Seattle

Downtown Madness Continues The warm weather is fueling a crush of illicit activity in the downtown #Seattle core this weekend. Dealers are out peddling fentanyl for as little as one dollar a pill. Once again there were multiple drug overdoses and the black market of stolen goods is flourishing. I was out late Saturday night into the early Sunday morning hours, focused primarily on 3rd Ave and #Chinatown-ID. The moment the sun sets, it gets absolutely wild. Even the classical music crowd exiting Benaroya Hall (@benaroyahall) got a taste of the “fetty” and meth fumes. Not enough police officers to keep up. There is no denying the severity of what’s happening to Coucilmember Andrew Lewis’ (@CMAndrewJLewis) district. Like I said, Read More ›

Jonathan Choe joins Fox & Friends to discuss Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s plan to reactivate downtown and address the drug crisis.

Is Harm Reduction Really Working? On Monday, I asked Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) if giving away all these meth pipes and needles is really the best way to go about addressing the drug epidemic, especially since King County is still dealing with record drug overdose deaths. Advocates say it’s one of the best ways to keep people safe and alive. Critics say it’s enabling and making the problem worse. Here’s how the Mayor responded. #Seattle Are Safe Consumption Sites Part of Seattle’s Future? Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) took more of a measured approach on this one. While there are no immediate plans to bring in safe consumption sites so addicts can use illicit drugs under medical supervision, the Mayor hasn’t Read More ›

Downtown Disaster Right after my segment about #Seattle‘s drug crisis aired Saturday evening with Dan Bongino (@UnfilteredOnFox), I did my weekly check in on 3rd Ave in downtown. Without fail, addicts were using meth and fentanyl in front of children and all the tourists. I saw tranq fentanyl wounds on users. One young man even overdosed! Once again I had to offer my NARCAN which I carry all the time. But thankfully, Seattle Police (@SeattlePD) officers had some on hand and saved his life. Next week, Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) will issue an Executive Order addressing the fentanyl and synthetic drug crisis. We’re also expecting a preview of the Downtown Activation Plan. But will this be enough to take back Read More ›

They’re Back On Wednesday, crews were polishing the sidewalks on 3rd Ave near #Seattle City Hall and there were zero tents in sight. Today, a few new tents have already popped right back up and the street hustlers are back. Open air drug use with Mariners fans walking by for Opening Day. Keep sweeping @MayorofSeattle. No other options. Gotta separate the criminal element from the actual homeless who need help. Still waiting for Councilmember Andrew Lewis (@CMAndrewJLewis) to come out with me for a walk through the hood. #Seattle Just Yesterday Aside from the open air drug use which is everywhere, 3rd Ave & Cherry St was looking better. This is just one block from #Seattle City Hall. Mayor needs Read More ›

Attempted Baseball Bat Attack I know Mariners Opening Day is right around the corner, but what happened to me Wednesday morning had nothing to do with America’s past time. I’m on 3rd Ave near #Seattle City Hall, following up on the progress being made to keep tents off the streets. The area has been looking decent. Then I noticed a guy with a mini torch set up trying to light his meth pipe. I go over to interview him. As I am recording, this maniac wielding a baseball bat comes charging at me from across the street saying he wanted to kill me. You can hear the fellas warning me to get out of the area. I have never seen Read More ›

Clear Distinction @MayorofSeattle announced that most of the outreach, support services, shelter referrals, and anything to do with getting homeless into housing will now be in the hands of @KC_RHA. The Mayor’s office will still be handling encampment clearings and enforcement. Accountability It’s now very clear. All the questions about the hundreds of millions of dollars being poured into “housing first,” must now be directed at @KC_RHA. And CEO Marc Dones is asking for millions more for this plan. Who’s following the money trail and tracking results? City Outreach Still Happening Btw, @MayorofSeattle office will retain control of the HOPE Team, so shelter referrals and beds set aside for that team stay with the City.