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I’m a blue state mayor and the future of homelessness scares me

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2024

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I’m a blue state mayor and the future of homelessness scares me

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The brief life of the Ghost of Christmas Present passed upon the stroke of midnight on Wednesday, and children began the countdown to the appearance of his brother, one year from now.

This Christmas, as I do every Christmas, I read Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” There is a scene, right after the departure of Marley’s ghost, where Scrooge sees disembodied spirits, doomed to wander the earth. These spirits are begging and pleading, unseen and unheard, with the poor, homeless and disenfranchised. What they lament is their inability to help — a tragic irony, as they had the opportunity to act while alive but, now without physical bodies, can do nothing.

This got me thinking about homelessness. Is it the same thing? As the mayor of El Cajon, California, I’ve been an outspoken critic of how the state has handled the homelessness crisis. I asked myself, “Is it possible, like Scrooge, that I’ve been forging my own ponderous chain every time I criticize voucher programs, lawlessness and housing-first policies?” I wondered: if I were given the same gift that Scrooge received, what revelations might my hauntings reveal?

DR. PHIL WITNESSES TENSE HOMELESS ALTERCATION WHILE TOURING SUBWAY WITH MAYOR ADAMS

The Ghost of Christmas Past, which brings to mind the 1970s, would show me a California largely devoid of homelessness. Back then, California was a relative paradise, marked by a sense of law and order.

California’s future homelessness will only get worse if we don’t change policies. FILE: The City of Berkeley, California is being sued by several businesses for failing to remove homeless encampments. (SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ALAMEDA)

But did not Christ say, “The poor will always be with us?” I know the 1970s were full of poor people — I was one of them. Most everyone I knew was poor. Yet we could walk downtown without running a gauntlet of homelessness. Crime existed, but police were empowered to protect communities. Beaches were places of beauty, not encampments filled with filth and despair.

Why? What changed? In my opinion, it was a conscious decision to make homelessness a viable option — by subsidizing the homeless lifestyle financially, eliminating laws that kept communities safe and clean, normalizing addiction and de-stigmatizing vagrancy (using the blunt language of the 1970s). In my imagination, the ghost would make no judgment but would let me draw my own conclusions.

Would the Ghost of Christmas Present show me the dark, dangerous encampments, rife with rape, violence and hopelessness? I believe he would. But would the blame fall on those trapped in this hell, or on the politicians? Would he show me the backroom deals and development contracts that sustain the homeless industrial complex — a system in which a select few profit from $25 billion in wasted funds while the problem only worsens, leaving NGOs begging for more?

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Would the Ghost gaze upon the wretched and say, “Blame me not for this misery. This is man’s doing”? Would he point to the people dying on sidewalks and say, “I see a tent left empty. If these policies do not change, this will be their fate?” Would he show me Christmas dinner tables where people laugh, shake their heads and lament California’s self-destruction?

The final ghost, like Scrooge’s, would be the one I fear most. He would show me a California where cities are uninhabitable and residents are scattered across the nation as refugees. He would reveal lawless anarchy in the streets, where sexual assault and overdose deaths are predictable and accepted outcomes. He would show shuttered retail stores, overrun hospitals and public spaces rendered unsafe. He would lead me to the ruins of the home where I was born. And, with his skeletal hand, he might point silently to places like Haiti, forewarning what lies ahead.

It is my Christmas wish that the true recipients of such hauntings would be the political decision-makers responsible for this crisis. May they wake up on Christmas morning with a new vision and vitality — one that prioritizes the welfare of all Californians over greed and failed ideologies.

If I were Dickens, I would write an ending where the homeless industrial complex is dismantled and replaced with effective solutions. Most importantly, I would write a happy ending for those trapped by homelessness and addiction — not by enabling them, but by enforcing laws that prevent street living while providing, and sometimes requiring, appropriate treatment. I would see municipalities regain the tools to clean their cities and reverse policies that have made California increasingly unlivable.

Why? What changed? In my opinion, it was a conscious decision to make homelessness a viable option — by subsidizing the homeless lifestyle financially, eliminating laws that kept communities safe and clean, normalizing addiction and de-stigmatizing vagrancy (using the blunt language of the 1970s).

In reflecting on this, I see a disconnect between the poor and homeless of Victorian England and the crisis we face today. In 1843, there was no safety net and options were few. I believe Dickens’ poor would have embraced modern shelters, work opportunities and rehabilitation programs — not because they were better people, but because harsh conditions demanded it. “Are there no poor? Are there no workhouses? Many would rather die than go there,” they said. This was their grim reality.

Today, however, our obligation to the poor and homeless must be matched by their obligation to participate in their own recovery. The real Scrooge in this story is the political class that has imposed a failed social experiment on Californians — a failure by every measure. May we all see the truth so we can proclaim, “God bless us, everyone.”

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Seattle, WA

New restaurants Seattle residents are looking forward to in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

New restaurants Seattle residents are looking forward to in 2025

SEATTLE – Washington state’s dining scene is gearing up for a major shakeup in 2025, with several highly anticipated restaurants set to make their debut.

From iconic fast-food chains to fresh culinary experiences, here’s what food lovers can look forward to in the coming year.

Raising Cane’s Fried Chicken Fingers is finding a new home in Seattle

Known for its crispy chicken fingers and signature Cane’s Sauce, Raising Cane’s is expanding into the Seattle area with locations planned for the University District, Renton and Lynnwood.

Currently, the closest location is in Vancouver, Washington, where the Louisiana-based chain opened in July.

In-N-Out Burger is crossing the state line

The beloved California-based chain is officially bringing its signature burgers, fries, and shakes to the Evergreen State.

In-N-Out is working on a plan to open its first Washington location in Ridgefield, near the I-5 corridor, by 2025. Despite being a haul from Seattle, this location marks a significant milestone for fans who previously had to travel to Oregon or Idaho to get their fix.

According to the City of Vancouver, In-N-Out Burger was in the pre-application phase in April for an additional location on the east side of the city, marking a second In-N-Out Burger location in Clark County.

The popular chain is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Voodoo Doughnut is now open on Seattle’s Capitol Hill

Fans of quirky, over-the-top doughnuts no longer need to trek to Portland to indulge.

Voodoo Doughnut opened its first Seattle location on December 10 at 1201 Pine St., offering its iconic creations like the Old Dirty Bastard, Voodoo Bubble and Voodoo Doll doughnut.

A look inside Voodoo Doughnut in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood

Voodoo Doughnut, the cult classic donut shop, is opening its first Seattle location today. FOX 13’s Abby Acone is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood with a look inside the Instagram-friendly shop.

El Pollo Loco is bringing its LA Mex fire-grilled chicken to the Evergreen State

The popular California chain is entering the Seattle market with four planned locations in Federal Way, Kent, Tacoma, and Puyallup.

Known for its fire-grilled chicken and fresh Mexican-inspired menu, El Pollo Loco is partnering with restaurateur Jean-Paul Pirio to bring these locations to life.

Starbird Chicken is bringing its modern spin on fast food to the Seattle area

The California-based chain Starbird Chicken is launching an ambitious expansion into Washington with plans for 17 locations, including 15 in the Seattle area and two in Spokane.

Known for its no-antibiotics-ever chicken and tech-savvy customer experience, Starbird offers a chef-crafted menu aimed at redefining fast food.

The first locations are expected to open in 2025.

Seattle bakery near UW named one of best in U.S.

The New York Times just declared a local Seattle bakery as one of the best in America. That’s right, Saint Bread on Portage Bay Waterfront near the University of Washington has made the list of “22 best bakeries across the U.S. right now.”

As Washington’s dining scene continues to evolve, with other exciting openings like Mountain Mike’s Pizza and a new Chick-Fil-A location in Interbay, food enthusiasts across the state can look forward to a year of new flavors and expanded options.

Additionally, an expansion to the Tacoma Mall called “The Village” will offer notable restaurant brands such as Shake Shack, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Supreme Dumpling.

Top 25 search queries of 2024

A look back at the top 25 search queries that brought people to FOX 13 Seattle’s website in 2024.

How to buy Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers tickets

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

How to buy Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers tickets

On the horizon for the Arizona Cardinals (7-9) is a division matchup with the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at State Farm Stadium.

If you are searching for Cardinals vs. 49ers tickets, information is available below.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers game info

Location: Glendale, Arizona
Date: Jan. 5
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

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How to buy Cardinals vs. 49ers tickets for NFL Week 18

You can purchase tickets to see the Cardinals square off against the 49ers from multiple providers.

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers betting odds, lines, spreads

Spread favorite: Cardinals (-4)
Moneyline favorite: Cardinals (-200)
Total: 42.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Arizona Cardinals schedule

Week 1: Sept. 8 at Buffalo Bills, 34-28 loss
Week 2: Sept. 15 vs. Los Angeles Rams, 41-10 win
Week 3: Sept. 22 vs. Detroit Lions, 20-13 loss
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. Washington Commanders, 42-14 loss
Week 5: Oct. 6 at San Francisco 49ers, 24-23 win
Week 6: Oct. 13 at Green Bay Packers, 34-13 loss
Week 7: Oct. 21 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 17-15 win
Week 8: Oct. 27 at Miami Dolphins, 28-27 win
Week 9: Nov. 3 vs. Chicago Bears, 29-9 win
Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. New York Jets, 31-6 win
Week 12: Nov. 24 at Seattle Seahawks, 16-6 loss
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Minnesota Vikings, 23-22 loss
Week 14: Dec. 8 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 30-18 loss
Week 15: Dec. 15 vs. New England Patriots, 30-17 win
Week 16: Dec. 22 at Carolina Panthers, 36-30 loss
Week 17: Dec. 28 at Los Angeles Rams, 13-9 loss
Week 18: Jan. 5 at 4:25 p.m. ET vs. San Francisco 49ers

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Arizona Cardinals stats

Total offense: 356.1 yards per game, 11th in NFL
Passing offense: 212.3 yards per game, 18th in NFL
Rushing offense: 143.8 yards per game, seventh in NFL
Total defense: 336.7 yards per game, 18th in NFL
Passing defense: 211 yards per game, 12th in NFL
Rushing defense: 125.7 yards per game, 20th in NFL

San Francisco 49ers schedule

Week 1: Sept. 9 vs. New York Jets, 32-19 win
Week 2: Sept. 15 at Minnesota Vikings, 23-17 loss
Week 3: Sept. 22 at Los Angeles Rams, 27-24 loss
Week 4: Sept. 29 vs. New England Patriots, 30-13 win
Week 5: Oct. 6 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 24-23 loss
Week 6: Oct. 10 at Seattle Seahawks, 36-24 win
Week 7: Oct. 20 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 28-18 loss
Week 8: Oct. 27 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 30-24 win
Week 10: Nov. 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20 win
Week 11: Nov. 17 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 20-17 loss
Week 12: Nov. 24 at Green Bay Packers, 38-10 loss
Week 13: Dec. 1 at Buffalo Bills, 35-10 loss
Week 14: Dec. 8 vs. Chicago Bears, 38-13 win
Week 15: Dec. 12 vs. Los Angeles Rams, 12-6 loss
Week 16: Dec. 22 at Miami Dolphins, 29-17 loss
Week 17: Dec. 30 vs. Detroit Lions, 40-34 loss
Week 18: Jan. 5 at 4:25 p.m. ET at Arizona Cardinals

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San Francisco 49ers stats

Total offense: 372.6 yards per game, fifth in NFL
Passing offense: 246 yards per game, fourth in NFL
Rushing offense: 126.6 yards per game, 11th in NFL
Total defense: 312.7 yards per game, sixth in NFL
Passing defense: 189.8 yards per game, fourth in NFL
Rushing defense: 122.9 yards per game, 17th in NFL

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This content was created for Gannett using technology provided by Data Skrive.

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Denver, CO

Unique Things To Do in Denver This Weekend 1/1 – 1/5 – 303 Magazine

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

Unique Things To Do in Denver This Weekend 1/1 – 1/5 – 303 Magazine

It’s the first week of 2025! Cheers to a Happy New Year in Denver. Kick the year off with comedy, art shows, mocktails and make your goals for the year ahead.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Sundance Head

When: Jan. 2, 8 p.m.
Where: The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, 1624 Market St., Denver, CO
Cost: $20
The Lowdown: For an evening of soul and country, listen to Sundance Head at Oskar Blues this Thursday. Head was on American Idol in 2007, making the top 24 and then joined in Season 11 of The Voice in 2016 and won on Blake Shelton’s team.
Buy tickets here

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Snape stands in front of Harry, Ron, and Hermione — Photo credit Colorado Symphony

When: Jan. 3, 7 p.m., various dates and times available
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $19.20-$166.40
The Lowdown: While Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ is played in high-definition across four giant screens, the Colorado Symphony will perform John Williams’ score, conducted by Justin Freer.
Buy tickets here

Caspa B2B Rusko

Caspa & Rusko tickets at Mission Ballroom in Denver — Photo credit AXS

When: Jan. 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO
Cost: $67.89+
The Lowdown: Mission Ballroom is starting 2025 out strong with a stacked lineup of DJs and producers this Saturday. The Widdler, Ternion Sound, Mythm, Chief Kaya, Torcha and Skinny Limbs will open, followed by a b2b set with Caspa and Rusko for a “Back to the Underground XL” performance.
Buy tickets here

Donny Most with MJO

When: Jan. 5, 4 p.m.
Where: Dazzle, 1080 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $20 – $30
The Lowdown: For 90 minutes enjoy the big band style of music from Donny Most, known as “Ralph Malph” on Happy Days. The band will play songs from Sinatra, Darin and Martin, in their own creative interpretation of the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra.
Buy tickets here

New Year’s Day Recovery Brunch

When: Jan. 1, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Wonderyard Garden + Table, 2200 Larimer St., Denver, CO
Cost: Free to attend, prices vary
The Lowdown: After a night full of celebrating, you might need a pick-me-up to get the day going. Wonderyard Garden + Table is offering 25% off their Bloody Mar or Mimosa bar for the day beside a spread of their signature brunch favorites like fluffy pancakes, avocado toast and more.
Reserve here

Raise Your Glass to Dry January

When: Jan. 1 – Jan. 31
Where: FIRE at the ART Hotel, 1201 Broadway St., Denver, CO
Cost: Prices vary
The Lowdown: The start of a new year is full of emotions and expectations. If you’re looking to start 2025 on a fresh and sober foot but still want to be social with friends, consider trying FIRE Restaurant and Lounge’s two non-alcoholic cocktails for the month of January. There is “The Clean Slate,” an NA take on a smoked Manhattan and “The Designated Driver,” an NA margarita.
Book a table here

Paint and Sip – Lovely Winter Wonderland

Lovely Winter Wonderland - Paint and Sip by Classpop!™ — Photo credit **Classpop!**

When: Jan. 3, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Painting with a Twist – Lakewood, 7134 W. Alaska Dr., Denver, CO
Cost: $39/person
The Lowdown: Instructor Brian will guide the class through painting a “Lovely Winter Wonderland” that includes mountains and winding river through the snow with various mediums and brushstroke techniques. This class is for any skill level, from beginners to experienced painters. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase so that you can unwind while letting your creative juices flow.
Buy tickets here

Beer Pairing Dinner

Beer Paring Dinner at Goldspot Brewing Co — Photo credit **Thistle & Mint**

When: Jan. 4, 6 p.m.
Where: Goldspot Brewing Company, 4970 Lowell Blvd., Denver, CO
Cost: $99/person
The Lowdown: Chef Jared has curated an intimate tasting menu for guests to appreciate, paired with brews from Goldspot Brewing Company. The menu will entail a five-course Colorado grown meal paired with five Colorado crafted beers, with details revealed only at dinner to compound the surprise.
Buy tickets here

Brew Year’s Eve #8

When: Jan. 5, 8 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus, 2875 Blake St., Denver, CO
Cost: Free to attend
The Lowdown: At this “Industry Get Down,” attendees can indulge in $7 liters of lager, a free mac and cheese bar with toppings, free shots for the countdown at 10 p.m., karaoke, a beer pong tournament and other games. The event is “a little late and not as flashy, but wayyyyyy more fun.”
Buy tickets here

Language Without Words: Works by Ash Eliza Williams

Ash Eliza Williams, "Nerve," oil on panel, foam, gouache, mirror and clay, 2020. — Photo credit Denver Botanic Gardens

When: Dec. 22 – May 4, 2025
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens – York St. Location: 1007 York St., Denver, CO
Cost: Admission free – $15.75
The Lowdown: Explore Ash Eliza Williams’ painting and sculptures at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Williams’ Language Without Words is “an invitation to notice alternate ways to interact with nature…and contemplate perspectives beyond human experience.” Her work focuses on interspecies communication and empathy, and it has been exhibited in the MCA Denver, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (CO) and the New York Hall of Science. On Jan. 23, Williams will be present for an Intersections Lecture: Artist Talk from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Register for that event here.
Get admission tickets here

Ladies Night

When: Jan. 2, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Shoot Indoors Central Park, 6280 E. 39th Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: $10 for ladies
The Lowdown: Every first Thursday night of the month, Shoot Indoors Central Park hosts a Ladies Night, for women to be empowered in a safe, liberating experience. Rentals and targets are free, with only a $10 charge for shooting. This event is for both seasoned pros and first-time shooters.

Friday Night Stand-Up Showcase

When: Jan. 3, 7 or 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Comedy Lounge, 3559 Larimer St., Denver, CO
Cost: $21 – $25
The Lowdown: See comedians that have been featured on Comedy Central, NBC, TBS, HBO, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the intimate Denver Comedy Lounge for some laughs at the beginning of the new year.
Buy tickets here

2025 Reading Goal Kickoff

When: Jan. 4, 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Where: Western Sky Bar & Tap Room, 4361 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Calling all book lovers: come over to Western Sky Book Coven to get started on your reading goals for the year. There will be an allotted amount of time for silent reading, book chatting, bookish vendors and flash tattoos. Guests can hang out with other book lovers, have some drinks and get inspired.
Reserve a spot here

Laura Shill: Working On Myself

When: Jan. 5, 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: MCA Denver – Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver, CO
Cost: Performances are free with museum admission
The Lowdown: Performers Laura Shill and John Lake will “Work on Themselves, exercising various forms of interaction between the objects in Shill’s ‘loneliness gym.’” The performers will move throughout the MCA Denver building for prolonged stretches and other movement.

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