The NW Facts Newspaper - NWFacts.com

When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities

You are here: Home / Archives for Featured Stories

Bobby Wagner Makes Major Contribution  to All Nine Seattle Tiny House VillagesBobby Wagner Makes Major Contribution  to All Nine Seattle Tiny House Villages

by 1 Comment

Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner and his team, embarking on a new philanthropic journey, “Bwagz Sees You,” visited all nine of LIHI’s Seattle tiny house homeless villages.  Wagner and his team delivered much needed food, equipment, hygiene products and other supplies to Northlake, Interbay, Othello, Camp Second Chance, Tiny House, Georgetown, Whittier Heights, True Hope and Lake Union Villages. These villages, with the help of dedicated volunteers and LIHI staff, are currently serving hundreds of homeless individuals and families.
In addition to visiting and delivering supplies, Wagner purchased nine tiny houses to aid in the development of more village sites. “We wake up in the morning maybe concerned about what’s on social media whereas, I feel like they may wake up wondering where they will get their next meal and supplies from. When times are hard they probably ask themselves if anyone sees them or if anyone can help. I want them to know that I do,” stated Wagner.

It is no secret that Wagner is a man for the people. In the past few months, he has fought against childhood hunger with, “Tackling Weekend Hunger,” hosted “Pro-Bowling with Bobby Wagner” for underserved kids, presented “Walk with Wagner” to bring Stroke Awareness to the Seattle area, participated in Safeway Sweepstakes raising $50,000 for charity and made many personal donations to aid in the development of our youth.
“BWagz Sees you” is possible due to contributors such as Hertz (transport van providers), Riveting Wrap (vehicle wrap sponsor), Costco (partial supply donor), and Bucca Di Beppo Italian: Seattle (hot meal support). Initiative is being coordinated by Wagner’s team Element13 Marketing & Management and La Shanda Hurst.

Expedia and Treehouse Team Up on Back-to-School Drive Supporting students in foster care is easy with digital drive kits

by 1 Comment

Expedia is partnering with Treehouse on one of many back-to-school drives throughout Washington to give hundreds of kids and teens in foster care a fresh start to the upcoming school year.

“Everybody deserves to get school supplies just like we did. It’s really important for youth in foster care,” said Quenita Dich, Salesforce Systems Administrator and Volunteers Committee Lead at Expedia. “We all want to fit in on that first day.”

Expedia’s Volunteers Committee is particularly passionate about education, and the resources and tools Treehouse provides make it easy for them to set up donation drive drop-off bins and information on every floor of the company.

“Whether you’re 8 years old or 80, anyone can host a back-to-school drive,” said Erika Lanier, Community Engagement Officer at Treehouse, a nonprofit dramatically improving outcomes for youth in foster care. “Our drive kits make collecting new clothes, backpacks and financial contributions simple. It is a low effort and high impact way to get involved.”

Classrooms, offices and places of worship are all invited to rally their communities and make a lasting impact in a young person’s life.

No different than any other child or teen, youth in foster care are looking to start the school year with a quality backpack and the latest trends in clothing and shoes. Monetary donations will go to fund a variety of extracurricular activities giving young people opportunities to explore interests and discover lifelong passions.

Any group or individual interested in hosting a back-to-school donation drive can visit the “Host a Drive or Event” pageat www.treehouseforkids.org to sign up. Contact Treehouse at 206.267.5109 or drives@treehouseforkids.org with any questions.

About Treehouse
Founded in 1988 by social workers, Treehouse is Washington’s leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of more than 7,000 youth in foster care. We’re committed to youth in care statewide achieving a degree or other career credential, living wage job and stable housing at the same rate as their peers. With fierce optimism, we fight the structural inequities that impact all of us. Learn more at www.treehouseforkids.org.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS ANNOUNCED AT CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE The work to improve the lives of Washington’s children continues

by Leave a Comment

The Children’s Alliance, a Washington state-based advocacy organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children by effecting positive changes in public policies, priorities, and programs, yesterday announced two upcoming leadership transitions.

Deputy director Jon Gould will leave his position at the end of September. Gould has served Children’s Alliance for 22 years. Paola Maranan, executive director since 2004, will leave her position at the end of May 2020. Maranan has served Children’s Alliance for 26 years.

The Children’s Alliance board of directors will lead the process to recruit and hire the next executive director. 

“Children’s Alliance has been fortunate to have the strong, long-term leadership of Paola and Jon,” said Gabriela Quintana, chair of the board of directors.

“The board joins with the staff and community to thank them for their years of service and wish them well for the future,” she continued. “We also know that leadership transitions are inevitable. With a strong staff, board, and network of child advocates, the Children’s Alliance will grow through this opportunity.” 

The two leaders, who comprise two of the three members of the organization’s staff management team, made independent decisions to transition within the same 12-month period. In the course of their long working relationship, they had made a mutual commitment to advise each other early of such a decision. They announced their transitions together in order to maximize the opportunity for strong planning and rehiring through much of 2020.

Children’s Alliance has a rich 36-year history of successful public policy advocacy for kids and families. As these longtime leaders prepare to depart, that work will continue due to the contributions of a strong board and staff.

The board will share information about the executive director search on the Children’s Alliance website: www.childrensalliance.org/transitions.

To read the personal statements of Maranan, Gould and Quintana, please visit www.childrensalliance.org/blog/announcement-childrens-alliance.

 

Warning Signs of an Unsafe Elderly Driver

by Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard stories about the dangers of elderly drivers. Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent, but the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases as people age. Not only can an unsafe driver kill or injure themselves while on the road, but they can also seriously endanger other drivers and pedestrians.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), older drivers are more likely than younger ones to be involved in car accidents. In fact, approximately 500 older Americans are injured every day in crashes. For these reasons, it is imperative for families to keep a close eye on their aging loved ones’ driving abilities and habits.

* What are some of the warning signs that show an elderly person may not be fit to drive?

* What are the ways you can go talk about the situation?

* Is there a certain age when elderly drivers begin to break down?

* What made you become an advocate for the senior community?

Our Champion for Racial Justice for Over 40 Years.

by Leave a Comment

 

 

King County Councilmember Larry Gossett serves on the Metropolitan King County Council representing many Seattle neighborhoods, including the Central Area, Capitol Hill, Beacon Hill, the Rainier Valley, Seward Park, UW, Fremont, Ravenna, Laurelhurst and the Skyway neighborhood in unincorporated King County.

Councilmember Gossett is chair of the Law and Justice Committee and serves on the Budget and Fiscal Management, Government Accountability & Oversight, Health, Housing and Human Services, Planning, Rural Service and Environment, and Regional Policy committees. He is also a member on the Flood Control District Board of Supervisors.

Born and raised in Seattle, Councilmember Larry Gossett has been a dedicated servant of the people for over 45 years. Gossett’s Council district represents an area where he has lived and worked on issues his entire life.

Councilmember Gossett is a graduate of Franklin High School, and after two years at the University of Washington, he became a VISTA volunteer in Harlem (1966-1967) and worked with poor youth and families. Following his service obligation to VISTA, he returned to University of Washington where he was one of the original founders of the Black Student Union (BSU). As a respected student activist, he fought to eliminate racial discrimination and increase the enrollment of African Americans and other students of color at the University. After graduation, he became the first supervisor of the Black Student Division, in the Office of Minority Affairs.

Councilmember Gossett is extremely proud that in 1999, 13 years after the 1986 change of the County’s name to honor the slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he spearheaded the campaign to change the King County logo from an imperial crown to an image of Dr. King. In 2007, the King County Council unanimously adopted the change, becoming the only governmental entity in the nation to have as its logo the likeness of Dr. King. In the summer of 2008 the University of Washington Alumni Association gave him the esteemed honor of being selected as one of the “Wonderous 100,” one of the most influential UW graduates over the past 100 years.

Prior to his election to the King County Council, Councilmember Gossett was the Executive Director of the Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP), one of the oldest and largest community action agencies in the City of Seattle. He was at CAMP from 1979 until 1993 when he was elected to the King County Council, representing District Two.

Councilmember Gossett is a highly respected community leader who has long advocated for the underrepresented and underprivileged in King County for his entire career. He is an advocate for programs that help inner-city youth and reduce racial and class disparities in our local criminal justice system. He has also spearheaded efforts to eliminate black-on-black violence and other manifestations of self-hatred by poor and disenfranchised populations.

Councilmember Gossett has traveled around the world in various community and political capacities. As a community activist, he traveled to Japan, Canada, Russia, and Nicaragua. He represented the King County Council on various trade missions to many countries in Asia (India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and South Korea), several countries in South America and South Africa, and most recently, Kent County in England.

Councilmember Gossett is a dynamic speaker, prolific writer, administrator and political activist. He has the ability to motivate and inspire people of all races and walks of life. He is dedicated to the cause of equal rights and economic freedom for all people.

He is married with three adult children and four beloved grandchildren.

I humbly ask for your vote, Tammy Morales for Seattle City Council D2

by Leave a Comment

I’m running to build power for our neighbors in District 2. I believe in prioritizing those most impacted by city policy – our low-income and working neighbors, elders, immigrants, our disabled neighbors, and communities of color – and in listening to your ideas.

As a daughter of a single mother, I have seen first hand the struggles that working families face trying to make ends meet.

Fighting for working families is why I’m an organizer with the Rainier Beach Action Coalition. It’s why I’m co-chair of the Seattle Human Rights Commission. It’s why Congresswoman Jayapal called me a champion for working families when she endorsed me in this race.

It is time for the city to work for all of us, not just the wealthy few. If elected, I promise to continue listening to you and to bring your voices to City Hall.

 

Bring The Family for a Weekend of Great Food, Fun and Free Activities at the Bite of Seattle

by Leave a Comment

Enjoy the summer weather and festival atmosphere with great food, and an assortment of family-friendly activities at the Albert Lee Appliance Bite of Seattle® from Friday through Sunday, July 19th-21st, 2019, at Seattle Center, in Seattle Washington.

Along with hosting over 200 food and specialty vendors, 70 live acts on 3 stages, FREE Movie Night, The Alley Six Course ‘Multi-Bite’ Experience, the NEW Gladiator of the Grill BBQ Competition -a qualifier for the World Championships- MUNCHIES @ The Mural, and more, the Bite offers family fun activities, and several featured sponsor activities, for everyone to enjoy!

The Family FunZone: Presented by 106.1 KISS FM, this area is located inside the Bite of Seattle®, surrounding the Artists at Play playground structure near the MoPOP, which features an imaginative outdoor play area with a huge climbing structure, musical instruments & a roundabout merry-go-round. Family-friendly vendors include face-painting, bubble wands, plus enjoy fun food ranging from cookie dough and cupcakes to tacos and mini donuts, and so much more.

NEW to the Family FunZone for 2019, come join the fun at the Nintendo Switch Road Trip. Bring your family and experience a colorful and highly interactive space featuring playable demos of some of the hottest Nintendo Switch games, fun photo opportunities, Nintendo-themed challenges and more!

The Nintendo Switch Road Trip is a great place to get hands-on time with the system and some of its games. The space offers many areas themed to different games, like a warp pipe-filled stage to play the Super Mario Maker 2 game, a neon-colored paradise for the Splatoon 2 game and a large-screen TV and bucket race car seats for the high-octane Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game.

Take home a special Target discount coupon (while supplies last) and receive a free gift (while supplies last) by completing an event passport and checking in with your My Nintendo QR code pattern. For more details, please visit https://events.nintendo.com/roadtrip/

The Bite Cooks! This live cooking stage attraction features Seattle-area chefs showcasing their culinary expertise, and in 2019, is making history as 9-year old Hana Kumar from Junior Sous in Seattle, will be the first junior chef ever to cook on The Bite Cooks! stage. The Bite Cooks! is located on the Fisher Rooftop, and runs Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21. Hana Kumar will be on stage, Sunday, July 21st at 1:00 p.m.

MUNCHIES @ The Mural: This newly created area at the Bite of Seattle® features select specialty food vendors that offer a variety of unique and fun culinary treats. From Dragon’s Breath (Liquid Nitrogen Dessert), to Foot Long French Fries, and Chicken Waffle Cones to Cotton Candy Animals, and so much more, there’s plenty of delicious treats to MUNCH on for kids and adults alike.

FREE Bite Movie Night: Friday, July 19th – 8:30 p.m. Grab a blanket or lawn chair, and something to eat, and enjoy the featured movie ‘Wayne’s World’ in the Mural area, under the stars. Plus, look for Wayne and Garth characters with giveaways, and a ‘party on’ photo op. Wayne’s World is rated PG-13. Sponsored by 106.1 KISS FM,

Featured Sponsor Activities: In addition to the Family FunZone and activities, guests of all ages can learn more about their favorite brands or find new ones to love at our “Featured Sponsor Activities” at The Bite.

Stop by the Go RVing AWAY experience to take a tour of some of the newest RV units on the market and discover the one that’s right for you. Kick back and relax from the heat inside the RV, play a game of corn hole, and don’t forget to enter to win a brand new cooler for your next trip away.

Check out the AARP Block Party, and try your hand at the touch screen match game, take a turn on the prize wheel or smile for the camera at the photo booth. on’t miss out on all the fun at the AARP Block Party!

Stop by the PepsiCo Recycling Roadster, a hybrid vehicle equipped with solar panels that’s rolling into communities across the U.S., to learn about recycling and play fun games for the chance to win sustainable swag.

Be sure to check out Western Washington Toyota Dealers, and the sporty and aggressive new Toyota Camry—America’s bestselling car! And the adventurous new Toyota RAV4 is ready for anything anytime!

Visit the Full Circle booth to learn about eating locally grown produce, and how Full Circle can conveniently add fresh fruits and vegetables to your family’s meals, plus, stop by the Hello Fresh booth to learn how to enjoy wholesome home-cooked meals with no planning, no shopping and no hassle, and pick up a special discount code for your first two boxes of HelloFresh!

Come visit the Gecko at the GEICO Booth! GEICO. Everyone is a winner with GEICO, so come and play a game and visit with the Gecko.

Plus, bite into delicious samples from Tate’s Bake Shop, Quorn, Red Rock Deli, KIND, Jarritos, more.

The Bite of Seattle® is a free-to-attend community festival, and in an effort for guests to experience the best of the Bite of Seattle®, we are excited to also offer discounted food and drink packages including the Experience Bite Package which includes Craft Beer & Cider Tasting + The Alley, plus The Alley stand-alone ticket, and, the Craft Beer & Cider Tasting Only Package. Discounted packages are on sale now online.

 

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Joins Marijuana Justice Coalition Coalition to Urge Congress to Reform Marijuana Laws with Emphasis on Racial Justice

by 1 Comment

The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law joined a broad coalition of national groups in forming the Marijuana Justice Coalition to advocate for federal marijuana reform that would be inclusive of racial justice priorities. The new coalition includes the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Drug Policy Alliance, ACLU, NORML, Center for American Progress, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Human Rights Watch among others.

“During our nation’s War on Drugs, Black and brown people have been stuck in to the eye of the storm, bearing the brunt of tough sentencing and harsh collateral consequences. As Congress considers the end of marijuana prohibition, we are proud to stand with our allies in the formation of the Marijuana Justice Coalition. Effective legislation that brings an end of marijuana prohibition must include provisions that both promote racial equity and justice for the communities that have been historically targeted by over-enforcement of marijuana laws,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Today the Marijuana Justice Coalition released a set of principles for federal marijuana reform, encouraging Congress to include criminal justice reforms and promote diversity as members develop legislation. The coalition launch is timed to coincide with “Marijuana Laws in America: Racial Justice and the Need for Reform” – the first ever hearing in Congress to contemplate an overhaul of federal marijuana laws, which will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

The continued enforcement of marijuana prohibition laws results in over 600,000 arrests annually, disproportionately impacting people of color who are on average almost 4 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than their white counterparts, despite equal rates of use across race.1 Additionally, simple marijuana possession was the fourth most common cause of deportation for any offense and the most common cause of deportation for drug law violations. Moreover, out of the 33 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical purposes (including the District of Columbia), the industry has proven lucrative for residents without a criminal conviction.

Clarke continued: “with a projected industry value of $50 billion by 2026 and a vastly expanding job market, we cannot forget that the growth of this industry has come at the expense of millions of people who bear the resulting impact from a criminal record tied to low-level marijuana possession, in addition to those that still remain incarcerated for related offenses.”

 

About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.

 

Inquest ordered into fatal shooting of Charleena Lyles by Seattle police.

by Leave a Comment


Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the fatal shooting of Charleena Lyles, 30, by Seattle police officers on
June 18, 2017.

The purpose of inquests is to determine the causes and circumstances of any death involving a member of law enforcement within King County while performing his or her duty.

A pool of retired judges serves as pro tem Inquest Administrators to oversee the process. King County Superior Court provides a courtroom as required by state law. A Staff Attorney hired on a pro tem basis assists the Administrators and will run the proceedings. The chief law enforcement officer of the involved agency will testify about the department’s use of force policy and training.

A jury of no more than six will be asked to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the death. Instead of being asked whether the officer had reason to fear for their life, jurors will now be asked to determine whether the officer’s actions complied with department training and policy.

Trees for Neighborhoods

by Leave a Comment

Since 2009, Trees for Neighborhoods has helped Seattle residents plant over 9,300 trees in their yards and along the street. That’s 9,300 more trees working to clean our air and water, make our streets more walkable, and our neighborhoods healthier! See where the trees are planted.

When you participate in Trees for Neighborhoods, you receive:

  • Help selecting the right tree and planting location
  • Free trees (up to 4 per household, lifetime max of 6)
  • A watering bag & mulch for each tree
  • Training on proper planting and care
  • Assistance applying for street tree planting permits
  • Ongoing care reminders and future pruning workshop opportunities
  • Tree delivery & planting assistance if you need physical help or lack access to a vehicle
  • Street tree evaluations for the first couple of years to let you know how your trees are doing

Plant a Tree in 2019!

The application will open on July 15 and close on August 12. To make sure you don’t miss the application window, sign up here for the 2019 email list to find out what tree species we will have and application information when we have that information available.

How to Apply?

  1. Evaluate your planting site and tree options. Read the planting considerations page.
    Select the tree best suited for the space.

    • Under power lines? Select one of the power line approved trees.
    • Planting along the street? Review the minimum planting strip width requirements before selecting your tree.
    • Backyard space? Choose the largest tree appropriate for your site.

Want help deciding on the right tree for your space? Come to one of our free Right Tree, Right Place workshops. While these classes are optional, we highly recommend taking one as they will help you make the best decision about where to plant your tree.

July 20: Right Tree, Right Place workshop Rainier Beach Public Library Branch, 11:00 AM – Noon

August 3: Right Tree, Right Place workshop Lake City Public Library Branch, 11:00 AM – Noon

  1. Review the 2019 tree list. Pay attention to the mature size of the trees and their needs for sun. Select trees that will have room to grow to maturity. If you have the space, please consider planting a larger tree to bring greater benefits to your neighborhood.
  2. Apply Online. Applications will be accepted from July 15 through August 12. As long as you apply within this time frame, there is no benefit to submitting your application early. All applications will be processed and applicants notified of their status after the application closes August 12. If there are more requests for a given species than we have trees available, recipients will be random selected. If trees are still available following the first application period, a second application period may be added in mid-August. Learn more about the application process here.
  3. When you apply, you will chose a planting and care workshop next fall to pick-up your trees. Add this date to your calendar. If your application is approved, you will need to attend this workshop to pick up your tree. Fall is the best time to plant a tree in Seattle because your new tree will benefit from our fall and winter rains.
  4. Need assistance planting your new tree? We offer delivery and planting help to participants who need physical assistance or lack access to a vehicle. To inquire about this service, please call 206-684-3979 or email TreesforNeighborhoods@seattle.gov.

Important 2019 Dates

  • July 15: Application opens
  • July 20: Right Tree, Right Place workshop (optional). Rainier Beach Public Library Branch, 11:00 AM – Noon
  • August 3: Right Tree, Right Place workshop (optional). Lake City Public Library Branch, 11:00 AM – Noon
  • August 12: Application closes
  • October 5: Tree pick up workshop. Center for Urban Horticulture (Montlake neighborhood)
  • October 12: Tree pick up workshop. Georgetown Campus South Seattle College (limited availability)
  • October 27: Tree pick up workshop. Center for Urban Horticulture (Montlake neighborhood)

Your Responsibilities

  • Choose trees appropriate for the space (Read the Planting Considerationspage for more information)
  • On your application, indicate if the tree will be planted on the street
  • Pickup your trees and attend an onsite planting & care workshop
  • Only plant trees in approved locations- trees must be planted at the address on the application. Street trees must be planted in approved and marked locations.
  • Properly plant trees in the ground (no pots!)
  • Assume all future maintenance & responsibility (summer watering, raking, pruning, mulching, etc.)

 

Planting Street Trees

What is a street tree? In Seattle, street trees are regulated by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). A street tree is planted in the public right-of-way, usually in the planting strip (space between sidewalk and road) or in the absence of sidewalks, in the space approximately 10 feet from the curb or roadside. If the greenspace adjacent to your property is an unimproved right of way (an area originally set aside for alleys, streets, or paths that has not been developed), then a tree planted there would be considered a street tree. Trees in greenspaces owned by Seattle Parks and Recreation are not considered street trees.

To make sure street trees are planted in locations where they will not interfere with underground sewer, water, and gas lines or overhead power lines, residents must get a free permit from the Seattle Department of Transportation. When you participate in Trees for Neighborhoods, we will submit a planting permit application on your behalf. Yard trees do not require a planting permit.

What Past Participants Say about Trees for Neighborhoods

Nearly 100% of Trees for Neighborhoods participants tell us that they would recommend the program to a friend or neighbor. Around 85% of participants tell us they learned something new about tree planting or care.

“This was the first time we planted a tree, and the first time we’ve had a yard in which to plant anything, so everything was new, helpful information for us.”

“Everything was very organized and every person was very helpful. I enjoyed the whole process and love seeing the tree planted in my yard!”

“This was the first time we participated and absolutely loved the experience. Our tree is doing great!”

“I didn’t realize how much the trees I plant on my own property could benefit the city/environment. I also had NO idea how to plant one properly.”

Contact Us

Email: TreesForNeighborhoods@Seattle.gov
Call: 206-684-3979

Check out the most Frequently Asked Questions.

Further Information & Links

Tree Planting
Tree Care
Street Tree Planting
SDOT’s Approved Street Tree List