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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2017)
March 15, 2017 The Skanner Page 5 News Events & Announcements Community Calendar 2017 cont’d from pg 4 turns 104 years old on March 19, and visitors are invited to help celebrate by enjoying a State Park for free that day. All-day event. SEATTLE’S 5TH ANNUAL FRENCH FEST: This event is free and open to the public. During the event, festival goers of all ages have an opportunity to enjoy many activities all with a French twist. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St. THURSDAY, MARCH 23 PHOTO BY SUSAN FRIED COMPLEX EXCHANGE: This edition will include two free pro- grams, one held at the Northwest African American Museum to discuss “An Elegant Utility.” 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., NAAM, 2300 S. Massachusetts St. SATURDAY, MARCH 25 We Stand Together Dozens of neighbors in South Seattle gathered March 12 at the corners of S. Ferdinand Street and Rainier Avenue S to show their support for their Muslim, Jewish and immigrant neighbors. South Seattle: We Stand Together was a chance for the neighborhood to embrace its diversity and show the community that it will stand against hate. Briefs cont’d from pg 4 Seattle News Briefs Seattle King County NAACP Disappointed But Not Surprised by Prosecutor’s Decision On Tuesday morning, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced that he will not charge the offi- cers involved in the police killing of Che Taylor. This decision came after an inquest was held in early Feb- ruary to look into the facts surrounding the death of Taylor. In response, the Seattle King County NAACP released the following statement: “We are deeply disappointed that the officers re- sponsible for the shooting death of Che Taylor will not be held accountable, but we can’t say that we’re surprised. It proves what we’ve known all along: that our criminal justice system is set-up to protect police officers, even when it comes at the expense of protect- ing the community. The NAACP stated at the time of the inquest that we deserved answers from Seattle Police Department (SPD) to fill in the gaping holes that exist in their ver- sion of the story. The answers that we got from the in- quest: The all-white jury unanimously agreed that (1) Officer Michael Spaulding did not observe Che Taylor wearing a holstered handgun on his right hip (Ques- tion 10), (2) Officer Scott Miller did not see Mr. Taylor move his right hand to his right hip area (Question 41), (3) Taylor was complying with officers demands when he was shot (Questions 33 and 34), and (4) Tay- lor was not carrying a gun when he was shot (Ques- tions 46 and 47). SPD’s own video footage confirms that Taylor was doing what the officers asked when he was shot and killed—ask any prosecutor, evidence does not get better than a killing caught on tape. In broad daylight, police shot an unarmed man who was doing what police asked. Yet, no murder charge. No criminal consequences at all. No justice for Che Taylor or his family. Our question is simple: if not in this case, when? Today, King County Prosecutor Satterberg failed to press charges against the officers responsible for killing Che Taylor, just like he did back in 2011 when he chose not to press charges against Officer Ian Birk who killed John T. Williams (despite the fact that the police department found the shooting unjustified). The death of Williams is what triggered the Depart- ment of Justice investigation into SPD; now, six years later and despite a consent decree, we’re still seeing the same results. This represents a long and troubling pattern of prosecutors refusing to hold police officers account- able for the senseless deaths of people of color across our country, from Ferguson to Seattle. We need pros- ecutors to have the political courage to do the right thing; to hold officers accountable to the law and en- sure that transparency and faith are restored in our justice system. If Satterberg can’t commit to holding police officers accountable and restoring communi- ty trust in our justice system, maybe it’s time to elect someone who can. The prosecutor’s decision clearly indicates that we need to change the Washington State deadly use of force law to remove references to malice and good faith, creating a clear pathway to accountability and transparency within our police department. This is not simply about the senseless death of Che Taylor. It’s about fixing our criminal justice system so that it actually makes our com- munities safer, instead of leaving people of color vulnerable to police bru- tality and excessive use of force.” OPEN HOUSE AT WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Come see our big changes! Please join the board of directors and staff to learn about our new “Shopping Style” distribution, our many programs and how we collaborate to serve our West Seattle neighbors. Beverages and appetizers will be served. Bring your children, bring a friend, everyone is welcome! 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Seattle Food Bank, 3419 SW Morgan St. to have an attorney look over your contract, rescis- sion, and negotiation strategies. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A ses- sion. Katrina Brede earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kansas where she majored in film studies and U.S. history. She received her J.D. from Se- attle University School of Law. A former media pro- ducer, Katrina as a unique understanding of the legal needs of artists, non-profits, and small businesses. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/ events/1876678432547168/. Information is powerful. Central District Forum Holds Legal Workshop for Artists Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas is host- ing a legal workshop for artists from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. March 18 at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave S. This workshop will be imperative and timely for artists looking to gain knowledge about the le- gal issues related to art- ist’s work including pro- tecting and copyrighting one’s property. Attorney Katrina Bre- de will give a presenta- tion on legal issues fac- ing artists today. Topics covered will broadly include: • Entity formation, non-profit formation, and setting yourself up for fundraising. • Issues related to en- tertainment law such as copyright (both for themselves and in us- ing other people’s IP), trademark, and public- ity rights. • Issues related to con- tracting such as when The power is in your hands. NEWS www.TheSkanner.com TheSkannerNews @TheSkannerNews
