SEATTLE NEWS INSIDER

SEATTLE NEWS INSIDER
GIVING PEOPLE THE INSIDE SCOOP

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Watch Out For Angry Crows "Dive-Bombing" People In Seattle


SEATTLE - They may look innocent enough but don't be fooled. Neighbors in Ballard say they're on high alert after a series of dive-bombing crow attacks over the last few days.

Ever since crows started nesting in Randy Borkowski's pine tree his front yard has become much like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "The Birds."

"My son and I came out to get something from the van and they just were literally dive-bombing us," said Borkowski.

Randy says you can't turn your back on these crows or you might get pecked right between your eyes.

"Soon as I quit looking at them they would come down at least 2 or 3 times dive-bombed right over my hair, I could feel them moving my hair," said Borkowski.

Randy's problem is a familiar one in North Ballard where there are many reports of crows attacking people. Senait Brown has been dodging the crows too.

"I kind of have a little phobia now. It does seem weird that they are that aggressive," said Brown.

One of the most vicious attacks happened at the corner of Northwest 62nd Street and 32nd Avenue Northwest, where a crow dive-bombed the victim and actually scratched them twice in the head.

State Wildlife Officials say the crows are aggressive this time of year because they're protecting their babies and nests. Senait Brown walks right by some of those nests.

"I thought it was a little strange that there were so many crows. So, I made a conscious decision to stay away from them," said Brown.

University of Washington researchers determined crows can hold grudges and know exactly who they're dive-bombing. Randy can attest to that.

"They seem to particularly want to go after me. I would watch and try to walk in a different direction. I walked across the street first before I walked up to the bus and I was two houses away when one came after me," said Borkowski.

Wildlife Officials say once baby crows leave their nests the adults should play nice. Randy hopes they'd hurry up and leave his family alone.

"We've lived in here for some 20 years, I don't remember having that particular problem it's right in front of our house it's hard to avoid it all together," said Borkowski.

State Wildlife Officials say you can protect yourself from crows by waving your arms slowly overhead. Also, you can wear a hat or helmet and carry an umbrella to scare them off.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Seattle Area Doctor Helps Cops Find His Grandfather's Killer


BELLEVUE - There is finally some closure to a case that saw a Bellevue man track down his grandfather's killer. It's a story we first told you about earlier this year.

Frank Dryman was sentenced for the 1951 murder of Clarence Pellett. He was on the run for decades since disappearing while on parole. Now, Dryman is back behind bars, sentenced again and the victim's grandson was there to see it through.

When Bellevue doctor Clem Pellett started looking for his grandfather's killer he wasn't sure he'd find him.

"We never ever thought he was alive never," said Pellett.

Clem's grandfather, Clarence Pellett picked up Frank Dryman while he was hitchhiking in a blizzard on a Montana country road in 1951.

"He missed with the first shot then in Dryman's words he dropped him with the second shot, ran up to the body and emptied the gun into him," said Pellett.

Dryman served 14 years in prison for the murder. He was paroled in 1969 but disappeared in 1972. After Clem found some old newspaper clippings about the murder he asked for help from the cops. Family friend Emily Andrews helped with hiring a private investigator to find Dryman.

"He was going by the name Victor Houston, but the officer noticed he had tattoos that matched the description we had on his knuckles that had been crossed out. He was sure at that point it was him," said Andrews.

Clem says Dryman was living in Arizona City, Arizona and was supposedly a man of God.

"He was a deacon so he could marry people he had the Cactus Rose Wedding Chapel," said Pellett.

Dryman was arrested and brought back to Prison in Montana. Clem got to see him for the first time yesterday at his parole board hearing.

"Yeah, I got a little chill. This is the man that actually did this," said Pellett.

Dryman's parole was revoked. The 78 year old will stay locked up for the next 5 years. He never apologized for killing Clarence Pellett in cold blood.

"He has zero remorse, zero," said Pellett.

Clem says he still has some unfinished business with Dryman. He'll soon have a face to face chat with the killer.

"There's the obvious questions, why, some of the obvious ones. Some I'm sure he'll avoid others he won't. For me to have complete closure I want to sit down and talk with him," said Pellett.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Seattle Teen Savagely Attacked Robbed In Possible Hate Crime


WEST SEATTLE - A West Seattle teen is still recovering after a savage hate filled attack. It happened near 14th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Holden Street as the boy was walking home. The victim told Police he was beaten and robbed because of his color.

The teen's father Tim McClellan spoke exclusively with Q13 Fox News.

"He went to hand him a light and they attacked him, knocked him down right there," said McClellan.

Looking at the pictures of his son in a hospital bed isn't easy for Tim.

"Beat him for 4 hours, beat him, whipped him, burned him with cigarettes," said McClellan.

In pain and still fearful Tim's son Shane wasn't up for talking to us. But, his dad told us his story. Shane was walking home from a friend's house in Highland Park around 2 AM Tuesday when he was tortured along a trail.

According to Tim his son was beaten for well over an hour on a staircase near the trail. He says the thugs put Shane's face into the steps and put a gun to the back of his head.

"You know cocked the weapon and told him as they were burning him, if he made any noise they were going to blow his head off," said McClellan.

All of it might have been because of the color of his skin. The Seattle Police Department's Bias Crimes Unit is investigating the case as a possible hate crime, because, of what the men said to Shane.

"When they kept whipping him with the belt, they kept talking about you know whipping him because he was a white kid," said McClellan.

Police believe the teens that did this are African American and Filipino and may have gang ties. Tim wants them caught before they hurt someone else.

"Doubt it was the first time and be a fool to think it was the last time you know. Just don't want to be responsible for it happening to someone else. I'd like to see these guys off the street," said McClellan.

Despite how bad his injuries look, Tim says Shane is expected to make a full recovery.

If you have any information about this attack, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Seattle Area Tow Truck Driver Gets The Nod For "Tow Truck Driver Hall Of Fame"


CLINTON - A Clinton man that's been helping out stranded drivers for more than 60 years on Whidbey Island is headed to the hall of fame, the hall of fame of towing. Tow truck driver Gordon Simmons just hitched that honor for his service to the community.

If you've ever broken down or gotten stuck in a ditch on South Whidbey Island chances are Gordon Simmons was the guy who came to your rescue.

"Helped a lot of people, proud of it," said Simmons.

Gordon started his business way back in 1947, towing cars, trucks, buses, bulldozers, you name it he's towed it.

"We even had a beer truck that rolled over here down at the ferry dock one time, beer all over the place. We had to pick it all up. Of course they missed a few cases which they didn't care," said Simmons.

Then, there was the time that horse got stuck in a septic tank.

"The stuff was clear over his neck, we lifted him up and dropped him down and he started eating brush right away he was happy to get out of there," said Simmons.

For his tireless devotion to the community, AAA nominated Gordon to the 2010 class of the International Towing and Recovery Hall Of Fame in Tennessee. Yes, there's a tow truck driver hall of fame.

"Was I surprised? Yeah, I was surprised, you know me here in this little town of Clinton," said Simmons.

Even after 63 years of being in the tow truck business, Gordon says he has no plans of slowing down. He wants to keep driving his big rigs around the island.

"Oh, I love it, the tow trucks have been my hobby for all my life and I've enjoyed just what I'm doing," said Simmons.

Gordon says his new found fame won't go to his head. The next time you breakdown or say, your cow gets stranded on the beach Gordon will still be the guy who comes to the rescue.

It's a good thing Gordon doesn't plan on retiring just yet. He's in charge of two tow truck outfits, a garage, and auto parts store. But, he'll have to find someone to cover for him later this year. He'll be inducted into the towing hall of fame on September 18th in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Gray Whale Takes A Wrong Turn From Puget Sound And Ends Up In Seattle Area River


EVERETT - It's not something you see every day in our local rivers, a massive gray whale swimming around. It was first spotted near the Everett Marina early this morning. Everett Police spent today trying to keep it from heading up the Snohomish River.

When Kimeley Hutchinson heard about the gray whale in the river she headed down to the Everett Marina to check it out for herself. "He's been coming up like every 10 minutes. You don't see a whole lot of him just his blowhole and the back of him," said Hutchinson.

But, the 30 foot gray whale isn't where it's supposed to be. Whale expert John Calambokidis with Cascadia Research says the whale is confused, in poor health, and time is running out for it.

"I'm not very optimistic about its chances, given that it's gotten to such a poor state," said Calambokidis.

Everett Police Marine Patrol protected the whale by keeping boats a safe distance from it. Sergeant Robert Goetz says Officers didn't try moving the whale, but tried herding it south towards Puget Sound.

"We've noticed today the whale's been traveling in a circular pattern from just around the marina to about a mile north of the marina near Jetty island," said Goetz.

John Calambokidis says the mammal was looking for food and wasn't too far off course.

"More than half dozen gray whales that show up every spring that feed around Camano and Whidbey Island and more often right off the jetty in Everett," said Calambokidis.

Whale researchers say it's common for dead gray whales to wash ashore on Washington beaches in the spring. Six have been found this year, four were in Puget Sound. Gray whales have a long and grueling migration and malnourished ones can wander into the wrong place like the Snohomish River.

Kimeley Hutchinson is holding out hope the whale will somehow be able to survive its river adventure.

"It was really cool. I'm just worried he's not going to be able to get back to the sound, if he hits the river," said Hutchinson.

Everett Police say the whale is still hanging out near the Everett Marina. Marine Patrol Units will be back out in the morning to give it some space from whale watchers. If the whale can't make it back to Puget Sound it could be a matter of days until it dies and washes ashore.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Former School Employee Accused Of "Doctoring" Phony Physicals And Inappropriately Touching Teen Athletes


BURIEN - You can't be a student athlete without getting a physical, and you can't be the guy giving the physical if you're not a licensed doctor. Trouble is that's exactly what a former Highline School District Employee was doing. Now, he's lost his job and he could end up facing charges for taking some of those exams way too far.

The District says it fired Jayson Boehm when it learned about the bogus physicals. Then, came the allegations he'd been routinely asking boys to take off their clothes so he could touch their genitals. Now, parents are left to wonder how did this guy get access to their kids.

36 year old Jayson Boehm was a substitute stadium manager at Highline Memorial Field and also did first aid as a licensed EMT. Catherine Carbone Rogers with the Highline School District says it discovered he was doing much more. "There was a student who turned in a medical excuse and it was signed by Jayson Boehm. A nurse didn't think he had the credentials to sign off on a medical note," said Carbone Rogers.

The Washington State Department of Health got involved and discovered Boehm was illegally practicing medicine and doctoring athlete's paperwork. Department spokesperson Gordon MacCracken says investigators determined Boehm had fondled more than two dozen teenage boys.

"That's the other part of it that has nothing to do with sexual misconduct is the physical exams should only be conducted by someone that's qualified to do that," said MacCracken.

Parent Tonya Jackson was shocked to learn about the alleged abuse.

"The District needs to pay more close attention to the people they're letting manage our kids out here, that's not safe," said Jackson.

Administrators aren't saying too much due to the investigation, but Catherine Carbone Rogers says the District is trying to figure out who dropped the ball. They have put two District Athletic Directors on paid leave while they investigate.

"We don't know whether the coaches knew he was clearing the players, or thought that the signature on the form was valid that's part of the investigation,"

Q13 Fox News tried speaking with Boehm today but no one answered when we went to his home. The State has pulled his EMT, massage therapist, nursing assistant, and counselor licenses. But, that's the least of his problems. The King County Sheriff's Office is looking at whether to charge him with indecent liberties, child abuse, and assault.

Tonya Jackson says somebody needs to be held accountable for allegedly harming the kids.

"It's obscene, I think it's absurd there's no reason anyone should do that," said Jackson.

The Highline School District says it's asked the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association to do a full audit of its athletic programs. The District also contacted all of the parents of the kids Boehm examined and will pay for new physicals for them.

Monday, May 17, 2010

New Details About Double Murder Suicide Involving Sheriff's Deputy


GIG HARBOR - It began with an argument and ended with three people killed. Tacoma Police now say a dispute between Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Allen Myron and his in-laws led to the double murder suicide.

Still though, many questions remain unanswered about my Myron shot Monty and Susan Multanen and then turned the gun on himself.

The pain of three lives lost still shows on the face of Myron family friend Mary Broughton.

"It's just a shock. Beautiful family, loving, busy in the community," said Broughton.

Like most everyone else, Mary can't understand why a devoted husband and loving father would kill his in-laws. Even Detective Gretchen Aguirre with the Tacoma Police Department says investigators are struggling to answer that.

"It didn't appear to be a physical fight, just a verbal argument," said Aguirre.

Cops say while Allen Myron was having words with his father-in-law Monty Multanen, he told his 15-year-old daughter and her boyfriend to go to the basement. Detective Aguirre says that's when the shooting happened.

"The father-in-law was shot two times in the driveway of the residence, he died on the scene. He was actually found in the garage," said Aguirre.

Myron also shot his mother-in-law Susan Multanen in the chest, she died later at Harborview. Mary Broughton believes depression over a back injury might have driven Myron to kill.

"You know to where he could hardly cope and he flipped, he went bezerk," said Broughton.

Myron's wife Sara is a chef and runs her own catering business. Broughton says the couple didn't have a history of domestic violence but money was tight.

"With him not working and her trying to get her business started, I'm sure there were some struggles," said Broughton.

Family friends say Sara Myron and her 4 children are in private grieving. Their house still has Police tape around it. Some people have left flowers in the driveway in remembrance of the victims.

Myron's son Joshua posted this message on his Facebook page. "I love you Dad. I miss you and love you. I will see you someday up in heaven."

Cops say they haven't been able to talk with Deputy Myron's 15-year-old daughter about the double murder suicide yet, because, she is too traumatized. This week Gig Harbor High School enacted their crisis team to help students and staff cope with their grief over the violence.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Neighbors Concerned About Home That Would House Multiple Sex Offenders In Washington State


EDGEWOOD - Neighbors in a Pierce County community say they're frightened for their children's safety, after they learned a home on their block could be used to house several sex offenders.

Cindy Higginbottom and her neighbors are worried about who's living down the street from them.

"This has nothing to do with race, nothing to do with sexual orientation it has everything to do with the protection of our children," said Higginbottom.

Tonight, they took their fears and frustration to the Edgewood City Council. Cindy says the owner was already letting the homeless live there. Then, she says things got worse.

Neighbors became even more concerned about the living arrangements inside the house, once they learned a convicted level 3 sex offender was living there.

Larry Beaumont says he opened his home to people who needed help, charging them only a small fee for rent.

"Every person deserves a home to go to where they can at least get some sleep, normal hygiene things like anybody would do everyday," said Beaumont.

The City of Edgewood decided Beaumont was running a business without a license and ordered him to shutdown. To avoid City codes he just sold the house to another man who plans to let a lot of people buy a stake in it.

"It's going to be offered as a full sale for the first 30 days, or $50 for everyone that wants to be on the deed and he's hoping a lot of homeless individuals, that's part of the criteria you have to be homeless for 90 days he has it in there," said Beaumont.

And, Beaumont admits some of them could be sex offenders. That worries Cindy Higginbottom and her neighbors.

"The thing is that there's also 2 daycares within a half mile of this home and some of the people that are living in this home are walking past these daycares," said Higginbottom.

That's why Cindy and her neighbors wants the City to put a stop to this thing now.

"I'm hoping the City Attorney will be able to draw up some sort of a draft ordinance that would not allow any type of housing of this sort, regardless of title issues within residential areas of Edgewood," said Higginbottom.

Tonight, the Edgewood City Council only heard public comment on the issue, so no action was taken. It could be placed on the Council's agenda at their next meeting. The City Manager's Office is looking into this new living arrangement to see if it's legal.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Bad Case Of Mistaken Identity Cops Pull Guns On Wrong Guy In Seattle Area Neighborhood


SKYWAY - You're working on your car and the next minute you're surrounded by cops and you have a gun pointed at the back of your head. That's what a South Seattle man says happened to him.

38 year old Simon Robinson says he's filing a complaint against the King County Sheriff's Office because of it.

"He just got out with the gun immediately rushed me to the ground, then another came out kneed me in the back handcuffed me. I don't even know why I was handcuffed," said Robinson.

What a shock for Simon Robinson as he worked on his car in front of his friend's house in Skyway.

"It was pointed right at me I didn't have time to do anything. He said get on the ground or I'm going to shoot you," said Robinson.

And, he says it all went down in front of his pregnant wife and young sons.

"I'm lucky I wasn't dead to tell you the truth I was crying, my son says Daddy you were crying, my son has never seen me cry," said Robinson.

According to a Report from the King County Sheriff's Office, two Deputies were chasing an armed felon wanted for domestic violence. The suspect was African American, wearing shorts and slippers, so was Robinson.

Robinson's 8 year old son Anthony describes what he saw.

"Then, my mom came out, then the guy put the gun on her, then my Dad's friend came out, and they put the gun on him," said Robinson.

The friend is the family's pastor Damian Joseph. He witnessed the whole thing.

"I think that if Simon had made a move, a false move or something I believe he probably would have been shot," said Joseph.

King County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sergeant John Urquhart says in this situation the Deputies used force to protect themselves.

"Suspected dangerous felons are typically arrested at gunpoint and placed in a prone position on the ground for Officer safety reasons. If this was, in fact, a fleeing felon who was trying to resist arrest, wouldn't the kids be in more danger if he draws his gun before we have to," said Urquhart.

When the Deputies put Robinson face first on the ground he says they broke his glasses. After Deputies checked his ID they realized they had the wrong guy.

"And, then we pull off and they wave, we apologize. How you gonna apologize when you just had a gun at my head," said Robinson.

The 38 year old wonders if the Officers were on edge because there've been so many cop killings lately.

"He made a comment stating I want to get home to my family. So, that comment meant to me he wasn't taking any chances," said Robinson.

Sergeant Urquhart calls the situation unfortunate adding:

"It's regrettable and we apologize for that. He was in the wrong place, dressed the wrong way, at the wrong time. We were looking for a suspect with a history of guns. He looked like the suspect," said Urquhart.

Robinson and his family are still having a tough time understanding what happened. What they want most right now is for the Sheriff's Office to take another look at its policies.

Robinson says he's been in touch with the Sheriff's Office about filing a harassment complaint with Internal Affairs and plans to do so within the next couple of days. He also plans to ask the County to buy him another pair of glasses to replace the broken ones.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Seattle Sounders FC Season Ticket Holders Get Refund After Blowout Loss To LA Galaxy


SEATTLE - Seattle sports fans are not so happy right now. Even today's Mariners win doesn't make up for the previous eight losses. And, the Sounders, they got stomped this weekend 4 to nothing. It was so bad the team's giving some of you your money back.

Sounders FC fans didn't have a whole lot to cheer about in yesterday's match with the LA Galaxy, 4 zip the team's worst loss ever at Qwest Field. It wasn't pretty to watch for fan Debi Davio.

"It was a little tough to watch but, I support our team, love our team," said Davio.

It's that kind of die-hard spirit that got the team to give their fans a little something for their effort a refund. Season ticket holder Wes Wood was thrilled to hear the good news.

"I think that's a great idea. I'm definitely a Sounders fan, and if I've got more money for next year just keep going to the games," said Wood.

The Sounders decided since the fans showed up loud and proud and the team didn't, over 32,000 season ticket holders will get their money back as a credit, one free game next year. But, if you bought a single game ticket sorry you're out of luck.

Just down the street from Qwest Field Mariner fans are singing the blues about their losing ways too. At least Andrew Stewart is keeping his sense of humor.

"The other day I left 2 Mariner tickets on my dashboard and my car got broken into and there was 4 tickets there so," said Stewart.

So far this season Mariner fans have watched some pretty brutal losses at Safeco Field and Stewart says the team should give him a refund, just like the Sounders did for their season ticket holders.

"We should get some free games, they've got 81 games at least some free tickets bring some family and some friends to a game," said Stewart.

We called representatives for the Mariners they didn't call back. So, there is no word yet if they'll consider the idea. But, for Sounders fans like Wes Wood that bleed green and blue it's not the refund he wants just wins from here on out.

"I think this season we're not getting out of the slump we're in, it's kind of sad," said Wood.

The team says they don't plan on giving fans their money back every time they have a bad game, but, they felt after the brutal Galaxy loss it was the right thing to do.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Hundreds Attend Memorial For Craigslist Murder Victim Including Father Of One Of The Suspects


PUYALLUP - Today's memorial for murder victim Jim Sanders was overflowing with emotion and hundreds of people. But, one person who showed up was a bit of a surprise, the father of one of the suspects.

Alan Higashi's son Kiyoshi is one of four people accused of killing Sanders inside his Edgewood home late last month. Alan himself was jailed earlier this week, before his son's arrest, after Police suspected him of withholding information.

Higashi told Q13 Fox News he felt compelled to pay his respects to the Sanders family and what role his son might have played in Jim Sanders' death.

"It's all like it's not real, but, I know it's real I'd seen the video Jim was a good guy he didn't deserve to die," said Higashi.

When asked if his son is the man who killed Jim Sanders Higashi had this to say.

"He said he's not the trigger man but that's irrelevant, they're all guilty regardless he pulled the trigger or not, they're all guilty," said Higashi.

According to Higashi if his son was involved in Jim Sanders' murder he must be held accountable.

"Whatever happens with my son if he's found guilty and if Jesus and the court system feels they need to take his life then they need to take his life. But, it doesn't make anything better, it doesn't bring Jim back, Jim was a good guy," said Higashi.

Bethany Baptist Church was packed beyond capacity this afternoon for the memorial. There were plenty of hugs and tears as family and friends remembered Sanders as a good man who made a big impact in his community.

His father James talked about the pain of not having his son anymore.

"To lose a loved one a son especially now for me is tremendously heartbreaking, but, I'm gonna be with him in a short time," said Sanders.

Surrounded by loved ones and a church congregation of hundreds Jim Sanders' family said their final goodbyes to the Edgewood Husband and Father who was murdered in his home. His brother Derek remembered Sanders as a caring man.

"I can only hope to be the kind of man he was I deeply love and miss you and I always will Jimmy until we meet again in God's glory, I love you Jimmy," said Sanders.

A week and a half ago the Sanders family were the victims of a home invasion robbery while trying to sell a diamond ring on Craigslist. Sanders was shot and killed as he protected his family. His son Jimmy said his Dad made a big impact on his life.

"My Dad is my hero and his spirit will always live within me. Four evil people took my Dad from me, but he is now in heaven and has eternal peace," said Sanders.

Four suspects have now been charged with his murder. Today, his widow Charlene expressed sorrow over losing her best friend.

"Because I loved Jim so much, I'm going to go through this life by myself without him, my man at my side, but I'll never be alone," said Sanders.

Before today's memorial service a procession of trucks arrived from where Jim Sanders worked. His coworkers wanted to show their love and support for his family.

Out of such a horrific crime the family says they've turned to their faith for healing and to give forgiveness to the people that took Jim's life. It's something his father James says Jim talked about in bible study just days before his death.

"I can't forgive a murderer and he says you can forgive anybody, Jim would be the first person to forgive these people," said Sanders.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Former Seattle Biz That Was Known For "Tubing" Gets New Look


SEATTLE - Is it art or is it a big fat nuisance? A former Seattle business that shutdown 3 years ago is now plastered with colorful graffiti. Nearby business owners are sick of looking at it, but, the building's owner has no plans to clean it up.

A jungle theme in the U-District is not something you see every day. Ever since graffiti artist "Joe" learned the old Tubs building at 47Th and Roosevelt was an open canvas he's been here.

"I love having this wall here whosoever building this is, thank you for letting me paint on it, I really love it," said Joe.

Tubs closed in 2007. The owners told neighbors they planned on selling it to make way for condos, but the bad economy scratched that. So, they decided to let graffiti artists have at it. Chris Brown works next door at University Volkswagen.

"It's free expression I guess and they've said they can use this building as a place for people to put this," said Brown.

Stephanie Ogle with Cinema Books says over the last year she's seen non-stop taggers too.

"It is getting pretty old for me, because this has been going on for months and months and months," said Ogle.

Neighboring businesses call the old Tubs building an eyesore because the graffiti covers not one side, but all four sides of the building. Sharon London who works on the block doesn't see it that way though.

"I think it's great I watch them change it all the time, I don't know how many layers are on there," said London.

Seattle's graffiti nuisance ordinance says property owners have to clean up graffiti within 10 days or face fines of up to $5,000. But, since these owners consider the graffiti on their building artwork the ordinance doesn't apply.

The City is considering making some changes to the graffiti law, but until "Joe" hears otherwise he says he'll keep using the walls as his canvas.

"I love it, it's really great to have it here," said Joe.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Seattle Man Invents New Cellphone App To Stop You From Texting & Driving


SEATTLE - We all depend on our cell-phones to keep us in touch no matter where we are, but let's face it they are distracting. Now, a local man has figured out a way to simplify your phone when it comes to texting and it could just save a few lives along the way.

In a split second in a Queen Anne Alley near his family's home, Erik Wood saw his daughter's life flash before his eyes.

"Eve was in front of me, the car came right down through here and I pulled Eve back, from right here. The car she came about this far away. I looked up and I saw the driver had both thumbs on a keyboard, she was texting away," said Wood.

That's when Wood decided something had to be done to stop it. So, he developed an App called the "one touch text response," Otter for short.

"Here's the opening screen, there's the Otter icon, you open it up," said Wood.

Once you download the App your phone still gets incoming text messages, but Otter keeps it from vibrating or lighting up to distract you. Instead, it generates an automatic reply that lets senders know what you're doing and when you'll safely get back to them.

"I put in one today when I was talking to Q13 that says I am talking with Q13 Fox and I'll get back to you around 5 o'clock," said Wood.

The application also has something called Otter speed protection. If someone is driving over 10 miles per hour it was will send an auto-reply to let the person know the text can't be answered because the person is behind the wheel.

And, if you're thinking teens will just go in and disable it, Wood says there's this.

"For teen drivers, this is the parent going into parental controls, you enter a pass-code, and that's about it," said Wood.

Wood says he understands we're all busy and it can be difficult to put down the cell-phone and concentrate on what you're doing behind the wheel. But, he says not doing that is a life or death decision.

"She never saw us, she never even stopped to say I'm sorry," said Wood.

A decision he hopes his invention will make it easier to make.

So far, Otter only works on android phones, but could soon be available for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Win Mobile.

There are about a dozen other Apps out there meant to help you avoid the temptation of texting while driving. Some keep you from using the phone when the car is going more than 10 miles an hour, others lock the phone and won't let you text unless you match a password sequence that flashes on the screen, supposedly impossible to do while you're driving.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Search Intensifies For Edgewood Craigslist Home Invasion Killer


PIERCE COUNTY - Pierce County Detectives are following up on more than two hundred tips they've received so far on the Edgewood home invasion murder. A team of investigators is following up on each lead they've gotten and are still processing evidence.

Investigators have released sketches of two of the suspects. One woman and one man.

Police say the family has given them two different descriptions of the female suspect. The wife says the woman had long hair, but her two sons say the woman had cornrows.

Detectives believe the wife's description is likely correct, in part, because she works in a hair salon.

They believe the boys imprinted on the male suspect's cornrows when they saw him shoot their father, and then described the female suspect in the same manner.

To be on safe side though, detectives are releasing sketches of the woman with both long hair 'and' with cornrows.

43-year-old Jim Sanders was shot and killed in front of his family Wednesday. The suspects gained access by saying they were interested in a ring he was advertising on Craigslist.

Cops are asking for anyone who can identify the suspects in the sketches or who have any information on the crime to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-222-TIPS or call 911.

Also today a fundraiser for the Sanders family was held this afternoon at the Salon where Sanders' wife Charlene works. Friends and family gathered at Salon 10 & Day Spa in Milton for the event.

Jamie Rankin is one of the salon's owners. She can't believe someone would harm Charlene's husband.

"I don't know how you could live with yourself after doing something like that to a great family, just walking away with a ring it's just disgusting," said Rankin.

Mary Faber has been getting haircuts from Charlene Sanders for years. She felt compelled to sell bake goods at the fundraiser.

"We've had a phenomenal response just overwhelmed with food, people have been giving us $20 for a single plate of cookies, just really interested in helping out," said Faber.

All proceeds from the bake sale, haircuts, and raffle will go to the Sanders family.

Jim Sanders' brother Derek Sanders was at today's event. He spoke with Q13 Fox News about how the family is coping with their loss.

"Jim gave his life for his family. If he could see the videotape of what was going to happen and know he would die in the end and his family would be safe, I'm sure he would do it all over again," said Sanders.

Derek Sanders says he's touched by the community's support, but he wants them to do something else to help catch his brother's killer.

"Really try to help keep a look out for these people, whether your at coffee, if you're going somewhere in the airport or train station whatever, we just really want to catch these guys," said Sanders.

A memorial fund has been set up for the family. Anyone interested can donate to the "Jim Sanders Memorial Fund" at any Bank of America Branch.

Be the first to know. Sign up for Q13 FOX Mobile and E-mail Alerts.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Thousands Of People Rally In Seattle Today Against Controversial Arizona Immigration Law


SEATTLE - Right now, that controversial immigration bill that the state of Arizona just passed is still in place, but, if the millions who took to the streets across the Country today have it their way it will be gone forever. One of those huge protest rallies was held in Seattle.

All of the protesters marched from Judkins Park in the Central District all the way down to Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center for a huge rally to demand immigration reform.

Under gray skies on this Saturday the streets of Seattle came alive with color and passion as thousands of people marched for a single purpose.

"We want immigration reform to get the rights for all the people to work together."

Many carried signs and waved American flags as a show of solidarity for immigrant rights. But, it was anger over Arizona's controversial immigration law that made the most noise. It got Oscar Cea fired up.

"What they're doing in Arizona, they're being racist cause they're only stopping people that look Hispanic and there's lots of immigrants here," said Cea.

A new Arizona law would require authorities to stop and question people about their immigration status if they suspect they could be in the country illegally. Lawmakers say they need the law because the federal one isn't protecting their borders.

In May Day Rally's all across the nation for worker and immigrant rights protesters blasted the law calling it unconstitutional. In California, 100,000 people spoke out against it in the streets of Los Angeles.

"It's not enough to say it's broken we need action."

In Seattle, today's march ended with a rally at Memorial Stadium where church leaders, immigrant rights and labor groups, plus local politicians like Representative Jim McDermott and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn denounced Arizona's new immigration rules.

"This new law not only permits racial profiling, but actually encourages it," said McDermott.

"In Seattle we will not stand for fear," said McGinn.

Ultimately, some people like Tracey Thompson with Teamsters Local 117 believe it's be up to our leaders in Washington D.C. to unite our country under a new immigration policy.

"What we need is national immigration reform and we need leadership on that issue, we need Obama to step forward on that," said Thompson.

Today's rally in Seattle was one of nine events taking place in our state. There were only a few counter protestors at the Seattle rally. Seattle Police say there were no reports of problems during the protest.
Be the first to know. Sign up for Q13 FOX Mobil

Followers

About Me

My photo
Seattle, WA, United States
Television And Social Media Journalist
Powered By Blogger