West Seattle, Washington
14 Saturday
Just in, and time-sensitive, from Cathy:
We just found out that two physicians friends will be headed to Haiti this weekend. They have been told that there is a great need for crutches due to amputations. If you have any crutches that you could donate please bring them by our house by Sunday night so we can get them on the flight. They can be left in the driveway or in the back of the pickup parked outside. The truck is a beige GMC with a topper.
Our address is 3008 45th Ave SW. The house is blue and the cross streets are 45th and Stevens.
If you have any questions please call Cathy at 206-406-6633
Just one day till the Rock 4 Relief benefit concert for Haiti postquake aid at Showbox SODO (7 pm tomorrow), with a major contingent of West Seattle participation – and Jamie Chamberlin, best known as a WS-based filmmaker, has just sent word of more:
Through the generous donations of over 15 West Seattle businesses we will be conducting a raffle throughout the course of the evening.
Sample prizes include : A $400 membership to Allstar Gym, $100 Gift Certificate to Admiral Tattoo, Hoodies and T-Shirts from Easy Street, The Feedback Lounge, Luna Park Cafe, $50-$60 dining certificates to Cafe Revo, Porterhouse and JaK’s.
Tickets are available at showboxonline.com but Jamie cautions that they’re expecting a sellout so if you’re thinking of going and you don’t have tickets yet, get ’em now. He also shared the new poster art at left, by Devan Register.
That’s Brooke Nielsen, YMCA school coordinator at Chief Sealth High School, in the CSHS clothing bank, available for students in need. Kelli Horn, who’s been helping Brooke organize the clothing bank, wanted to share two things about the clothing bank: First, she wrote, “I want to say a special thank you to Funky Jane’s for donating clothes for teen girls along with some fancy dresses, shoes and purses for the Winter ball they had in January.” She included a photo of Funky Jane’s owner Angela Nichols at the clothing bank:
Second, Kelli says the clothing bank “can always use teen appropriate clothes for boys and girls of all sizes. Donations can be brought to the office at the school.” (Chief Sealth is still at its temporary location in the Boren building, 5950 Delridge Way.)
That’s the wading pool in Highland Park, which didn’t open last summer because the city hadn’t done federally mandated safety upgrades. They’d been shelved because it’s slated to be converted to a spray park (as first reported here six months ago). Right now, the city’s Parks and Green Spaces Levy has allocated $100,000 for the conversion, but by all accounts, that’s not much — even a top Parks manager told the Levy Oversight Committee it’s “horribly underfunded.”. So community member Carolyn Stauffer is putting together an application to seek supplemental money from the levy’s Opportunity Fund, which is accepting applications soon, with the first step – letters of interest – due in just about a week. She’s asking for more support to show that West Seattle backs the concept of a really nice spray park. As she’s written in the letter she shared with us, “We fear a minimally funded or basically designed spray park for the next 20 years- or a dilapidated wading pool that is no longer filled with water in the summer. The possibility to apply for extra resources through the Opportunity Fund has given us hope that we could have an exemplary play experience right in the heart of our community.” HOW YOU CAN HELP: Carolyn’s looking for groups to voice support (individuals welcome too); e-mail her at carolynstauffer@gmail.com. Read on for the full outline of the letter she’s drafted to start the Opportunity Fund application:Read More
RELAY FOR LIFE-WEST SEATTLE, THE KICKOFF PARTY: That’s a photo from the luminaria ceremony during last summer’s Relay for Life-West Seattle at WS Stadium. It’s an overnight relay/walk/celebration to raise money to fight cancer. This year’s event is months away but it’s never too soon to start planning – and that’s why the kickoff party is 6-8 pm tomorrow (Wednesday) night at Bridge Park in High Point. Everyone welcome but RSVP if you can – send a note to patrick.jablonski@nucor.com
CHILI FEED FOR LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA SOCIETY: Received this announcement from Elizabeth Kratz – the event is at 11 am Sunday:
Come meet some of your West Seattle neighbors and support a great cause. On Sunday, January 31st at Fauntleroy Church there will be a chili feed with proceeds to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the mission of the church. In the United States, there are over 900,000 people living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. Every 4 minutes someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer and every 10 minutes someone dies. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the largest voluntary health organization striving to find a cure for blood related cancers and providing resources and support to families. In Seattle alone, 13 researchers are funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Research funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has led or contributed to advances such as chemotherapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and new, targeted oral therapies that provide cures.
This week’s highlights as West Seattleites keep reaching out with help for Haiti:
(added 9:45 am) ALKI BIKE AND BOARD: The Admiral shop is giving 20 percent of its labor income to Doctors Without Borders and the American Red Cross through March 1st. Alki Bike and Board owner Stu Hennessey says, “We hope the early spring weather will bring a lot of folks out on their bicycles and generate some very urgent funding from our local bicycle community. Bicycle tune ups and repairs increase through March 1st, with $20 out of $100 dollars going to these two relief operations. It is our hope that the Island Country of Haiti will be rebuilt in a sustainable, self sufficient manner to ensure the healthy future of its citizens.”
EDIE’S SHOES ON WEDNESDAY: Sara from Edie’s says both their locations (The Junction and Capitol Hill) will donate 20 percent of their shoe sales this Wednesday to the Red Cross‘s Haiti work.
PAGLIACCI ON THURSDAY: The Red Cross is also the beneficiary of Pagliacci Pizza‘s plan to donate all profits this Thursday.
ROCK 4 RELIEF ON THURSDAY: TIckets are on sale for the concert at Showbox SODO with a major West Seattle contingent involved in organizing and performing; see the poster with the lineup here; direct ticket link is here.
WEST SEATTLE EAGLES CONCERT ON SATURDAY: 8 pm at the Eagles’ aerie in The Junction, more live music to help Haiti – this time, with the proceeds to Mercy Corps, which has set up this page with more info on the concert as well as a way to donate right now. (Mercy Corps also has updates on Haiti activity via Twitter.)
EDDIE VEDDER SINGLE FUNDRAISER: West Seattle’s most famous rocker is donating proceeds of a cut you can download now for 99 cents – details here.
VALENTINE’S DAY ART SALE: Artist Stephanie Hargrave, co-owner of West Seattle’s smallclothes, is hosting a “Give Your Love to Haiti” art sale with all proceeds to Haiti relief on February 14 at her studio (across from smallclothes), according to a note Kelly forwarded. Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) says co-owner Frances Smersh will sell jewelry as part of the fundraiser.
Several other West Seattle-linked Haiti fundraisers are ongoing – they’re listed here.
SEAWALL, DELRIDGE SKATEPARK $ AND “DO NOT MAIL” @ COUNCIL: During the Seattle City Council‘s 9:30 am briefing time, Mayor Mike McGinn talks about his proposed property-tax measure to replace the Alaskan Way seawall. During the 2 pm meeting, they’ll take a final vote on Delridge Skatepark funding, plus consider the resolution asking the state to back a “do-not-mail registry.” Agenda here; it’ll all be live on Seattle Channel (cable 21 or online).
WATER TAXI FARES: The new fare schedule outlined here comes up for a public hearing this afternoon at 1:30 before the King County Ferry District board (aka King County Councilmembers), County Courthouse downtown.
OFFICER-BENEFITS BILL: As discussed in coverage of the case of injured-and-losing-benefits Officer Jason McKissack, EHB 1679 comes up for a hearing in the state House Ways and Means Committee in Olympia, 3:30 pm today (scheduled to be live on TVW).
ARTSWEST FREEBIE: Before the Seattle premiere of “Love Song“ opens Wednesday, get behind-the-scenes insight tonight, free, in the On Stage format, 7:30 pm, ArtsWest in The Junction.
POLAR PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Looks like the air and the water will both be in the 40s this morning as a crowd of brave and giving souls – from police officers to high-school students – takes the Polar Plunge at Alki, for Special Olympics of Washington. Registration 9 am, into the water at 11 am. More here. And once you’ve dried off, a great day/night of dining out for a good cause is ahead:
FIVE WEST SEATTLE EATERIES IN DINE OUT SEATTLE FOR HAITI: Though the poster says “night’s proceeds,” things start early – Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) will give ALL its brunch proceeds to Haiti quake relief – 9 am to 3 pm. Feedback Lounge (also a WSB sponsor) is in on “Dine Out” too, with the door swinging open at 11:30 am (and remember Sunday’s the day for the famous ribs, starting at 5). Spring Hill, Mission and La Rustica also are participating – plus 10 others citywide.
WHAT ELSE IS UP? Elsewhere in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup — Also at Skylark – art opening tonight (6 pm) for Lonjina Verdugo … and this morning/afternoon, as always, it’s the West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska) – read on for today’s Ripe and Ready list:Read More
Story, photos and video by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Hosted and organized by Willie Murderface, the Saturday night fundraiser at Goldie’s for Officer Jason McKissack — injured while on duty in West Seattle—attracted supporters including Officer McKissack’s wife Kim, police from several precincts, and West Seattle businesspeople like Full Tilt Ice Cream‘s Justin Cline and Jessie SK from Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor).
4:16 am update – Willie reports via Facebook: “Between the 160 Joe Mullis raised [Wednesday at Yen Wor], the 190 that Goldie’s donated, 170 from my wage, 100 from cash donations, and the 780 from the raffle (that wouldn’t have been anywhere near what it was without help from Tracy Dart and Justin Cline), we raised 1400 dollars for Officer Jason McKissack and his family.”
Asked about his motivation for producing this fundraiser, Willie says: “I went home that Sunday night and read about (Officer McKissack’s denial of benefits) on the blog. It hit me because it happened while he was protecting West Seattle.” Willie is a lifelong West Seattle resident, and both he and his mother are West Seattle High School graduates. “I proclaimed myself Mayor of West Seattle and decided it was my civic duty to do something.” He announced his plan here, the day before the news conference in which Officer McKissack, with wife Kim at his side and dozens of other officers presence for support, talked about what it was like to receive the recent letter saying he was no longer with the department because he hadn’t recovered enough to work:
ROCK 4 RELIEF POSTER: From West Seattleite Jamie Chamberlin, on behalf of Rock 4 Relief, the concert at Showbox SODO next Thursday night raising money for Haiti quake relief — here’s the official poster, featuring the music lineup:
Chamberlin says the poster’s by West Seattle designer Wes McDowell. As the poster says, it’s $15, 21 and over only, and you can get tickets online by going here.
EASY STREET LIST: From Rod at Easy Street Records, word that a hot Top 50 list is all in one place now – three recent posts on the Easy Street website ran down owner Matt Vaughan‘s choices for the past decade’s Top 50 In-Store Performances (West Seattle and Queen Anne stores) of all time, and they’re now consolidated in one – read the countdown and the memories here (bet you can guess which one – it happened in WS – tops the lineup). And if you like that list – here’s another new compilation of Easy Street lists – staff picks for the best of 2009.
Just got word from Feedback Lounge co-proprietor Matt that The Feedback has joined another WSB sponsor, Skylark Cafe and Club (participating during brunch), as well as La Rustica, Spring Hill and Mission in donating part of the proceeds this Sunday to Haiti earthquake relief. It’s part of a citywide promotion – more on its Facebook event page; we’re continuing to catalog West Seattle efforts here.
Two updates in the story of Jason McKissack, the Seattle Police officer viciously attacked during a West Seattle call more than a year and a half ago, 
and still not recovered enough to work, but losing medical benefits because state law does not cover “catastrophic disability.” Since we reported Tuesday on the Seattle Police Officers Guild news conference (left) in which he and others spoke in support of EHB 1679 — state legislation reintroduced this year to fix the situation — a public hearing has been set: Next Monday, 3:30 pm, House Ways and Means Committee. West Seattle Rep. Eileen Cody is on that committee; here’s how to contact her; here’s the full list of committee members. A message on the “Support Officer Jason McKissack” Facebook group says the hearing will be short “but we need all the help we can get … to show the level of public support for this legislation.” The John L. O’Brien Building at the State Capitol (map) is where to be. Meantime, the next local fundraiser for Officer McKissack’s medical expenses is karaoke at Goldie’s in Georgetown at 9 pm tomorrow. Karaoke host Willie Murderface, a longtime West Seattle resident, organized it and has rounded up raffle prizes from businesses including Skylark Cafe (WSB sponsor), Cherry Consignment, Full Tilt Ice Cream, C and P Coffee, Proletariat Pizza, Pegasus Pizza, Pagliacci Pizza, Envy on Alki, Alki Beach Tattoo, Via Tribunali, Club Motor. Here’s Willie’s event page for this.
TRAFFIC ALERTS: All that activity on and around the section of The Bridge between 99 and I-5, known as the Spokane Street Viaduct, starts happening today. The 4th Avenue South offramp from the westbound side closes forever; westbound lower Spokane St. closes from 6th to 1st for many months; the northbound I-5 ramp to The Bridge and the Columbian Way ramp to The Bridge both close around 10 tonight for the entire weekend, till early Monday. Lots of details, detour maps, etc. at seattle.gov/spokane.
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY CENTERS: Fun night at three of them – Family Skate Night at 6:45 at Alki CC, an MLK celebration with arts, crafts, music and spoken-word performance at 6 pm at Hiawatha CC, and Leo the Clown at Delridge CC at 7.
PEOPLE’S PLACE FUNDRAISER: Call it a startup for helping the homeless – “communal transitional housing,” founded by two volunteers including West Seattle’s Christi Stapleton. (We wrote about People’s Place here.) 6:30 tonight at El Centro de la Raza on Beacon Hill, they’re having a fundraiser reception and silent auction (items include “lunch, coffee or drinks with Mayor Mike McGinn“).
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL (INCLUDING HAITI FUNDRAISER @ SEALTH): All three high schools in West Seattle are playing host to visiting teams tonight. At West Seattle High School, Cleveland HS is the visitor, girls’ varsity at 6:15 pm, boys’ varsity at 8 pm. At Chief Sealth High School, Nathan Hale is the visitor, same times – note that a bake sale to raise $ for Haiti relief is planned during the Sealth games. At Seattle Lutheran High School, Tacoma Baptist is the visitor, 6:15 girls’ varsity, 7:45 boys’ varsity.
More on the WSB West Seattle Events page.
Two updates tonight on West Seattle help for Haiti. First, artist Todd Martin – shown at left while participating in last November’s West Seattle Art Walk at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) – wanted to send out a challenge to his fellow artists:
Hello West Seattle art lovers; with the help of the West Seattle Blog, I am issuing a challenge to all West Seattle Artists.
We have all seen the suffering in Haiti and the lack of medical help and supplies so far in the country. My name is Todd Martin and I am a local Alaska Junction artist and photographer. Since November I have been raising money using my photography. I have raised money for The Woodland Park Zoo and now it’s time to raise funds for Doctors without Borders. Many of you may have seen my work at Hotwire Coffee in November of 2009. My collection was “Head Shots” if animals were celebrities … what it would be like if the paparazzi chased animals instead of people. I will be donating 65 percent of all proceeds to the cause. My website: headshotsifanimalswerecelebritie.shutterfly.com/
If you are interested in knowing more about the challenge or want to buy…call me at 206-817-1784 or chillynhot@msn.com
Everything on the site is available. I have many framed items in stock right now as well as some smaller items and cards. Artists, let’s all join together so we can give weekly updates. My Goal myself is 1000 dollars. I would like to do a lot more. If we could all get together to raise 10,000 dollars in 5 weeks (end of February) It would put us on the art map and also help those less fortunate. I feel so fortunate when I see the news stories of Haiti. I have been unemployed since last May from my full-time job, but I still feel fortunate for all I have and still feel I can afford to give and help out. Please buy some art and encourage your artist friends to join in too. Artists, whatever portion you wish to donate is fine. Let’s just band together and help out our brothers and sisters in Haiti…
Also, an update from West Seattle-based filmmaker Jamie Chamberlin on the ROCK4RELIEF concert coming up January 28 at Showbox SODO (here’s our report from yesterday) – with an art component here too:
Tickets will go on sale tomorrow Friday the 22nd @ www.showboxonline.com and www.ticketmaster.com. 100% of all proceeds from this event will be sent to the American Red Cross.
A raffle is being planned the night of the event to raise additional donations. Laura Boos, a local West Seattle artist, and others will be approaching local businesses for event support.
Any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated.
If you’d like to help, please contact: info.rock4relief@gmail.com
P.S. While at Chief Sealth High School for tonight’s open house, we saw signs for a bake sale during Friday night’s basketball games, raising $ for Haiti relief.
So are you in for this Sunday’s Special Olympics of Washington Polar Plunge at Alki (with WSB among the co-sponsors)? Among those who already are – the man who leads the Seattle Police Department‘s Southwest Precinct here in West Seattle, Capt. Joe Kessler. We were there for the photo op at Alki this morning as he tested the waters, so to speak, for a last-minute promotional push. You can join Captain Kessler and hundreds of others on Sunday morning – 9 am registration (if you haven’t signed up online), 11 am Polar Plunge, festivities afterward. There’s a special connection for law enforcers and Special Olympic – the Law Enforcement Torch Run – so you’ll see other members of the law-enforcement community braving Elliott Bay on Sunday too. So how was the water today, you might ask?
47-degree water today, in case you were wondering.
Laura Bermes at Family Promise shares the photo and this report on another MLK Day of Service project earlier this week in West Seattle:
Thanks goes out to the University of Washington students who stepped up on Monday to help out at West Seattle’s only homeless shelter for families, Family Promise of Seattle (located at 3626 California Ave SW). The students worked alongside shelter guests, and Family Promise’s employee Mark Zimmerman, and Director Elizabeth Heath. The group cleared out the Day Center’s basement, leveled the floor, and put the basement back togehter again. The newly cleaned and organized space will benefit families by allowing them to store their personal belongings as they work their way through homelessness. For those in our West Seattle Community who would like to know more about how to help families going through homelessness, visit the Family Promise website, or give us a call at 937-2703.
We’ve featured Family Promise here before, including this closer look in October 2008.
Several notes we would have passed along sooner if not for the site trouble (again, sorry, seems to be fixed now):
*9:30 tonight, it’s Karaoke Joe’s fundraiser for Officer Jason McKissack (backstory here) during karaoke at Yen Wor in the Admiral District. This is one of two karaoke benefits in the works – West Seattle’s Willie Murderface hosts karaoke at Goldie’s in Georgetown and plans to collect donations this Saturday night, 9 pm, for the injured officer’s medical fund. (You can donate directly too – go here for the latest.)
*Another concert benefit for Haiti was announced today. West Seattle-based filmmaker Jamie Chamberlin put together Rock4Relief, January 28 at the Showbox SODO. Here’s the lineup he sent us:
Rock4Relief
HAITIAN benefit SHOW
The Fixers-
Seattle’s all star Humble Pie cover band.
http://www.myspace.com/fixers
Andrew McKeag- vox/guitar (Presidents of the United States of America)
Ron Heathman- guitar/vox (Supersuckers)
Kurt Bloch- bass/vox (The Fastbacks)
Scott Giampino- drums (Cash Money)Dusty 45’s-
THE DUSTY 45’S were originally formed in 1997. For over a decade, singer/songwriter Billy Joe Huels ande The Dusty 45’s have gained critical praise and delivered countless exciting live performances. Wrapping up the excitement with Billy’s infamous flaming trumpet, leaving the audience in awe and complete satisfaction. The Dusty 45’s which include some of Seattle’s top roots/rockabilly musicians, were voted Best of Seattle by Seattle Weekly readers 3 years in a row. Huels contines to branch out, most recently starring at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre as Buddy Holly.
www.dusty45s.com
www.myspace.com/billyjoeandthedusty45sThee Sgt. Major III
www.myspace.com/theesgtmajoriii
Featuring
Kurt Bloch from the Fastbacks
Mike Musburger from Love Battery and The PosiesBend-
www.myspace.com/bendisyourfriendVillains of Yesterday –
http://www.villainsofyesterday.com/band.aspxGunn and the Damage Done-
www.myspace.com/gunnandthedamagedone
The music of GUNN AND THE DAMAGE DONE encompass the true emotions of life. Gritty and honest. Not always smooth and pretty, but always pure.Leif Totusek
www.myspace.com/leiftotusekJanuary 28th 2010
SHOWBOX SODO LOUNGE
$15—21 over
Doors at 7 pm
More West Seattle help for Haiti can be found here.
Just in from 8 Limbs Yoga in The Junction, a Haiti relief benefit class this Friday, all levels, Flow with Amelia, 5:45-7 pm, all drop-in class payments go to Doctors Without Borders – checks made out to DWB, or cash. Other ongoing fundraisers are listed here (you can find that page any time from the top of the sidebar at right). ADDED 4:28 PM: And we have word that Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) has joined the Jan. 24 Dine Out for Haiti benefit, with a percentage of proceeds to relief efforts; La Rustica is also in on it.
Jennifer Giuffre shared that photo taken today on a West Seattle beach, where a baby harbor seal rested in the sun. After the photo came in, we asked a followup about whether Seal Sitters were notified; we’re awaiting the answer, but in the meantime, we see they have an update on their website tonight about an ailing pup that spent some time today on shore. Whether it’s the same pup or not, it’s another occasion to make note of how to contact Seal Sitters if you spot a pup – all the info’s here (and you can pop their hotline into your phone – 206-905-SEAL). TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE: Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters tells WSB this is definitely the same ailing pup they were watching yesterday. She adds:
We are on the lookout today, but two early sweeps have yet to turn up anything. Off on another one here in a minute and are awaiting word from NOAA as to whether the pup would be taken to PAWS for treatment if he shows up. He’s a small pup, but body weight was pretty good. The fact that he is hauling in and out is a good sign.
Monica e-mailed us to say she’s organizing a Dine Around Seattle fundraiser for Haiti citywide next Sunday – in West Seattle, she says, La Rustica is the first one who’s joined, but she’s looking for more participants. Interested restaurants can contact her at tastyfeast@gmail.com – more info online at tastyfeast.com. (Monica also says anyone who’s closed Sundays can choose to donate a portion of proceeds from another night of their choice.)
January 15 – last Friday – was the 81st anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. This Wednesday marks the 24th anniversary of the first time King Day was celebrated as a national holiday (Jan. 20, 1986). Dr. King’s only visit to Seattle happened in November 1961 (here’s the HistoryLink.org story about it). Today (presidential proclamation here), here’s some of what you need to know about the holiday:
WHAT’S DIFFERENT:
Schools are closed
Most government offices are closed
Banks are closed
City-run community centers are closed (Southwest Pool too)
West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor) facilities are closed
City and county libraries are closed
Metro Transit is on “reduced weekday” service
No regular-mail delivery
Parking’s free on city streets with pay stations/meters
WHAT’S NOT DIFFERENT:
Trash/recycling/etc. on regular schedule
Sound Transit service on regular schedule (except for Sounder between Everett and Mukilteo because of a mudslide)
State liquor stores are open
HOW TO HELP:
Two MLK Day of Service opportunities for volunteering in West Seattle/White Center:
*Nature Consortium welcomes volunteers for its Pigeon Point Park work party, 9:30 am-3 pm (map; more info here)
*WestSide Baby needs volunteers to help sort, 2-5 pm (full details here)
(Photo courtesy WestSide Baby)
Just in from WestSide Baby‘s Nancy Woodland – another MLK Day of Service opportunity:
WestSide Baby would love extra hands on MLK Day! We’ve received so many donations of clothes since the holidays, we could really use extra teen or adult hands to sort through all the donations. We inspect each article of clothing for cleanliness and condition before we shelve it by size so it’s ready for another volunteer to place it in an order for local children in need.
We will be open extra hours on Monday from 2-5pm for up to 15 volunteers! It’s a great opportunity for high schoolers looking for service hours on their day off. Please let us know you are coming by emailing sarah@westsidebaby.org.
We will also have our regular third Thursday Sorting Frenzy this Thursday evening from 7-9 pm!
WestSide Baby HQ is at 10032 15th SW (map).
Developments since we wrote Friday night about a tv story on Officer Jason McKissack facing the loss of medical benefits because injuries from the attack on him in West Seattle a year and a half ago have left him unable to return to work:
*We’ve heard twice from Renee Maher, executive director of the law-enforcement advocacy group COMPAS and also the widow of Federal Way Police Officer Patrick Maher, killed in the line of duty seven years ago. She had more to say about the legislation mentioned in the story (which stalled last year but has been reintroduced this session):
COMPAS has made HB 1679 our priority for this legislative session. While we fully support and agree with the legislation that helps families of fallen officers, we believe that helping officers like Jason McKissack is just as important. I was part of the effort that got legislation passed in 2006 that provided medical insurance for families of officers killed in the line of duty. Imagine my shock and disgust to learn that financially, an officer’s family is better off if the officer dies in the line of duty (versus being disabled).
HB 1679 will provide medical insurance to Jason and his family. It is very do-able to get this legislation passed this session. We just need to spread the word and have people call their legislators to support this bill.
As discussed in comments following last night’s story, the bill is currently in the Ways and Means Committee of the state House. West Seattle Rep. Eileen Cody is a member of that committee. We e-mailed Rep. Cody to ask about its status and what people could do to voice support. Her reply today:
To move forward we will need to vote it out of the Ways and Means Committee again. I will check with Rep Simpson to see if he is planning on pushing the issue again this year. Interested constituents should contact Ways and Means Committee members to encourage action. We would not have to have another hearing on the bill this year since we had one last year. The chair just has to decide to bring it up for a vote.
The Legislature’s website says the committee is chaired by North Sound Rep. Kelli Linville; she and other members are listed here, and you can follow the links for their contact info. To e-mail Rep. Cody, start here.
*Meantime, our second message from Renee Maher included word that the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild is now able to accept contributions for Officer McKissack’s medical fund:
SPOG
2949 4th Ave South
Seattle, WA 98134
Subject line: Jason McKissack
There is also a link on the Seattle Police Guild website tonight with more info on the situation. Meantime, Q13 interviewed the McKissacks for a story aired tonight:
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