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Seattle police sweep homeless camp despite activist pushback
Writing for the South Seattle Emerald, Kelsey Hamlin reports on how Seattle police recently cleared the Ravenna homeless encampment, despite a strong presence by protesters. In Portland, activists are wary of Columbia Sportswear CEO’s plans to fund a new homeless shelter on city land. The Seattle Times reports on a controversial experiment to allow drug use at a tiny home center for the homeless. And King County’s plans for a second safe injection site outside Seattle have been put on hold, though a site in Seattle is expected to go forward.
Vancouver built around transit, bikes
Lamenting slow progress on green, efficient transportation in Seattle, the Seattle Times reports on how Vancouver has built dense housing around transit in a little over 30 years. And Vancity is also way ahead of Seattle on bike lanes. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s empty homes tax in its first year generated $30 million for affordable housing, CBC reports.
An innovative housing plan for Indigenous BC youth
The Tyee reports on a innovative public housing project in Kamploops, British Columbia that would provide subsidized housing to Indigenous youth, in a complex that also houses Indigenous elders. The article notes that than more than half of young homeless people in Kamloops are from First Nations. In addition, Kamploops This Week has more info on the $4.7 million housing project.
“Blob pickle” pyrosomes back on Oregon coast
OPB reports that the mysterious blob-like critters called pyrosomes that bloomed in immense quantities on the Oregon coast last summer are continuing to breed in massive quantities, distracting feeding fish from more nutritious food sources.
Seattle musician deals with childhood sexual abuse through music
In a story at KUOW, learn about Ben Doeer, a part-time charter sailboat captain and songwriter for the Seattle band St. Paul De Vence. A victim of childhood sexual abuse, he confronts the lingering trauma of the experience in a song and video — in which adult survivors of abuse jump into a swimming pool and silently scream.
Visual poetry: Kelli Russell Agodon’s “Love Waltz with Fireworks”
As part of National Poetry Month’s Visible Poetry project, Seattle-based poet Kelli Russell Agodon worked with filmmaker Sarah Durn to create a short film based on her poem “Love Waltz with Fireworks.” It’s a lovely exploration of the sentiment Neko Case once expressed: “the most tender place in my heart is for strangers…” Watch the full video here.
That’s today’s news and culture from the Great Northwest. Enjoy the balmy spring weather! –Andrew Engelson
Photo credit: screenshot from Vimeo, from the the short film Love Waltz with Fireworks