Governance

Update After being arrested multiple times and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to Seattle’s Dr. Jose Rizal Park, homeless man Steve Irwin is back on the streets. The legal system has failed to get Irwin the help he needs and now taxpayers are on the hook. Bail Reduced and Paid The city requested to maintain bail at the previously set amount of $5,000. But Judge Andrew Simons lowered the bail to $1,000. Irwin was bailed out by Daniel Roth Tenenbaum. Pretending to Enforce the Law This now signals to all homeless people that the City of Seattle will allow illegal camping and then burn through taxpayer dollars pretending to enforce the law.

“This Would Not Happen If This Were the Beautiful Waterfront” A brand new coalition is forming to defend Seattle’s Chinatown-ID. These community activists say politicians at the local and state level have failed them on public safety. They’re demanding more resources and attention to address crime, chaos, and death on the streets. Meanwhile, conditions in other parts of the city have improved. Which is why an elder went up to the podium today and torched Mayor Bruce Harrell by saying, “Mayor Harrell, he’s Asian American, does he give a sh*t? I don’t think so.” The Petition As I have reported now for the past year, Mayor Harrell is losing support in the CID because it has turned into a human Read More ›

Drug-Fueled Human Suffering Late Sunday evening, another horrific scene unfolding in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Witnesses say a homeless drug addict’s abscess burst around his calf area. It left a bloody mess near 1st Ave & Bell St. Fella is probably in his late 60’s and his lower extremity will likely have to be amputated. Drug paraphernalia could also be seen in his encampment. Meanwhile, first responders did an incredible job patching him up. But off the record, they all expressed frustration since they are constantly responding to the same drug-fueled human suffering on the streets. They blame woke city leaders and progressive politicians for allowing this to continue.

Bob Ferguson Declined Invitation Earlier this year, I invited Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert to tour Seattle’s drug dens and encampments. In my experience, the best leaders want to listen to the people on the frontlines in order to find the best solutions. Dave agreed but Bob declined.

Exclusive In February I exposed a nightmare of drugs, crime, chaos, and death inside some of Plymouth Housing’s taxpayer funded apartments for the homeless. But their leaders ignored all my questions about accountability. So I confronted them at their annual gala and they ran. Donors Behind Low Barrier Housing Why are Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Delta Dental of Washington, Pagliacci Pizza, AvalonBay Communities, Goodman Real Estate, and Brettler Family Foundation funding meth pipes and drug supplies in Plymouth Housing facilities without any requirements to get addiction treatment? Problems Plague Plymouth I’ve also obtained hundreds of 911 call logs to the newest Plymouth Housing facility in Bellevue that opened at the end of last year. Same problems including deaths, drug overdoses, and Read More ›

Culture Change At this point, there is no doubt the vast majority of Democratic lawmakers in WA support failed “Housing First” policies instead of solutions that address the root causes of homelessness like drug addiction, mental illness, and broken relationships. That’s because they just vote along party lines or are heavily influenced by the homeless industrial complex. But courageous Democratic leaders like Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling are pushing back after realizing these very same progressive policies have destroyed his community. Schilling’s willingness to cross the aisle and find common sense solutions are some of the reasons why he is now winning. Refused to Capitulate Schilling refused to capitulate to King County and Dow. This was the turning point for Burien.

“Camp Constantine” Shutting Down More good news for Burien residents. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority says “Camp Constantine” is another step closer to shutting down. Still no exact date for an official closure but Dow said it would happen by mid-October. We shall see.

Breaking An absolutely devastating blow to King County Executive Dow Constantine and Sheriff Patti-Cole Tindall. A judge tossed their lawsuit against the city of Burien that questioned the constitutionality of the city’s public camping ordinance. Right after today’s decision, Mayor Kevin Schilling spoke to me about the implications. Burien’s Suit Against King County Remains Now that King County has been ordered to enforce the camping ban, it’s still unclear when officers will start sweeping encampments. Making matters worse for King County, Burien is still suing for breach of contract and that’s winding its way through the courts. STATEMENT FROM CITY: Legal Challenge to Ordinance 832 Dismissed – City of Burien (burienwa.gov) Constantine’s Policies Must Be Scrutinized After this massive loss, Read More ›

The Sweep is On Accompanied by police, crews moved in Thursday morning and dismantled the drug encampment next to the Starbucks in Burien. Numerous campers rejected shelter or services. Some tried to move into “Camp Constantine” down the street, but that one is currently full. I also noticed several homeless men and women who have been on the streets since last year. Again, they are rejecting the help because they are caught up in the unending cycle of drugs and mental illness. It’s time for an intervention and accountability.

Happening Now Crews are getting ready to sweep the Starbucks drug encampment today on SW 148th St in Burien. Dozens of tents and structures are blocking a city right of way so it’s considered a fire hazard. Outreach teams have been here daily, trying to get people into treatment and shelter. This is just minutes from “Camp Constantine,” another drug and crime infested encampment being allowed to flourish under King County Executive Dow Constantine. Some of the campers being cleared out told me they are planning to make a lateral move. The game of whack a mole continues in Burien. Children Spotted in Encampment The Starbucks camp has been up for most of the summer. Aside from being a revolving Read More ›