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Marsha Kuykendall

Foster Kids Strut Their Stuff Down Project Treehouse’s Fashion Runway

August 13, 2009

in Arts/Living,Local Resources,News

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Article & Photos By Marsha Kuykendall

Nearly 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for Project Treehouse, a back-to-school fashion show and open house held to promote the needs of foster kids and to acknowledge community support. The event was held at Southeast Seattle’s Treehouse for Foster Kids Wearhouse, a free clothing store serving 2,800 foster kids every year.

MosesPlaying off the LIFE-TV hit series Project Runway, Project Treehouse featured 14 foster kids wearing clothing donated to the foster program. Seattle SeaGals were on hand to escort the models to the runway.

“Tonight we’re celebrating community involvement and saying ‘thank you’ to those who have supported our programs,” said Treehouse Executive Director Janis Avery. But, she noted, demands on foster care programs are growing. The need for clothing for foster kids, for example, is 15% greater than last year. “Our donations are up, but there’s still a gap between what we have and what our kids need.”

Becca, (above) and Moses, 7 (right) strut their new back-to-school duds down the runway.

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Project Treehouse featured 14 foster kids ranging from age 2 to 15. Pictured here are L-R Darlene (11), Zach (13), Jasmine (12), Rachael (13), Tyler (15), Dani (13), Makenzie (7), Brandon (7), Moses (7), Becca, 12 and Berline (9). Brandon and Moses’ faces are covered. Not pictured: Eddie (2), Noah (5), Colton (7).

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Treehouse Executive Director Janis Avery shows off one of the clothing items available in the Wearhouse.

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Treehouse Foundation & Corporate Relations Mgr. Rachel Clements and volunteer Evana Block pass out special Treehouse shopping bags that include lists of suggested donations and other information about the program.

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SE Seattle Candidates Forum Update #7: A Closer Look at Mayoral Candidate’s Views on Youth Violence

July 29, 2009

in News,Politics,Youth

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By Marsha Kuykendall

Note: This is the last in a series of articles covering last Wednesday’s Southeast Seattle Candidates Forum. To see all of the RVP’s coverage of this important event, go here.

While increased police headcount is vital, Joe Mallahan also favors organized, neighborhood-based policing, but warns this will not be effective unless neighborhood leaders have critical information. “It’s been very hard for you all to get crime stats from the City Hall,” Mallahan told the nearly 300 Candidate Forum attendees. “I’m committed to rapid and free flow of information. He also promised to speed up the City-planned gradual increase in the number of police assigned to Southeast Seattle. “We have about 500 patrol headcounts. The  strategic plan calls for 605. I will move to get there much quicker.”

Key to curbing gang violence is building “positive community institutions that bring our youth off the streets and increase livability in our neighborhoods,” said Kwame WyKing Garrett, adding, “Police don’t stop crime, they respond to crime.” Garrett proposed strengthening the City’s Department of Neighborhoods, investing in green jobs, and supporting proven infrastructural projects that hire local residents and solicit youth input. “Let’s pay youth to stop problems, not a bunch of administrators and bureaucrats.”

In addition to working more closely with neighborhoods and increasing police presence, Jan Drago supports more job training and restoring the City’s now-defunct Gang Unit. “I support the Mayor and City Council’s Youth Violence Prevention program, which works with sixth and seventh graders to help them stay out of trouble. But I also support a new program called CeaseFire, which involves people who are actively involved in gangs.” Formed in Chicago in 1995, and replicated in 17 other U.S. cities, CeaseFire is an evidence-based public health approach to reducing gang-related shootings and killings.

“Our kids need mentors,” stressed James Donaldson. “One of the ways we can give back to our communities is by involving [youth] in more positive activities.” He also supports “having our police become a friend to our community again, as it was when we were all children.” Police officers should serve as mentors and role models, working closely with children and youth in schools, on playgrounds, at parks and on the street. “Police should be perceived as heroes and someone children can strive to be like when they grow up.”

“We need more resources in the community,” said Norm Sigler. “Not police resources necessarily, but resources where people who live in the community feel they can enjoy their own community in a safe environment… It’s not about attacking the 800 or so youth who may be the problem, it’s not their fault necessarily. We need to understand the community environment from which they come, so we can create programs where they can earn a living without having to resort to violence.”

Creating opportunity and hope are key elements to tackling youth violence, according to Mike McGinn, “and that’s why it’s so important to put resources toward helping our schools succeed.” Investing in green jobs, making sure businesses hire locally, creating intervention programs to help guide youth in more positive directions, and neighborhood policing are equally important, he added.

Photo/David Mullarkey Images

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SE Seattle Candidates Forum Update #6: A Closer Look at Mayoral Candidate’s Views on Transit Development

July 28, 2009

in News,Politics,Transportation

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By Marsha Kuykendall

Note: At last Wednesday’s Southeast Seattle Candidates Forum, mayoral candidates shared their proposed solutions for creating job opportunities, curbing neighborhood violence, and dealing with transit development challenges. This update will cover their positions on transit issues. An additional update will cover neighborhood crime.

While the new light rail promises to attract new businesses and housing development, most candidates warned that neighborhood involvement was critical to ensure that it did not destroy and displace surrounding communities. Kwame WyKing Garrett, Joe Mallahan and Norman Sigler voiced criticism of the City’s decision to build the tracks above ground, dividing neighborhoods and causing safety concerns.

“If above ground is not safe and desirable for North Seattle, Queen Anne, Bellevue and other communities, then why should it be forced on a community like this?” Garrett asked.

All candidates agreed that state and city government did a poor job of soliciting and including community input on the light rail project, but Joe Mallahan stressed it was time to look forward not backward. “There’s no question the rail should have been underground here. It’s not, and we’ve got to move forward,” he urged.

Most candidates agreed adding sidewalks and pedestrian crossings would help alleviate safety problems.  Mallahan suggested such projects be funded by reallocating money from the 2006 Bridging the Gap levy currently being directed toward to a small special interest group project.

“$70 million of the Bridging the Gap levy that you all voted for – because you thought it would bring sidewalks to your neighborhoods – is dedicated to the Mercer Street project, a special interest development project that’s going to make tens of millions of dollars of land appreciation value for a special interest group. I oppose the Mercer Street project,” said Mallahan, who proposed the money be spent, instead, “for building sidewalks in neighborhoods that don’t have them.”

Additionally, the lack of parking and east-to-west bus routes feeding into the light rail stations, along with significant reductions to neighborhood bus service have resulted in major station access challenges. (City officials say they intentionally did not increase available parking in order to reduce reliance on automobiles and encourage density development that would rely primarily on residents walking to and from the stations.)

All candidates agreed more buses, shuttles and bicycle routes were needed to provide adequate access to the transit stations for current residents. “We need east-to-west routes,” especially between stressed Martin Luther King Blvd and Rainier Avenue, stressed Sigler, “stopping where the actual transit stations don’t.” Jan Drago suggested a “shadow bus service” that coordinates with the light rail schedule. Mallahan and Donaldson said more parking spaces where needed as well.

“We still have a tendency to drive our cars.” said James Donaldson, warning that without providing adequate parking, neighborhood streets would be overrun with non-residential parked cars, forcing some residents to find parking blocks away from their homes. “We’ve got to plan smartly and collaboratively with our neighborhoods, our neighborhood planners, our city and our various city departments who can help us with our parking issues.”

Mike McGinn proposed that tax money currently allocated to build a new viaduct tunnel would be better spent on projects and services that strengthen communities throughout the city, including building sidewalks, pedestrian walks, and adding bus routes and shuttles.

“I’m the only major candidate in this race saying  ‘no’ to the viaduct tunnel. $930 million of local taxes our mayor has committed to,” said McGinn. “If we commit to this tunnel, we won’t have the funds to invest in the schools, communities or the transit system that we need.”

Photo/do communications, inc.

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SE Seattle Candidates Forum Update #5: A Closer Look at Mayoral Candidates’ Views on Economic Development

July 27, 2009

in News,Politics

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By Marsha Kuykendall

Note: At last Wednesday’s Southeast Seattle Candidates Forum, mayoral candidates shared their proposed solutions for creating job opportunities, curbing neighborhood violence, and dealing with transit development challenges. This update will cover their positions on economic development. Additional updates will cover neighborhood crime and transit issues.

As mayor, James Donaldson promised to direct funds toward business training, business seminars, business cultivation and business incubators “to make sure we have the resources here in the central District 37 to train young entrepreneurs. To grow up and be business owners is the true sense of being free and independent. I want them to develop that mindset that they can own their own business. They can employee, buy and shop locally – and give back locally. This is the way to build strong vibrant communities.” Finding jobs for community youth, young mothers and family providers, and making sure they have living-wage jobs is a good starting point, he noted.

“The most important thing that the City’s Department of Economic Development (DOED) has done is called Seattle Jobs Initiative. It’s been very successful in placing people in jobs. One of the things we can do better at, is requiring that new development and new businesses hire from the community,” said Jan Drago. “Clean, green jobs also offer exciting new opportunities.”

“All the issues are interconnected – environment stewardship, transportation, public safety and economic development,” said Kwame WyKing Garrett, adding he would direct youth violence conviction funding toward teaching youth about business ownership. “We need to get our youth activated, doing something positive that gives them a sense of ownership and wanting to build and protect the community rather than destroy the community. Also, I would support cultural workers in developing a more vibrant environment for businesses that attract people to our neighborhoods. And I would invest in programs that include green jobs.”

To attract new business, Joe Mallahan stressed the need for DOED to offer real incentives to businesses that make thing rather than just sell things. “Ross for Less is not economic development,” stressed Mallahan, adding that delivering “equitable incentives for development in neighborhoods that haven’t seen development in the last decade,” would be a primary focus in his administration.

“Investing in local projects like home energy efficiency projects would help reduce energy bills for people living here and create jobs,” said Mike McGinn. He also proposed creating community-wide internet infrastructure and properly managing transit-oriented development to help “connect people to the tools they need to connect to jobs and opportunities.” Helping schools better prepare youth for good jobs was also key, he added.

“I’ll put forth jobs and green industries in the central and south part of Seattle,” promised Norman Sigler. “One of my main issues is to help communities that have been left out of economic success. I’ll put resources in every neighborhood to help people understand what it’s like to start and grow a business and diversify their income stream.”

See For Yourself: Find the entire Southeast Seattle Candidates Forum broadcast on Seattle Channel here.

Seattle mayoral candidates James Donaldson, Jan Drago, Kwame WyKing Garrett and Joe Mallahan. Mike McGinn and Norman Sigler are not pictured. Photo/do communications, inc.

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SE Seattle Candidates Forum Update #4: City Council and Mayoral Candidates Agree on Key Issues Facing Our Neighborhoods

July 24, 2009

in News,Politics

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By Marsha Kuykendall

Note: This article is the first in a series covering Wednesday night’s forum. Articles on other panel discussions to follow.

Jobs, curbing gang violence, transit-oriented development, improved educational support, and giving neighborhoods a voice in decisions that effect their communities were the key issues cited in Wednesday night’s Southeast Seattle Candidates Forum.

The evening was broken into four Q&A panel discussions featuring candidates running for positions on the Seattle School Board, Seattle City Council, and for Seattle Mayor. Questions came from a broad variety of sources, including questions submitted by RVP readers. Organizers say that up to 300 local residents attended the 3½ hour event. C.R. Douglas, of Seattle Channel 21, served as moderator.

While city council and mayoral candidates disagreed on some fronts, they were basically in accord on the key issues facing Southeast Seattle communities. The were also in agreement that state and city government have consistently left Southeast Seattle neighborhoods out of critical discussions and decisions effecting their lives and communities.

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Mayoral candidates Jan Drago, Joe Mallahan, Kwame WyKing Garrett, Mike McGinn, James Donaldson, and Norman Sigler participated in the forum. Incumbent Greg Nickels and Elizabeth Campbell were no-shows.

When the mayoral candidates were asked to describe their core campaign issues, Jan Drago said, “We need new leadership that can restore the confidence and trust of the people and the neighborhoods.”

Joe Mallahan cited his core issue as “delivery of basic city services efficiently [and] equitably.”

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“To bring real change to our city, we have to stop wasting tax payers money on solutions that don’t work,” explained Kwame WyKing Garrett. “We can no longer put the special interests of a few before the interests of the many.”

Top on Mike McGinn’s list is for the city to take “greater responsibility for helping our local school districts succeed, and more importantly, working with children and families to make sure the kids are safe, health and ready to learn.”

James Donaldson cited, “keeping businesses in business, creating living wages and jobs,” as critical to overcoming the current economic downturn.

Getting the Southeast Seattle community and city government to work together was Norman Sigler key message. “If we don’t work together, communities like Southeast Seattle will always be disadvantaged,” he warned.

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During a “yes or no” Lightening Round Q&A, candidates discovered they had more in common than not. All agreed that, if elected, they would issue a mandate to develop and fund an economic stimulus program for Southeast Seattle.

They all voted “No”, when asked if they thought the current neighborhood planning process was adequately engaging the community. None believed that Southeast Seattle was treated equitably by City Hall compared to other parts of the city, and none were in favor of building a new jail.

Only one candidate, Jan Drago, said she would support City Hall’s proposal to close the libraries for a week this summer to help with the budget. She was also the only candidate who voted “no” to supporting the district election proposal calling for five districts and four at large positions.

Two questions received more mixed responses. Four voted against the proposal to add a 20¢ tax on plastic grocery bags, while Mallahan and McGinn voted favor of the tax. Four candidates said they would support building parking lots by the new light rail stations, while Drago and McGinn were opposed. And finally, it was tie vote, on those who approved and disapproved of the proposed Viaduct Tunnel Plan, with Donaldson, Drago, and Mallahan voting “yes” and Garrett, McGinn and Sigler voting “no.”

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Photos/do communications, inc.

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Seattle Rotary Centennial Celebration Marks Opening of Rotary Support Center for Families

June 25, 2009

in Arts/Living,Development,Local Resources,News,South-End Scenes

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Article/Photos By Marsha Kuykendall

Nearly 400 Seattle Rotarians gathered yesterday to celebrate Seattle Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary and the opening of the Rotary Support Center for Families.

The $16 million, three-story, 35,000 sq. ft. facility is the new home of Wellspring Family Services (formerly Family Services) one of King County’s oldest and largest social service agencies. The center is the culmination of Seattle Rotary’s Centennial Project, marking its partnership with Wellspring Family Services to end homelessness for 5,000 Seattle families over the next 10 years.

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“We are extremely proud of what our members have accomplished, and we are excited to partner with Wellspring Family Services through the next century, to address the critical issue of homelessness in our community,” said Seattle Rotary #4 President Nancy Sclater.

During a brief address, Mayor Greg Nichols proclaimed June 24, 2009 as Seattle Rotary #4 Day and congratulated Seattle Rotarians and Wellspring Family Services for their “dedication to service and a job well done.”

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“The timing for this new facility in our community couldn’t be more critical,” said Wellspring Family Services CEO & President Ruthann Howell. “The current economic crisis has hurt many families. We’ve seen rates of housing instability, homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health crisis increase dramatically.”

After a short presentation, Rotarians toured the new facility and visited with Wellspring Family Services staff.

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Founded in 1892, Wellspring Family Services offer programs for families, such as specialized child-care, parenting support, eviction prevention services, counseling, domestic violence intervention, housing support services, and case management for homeless families.

Rainier Valley residents are invited to attend the center’s public grand opening on Fri., June 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. The celebration includes tours of the new facility and information about agency services; performances by the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder Drum Line, The Toucans (steel drum band), the Baby Dangerettes and Beta Rose Petal drill teams; a bouncy house and other activities for children; and plenty of food and beverage.

1)  Rotary Boys and Girls Club member Nalica Henning, 11, opened the celebration by singing “God Bless America.”

2)  In lieu of the traditional ribbon cutting, Seattle Rotary Centennial Chair Don Kraft broke a paper chain made by children attending Wellspring’s Morning Song program for preschoolers. (Pictured at right: Wellspring Family Services VP of Development and Communications Lillian Hochstein.)

3)  Mayor Greg Nichols proclaimed June 24, 2009 as Seattle Rotary #4 Day.

4) Wellspring Family Services helped Sabrina Burr, who is medically disabled, move back into the Rainier Valley, where she has a support system for herself and 5-year-old daughter. “They helped my find a good home in a stable environment.”

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South-End Scenes: Hail?! on Father’s Day?!

June 21, 2009

in Local Resources,News,South-End Scenes

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Scenes from Sunday’s Father Day massacre hail storm in Rainier Beach. Residents as close as Lakewood/Seward Park say they got nothing. Photos/Marsha Kuykendall

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Van Asselt Centennial Celebrants Share Good Memories, Good Will & Good Wishes

June 13, 2009

in Arts/Living,News,South-End Scenes

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Story & Photos by Marsha Kuykendall

Students and their families, along with teachers, staff, school board members and alumni from as far back as 1929 gathered Friday at Van Asselt Elementary School to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the original schoolhouse, and to take time to remember its rich history.

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“This is a great celebration of 100 years. Van Asselt has much to be proud of,” Seattle Schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson told the nearly 400 celebrants, who were treated to tours of the old building, colorful archival exhibits, music by students and staff, anecdotal stories from alumni and current fifth grader Robyn Gamboa, followed by food and beverages.

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Ironically, the occasion also marked the school’s last year at its current location. Due to budget shortfalls, the school will relocate to the African American Academy, a few blocks further south. Van Asselt will maintain its name, while acquiring the academy’s student body.

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“The school and community are really more like a family. We care for, and take care of, each other,” said Van Asselt principal ElDoris Turner, adding that everyone is sad to leave the old building and all its fond memories, “but we know that change always brings opportunity for new beginnings and improvements.”

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1) This 1908 class photo was taken on the front steps of the schoolhouse, still under construction. The building was completed in 1909. 2) & 3) Teachers Patricia Williams (left) and Jean Starks provide musical entertainment as visitors  peruse colorful displays of photos and other memorabilia spanning Van Asselt’s 100-year history. 4) The mural outside the school’s entrance reminds all that the school may be moving, but its mission remains the same. 5) Van Asselt school choir, led by music teacher Paul Fowler (in motion) sings “We’ll Be Alright,” a song written by Fowler and choir members assuring all that, despite the move, they’ll be fine.

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Dressed in early 20th Century attire, speech pathologist Annetta Ezelle and school nurse Carol Chellino offer visitors guided tours of the old schoolhouse. (Chellino proudly shares that Van Asselt was one of the first schools in the nation to have a school nurse.)

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Meet Some of Van Asselt’s Distinguished Alumni

June 13, 2009

in Education,People In Your Neighborhood,South-End Scenes

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“I came here to celebrate 100 years of excellent education for children,” said Ed James, 63, who attended 3rd grade at Van Asselt in 1952. James, who stands about 6’3” and is a former Van Asselt vice principal, remembers having to stand on his tiptoes to see over the front office receptionist counter.

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Catherine (Evans) Truman, 86, attended Van Asselt from 1929 to 1935. She was one of nine people in her 6th grade class. Her daughter Diane Hayes (right) attended kindergarten there in 1956.

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Roger Diemert, 78, proudly displays his 6th grade class picture (he’s top row, far right). Diemert, who still keeps up with several of his classmates, now lives in Issaquah. Ironically, his next-door neighbor happens to be one of those classmates.

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Other early alumni, listen intently as guest speaker Larry Webb, 72, who began attending Van Asselt in 1949, shared numerous stories of his school years that began shortly after World War II. Webb recalled getting a paddling from the school principal for “some transgression I no longer recall… I remember it stung badly, and I don’t think I ever did it again.”

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Guest speaker Angelia Maxie, 45, attended VAES from 1976 to 1983. Back then, Maxie’s home was adjacent to the school playground. “Every weekend (during the school year) we’d play there, and all summer all the neighborhood kids would play on the field from sun up to sun down. The school was a community,” she recounted. Her son, Phillip also attended Van Asselt.

Photos/Marsha Kuykendall

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Residents Enthusiastic About New Rainier Beach Pool & Community Center

June 10, 2009

in Development,News

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By Marsha Kuykendall

About 100 residents gathered at the current Rainier Beach Community Center Tuesday to attend the kick-off meeting for the new Rainier Beach Community and Aquatic Center. Seattle Parks and Recreation officials labeled it the “hopes and dreams” meeting, where residents had the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns for the proposed community center and pool.

“We’re here tonight to get as much input from you as possible,” said David Rutherford, whose architectural firm, A•R•C, will design the new center. “Our goal is for the new community center and pool to be a place that you helped design, and when you see it for the first time you’ll say, ‘this is exactly what we wanted.’”

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Parks Senior Planner David Graves, who heads the project, introduced A•R•C presenters Rutherford, Stan Lokting and Patricia Holroyd Soto of Counsilman Hunsaker, designers of the new aquatic center.

The architects and pool designer gave a brief overview of the current site, neighborhood, community and aquatic center activities and then presented a wide variety of new facility options, such as water slides for the pool, a spa, a theater, and numerous other possibilities. Residents then broke into smaller groups to share ideas and build wish lists of what they’d like most to see in the new center. The groups then shared their wish lists with the entire audience.

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The new community and aquatic center will replace the aging 48,000 sq. ft. facility, which opened in 1973. Parks is currently negotiating to acquire a 42,000 sq. ft. land parcel, adjacent to the center, currently owned by the Seattle School District. The land addition would nearly double the property size, providing ample room for expansion and parking.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011, and will take about 18 months to complete. The center will be closed during that period. Parks has raised $4.8 million for construction, with an additional $20.2 million expected to come from sales of bonds over the next two years, said Graves.

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Last night’s meeting was the first in a series of three meetings. Based on the feedback gathered at this meeting, the planning team will formulate and then present a range of possibilities and options at a second community meeting in mid-September. At a final meeting in mid-November, the planning team will develop and present a schematic design. At this point, “the building will be laid out and formulated. But there will still be some room for final adjustments,” explained Rutherford.

Many attending the meeting expressed enthusiasm about the new venture. “I think it’s fabulous that these officials came out here and showed they cared, and listened to what we had to say,” said Fai Mathews. “We’ve never been asked before – things just happen. I pray our views are really used in the final design.” Mathews also expressed hope that minority union workers will be involved in the construction process.

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“The meeting was good overall. However, I’d like to see our youths involved in the process as well,” said Yalonda Gill Masundire. “I’m especially concerned about the 18-month period when the center will be closed. Not having an alternative site for our young people could potentially increase youth violence. Our kids need a safe place for late-night events.”

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, at the Rainier Community Center. The planning committee is looking for twelve local residents to become members of the project’s advisory committee. If you are interested in applying for this role, or if you have additional comments or question about this project, contact Seattle Parks and Recreation Senior Planner David Graves.

Photos/Marsha Kuykendall

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To Understand Gang Violence, Adults Need to Listen to Youths (Part III)

June 5, 2009

in News,Politics,Youth

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Part III of III on this week’s City Hall meeting, “Gang Violence: Real Problems and Real Solutions for Puget Sound”
By Marsha Kuykendall

Community members attending Tuesday night’s meeting on gang violence eagerly shared their concerns and disappointments.

The audience applauded comments by Moni Tep, a youth organizer, who criticized the meeting organizer for not actively including youths in the discussion. “The solution is not just getting adults to care. It’s about mobilizing youth. Gangs need to be moved in a different direction, said Tep. “Gang (members) don’t want to live this life, but they’ve been systematically conditioned. We’re not yet at the root of the problem.”

Liz Ali, mother of 18-year-old Perry Henderson who was killed in gang violence last year, suggested the Youth Violence Initiative solicit input from individual community members as well as community groups. “You need to have the right people at the table, and that includes people like myself, families who have been directly affected and youths.” Addressing Lt. Wilson, Ali said, “You talked about law enforcement making better cases. We can’t arrest our way out of this situation. When are we going to reward police officers for diverting youth away from prison?”

Wilson agreed with Ali, but defended the Police Department by noting, “There are some folks who are simply too dangerous to be out there on the street. And those are the folks we need to be focusing on with this Initiative.” Nevertheless, Wilson agreed, law enforcers should also focus on prevention. “It’s just a tough job. We’re doing our best.”

“We hear that all the time,” an audience member shouted back, noting that communities of color were tired of that explanation. She also criticized the fact that no youth was included on the panel. “We need young kids of color who can talk about what they’ve been through. It’s very hard for us to hear from people who are so disconnected from the situation telling us what they think the solutions are.”

After a round of applause, the woman continued, “I’m frustrated as a mother, I’m frustrated as a woman, I’m frustrated as a community worker, because we hear the same thing, ‘We’re doing the best we can.’ Meanwhile children are dying. We need not to hear the rhetoric. We need to know what a mother’s going to do. These are our children!”

Several parents expressed frustration with the school system, complaining that school officials were not listening to kids and that teens were being pushed through and out of the system without a basic education. Some expressed deep concerns about dwindling financial resources available to fight the problem due to the current economic recession. Others expressed skepticism of the long-term effectiveness of the City’s two-year Youth Violence Preventive Initiative as possibly too little, too late.

Youth organizer Moni Tep criticized meeting organizers for not actively including youths in the discussion. Photo/Marsha Kuykendall

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Stop Youth Violence – Get Involved! (Part II)

June 4, 2009

in News,Politics,Youth

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Part II of III on this week’s City Hall meeting, “Gang Violence: Real Problems and Real Solutions for Puget Sound”
By Marsha Kuykendall

“Get involved!” was the collective battle cry of the panel of experts speaking to a crowd of 200 people at Tuesday night’s city hall forum on gang violence.

Preventing gang violence will require unprecedented cooperation among parents, youth groups, community activists, service organizations, school systems, law enforcement and governmental agencies, according to panel members.

Seattle Police Department Gang Unit Commander, Lieutenant Ronald Wilson opened the discussion with a brief overview of gang trends in Seattle.

“The thing we’re experiencing over the last couple of years is a surge in violence among our youths. Last year, we had a number of homicides that involved gangs. Five of those killed were kids under the age of 18,” said Wilson. “Many of the conflicts we’re seeing among youths increasingly involve gun violence.”

The “disease of violence” is a community issue requiring real community involvement and commitment to Seattle youths, explained Eleuthera Lisch, Director of YMCA’s Alive and Free program, who was the first to note the lack of youths in the audience.

“There are four things that weaken the system of a community – unemployment, the proliferation of weapons on the streets, the shutting down of social programs that actually work day-to-day and fund this issue, and finally the drug trade and its implications on destroying a community,” said Lisch, adding that the lack of people protecting children is the root problem.

But talking about the problem is not enough, said Lisch. “We also have to talk about solutions. Cancer, we fight. AIDS, we fight. We mobilize, and we gather together. We see that young people are not bad, they’re infected. They need to be protected … vaccinated, rehabilitated, and offered a message of hope.”

Dennis Turner, a former gang member and cofounder of Building the Bridges organization, a Tacoma-based gang intervention and prevention program warned against labeling youths as gang members. It dehumanizes them and keeps people from understanding how they initially became involved in gangs.

For various social reason, Turner explained, “the system, such as the educational system, has sort of pushed them out. Most of these youths are trying to hold onto something… They’re left out there. Losing their siblings to foster care system. or having no money, or food or jobs. They have no role models. When I was out there in the street, no one came to save me.” Unfortunately, Turner concluded, the system hasn’t change that much.

Turner urged community members to join together to help Seattle’s youth. “We need to understand what has led them out there. How do families find help? How do they become whole again?

Mariko Lockhart, pointed optimistically to the City’s new two-year, $8-million Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, which partners with community organizations to identify and help children and youths resist the lure of gang membership and find better life alternatives.

“It is our responsibilities as adults to come together and to take action,” said Lockhart, who serves as Initiative director. “The Initiative is looking at different strategies to approach the problem. There is no one solution.” It will reach out to children at risk and their families and will help youths via jobs, case management, counseling, mentoring, and therapeutic strategies such as anger management and depression.”

Rounding out the panel was Phelan Wyrick, Senior Policy Advisor, for the U.S. Department of Justice/Office of Justice Programs. The Justice Department is currently developing frameworks for responding to gang activities that can be used in different communities nationwide, said Wyrick.

To successfully reduce gang violence, help young people break away from gang lifestyles, and, above all, prevent young people from joining gangs requires high community involvement, good planning and program implementation, and solid coordination of preventive and enforcement activities, Wyrick concluded.

More than 200 local citizens, including representatives from South Seattle, attended “Gang Violence: Real Problems and Real Solutions for Puget Sound” Tuesday night where panelists Dennis Turner, Eleuthera Lisch, Ronald Wilson, Mariko Lockhard and Phelan Wyrick encouraged them to get involved in the community as an anecdote to youth and gang violence. Photos/Marsha Kuykendall

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Seeking a ‘Cure’ for the Growing Pandemic of Gang Violence (Part I)

06.03.2009 News
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Part I of III on this week’s City Hall meeting, “Gang Violence: Real Problems and Real Solutions for Puget Sound” By Marsha Kuykendall Emotions ran high Tuesday night as government officials, prominent community activists and concerned citizens gathered at a town meeting to shared their thoughts on how best to prevent the rising tide of [...]

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