May 2015

It had to happen on May Day.

The disorderly conduct charges facing Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant, Pastor John Helmiere, and Socrates Bravo were dismissed by Judge Ann E. Danieli in SeaTac this morning. Applause and jubilation filled the courtroom as 15NOW.org supporters and families of the accused celebrated the dismissal.

“Sometimes cities give people jaywalking tickets when they walk into the middle of the street, those are infractions. Some of you may have had one. You don’t get a jury trial for jaywalking. In this case the city decided to treat this like the crime of the century and they spent a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of city money for obviously and evidently no purpose at all,” said defense attorney Dmitri Iglitzin of the decision.

Initially Prosecutor Cindy Corsilles told Judge Danieli that the city would be seeking an appeal. Moments later outside the courtroom Corsilles seemed more ambiguous about the potential appeal.

“We have to talk about it with our office, but that would be a possibility,” said Corsilles.

The annual fundraising campaign GIVE BIG is back May 5 and West Seattle and White Center based organizations are asking you to do just that, use this day to provide some support for the organizations of your choice. Organized by the Seattle Foundation, the event focuses charitable donations at a time when they really needed.

On May 5, browse or search for a nonprofit in The Seattle Foundation’s Giving Center. Once at the correct nonprofit profile page, click the Donate Now button, select Make a Credit Card Donation, and fill out the required form. Here are more detailed instructions.

http://www.seattlefoundation.org/givingcenter/Pages/default.aspx

Woodland Park Zoo had the opportunity to speak with esteemed conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall and provide her access to more information about Bamboo and Chai including the planning that went into identifying their new home.

After reviewing the information available to her and consulting with her network of professional colleagues, Dr. Goodall sent the following letter to Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, Seattle City Council President Tim Burgess, and Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Deborah Jensen:

"Dear Mayor Murray, Council President Burgess, & Dr. Jensen:

On April 22, 2015, I made some comments regarding the needs of Chai and Bamboo without having full information about their options. Since then, I have reviewed the findings of the Expert Review Panel and I am writing today to share my views.

I still very firmly believe that Chai and Bamboo should be moved to a multi-generational herd, as recommended by the Expert Review Panel. I have also reviewed the options for Chai and Bamboo to be relocated into a social herd of Indian Elephants. While PAWS maintains a wonderful sanctuary, the Oklahoma City Zoo would provide the optimal home for Chai and Bamboo.