless drug addicts into this Asian-American neighborhood so tourists don’t have to see the carnage. That’s why community leaders are protesting the mayor this afternoon, demanding immediate change. Meanwhile, a drug addict tells me he could be a victim of tranq fentanyl. His leg is Read More ›

Independent journalist Kevin Dahlgren investigates the homeless situation in San Francisco’s Tenderloin and Mission neighborhoods. “The entire time I’ve been on the Tenderloin, I have interacted with hundreds of homeless people,” explains Dahlgren. “I have yet to encounter one outreach worker.”

A New Level of Inclusivity Seattle truly is an inclusive city. Mayor Katie Wilson allowed homeless drug addicts to participate in the Pride Parade. Btw, this group in front of the Space Needle is a feisty bunch. One of the old timers playing with Pokemon cards called me a f*ggot.