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Seattle City Councilmember Tammy J. Morales is proposing legislation to prevent a $10 million cut to funding for student mental health services amidst concerns over gun violence. The funding is crucial for maintaining mental health programs in schools, which were previously approved at $20 million annually. A vote on the legislation is expected tomorrow.
Enter the 2024 Guardian Dog Pack Giveaway, hosted by Guardian Roofing and KIRO Newsradio, by submitting photos of your pets until December 31, 2024. Monthly winners will receive a Dog Pack filled with treats, toys, and gift cards, celebrating the bond between pets and their owners while fostering community engagement.
The Seattle City Council has approved a pilot program to expand jail services by allowing 20 additional misdemeanor detainees to be housed at the South Correctional Entity (SCORE). This decision aims to address the significant reduction in jail capacity available through the King County Jail, which has been impacted by staffing shortages. Councilmembers emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to public safety, combining enforcement with support services.
Seattle City Councilmember Tammy J. Morales is advocating for the Council to vote on Initiative 137, which aims to fund affordable housing through a tax on high-earning employers. Morales emphasizes the importance of voting in the November election compared to February and warns that delaying the vote could undermine democratic participation. More than 25,000 signatures were collected to place the initiative on the ballot.
Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera expressed disappointment in Mayor Bruce Harrell's new policy requiring executive branch employees to work in-person three days a week, while front-line workers have been on-site five days a week during the pandemic. Rivera argues that this discrepancy is inequitable and emphasizes the need for high-quality services to Seattle residents. She remains committed to pushing for a minimum of four in-person workdays for all city employees.
Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore has introduced new legislation to combat commercial sexual exploitation and the related gun violence in the Aurora Avenue area. The legislation aims to provide law enforcement with new tools to tackle the issue while prioritizing diversion for those engaged in prostitution. The initiative comes in response to a significant increase in gun violence linked to the sex trade, affecting local schools and communities.
Construction has commenced on a seven-story mixed-use development near Chop Suey and Madison Pub in Seattle, with a projected opening in summer 2026. The Tanager Apartments will feature 138 units, commercial space at street level, and underground parking, contributing to a growing trend of midrise developments in the area. The project aims to provide market-rate housing alongside affordable units under the city’s Multi-Family Tax Exemption program.
The article discusses the aftermath of the 2024 Capitol Hill Block Party, highlighting concerns about crowd control and safety following a record turnout for the festival. Despite capping ticket sales at 10,000, reports of overcrowding and minor injuries emerged, prompting discussions on the festival's impact on the neighborhood. A spokesperson emphasized their commitment to safety and ongoing evaluation of security measures.
The Seattle Police Department has fired officer Daniel Auderer after he was recorded joking about the death of 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula, who was killed by a speeding police officer. Interim Chief Sue Rahr's decision comes after a lengthy investigation and highlights ongoing cultural issues within the department, including gender discrimination and harassment claims against SPD leaders. This incident has ignited discussions about police accountability in the community.
Seattle City Councilmember Tammy J. Morales issued a statement following the firing of Officer Daniel Auderer for inappropriate comments regarding the death of Jaahnavi Kandula. Morales emphasized that, despite this action, significant work remains to address broader issues of police culture and accountability within the Seattle Police Department. She called for a concrete plan to restore community trust in law enforcement.