drug addiction

I have encountered so many men and women along drug corridors in downtown #Seattle and Little Saigon who steal to fuel their fentanyl/”blues” habit. Tony says guys who “boost” share strategies. They know legal system is like Swiss cheese. It’s a Network There are theft rings for sure. But there’s another vicious cycle playing out on streets of #Seattle and Little Saigon. Men and women, especially homeless, admit “boosting” items from stores to sell for fraction of price.Any proceeds raised are used to buy drugs. Legos are Red Hot The “boosters” tell me popular LEGO sets like Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter sell immediately on the streets. Collectors come to Little Saigon to buy. It’s wild. Police know this as Read More ›

Surrounded 3rd Ave. near #Seattle City Hall getting face lift w/boards on Lyon Building today. But will it keep campers away? Tents popping up near Columbia St. Many people out here are not homeless but stay in nearby @DESCSeattle buildings. Come here to chill. Couple Weeks Ago @MayorofSeattle w/probably dozen sweeps this year on 3rd Ave near City Hall. Many of these are “trap tents.” Just set up to chill and do drugs. Worst kept secret. Thanksgiving Day Outreach Multiple faith based groups like Union Gospel Mission and Reach Ministry have been working this Pioneer Sq/downtown #Seattle corridor. So the lack of services and shelter options being offered are not the issue.

Here’s one good criticism of a book about poverty-fighting programs I wrote 23 years ago, Compassionate Conservatism: “Olasky tells about the people who have established these programs. We do not hear the stories of people who have been helped by them.” Last month I wrote about two long-term homeless people, Barry Meyer and Stephanie Creighton. Both have found help in changing their lives. Meyer has just made a down payment on a home of his own: He wrote me (and sent a photo) on October 30: “Tonight is my last night in a shelter. I’m buying this and move in tomorrow.” Here’s a story about another formerly homeless man, Jeremiah Pruitt, 38, who vividly recalls the fire that changed his Read More ›

Drug Insanity Fueling Homeless Crisis Even w/more @SeattlePD patrols, drug deals/use happening DAILY. Especially in #Chinatown-ID. This past weekend, I saw it all go down in front of kids. System BROKEN. All Corners #Chinatown-ID is in vicious cycle. Addicts use abandoned storefronts and vestibules to do drugs. KIDS just walking by! @nwasianweekly did a tremendous piece on the biz EXODUS in the community because of all the drugs, homelessness, and crime. I’m doing a follow up. Must Read “This may be the worst year for Chinatown businesses since the pandemic.” Remember This? Just last month, right next to @wsdot encampment in #Chinatown-ID near Vuu’s Beauty School. Guy injecting a needle in front of kids. This is a FULL BLOWN drug Read More ›

If There Was Ever Any Doubt Multiple people associated with Mexican cartels facing federal charges today after massive drug and firearms bust in Ballard, Bothell, and West Seattle. Authorities confirm RV’s were being used to traffic illegal drugs. Yup, RV’s. Sobering Statistics Every politician/public health official in #Seattle and this region needs to understand, whatever’s on books RIGHT NOW is not working. Drug cartels are winning and killing off an entire generation of Americans. PRIORITIZE WAR ON DRUGS. EDUCATION.INTERVENTION. Good Reminder Authorities say fentanyl users come from all walks of life and it’s so easy to get. But the homeless are especially vulnerable because the dealers drive to encampments, offering concierge service. Why I’m Focused On Drugs I’m starting to Read More ›

Barry Meyer slept for a month and a half in a port-a-potty near the Lynchburg public library: “It was a big one, I could do a twisting stretch-out with the toilet seat and my stuff.” He said it didn’t smell bad because “they cleaned it twice a week.” Of course, his sense of smell, maybe his sense of everything, was off because each day he typically consumed eight “tall boys” (25-ounce beers) and a pint of whiskey. He favored Earthquake High Gravity Lager with its aroma of corn syrup and wet hay. Its fans say Earthquake “will get you buzzin’ like a chainsaw… It’s like putting your finger between the sprocket and chain on a motorcycle and then having your Read More ›

SODO’s A Mess After multiple sweeps, RV’s/tents back on 3rd Ave/Holgate/Utah Ave. #Seattle CANNOT keep up. Meanwhile trash, crime, drug dealing evident. Why are we allowing HOMELESS addicts to die on our streets? We are losing a GENERATION. He Called It Everyone give Pat Robbins a standing ovation. He said the encampments would return to SODO. And once again, city is paralyzed. NO plan to get in front before these spiral out of control. Think about the tax dollars wasted. It’s All Come Back City is not keeping track of vehicles, but I am. All the same people are back with new additions. This is a mess. I feel for you @Starbucks HQ. The city is allowing RV owners to Read More ›