Point Defiance sees first sea lion pup in zoo’s 119-year history

Point Defiance posted a video of the little sea lion waddling on her flippers and barking in response to her mom.

She is the first California sea lion pup born in Point Defiance’s 119-year history. In a news release, the zoo said baby sea lions don’t swim right away so visitors won’t be able to see her until later this summer.

She’s also taking antibiotics to treat a mild respiratory infection but is otherwise healthy and bonding with her mom. Both her mother, Eloise and father, Boomer, are rescued sea-lions who live at the zoo’s popular Rocky Shores exhibit.

“Eloise is a natural at parenting, and we’ve seen the pair bonding a lot already,” Point Defiance Zoo Curator Jen DeGroot stated. “Eloise is protective of the pup and encourages her to nurse. Soon she will begin to give her some ‘swimming lessons’ in shallow water.”

The baby doesn’t have a name yet but zoo keepers are working on a few options. Visitors will get to vote on their favorite name later this month.

To learn more about sea lions, visit Point Defiance Zoo’s website.

Woodland Park has pregnant orangutan for first time in 35 years

Batu the orangutan hasn’t given birth yet but is expected to have her offspring this summer in late August/early September.

Woodland Park Zoo’s Batu is expecting. (Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, Woodland Park Zoo)

Woodland Park said this is the first time in 35 years it has a pregnant orangutan. Batu is 14 years old and father, Godek, is 15 years old. In a news release, the zoo stated the two have a great relationship.

Batu and Godek are having their first baby at the Woodland Park Zoo. (Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, Woodland Park Zoo)

The baby will also be Godek’s first.

The zoo said its animal care team has designed a first-time mother training course for Batu.

“Our goal is to arm Batu with as many skills possible to instill confidence and help her be a successful mother,” Rachel Vass, an Interim Animal Care Manager at Woodland Park Zoo, stated in the news release. “One scenario we need to prepare for is the newborn requiring bottle feeding. Our orangutan keepers are training Batu to retrieve objects, cuddle a burlap baby doll close to her chest, situate it higher or lower on her torso and allow a milk-filled bottle to be placed on her breast through the mesh. Orangutans are very intelligent animals and we’re pleased how Batu is progressing with her maternal training.”

According to the zoo, there are three species of orangutans found only in Southeast Asia. Orangutans are a critically endangered species that face habitat loss and fragmentation due to forest fires, logging and palm oil plantations.

To learn more about orangutans and options to help save them, visit Woodland Park Zoo’s website.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

Sarey was unarmed and reportedly going through some type of crisis. He was allegedly throwing garbage, banging on store windows and kicking cars in an Auburn shopping area.

Nelson reported he failed to comply with his arrest, leading to a physical altercation where the officer was seen on surveillance footage punching Sarey numerous times in the head and upper body.

Past coverage: Auburn police officer on trial for murder, opening statements begin

Nelson then drew his gun and shot Sarey in the torso. After Sarey fell onto the pavement, Nelson attempted to fire his gun again, before it jammed. Video then shows Nelson clearing the round, racking another bullet and firing a second shot into Sarey’s head.

Nelson was then put on trial for murder. Jurors listened to five weeks of testimony. They heard from a number of witnesses, including experts on everything from police training to video interpretation.

On Monday, Nelson and his attorney rested their case without calling Nelson to the stand to testify in his own defense.

Thursday morning closing arguments got underway. It was one last opportunity to convince jurors and to show or remove reasonable doubt.

“The issue here is whether Officer Nelson had the right to defend himself when Mr. Sarey grabbed for his firearm and ripped his knife off his uniform,” Nelson’s attorney Emma Scanlan told the jury.

Local crime: Washington sex offender caught allegedly traveling to sexually assault teen

The prosecution claimed Sarey was not a threat, that he was unarmed, non-aggressive and never had control of the officer’s firearm or his knife. Prosecutor Angelo Calfo said Nelson made a choice.

“Time distance and cover. He could have kept distance. He could have created distance. He could have used his training. And that scene we saw where the defendant is sitting next to Mr. Sarey who is bleeding to death, would not have happened,” Calfo said.

Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps dismissed two jurors. Twelve were initially seated to hear the case, along with two alternates. The alternates were excused, but their service is not complete until a verdict is reached.

Jury deliberations begin first thing Friday morning.

You can read more of James Lynch’s stories here. Follow James on X, or email him here.

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Viktor Pyshniuk’s desire for the perfect photo led him off the designated boardwalk and into restricted terrain, resulting in a seven-day jail sentence for thermal trespass. The park authorities didn’t stop there — Pyshniuk also received a two-year ban from the park and a hefty fine totaling $1,550.

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports the incident unfolded on April 19 when a vigilant park employee in the Norris Geyser Basin spotted Pyshniuk venturing off the boardwalk. Armed with evidence, the employee captured a photo of Pyshniuk, who had boldly crossed over the fence, approaching Steamboat Geyser’s steam vent within a mere 20 feet.

When confronted by a Yellowstone National Park officer, Pyshniuk admitted that he had left the boardwalk to capture some snapshots.

Pioneer Fire on north shore of Lake Chelan: Deemed ‘disaster,’ continues to spread

The officer emphasized the importance of adhering to the warning signs. Leaving the boardwalk in the geothermal area posed serious risks, including mud pots, scalding steam and unpredictable water. Despite the clear signage, Pyshniuk had willfully disregarded the rules, endangering both himself and the fragile ecosystem.

During the sentencing on June 4 in U.S. District Court in Wyoming, Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick underscored the need to deter such behavior. She pointed out that others might follow Pyshniuk’s lead, assuming it was acceptable to leave the boardwalk. The three-foot fencing around the boardwalk served as a clear indicator that the area was off-limits.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Eric Heimann, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that trespassing in thermal areas harms the park’s natural resources.

Steamboat Geyser, renowned as the world’s tallest active geyser, attracts tourists seeking its awe-inspiring eruptions. However, these eruptions are notoriously erratic, sometimes reaching heights of up to 300 feet with intervals ranging from three to 89 days.

This story was originally published on June 18, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. and has been republished since then.

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here. 

There are many ways to celebrate the summer solstice

Friday in Gig Harbor is the fourth annual Gig Harbor Make Music celebration. This summer solstice celebration will have concerts all over the place, on the streets, sidewalks and parks. The event is free and kicks off with a parade at noon. Get more details on Make Music Day’s website.

The Fremont Fair is back on Saturday and Sunday. This summer kick-off party will have a craft market, lots of local food, live music and of course the Fremont Solstice Parade. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and according to the event website, the parade will have over 60 community-based ensembles. More information and the parade route is available on Fremont Fair’s website.

Celebration awaits: Sunshine, warm temps for Seattle’s summer solstice

This weekend is one of only two times a year the Pacific Bonsai Museum stays open past 4 p.m. The Summer Bonsai Solistace celebration will feature group Taichi & Qigong demonstrations, food trucks, a sound bath and breathing demos and of course Bonsai. The event goes from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free, but a donation to the museum is encouraged.

Best women golfers are in Washington this weekend

The best women’s golfers in the world are here in Washington this weekend. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is underway and if you want to see some of the best in the world compete on the links, head to the Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish. The opening rounds have already happened but you can get details and tickets on KPMG Women’s PGA Championship’s website.

At Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood, it is Fairy Fest. Explore the gardens while taking part in fairy-themed family activities, art projects, live music and dancing, storytelling and lots more. Fairy Fest runs all Saturday and Sunday, you can get tickets and more details on Lakewold Gardens’ website.

The Festal program continues at the Seattle Center. This weekend, it is the Seattle Iranian Festival, celebrating Iranian culture and more with dances, a vocal performance from the Seattle Iranian Choir and other musical performances, a cooking demo and more. This is another free event and you can visit Seattle Center’s website for more details.

‘A necessary tool for community survival:’ Buskarama brings joyful melodies to Seattle

Capitol Hill hosts Pride March and Rally

Pride celebrations are continuing, and at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, there is the Pride March and Rally. This march is done in remembrance of Stonewall and in addition to the march, the event will have guest speakers, live music and the doggie drag costume contest. Things get started at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the march starting at noon. More information is available on Capitol Hill Pride Festival’s website.

Saturday at the Rainer Beach Community Center it is the 23rd Annual Atlantic Street Center’s Juneteenth celebration. There will be resources to learn more about Juneteenth and the various local organizations. There will also be live music, a wide variety of performances, vendors and free food, while supplies last. The fun starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Rainer Beach Community Center.

Paul Holden produces the Seattle weekend events calendar for KIRO Newsradio.

According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Western District of Washington Thursday, James Harrison Newcomer allegedly removed his electronic monitoring device and met and assaulted three different teens between February and April 2024. The criminal complaint stated Newcomer met the teens through Snapchat.

The DOJ stated Newcomer was on state supervision following a 30-month prison sentence for two counts of rape of a child and was subsequently issued an ankle monitor.

Newcomer escapes custody, allegedly assaults 3 girls in 3 months

On Jan. 19, Newcomer’s ankle monitor lost its connection and when officers went to arrest him on Jan. 25, he was nowhere to be found.

Over the next three months, Newcomer connected with various teen girls and arranged to meet them in person, according to the DOJ. In the meetings, he allegedly gave the girls drugs and alcohol and sexually assaulted them. The girls were from Snoqualmie, Auburn and, most recently, Woodburn, Oregon. Their ages ranged from 14 to 16.

Court documents from the DOJ show Snapchat messages where Newcomer also allegedly tried to coerce one of the girls to engage in sexual activities with him on a cam site to make money.

Newcomer was arrested on June 7 in Kent and is currently in custody for his Department of Corrections (DOC) violations.

‘Very emotional situation:’ Milton officer run over, dragged through parking lot

Newcomer raped girl in 2020

Court documents stated in July 2020, Newcomer raped a 15-year-old girl when he was 24 years old. He was posing as a 17-year-old boy.

Newcomer drove from King County to Clallam County and picked up the girl near a bed and breakfast where she was visiting with her family. He drove around for five minutes, pulled over and sexually assaulted her. He then gave the girl alcohol and marijuana and drove her to his parents’ King County home where he lived. He snuck the girl into his home and sexually assaulted her around 10 times over several days before she was recovered by law enforcement.

More on the charges Newcomer faces

The DOJ stated that travel with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. However, the charges in the complaint are only allegations, the agency stated.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Woodburn Police Department, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, the Auburn Police Department, the Snoqualmie Police Department and the Kent Police Department, with the assistance of the DOC.

Anyone with information regarding other potential victims is urged to contact the Seattle FBI Field Office at (206) 622-0460.

Newcomer was set to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle Thursday afternoon, according to the DOJ.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

A news release from Hamilton’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Thursday said the goal is to “support academic performance, student engagement, mental health and staff retention while decreasing bullying and other disruptive behaviors.”

Molly Spence-Sahebjami, the vice president of Hamilton’s PTSA told KIRO Newsradio the school already has a cellphone policy in place called “away for the day,” meaning cell phones should not be visible or used at school.

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Spence-Sahebjami said the administration approached the PTSA and said it was having a hard time enforcing the “away for the day” policy. Therefore, parents and the administration came to the conclusion to lock up phones for the day. She added that schools around the country have already implemented this policy but Hamilton will be the first school in Seattle.

Parents concerned with cell phone policy

However, some parents are against the idea of the students needing to lock their phones away for the day, saying they won’t be able to get in touch with their kids during an emergency.

“What helped us feel better about all of that was there are so many schools and so many districts who have already gone through this,” Spence-Sahebjami told KIRO Newsradio on Thursday.

She then referenced one mother who said at a school meeting, “In a case of emergency, I actually want my daughter to be really present and self-aware and listening to teachers and in the moment and not (on) their cell phone. Imagine everyone being on their cell phone when they need to be paying attention.”.

PTSA: ‘More important is what happens every day’

Spence-Sahebjami said she worries more about what middle school students go through during the day with a device such as having a phone at lunchtime in the bathrooms or in other areas.

“Let’s think about safety in the big picture in an emergency situation, we want those pouches to be unlocked, we want those pouches to be able to, we want the unlocking devices to be in the school so the pouches could get unlocked and that could happen, but so much more important than that is the stuff that happens every day,” she said.

Seattle police update: No arrests made in Garfield High School shooting

She added that students with medical concerns, for example, those with Type 1 diabetes, would be given a velcro pouch so they would still have a deterrent but could access their phones.

Hamilton’s principal will be updating the school’s protocols in the coming months to ensure students can still be reached during an emergency situation.

According to Spence-Sahebjami, a school in Aberdeen was the first to implement the policy in Washington and Hamilton will be the second. However, other Seattle schools have plans to follow suit.

Second Seattle school to lock up cell phones in the fall

On Thursday, The Seattle Times reported that Robert Eagle Staff Middle School will also be locking up devices in the fall.

Robert Eagle Staff’s principal told The Seattle Times teachers lose five to 15 minutes of learning time in each class every week because of cell phones.

“It’s just to give the students an opportunity to fully focus on their classroom studies and make meaningful connections with their peers,” Stowell said in a video, via The Seattle Times.

Similar to Hamilton, each student will be assigned a pouch to lock up their devices and will get them back at the end of the day. In the video, Stowell added that parents can call or email the school’s main office, which is always staffed. Each classroom will also have a device to open the pouches if needed.

This story was originally published on June 14, 2024, at 6:17 p.m. It has been updated and edited since then.

Contributing: Aaron Granillo, KIRO Newsradio

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

Throughout the year, GSBA scholars have access to several leadership development workshops and scholar community-building events, termed Leadership Academy. The cornerstone of the Leadership Academy is the annual Immersion Weekend.

Local news: Seattle school to say goodbye to cell phones in the fall

Scholars learn valuable leadership skills

In the first weekend of August, scholars engage in workshops facilitated by GSBA business members, former GSBA scholars, elected officials and other community leaders centered around developing and growing their personal, professional, and community leadership.

By participating in the GSBA Leadership Academy, scholars will define what leadership means to them, articulate their own strengths and seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. They will also get the chance to describe how they can use their personal experiences to shape their leadership and values as an LGBTQ+ leader.

Scholars are also given the opportunity to leverage available resources to meet their unique needs and build community with fellow GSBA scholars, GSBA staff and the broader GSBA membership as a network of support.

Carter Subaru is an essential partner of GSBA, giving invaluable support to the scholarship program.

“We’re part of the GSBA and we want to be a partner in all ways,” Executive Director of Carter Subaru Jennifer Moran, said. “We never want to just slap our logo on an event, wipe our hands clean and wait until next year.”

Carter Subaru makes it their mission to get involved with their philanthropic partners on the ground floor. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or getting their hands dirty planting trees, the organization is constantly looking for ways to make a difference in the community.

When Moran connected with GSBA, she immediately recognized the powerful work they do, specifically in the education space, and found a way to get connected with GSBA in a meaningful way.

GSBA scholarship helps WSU student make a difference

Past scholarship recipient Esther Grosz is a junior at Washington State University and is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics. She told MyNorthwest, via email, that through financial funding, the scholarship has helped her make an impact in her community.

“As a student who is financially responsible for her schooling, scholarships have played an extremely important role in continuing my education,” Grosz stated.

Through this generous funding I have been able to make an impact in my community at Washington State University by encouraging a more diverse and inclusive environment,” she added.

Grosz said through GSBA, with the help of Carter Subaru, she has been able to connect with lobbyists and those involved in state policy, to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion at WSU and at her internship with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

She added that the GSBA “has been nothing but supportive and encouraging as I navigate new waters in college.”

“I am extremely grateful for Carter Subaru for being a part of and supporting such an amazing community at the GSBA, and I am so grateful to be included in that. There is such a warm and welcoming community presence in the GSBA that brings out the best in its students and I have recommended applying to all of my friends,” she continued.

‘A necessary tool for community survival:’ Buskarama brings joyful melodies to Seattle

“Being involved with GSBA and other organizations like Treehouse, I heard story after story of LGBTQIA+ individuals who had to overcome terrible hardships to get an education,” Jennifer Moran, executive director of Carter Subaru stated. “At some point, you sit there and go ‘We have to do something different.'”

“Carter Subaru is trying to make an impact, not just by selling cars, but by giving back to the community that has supported us so much,” Moran added. “We want to give the scholarship to a student that is looking to do the same.”

Grosz’s advice to those applying?

“I would give the advice to just be genuine, when I went in for my interview I was nervous and unsure what to expect. I met a panel of people who just wanted to support students and they listened to my story attentively and without judgment, and I cannot imagine any other panel being different,” she said. “Do not be afraid to tell stories with your questions, they show who you are and why you make such an amazing candidate. Good luck!”

To learn more about the scholarship and how to apply, visit GSBA’s website.

Washington Congresswoman Kim Schrier says the high prices are due to one thing: “corporate greed.”

Schrier, who represents the 8th Congressional District, said pandemic era supply chain problems have long since subsided.

“They’re just keeping prices high because they can,” she insisted. Schrier predicts prices will rise even higher if the proposed merger goes through between Kroger – which owns Fred Meyer and QFC and Albertsons, which operates Safeway.

“I am just fiercely fighting against this proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, which will take away competition and jack up prices even more.”

Related news: Kroger, Albertsons alter their merger plans, include Haggen in new deal

Nine state attorneys general – including Washington’s – and the Federal Trade Commission are concerned about that, too.

They’re suing to stop the $24.6B merger between the two large grocery store chains.

Schrier said the central Washington farmers that she represents sell products to those stores, and she claims, “One of those two – which I will not name – is the one that pays the least to the farmers in my district.”

When pressed by KIRO Newsradio’s Heather Bosch to name-names, Schrier answered, “You got it. Kroger low-balls farmers. Albertsons has higher prices.”

Schrier said she fears farmers will end up being paid less, overall, if the Kroger Albertsons merger goes through and that shoppers will end up paying more.

“I am in touch with the FTC and have advocated and made my views very clear about what that would mean for consumers and for farmers in Washington State.”

Asked if the FTC has a case, she replied, “I absolutely believe so.”

To ease anti-trust concerns, the combined companies say they plan to sell 579 stores across several states, letting go of the most in Washington State: 124. They say that will lead to continued healthy competition.

Kroger and Albertsons have repeatedly said that they need to join forces in order to compete with companies like Amazon, Walmart and Costco.

The companies also claim the merger would lower consumer prices and protect union jobs.

When asked specifically by KIRO Newsradio about the impact of the merger on farmers, Kroger said in a statement:

We pursued this merger because of the benefits it will provide for all of our stakeholders, including the farmers and suppliers. In fact, we committed to increasing the number of local products in our stores by 10% following completion of the merger.

Heather Bosch is an award-winning anchor and reporter on KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of her stories here. Follow Heather on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email her here.

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WSP Trooper John Dattilo posted on X that the crash happened shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday night near 204th Street East. The pedestrian was walking on the right shoulder when hit from behind. The suspect driver drove off, possibly in a white sedan.

More on WA roads: Fiery car crash near Lacey causes I-5 to shut down for five hours

🚨Troopers are on scene of a vehicle vs pedestrian hit and run collision NB SR 7 near 204th in Spanaway. I’m saddened to announce that the pedestrian has died.

The northbound right lane is blocked until further notice.

— Trooper John Dattilo (@wspd1pio) June 20, 2024

The victim has not been identified. People with any information are asked to call WSP.

More on WA roads: Driver caught using impressive dummy to evade fines while using HOV lanes

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

Check out more of Chris’ Chokepoints here. You can also follow Chris on X, formerly known as Twitter. Head here to follow KIRO Newsradio Traffic’s profile on X.

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Originally scheduled to begin construction in 2023 and complete by 2025, the project has yet to break ground. Mobile home residents were told to be gone by February 2023.

The former mobile home park, located at 202 27th Avenue Southeast, is now an empty lot surrounded by overgrown grass and a chain-link fence. The developers have not responded to inquiries regarding why the project has been delayed.

Excavators have already removed traces of the mobile home park, leaving a flat expanse with a road running through it.

Puyallup resident Kyle Crawford, whose backyard borders the site, expressed mixed feelings to The Tacoma News Tribune about the proposed development. While he acknowledged plans for over 200 apartments, he also empathized with the 42 families who were forced to move from their homes.

Other news: 90 Lynnwood residents — mostly seniors — on verge of homelessness

Crawford’s curiosity led him to contact The News Tribune on June 6, seeking information on the construction delay. Timberlane Partners purchased the property for $6.5 million in 2021, intending to build apartments.

However, some former residents had invested significant sums in renovating their homes, only to face the challenge of homes too old to move or sell. They also had to rush to move, leaving them with little time to find a new home. As of June 2024, the empty plot of land remains undeveloped, awaiting the expected construction between April and June 2025.

The delay in construction of the proposed apartments at the former Meridian Mobile Estates mobile home park likely has several effects on the local community: The families who were forced to move from their homes lost equity in their homes due to their age or other factors, and the emotional toll of displacement can be substantial.

Former residents who invested in renovating their homes now find themselves without a place to live. The delay prolongs their uncertainty and financial strain, The vacant lot itself affects the neighborhood. It remains undeveloped, potentially impacting aesthetics and property values.

The proposed benefits of new apartments include new market-rate units that can increase housing availability, especially in high-demand regions. The Urbanist reported by adding to the housing stock, they help address shortages and relieve pressure on existing housing. While these units may be priced beyond the reach of lower- and middle-income households, their presence can indirectly benefit affordability. The “supply effect” theory suggests that more housing options reduce overall prices by meeting demand.

According to Brick Underground, new buildings often come with amenities and perks for renters, such as waived broker fees, free months of rent and other incentives.

Over time, new apartments create a chain of residential moves. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, older ones become available for low and moderate-income renters as people move into newer units, contributing to overall housing opportunities.

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here. 

The Newcastle City Council reversed its previous decision Tuesday night and elected to raise the Pride flag at City Hall on a 4-3 vote after hours of public comment and debate.

More on Newcastle flying a Pride flag: Pride flag raised at Newcastle City Hall after City Council reverses decision

During the four-hour city council meeting, Clark, who argued against raising the flag, fired off thoughts regarding the local LGTBQ+ community and reparations for Black people in Washington and California.

“To all of you in the pride movement, you’re very welcome in our city, but be very careful of the hate that’s in your midst,” Clark said. “It’s not coming from outside, it’s coming from within.”

Clark used this topic to talk about the importance of forgiving one’s country, as no country is “without sin.”

“These flaws or sins have historically led to bad outcomes, marginalization and so on. But you got to ask yourself, at what point do you just continue to hold on to these, or do you let go and move forward? Are you going to hold on to something forever?” he said.

Clark referenced the Civil War, which ended 160 years ago, but the state of California is just now establishing a committee to study reparations.

“California was a free state with no slaves and nobody is a slave there today,” Clark said. “But they can’t let go and that causes the division and hate and creates victim groups.”

“How long do we hold on to grievances? A couple of years, a couple of decades, a couple of centuries?” Clark continued. “You want to pass down to your great-, great-grandkids that, ‘Hey, one day, you know, I was called a bad name, you know, 200 years ago, so don’t forget, man. Be a victim.'”

Clark made these comments on the evening of June 18, one day before Juneteenth — a federal holiday in the U.S. to commemorate the ending of slavery.

KIRO host Gee Scott responds to Newcastle mayor

“This isn’t a Newcastle problem, this is a Newcastle mayor problem,” Gee Scott, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show,” said on “Seattle’s Morning News.” “It’s not OK what he’s doing. It’s not OK with this environment that is happening. I am not going to laugh this off. This is not funny. It’s not fair to the people who live in Newcastle that this is happening.”

“I also want to say that it’s really important to understand and know that the injustices that have happened here in this country, they have to be known so we can know how to do things going forward in understanding the history of injustice in America. All it does is help folks become more aware of the systemic issues that have plagued this country,” he continued.

Gee cited the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, the median wealth of white households was $285,000 while the median wealth of Black households was $44,900 — just 15.8% of the white median. The gap between Black and white households increased by $49,950 between 2019 and 2022.

Reichert on ‘The Gee and Ursula Show:’ Ferguson trying to ‘undermine my reputation’ as honest public servant

“The reason why I am bringing that wealth gap up is so everybody can understand that gap is a result of historical and systemic inequalities that have disproportionately impacted Black communities in terms of access to education, employment opportunities, home ownership, wealth, building assets, real estate, I can go on,” Gee continued. “It is not the tropes in the narratives that some have given, claiming African Americans have been lazy, been wanting handouts, or in the case of the Mayor of Newcastle to say, being a victim.”

“We have to stop empowering and encouraging these words, and I’m going to continue to talk about the Mayor of Newcastle in this way because I think those words are awful,” Gee concluded. “I think what you represent is awful.”

Newcastle mayor ‘doubles down’ on comments

In response to an interview request, Clark reiterated his thoughts to The Seattle Times via email.

“The perpetual victim mentality has to stop somewhere,” Clark told The Seattle Times. “Of course, our history has had some imperfections. We are supposed to learn from them and grow stronger as a people. We are not supposed to linger on past slights forever. That is what is happening now. It’s not healthy and it tears the country apart.”

As for why California was used as an example, he explained the state’s situation regarding reparations “was just something that came to mind because of how ridiculous it is. Juneteenth is just a coincidence.”

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Frank Sumrall is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here and you can email him here.