Deputies focus on safety when conducting evictions, other jobs | My Turn
A few weeks ago, deputies of the King County Sheriff’s Office completed a civil eviction at a house in Seattle to remove occupants who had been ordered to leave by a judge. Deputies conduct evictions all the time, as it is a responsibility of all county sheriff’s departments under Washington State law. This eviction was different than most, however, and it provides us with an opportunity to discuss the balance that law enforcement must strike when weighing officer safety, prudent use of taxpayer dollars and the perception of the public.
The Sheriff’s Office has a Civil Unit whose day-to-day job is to carry out civil orders of the court. These orders include evictions, which are usually due to foreclosures or failure to pay financial obligations. The homeowner or landlord goes to the court and receives a legal order, which we carry out at the direction of the judge. Removing people from homes or selling distressed properties are difficult, especially when families are affected. However, it is a critical part of the rule of law, and it is our legal responsibility.
Civil Unit detectives look at the circumstances of an eviction, and will call in extra resources when there are concerns about safety, the existence of weapons or other possible threats. Sometimes we call for the assistance of the police department of the city in which the property is located; in other cases we call the King County SWAT team. The decision-making process is called a “risk assessment.”
February 3, 2012
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Breaking the cycle of youth violence and gangs | Our Turn
Youth gangs. The nightmare of young people involved in violent crimes and other lawlessness is tormenting not just our already hard-hit city neighborhoods. It's a plague that's also badgering our supposedly peaceful suburbs, as well as our outwardly serene small-town and rural communities. Young people bent on drug trafficking, robbery, aggravated assault, rape, murder — these kids don't pay a lot of attention to maps and stereotypes.
February 2, 2012
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Tackling the traffic on SR 522 and other local roads | Editor's Notebook
Which way do you go?
Some mornings, I’ll drive from my north Seattle home along Lake City Way through Kenmore and Bothell en route to the Reporter’s office in Kirkland. Other days, I’ll horseshoe it around Interstate 5 to Interstate 405 and blast up to Totem Lake.
February 2, 2012
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Some like it, some don’t: that’s the way of the world | Editor's Notebook
Some stories are not for everyone.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t report on them because they’re controversial or may offend someone.
January 18, 2012
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It’s been great knowing you, Bothell & Kenmore | My Turn
“Say hello, wave goodbye.” I thought these lyrics by David Gray were appropriate for my editorial debut and simultaneous finale. Also, the fact that it’s going to be until at least July before my annual summer visit to the old neighborhood in Northeast Portland...where I will be subsequently beat up by my friends for going on the record as a David Gray fan.
January 5, 2012
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Ban cellphone, e-mailing, texting while driving | Editorial
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken a tough, but necessary, stand on texting, e-mailing or chatting while driving a vehicle. The board wants it outlawed.
December 28, 2011
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Concerned that budget cuts will affect health-care system | Our Turn
As Bothell health-care providers, we are very concerned about what budget cuts are doing to our state’s health-care system. While you may not have felt the impact yet, your neighbors have. Soon we will all experience the impact if the Legislature ignores the governor’s call to include new revenue to solve the state budget deficit.
December 19, 2011
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There are inspiring stories around every corner | Editor's Notebook
I’m all up for a good debate about whatever’s on the table, whether it’s city council elections, sports, entertainment or just how we live our lives — the decisions we make on a daily basis.
December 14, 2011
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Parents, children should commit to be fit/ My Turn
Do you ever wish your child was more interested in being physically active instead of being plugged into video games and television all the time? Well, you may want to look at your own behaviors. Are you physically active yourself? Do you ever encourage them to go outside and get some exercise while you sit inside and do something sedentary? Research shows that children copy their parents in numerous ways, including behaviors relating to an active lifestyle.
December 7, 2011
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For Bothell High seniors, the pressure is on to submit college applications | Teen Scene
With the passing of Bothell High’s Homecoming and December almost here, the back-to-school rush has finally died down and students seem to have settled into a routine. However, for many seniors, the pressure is still on.
November 30, 2011
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Higher sales tax not answer to state's budget woes | Editorial
If you haven't started your holiday shopping, you might want to hold on to your wallet. Gov. Chris Gregoire wants the state to dig deeper into your pocket to help bail-out the state budget.
November 23, 2011
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