Monthly Archives: April 2021

BIPOC, Breaking News, Local

Breaking: Governor Inslee orders criminal investigation into Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer

[OLYMPIA] – (MTN) Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Friday ordered the state attorney general office to investigate Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer, and his actions on January 27, 2021, involving a Black newspaper carrier.

“The initial reports of these events were very concerning to me, and I had hoped to see some action taken to initiate a criminal investigation at the local level,” Inslee said in a written statement released Friday. “But, to my knowledge, that has not happened almost three months after the incident. So now the state is stepping in. I have spoken to Attorney General Ferguson and his office will conduct this investigation and make the decision whether to initiate prosecution.”

Due to the inaction of Tacoma Police and Pierce County, Gov. Inslee sent a letter to the Criminal Justice Division of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office.

On January 27, 2021, Ed Troyer called 911 to report that a man had threatened to kill him and was acting suspiciously driving slowly from house to house. That man was Sedrick Altheimer, who is a newspaper carrier and was delivering papers on his route. Troyer followed Altheimer in his personal vehicle, never identified himself as a law enforcement officer, and reported he had blocked Altheimer’s vehicle.

Troyer repeated multiple times in the 911 call that he was threatened by Altheimer, and reported that he might be attempting to break into garages. Forty-two units from across Pierce County initially responded to the call, with six units arriving.

Troyer walked back his accusations when Tacoma police arrived. Tacoma police did not turn on their recently issued bodycams while talking to Troyer but did activate them when talking to Altheimer. Altheimer was never charged with a crime. When the story broke Troyer expressed surprise that a police report was even created.

The Pierce County Council voted on April 6 to pay former U.S. attorney Brian Moran $50,000 to look into Troyer’s behavior from January 2020 to January 2021 and investigate the incident with Altheimer. However, the investigator has no subpoena power and cannot put people under oath.

The January 2021 incident brought attention to a November 11, 2020, 911 call that Troyer made claiming to have confronted two Black men trying to break into his car and steal his wallet. In that incident when Tacoma police arrive Troyer brushed off the incident, and officers ultimately did not take a report. In March 2021, after the second incident occurred, the officer-involved with the November 11 911 call took an official report into that incident.

Health and Lifestyle, Local, National

CDC recommends lifting Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine pause

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[SEATTLE] – (MTN) Lifting the pause on the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the United States was recommended today by U.S. health regulators on Friday. A two-week review of data on over 8 million administered doses indicated that blood clot formations were extremely rare. A total of 15 significant adverse events were reported including 3 fatalities. The most recent reported fatality was a woman in Oregon, although investigators have not confirmed that her death was a result of the vaccine or other health issues.

Today’s recommendation opens the door for the one-dose J&J vaccine to be used again, once regulators confirm the CDC’s recommendation.

CDC official Sara Oliver told a panel today that approximately 26 people could suffer serious blood clots out of 10 million. However, she also reported that 1,400 deaths and 3,500 hospital admissions would also be prevented.

All of the people who experienced adverse events were born biologically as women and were from 18 to 54 years old. Some in the medical community are recommending a stronger warning for women about the extraordinarily rare risk. The panel rejected this suggestion in a second vote today.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has shown to be more effective on COVID-19 variants from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The vaccine also has fewer reported side effects than Moderna and Pfizer, particularly for people over 55 years of age.

Disclosure: The author of this story received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

Seattle OPA investigation into SPD officer Eric Whitehead almost completed

SEATTLE] – (MTN) The Seatle Office of Police Accountability (OPA) opened an investigation into officer Eric Whitehead after a January 15, 2021 incident where he refused to wear a mask at an area hospital. In a follow-up with the OPA, a spokesperson told Malcontent News that the investigation is nearly complete and a report will be issued within two weeks.

Officer Whitehead was at an area hospital to get a statement from an assault victim and refused to wear a mask. According to a nurse in the emergency department, the officer “blatantly refused” to put a mask on despite COVID positive patients nearby and standing in a “high traffic” hallway.

The staff at the unnamed hospital gave the officer masks multiple times, that he repeatedly threw away. The nurse escalated to the Charge Nurse after the officer became belligerent, and was “condescending” with her. The Charge Nurse then notified the Nursing Supervisor, and the officer finally put on a mask.

The compliance was short-lived, with officer Whitehead stating that he would take the mask off when he went into the patient room, potentially exposing the victim of assault to COVID. Despite a larger police presence, the staff noted that no other officers interceded on the behalf of the hospital, to ask Whitehead to put on a mask.

Although no hospital was identified in the investigation, Harborview has come under fire from the rank and file of Seattle Police through the group Safe Seattle. On November 21, 2020, an anonymous source complained about the “vibe,” in a Facebook post. “It used to be friendly. Now it’s either like we are invisible and they can’t see us at all… or they will stare at us. We used to have conversations and joke around with HMC folks, but the vibe has changed. Jail staff have noticed it, too, when they have to do hospital watches. Sure, it’s not all the staff to be clear, but the vibe has definitely tensed up.”

In another post, anonymous Seattle police officers complained that free snacks were no longer available for them in the emergency department. After a COVID-19 outbreak in the medical center sickened 13 and killed at least one, hospital administration identified that lax mask policy in break rooms while eating food likely contributed to the infections. As a result, UWM banned all food, including single-serving packages from all areas of the hospital except the cafeteria for anyone who is not a patient.

BIPOC, Editorial, Local, National

Malcontentment Happy Hour: April 21, 2021

Video

Our live webcast from the former Seattle Anarchist Jurisdiction

Editors Note: There is approximately five minutes of audio problems during our segment on Pinal County Sheriff Julian Navarrette. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The show from April 21, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.

  • Derek Chauvin verdict
  • Seattle Police tweak anti-protest actions
  • Pinal County Sheriff Julian Navarrette is a ‘super citizen’
  • COVID-19 Update

Local

‘Boonie dogs’ find new homes in Puget Sound after 5,700-mile odyssey

[SEATTLE] – (MTN) At the end of World War II, countless dogs that were used to sniff out bombs and hiding Japanese soldiers were left behind on the island of Guam. The population exploded unchecked, and Guam became overrun with a unique mixed breed known as Boonies.

Guam is estimated to have 167,000 residents and 25,000 to 60,000 stray Boonie dogs. Frustration has boiled over with some residents and leaders. As recently as 2019, there have been suggestions to do annual hunting derbies to control the population. Hunting of dogs was never ratified. Instead overwhelmed officials are spaying and neutering dogs and cats before sending them back out onto the streets. The severely sick and injured are humanely euthanized, with the island working to maintain a no-kill policy whenever possible.

Ashley Ridley-Smith, co-owner of Sugar & Shears Spa in Seattle, is passionate about finding the Boonie dogs new homes. ” Unfortunately, Guam has a problem with animals. There’s over 60,000. A lot of street animals that need forever homes, love, and fosters,” Ridley-Smith explained.

The Boonie Flight Project is working to fly dogs to the United States mainland to awaiting foster families and owners. The first official flight happened on April 10 and the next flight is coming up on April 24. The journey isn’t an easy one.

“They just started the Boonie Flight Project, which is a charter flight that brought 25 dogs,” Ridley-Smith explained. “A lot of puppies all the way to Hawaii and it wasn’t cheap. It was a lot of work on the end of Guam and they pulled it off and they plan on doing it regularly until they can get this situation under control.”

Prior to COVID, Delta and United Airlines had regular service between Guam and Hawaii. Due to the sharp decline in travel, Delta suspended service. United Airlines suspended the transport of all animals, even for US service members and their families. The only way an animal can get on or off Guam is on a charter flight.

The Boonie dogs are carefully stored in crates for their charter flight to Hawaii. Hawaii maintains strict protocols for animals coming to the islands because rabies is not present on the archipelago. Guam also does not have rabies. However, the dogs still have to go through USDA inspection upon arrival. That can last 12 to 48 hours and during that time the dogs are not allowed to leave the facility. They are well cared for including being able to relieve themselves, getting fed, and having plenty of water. From Hawaii, they head to the United States on commercial flights, including Seattle.

On April 10, 2021, the first Boonie Flight brought 25 dogs to Hawaii, and then to the United States mainland to start a new life

Guam has a single animal shelter for dogs and cats that is incapable of handling the decades-long crisis, and the government of Guam, a United States territory, has long been accused of not enforcing existing animal control regulations.

Ridley-Smith explained, “These wonderful people on Guam have taken it upon themselves to figure out another solution that’s really working. They were able to get 25 dogs here and they have another plan on April 24 with tons of puppies looking for their forever homes.”

We had a chance to meet Pineapple, Frank, Cream Soda, and Lemon, who arrived last week. Each dog had unique personalities – Frank was laid back and fell asleep in Ridley-Smith’s arms while Cream Soda had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Frank has already found his forever home. “Frank is now mine,” Ridley-Smith said, “and his three sisters are ready for adoption. They were found in a box at two weeks old. So their fosters on Guam had to bottle-feed them.”

Frank and his brothers and sisters were found huddled together in a box at just two-weeks old

It costs approximately $1,300 per adult dog and $600 to $700 per puppy to fly them from Guam to Hawaii safely and humanely and the operation is run on donations. Ridley-Smith told us that adoptees sometimes sponsor a dog for their travel expenses, while others donate to help these pups find a forever home.

You can help local efforts, become a foster, or apply to adopt, by visiting the Go Fund Me for Guam Puppies Need Homes or visiting the Boonie Flight Project on Facebook.

BIPOC, Local

Seattle Police arrest two during protest march after Derek Chauvin conviction

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[SEATTLE] – (MTN) Seattle police used a large number of officers to shadow a small group of protesters, some in black bloc, in the hours after Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd in Minneapolis. In the moments after Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second degree murder, third degree murder, and second degree manslaughter, cheers erupted on Capitol Hill while fireworks went off on the eastside.

Protesters gathered at Cal Anderson Park and marched through downtown. The group was met by a couple of counter-protesters on Broadway, where words were exchanged when one person tried to drive through a car brigade. Seattle police appeared with a large contingent of officer, that was as large as the protest group.

Seattle Police repeatedly announced through LRAD for the protester to remain peaceful. There wasn’t any apparent damage done by the group, with a few moving traffic cones and temporary signs into the roadway. Two targeted arrests were made for pedestrian obstruction. The group then marched back up Capitol Hill to Cal Anderson. Seattle Police bike officers moved the group at a faster pace before disengaging.

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SPD shifted tactics in October 2020 ending the widespread use of pepper spray and flash-bang grenades to disperse protesters. Data from the city attorney’s office indicates that pedestrian obstruction arrests will likely not end in criminal charges.

Earlier in the day, a consortium of city leaders and Black activists called for peace and calm at a hastily put-together press conference.

Derek Chauvin was filmed by a teenager holding a knee on the neck of George Floyd for more than nine minutes in May of 2020. The actions of Chauvin and the inaction of his fellow officers led to the death of Floyd, and Chauvin’s conviction in that murder.

The death of Floyd reignited the Black Lives Matter movement started in 2014 and forced a civil rights reckoning in the United States.

Derek Chauvin had his bail revoked and will have his sentencing hearing in eight weeks.

BIPOC, Editorial, LGBTQIA, Local, National

Malcontentment Happy Hour: April 19, 2021

Video

Our live webcast from the former Seattle Anarchist Jurisdiction

The show from April 19, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.

  • Derek Chauvin trial – deliberations begin
  • Malcontented Minutes
    • National Archives in Seattle no longer closing
    • Amazon to examine employee review system for disparity and bias
    • Marjorie Taylor Greene hurts the brain
    • FedEx gunman in Indiana legally purchased guns
    • Mystery animal in Poland turns out to be a croissant
    • Arizona woman finds her tires slashed – and a finger
    • Transgender community in North Carolina wants justice after a string of murders
    • Parents are fleeing states that are passing anti-transgender laws
    • Pacific Pug Rescue saves pugs from Chinese slaughterhouses
    • Filbert the beaver at the Oregon Zoo turns 10 and get a birthday cake fit for a…beaver
  • Not Your Model Minority rally and march in Seattle
  • Sit Down and Listen with Eastside Embrace in Kirkland

Local, National

Local Proud Boy leader Ethan Nordean has bail revoked

[WASHINGTON D.C.] – (MTN) Federal Court District Judge Timothy J. Kelly moved to revoke bail for Proud Boy leaders Ethan Nordean and Joseph Biggs. The two stand accused of being central leaders in the January 6 Capitol insurrection that left five dead, and forced lawmakers to suspend the 2020 election certification process.

In a lengthy decision, Judge Kelly wrote, “The defendants stand charged with seeking to steal one of the crown jewels of our country, in a sense, by interfering with the peaceful transfer of power,” Judge Timothy Kelly said as he explained his decision. “It’s no exaggeration to say the rule of law and … in the end, the existence of our constitutional republic is threatened by it.”

Nordean has been released and returned to custody multiple times since his first arraignment on initial charges. A Washington District Court judge decided to release him in February, but prosecutors filed an emergency stay which was upheld. Then Judge Beryl Howell ordered Nordean released stating that the case for conspiracy was weak. Nordean was released under strict conditions.

In an indictment issued in March, Nordean, Biggs, Aach Rehl, and Charles Donohoe were charged with a litany of charges with more evidence to support the prosecutor’s claims.

Nordean was witnessed leading the Proud Boys in a march down Constitution Avenue at the same time then President Donald Trump was speaking. Nordean and the group of Proud Boys did not wear their signature black and yellow shirts. They are accused of charging the weakly defended checkpoints on the outer barricades of the Capitol.

Nordean took on a leadership role on January 6 due to the arrest of Enrique Tarrio on January 4. Tarrio is accused of a hate crime and property destruction for the burning of Black Lives Matter banners at two historic churches in Washington D.C. In an interview with CNN, Tarrio revealed he has testified before a federal grand jury about the January 6 insurrection.

Local

Eastside Restaurant Support Week starts on Monday

[KIRKLAND] – (MTN) After 15 months of COVID, the restaurant and hospital industry continue to struggle, but Eastside Restaurant Support and a consortium of 10 Chamber of Commerce are out to change that. Eastside Restaurant Support Week will run from April 19 to April 26, encompassing almost all of eastern King County. Each day has a different theme. To participate, you take a picture of your meal and share it on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, with the hashtag #eastsideeats. A $100 gift card will be given to one person every day during the event.

EASTSIDE RESTAURANT WEEK WITH ANGELA ROZYMN OF EASTSIDE RESTAURANT SUPPORT AND SAMANTHA ST. JOHN OF KIRKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“This has been quite the time for our local businesses. They have a great attitude, they have adopted to every restriction that has put in front of them for good reason, said Samantha St. John, CEO of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, “Now it’s time for us to do our part, to really make sure that they don’t go under after they have really stepped up to the plate to keep us safe.”

Typically, restaurant weeks feature specific restaurants with special menus meant to highlight culinary skills and food presentation. “We wanted to do something different than your typical restaurant week,” Angela Rozmyn founder of Eastside Restaurant Support explained. “We haven’t asked [restaurants] for separate menus or discounts. We want you to go out and support them full price, but check out maybe a new restaurant that you’ve never tried before.”

Eastside Restaurant Week has a different theme for every day of the event. Additionally, because this is Ramadan, there is a special category for after sunset and before sunrise. “There’s nothing on the restaurant side that they have to do to participate as a restaurant,” said St. John. “They just need to sit back and watch the customers come in.”

“Just find a local restaurant, take a photo of it, and hashtag #eastsideeats. Put it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and make sure the post is public.”

Eastside Restaurant Week has a different theme each day and is supported by over a dozen organizations – Monday 4/19 Italian-Greek-pizza, Tuesday 4/20 Asian, Wednesday 4/21 healthy, Thursday 4/22 Burgers and brews, 4/23 Mexican-Latin American-South American, Saturday 4/24 Indian, Sunday 4/25 indulgences, Monday 4/26 Black, Indigenous, person of color and/or women-owned, from 4/19 to 4/26 Ramadan for after sunset or before sunrise

The event involves the entire eastside from Bothell to Renton, from Duvall to Black Diamond. Participants are asked to get takeout over dining in or delivery if it is possible. King County COVID case numbers continue to increase and organizers don’t want to drop the county back to Phase 2 restrictions.

With the amazing weather we are having this week, Rozmyn added, “It’s beautiful outside right now and things are really starting to look up and be hopeful as far as where we’ve come over the last year with COVID, but things are really tough for our restaurants still.”

BIPOC, Local

Not Your Model Minority rally in Seattle speaks out against Asian-Pacific Islander racism

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[SEATTLE] – (MTN) Approximately 200 people gathered in Hing Hay Park on Saturday to speak out against Asian and Pacific Islander racism and violence. Organizers of the Not Your Model Minority rally and march featured several speakers who are survivors of bias, racism, violence, and police violence.

Asians and Pacific Islanders are considered a “model minority.” Races that try to blend in with white culture, achieve academic excellence, and are perceived as equally successful to whites. Even among Asian culture terms such as “banana” and “coconut” are used to describe someone who appears Asian on the outside, but thinks and acts white. In pop culture, Asians are typically stereotyped as either submissive or angry and impatient, and Asian women are fetishized.

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Within the Asian-Pacific Islander communities, there are many races that are economically disadvantaged and have education rates as low as other Black, Indigenous, and persons of color communities. Asian-Pacific Islander mean household wealth is above other minority groups but is only half of white households. Additionally, some ethnicities such as the Hmong and Khmer Rouge experience racism from within the Asian community.

Speakers included Elaine Simons, the foster mother of Jesse Sarey. Sarey’s family were Khmer Rouge immigrants who fled the killing fields of Cambodia. Sarey was shot to death by Auburn police officer Jeff Nelson on May 31, 2019. Nelson is awaiting trial for second degree murder and first degree assault, and is the first and only police officer in Washington to prosecuted under I-940.

An anesthesiology resident with the University of Washington told the audience how she has experienced racism and has been harassed since COVID arrived in our region in January 2020. The threats by strangers on the street reaching a point she expressed concern about being able to do things many take for granted like a last-minute trip to the grocery store or walking to her gym.

A couple of sex workers bravely spoke about their challenges including accusations of police misconduct, violence, and fetishizing of Asian women. Thunderous applause came from the audience when Seattle police were accused of ignoring the International District and the residents that live there.

Vendors provided Asixn and Pacific-Islander food and water was handed out due to the record-setting heat on Saturday. Lion dancers entertained the crowd while organizers prepared for the march.

The group then marched through the International District, chanting and stopping at historical locations to provide reflection and education. The Seattle police maintained an out-of-sight presence, observing the group from two to three blocks away.

The United States has seen a dramatic increase in violence against Asian peoples in 2020, with many cases going unreported. The most high-profile incident was in Atlanta when Robert Aaron Long targeted three Asian-owned businesses, killing eight, including six people of Asian ethnicity. Long was arrested after a high-speed chase almost 200 miles away, allegedly on his way to a fourth target.