i used to be homeless down town less than a year ago i got off the streets and now am sober with a job and i know several of the people in this video but it all starts with having support and having a place to live thats what i think
I agree. But we can't force people who don't want help, just handouts & whatever's their addiction. I've tried, even when I was on the streets. Maybe two folks ever listened to me. I looked for resources to help me off the streets. Some people have found their comfort zone there. The city needs laws w. teeth. Tough love.
Homeless people should be put to sleep like stray cats. This is true compassion. Compassion for the TAX payers and their families who could use the money for education.
Once downtown is addressed, the rest will take care of itself. Thank CA for sending us their poor & puddled masses.... as well as NY, PA, FL, & TX. And that's just the list I know.
@@carsonmitchell3468 "state moves?" Do you mean smart moves? No, I never said that. They aren't in control unless under management & monitoring/case mgt. I am addicted to prescribed meds that I must take for whatever time I have left on this earth. That's a big diff from mainlining heroin. Or meth. What makes you think I believe addicts are in their right minds?
If people would stop ignoring the issues in our city because they refuse to admit things are bad, it's never going to change either. These politicians need to stop turning a blind eye to everything that doesn't directly benefit them.
I do feel a distinction needs to be made. The trouble is with the drug addicts who refuse help and setup camps wherever - along the river especially and trash the place. This is where the real problem lies. They will not go to a shelter because there are rules there and they can't use their drugs. Arrest them. Force them to clean up their messes, Offer them treatment or Jail. Its that simple. Boise does this - and they don't have the problem as severe as here and in Seattle.
Yes!!! THAT IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. I was born & raised in Spokane. I moved to Mesa, AZ in the mid 90's. I moved back to Spokane mid 2k's. I did not, (still dont) even recognize Spokane. To make it worse, the Spokane Police hands have been tied to the point of ridiculousness! Eg: If someone was to steal my purse & a cop even saw it, if the purse snatcher runs...too bad, bc the police can no longer make chase.
Visited Vancouver, British Columbia this summer which is ranked as the most beautiful city in the world. There is one district on the edge of downtown that spans a 15 block radius that blew my mind with rampant drug use, things I won’t even repeat that I’ve witnessed. It goes from multi million dollar glass and concrete condo towers and Louis Vitton, Gucci stores to a tent city in a matter of three blocks. Talked to locals there who said the problem will never be solved. Where do you even begin? Seattle is much the same from what I’m told, it’s out of anyones control. Trillion dollar mark to even begin
Spokane is one of the best cities in the country to be a homeless drug addict. Cheap drugs, endless supplies of food and hand-outs from bleeding hearts. Every week these people are "blessed under the bridge". Heck, local treatment centers send staff downtown every week and offer 100% free residential drug and alcohol treatment with few to no takers. This place is a magnet for the worst kind of people and everything we're doing to help is just making the problem worse.
Sadly, compassion stretched not only too thin, but misguided is part of the problem. Tough love means telling the truth regarding behavioral consequences.
@@obbeachbum69 Obama phones are trash. Just about worthless, but the gubmint won't go w/ the more reliable old Kyoceras bc it wants us all on smartphones-- that hang, dial on their own, & crash in the middle of a text. That's plain stupid waste. But then, we can afford to send Israel billion$ every year so it can steal property & shoot babies playing on the beach.
This video has some good points, but it's oversimplistic. No mention of the drug problem/availability compared to Boise. Drugs=Crime. Until we address it with a comprehensive plan, our streets and neighborhoods will continue to deteriorate.
heather silke Idaho also gives harsher punishments for drugs. Just residue will get you 7 years in prison. Weed will get you 6 months in jail and or 2 years probation.
Some commenters are overlooking the fact that there are two distinct groups - people who have fallen on hard times ("homeless"), and people who do not want to or cannot integrate into a modern civil society ("criminal vagrants"). This video is concerned primarily with the latter. Of course we need to show compassion and show support for those who truly need it (the homeless). There is plenty of existing housing in shelters for this group. But for those who exist in a way that is harmful to the general public (crime, sanitary and health issues, orderly civil society), they must be dealt with in a mature manner for the benefit of all. Yes, that includes utilizing tools like actually enforcing existing laws and bringing back public mental health institutions (FKA asylums). Giving free housing will not work because they flat out do not want to participate in society, or because they are mentally incapable of doing so and need to be institutionalized.
I have a degree & served as everything from a boot recruit to an officer in the Marines & Army. I fell through those cracks. I never panhandled, was never addicted bc I didn't want to become addicted, & I kept myself clean & presentable. I availed myself of the resources offered & got off the streets eventually thanks to the efforts of some very nice people & organizations. I never feared the cops. It was my fellow bums who concerned me most. Thieves, tweakers, & outright psychopaths roam the streets at night. Let them learn the fear of the law if they won't listen to their own damaged consciences. Aversive therapy works in nature when nothing else will. When people act like animals, they should face an implacable wall of law-- compassion applied later. That's the reason we have govts in the first place.
You'd have to be an utter pudding brained moron not to see the shear number of tweakers in relation to 'homeless'. You sympathizers have enabled them long enough.
Tom H I’m with you but very dangerous words when your talking about enforcing laws and bring back asylums. Most people blend it together and then when you talk about how we can’t give them free housing. Well that’s juts it put the non criminal one that juts don’t want to be part of society inthe other group. It sounds bad. But why not. Then it’s simper. And exactly just enforce basic laws. Like jay walking in front of cars is illegal and make it so people respect themselves and others and respect for the law will fall in line. Let’s get a generation of kids repeating legal code flawlessly instead of some of theses lame songs. Build up the urban density and tiny houses etc. get the city to accutally encourage proper campaign. Contact me if anyone want to help my campaign to help. I been working on this for years. Not to brag but I know how to deal with almost all the factors. I love America and the American spirt. Can you blame anyone for not wanting to be part of this society. If that’s the worst of them that’s not a crime. We need to work a little harder to understand others and make it mate fun. Enjoy thinking about what kinds of world you would feel like living in. It big job bit not impossible. save the wilderness for people who care about living off it. Don’t let suburban sprawl happen here or your fucked guys. If there isn’t all levels of housing what are we doing. Travel and see how other countries are guys. Keep our 1st and second amendment and let start over with housing at every level and no gov housing but private owners who get credits to build a mother in law quarters. Build tree houses with heat and ac and small fridge and shower and out door shared kitchen so no risk of accidental fire for these people who are coming Down off these drugs. Meth literally makes you schizophrenic imagine your family is murdered in front of you and then some “ friend” says here smoke this it will make you feel better I juts wanna see you happy again. And boom walking dead. But their not. Not total zombies yet. Now if their a piece of crap human and true selfish or violent criminal they are easy to spot and arrest. They need to juts do their job. I herd of a meth head tellign a officer he would stab him and he didn’t arrest him. Probably should and stop making up excuse to arrest small dv or clear self self defense calls Thanks for being one for solutions mister Tom H It’s a tuff topic. Thank you for trying and not giving up!!!
Matt...I also do not agree with it being a police issue. They simply cannot do their job. The less than adequate jail space (for 12-15 years) was very telling. Why arrest someone only to have them get out in 3-4 hours? Its political. Always...at the end of the day.
It's definitely not the police. The majority of them just want to do thier job. It's city government and the people running it, particularly City Council. The solution is really simple. 1. A two year moratorium on all public improvement projects. 2. Tax developers on new projects specifically for the construction of a larger county jail. 3. Take the funds saved from the moratorium on public improvement projects and hire more police officers. 4. DO NOT ELECT BEN STUCKART FOR MAYOR!!!
Somebody stole my truck a few months ago and I've been having problems with people stealing mine and my kids' things for more than a year and I live miles away from downtown. More patrols I can agree with but it needs to be everywhere and that alone won't fix it. What Spokane needs to do is properly deal with the mentally ill. That would free up room in the jails for people that need to be there. Edit: So after a little reading and a little more thought, I've refined my views a bit. Homeless people don't have the resources they need to stop being homeless and no rational person would choose to be homeless. If they're given dignity and the basic means to escape homelessness, they might act more dignified and escape homelessness. It has to be cheaper than building an underground bus depot and paying to house people in jail. If the humane option is also the cheapest, only an asshole would want the alternative.
AGREE! Being homeless is traumatic. No wonder people turn to drugs- they feel like "why not? I dont have anything else going for me." We have a punitive system that punishes before it cares about people. It's quite easy to become homeless. It's difficult to find a job and stay sober if you don't have enough resources. I don't think JAIL is a resource, but obviously the people who are making money off of jail, love more people in jail. Lots of folks in jail have undiagnosed illnesses, which won't ever make them "normal" and "fit into the precise box that allows one to be successful in society" so what do we do? punish them. Then they feel cast out and then we throw them in jail and fund the jail owners. Also, if you are wealthy, you can keep yourself out of jail pretty easily- you just pay your bond.
The video vaguely identifies a problem for which they offer extremely specific, detailed solutions barely related to the problem. I’ve lived in Spokane for most of the past six decades and have many frustrations with some of issues highlighted here. However, the solutions are simply bizarre. How does moving public transportation underground solve problems? The London, New York, and Chicago public transportation systems are all predominately underground. The notion that moving things underground will solve the problems that are not even clearly explained in the video challenges my personal observations of these other cities. This video also mixes city-wide crime data with downtown crime issues in ways that are designed to confuse. Overall city crime rates are not the same as downtown crime rates. I call that propaganda.
@@cdub2231 Bad data is bad data. Good data misapplied is bad data as well. You disagree? Your assumptions about the crime in my neighborhood appear to interfere with your comprehension.
This scares me, after the fact.... I went there about a week ago for a business trip and the first day there I noticed how many homeless ppl were around where I stayed and I stayed at a grand hotel it was mind blowing. We were told not to go out at night, I couldnt wait to get back on the plane. I plan on staying away from there. Sad because it's such a beautiful city
First off, good luck policing homelessness. Without addressing the issues as to why there is so much homelessness in an area, you're instead just flushing money down the toilet because soon you'll have to build bigger and bigger prisons to incarcerate people for a few days for petty crimes. Secondly, I hate to break it to you but if you're afraid to go downtown, you're obviously using fear tactics to oversell the problem. Do I enjoy walking around places where public intoxication and other sketchy people are congregating? No. It is an annoyance? Very much so. That said, I have never even felt close to feeling threatened or scared walking downtown in all my life. I'm 42, and other than living in Seattle and New York for 15 years combined, I was born and raised here and having been to plenty of places, some much smaller than Spokane where there was true danger. This is all about a bunch of people who want to hold their smug nose in the air and feel above the plight of homeless people. Grow a pair of balls and quit wasting public resources on locking up people you don't like.
PavementIztRad For what it’s worth, Ive lived in Spokane for 20 years And I’ve been jumped and robbed twice and know a few different people who have been victims in crimes committed by the junkies hanging out downtown.
I can tell you what the problem is right now. We spend too much money on incarceration, and not enough on active enforcement. The bloated prison system is taking all the money that could go toward having proper enforcement. Spokane is well below the national average for cops per 1000 people.
@Bill You are just taking things to an extreme to make a point. No one ever said anything about ending incarceration, just making the sentences shorter, along with many other reforms. The current recidivism rate is so high that it is obvious the current system is a failure.
@Bill If what you say is true, how come they are coming out worse than when they went in again. Your approach of doing more of the same expecting different results is flawed thinking. We need to do things differently if we want a different outcome.
@Bill You say we should be executing criminals left and right rather than paying to house them, yet you argue for longer sentencing? Do you realize how much it costs to execute criminals?
I am not afraid to be in Downtown either day or night but parking is a huge issue. I just spent nearly 6 yrs living in Vegas which is 10x bigger than Spokane BEFORE any tourists and I have really noticed how poorly Spokane drivers drive. Many have no clue about how to navigate a round about and so many other things. Spokane has SO much potential but we have to listen to each other to keep improving it. Nothing is stagnate.
@@Imwatchinua It only takes one incident. I live near the Cath. cathedral. There are deals outside & even a gunshot or two. We've also had stabbings & break ins. But, if you wish to takes yer chances, you're a big girl. Just don't complain if the odds aren't in your favor. You & Jennifer have been warned.
I grew up in Spokane, when i moved back a few years ago, it just broke me to see all the problems the city has, I live in the cannon park area, close to down town, not to far. Crime is not just down town, but every where, we need more police, we need a bigger jail. I can't even walk my trash to the dumpster with out fear and having to wear a side arm, cant go anywhere in this town with out a side arm. as for down town, it is worse down there, scares the shit out of me to even go down there. there are some very good points to things that would work in this video, now our city council needs to stop building damn foot bridges, and shrinking roads and actually put that money where it needs to be, like a new jail, bigger police force, and start putting these criminals away for some good amount of time, not a few hours or a few days.
What difference does it make if the bus station is underground or not? To me, if most of your crime occurs downtown, wouldn't it make sense to have the jail close by versus out of town?
Lot of crime on the north side of Spokane Washington plus other areas & yes center hub for drug addicts/dealers are downtown where DEA agents should be able to find all the drug dealers because that's where the middle men come in that's dealing the fentanyl & other illegal drugs so they follow the the middle men mules selling the drugs then bust all the drug cartels that bring to USA plus make harder on China for making the main ingredients for fentanyl they're killing people
Facing up to the issues downtown is an important step. I like that this video distinguishes between the homeless (still needing compassion) and the criminal element (which needs to be addressed, and the primary subject of this video). You have to admit, it is getting pretty scary downtown.
The "homeless" don't deserve any compassion. They are almost to a man, drug addicts. Get rid of them. They deserve no more respect from us than they have for themselves. We need to prioritize COMPASSION for the hard working people and business owners of the city that are productive and make contributions to society. No more priority for the dregs.
@@forbesmag1271 statistics say you are wrong. Many homeless have mental health issues or come from bad domestic situations totally separate from drugs. You're a bootlicking idiot.
Spokane isn't this bad. I moved here 15 years ago from Macon Georgia. Towns like Macon should be avoided not, Spokane. Sure, there is a lot of homeless freaks, just ignore them and mind your own business, you'll be fine. I use the bus system often and never have a problem. Spokane is beautiful especially the south hill area. Spokane police are great, they are always helpful and respectful to citizens. We definitely need a better and bigger jail or somewhere to jail and help the homeless. No homeless person should be sleeping in our parks and under the train tracks downtown. Spokane needs a law against homelessness to FORCE these people into getting help, seldom do they reach out for help till things get bad for them. Make homelessness against the law and give these people a reason to change. Jail is the answer, invest in a new Spokane jail now or pay the price. Nobody wants to hang out in our city with the sick and mentally ill everywhere.
@Miss Dani Can't stop Americans from moving wherever we please. Wouldn't you move here from the coa$t? The prices go up astronomically bc some people here are greedy. Then the rest are stuck w/ rising costs that force their hands. Can't blame capitalism either. It's just a formula. The inputs, including values, come from people. How much faith do you put in humanity?
Never said anything like that, I am referring to the homeless /drug issues. That is the comparison I'm making. And actually Seattle take most if Spokanes federal funding . That's a fact .
@@guitardude0909 yes & little bit late but now they want to build way bigger jail in Spokane Washington but should of been done 20 years ago because in reality we needed really bad with criminals/drug addicts getting away with everything with getting lenient sentences with some criminals with more than 50 misdemeanors or felonies but not enough room in prison or jails they think that criminals or drug addicts can be reformed overnight but in reality they are not
@@cdub2231 (¯`•.•´¯) (¯`•.•´¯) The NYPD has NOT fixed the crime issues in NYC by focusing on the criminals; they still focus on decent tax payers to meet unjust quotas and isolate minority victims through their(in department) racial profiling agenda. FACTS: The quality of life crimes have decreased due to officers being directed to enforcing petty violations against minorities to clean up the appearance of neighborhoods. However, victims of violent crimes were still on-the-rise prior to the pandemic, largely due to stop-and-frisk being discontinued -- though an unbalanced and unjust approach to policing, it was highly effective toward illegal weapons and contraband control, increasing revenues to process more cases against targeted low-income minorities, condemning young men of color to begin their adult lives with petty misdemeanor arrest records and convictions(as their constitutional rights were overridden daily). *The REAL reason for any type of crime deduction in NYC was due to "the rising cost of housing," largely due to re gentrification and a large influx of legal & illegal 3rd world immigrants in areas that were once deemed basically as ghettos, who pool their resources to pay the rents demanded by landlords(as the rental housing market continues to sky-rocket), leaving low-level criminals disenfranchised in their capacity to remain in NYC -- forcing them to migrate upstate, other locations in the tri-state area and cheaper non-local destinations. Most of these immigrants(particularly African Muslims and hard working Mexicans(who come str8 from Mexico, btw), bring with them a deep respectability and cultural consciousness that actually honors the grace of being able to live in a place where the average salary is 78k a year, even if the cost-of-living is absurd! 😒
This is statewide !!! Drugs are destroying Spokane and destroying lives. My baby is out there somewhere ....... my sweet girl is out there ! Shut the border ! FREE treatment for anyone who wants it . Still watching to how Boise did it.
Ross Mandigo not true. I used to work there. The reason it’s crowded is because they make money housing federal inmates. This needs to stop immediately. The majority of the officers do not arrest anyone solely for drug possession. At least I never saw it over a two year period. It’s seen as a waste of time. However, if you break into someone’s home or car, and you happen to have say heroin on you, then that charge is added on. I personally did not like or fit in with the SPD or jail staff, but even I’m saying, as far as I know most were fair... extremely emotionally retarded and too dumb to have an intelligent conversation with, but fair.
The most frustrating thing is seeing those in leadership without a vision. Parking sucks and next to no safety concerns about rideshare pick up zones, they just let the homeless run business out of the area. No one wants to visit downtown because they feel unsafe. Leadership here sucks. Because there is none.
While we may not all agree on the proposed solution, what this video does very well is: Identify the problem. Creating solution-directed dialogue will benefit all members of our community.
People, probably those who like the govt. to solve all their problems, cannot concentrate for more than about 20 minutes, so this film had to be concise & an overview. There are many other presentations online for those who care to do the watching. I've been homeless. This film is lightweight. Time for Liberty State!
There's a ginormous diff btwn Washington State & Idaho state in terms of the consequences for breaking the law, disrespecting law enforcement officers, and so much more. So...I'm not surprised whatsoever.
Cops making more arrest doesn’t help without the DA’s office, probation Dept and the courts working to solve the problem. Forced drug treatment doesn’t take.
I live in Spokane and I don't go anywhere without a firearm or a knife, know why? Police wont show up on time and people aren't around for you to scream to and some people won't help you when ur almost dead. Edit: yes I spelt something wrong, I meant to say I don't go anywhere without a firearm or knife
I hope that the citizens of Spokane will make whatever changes are necessary to "save" Spokane. It makes me very sad to see how things have deteriorated. I worked in downtown Spokane from 1966 through 1974. It was a wonderful place to work -- walk to work, walk anywhere during the lunch hour, go to night classes and return to the car in the dark -- and never had to worry about being attacked or confronted by aggressive panhandlers. My recent visit to Spokane was two years ago. We always stay at the historic beautiful Davenport Hotel, but this stay was very different. Uniformed Davenport security people walked the block -- constantly to provide a feeling of safety for their guests. We did not do much walking around downtown Spokane. We have family and friends living in the outskirts of the city and we want to see them all, but we will not be returning to the lovely Davenport - a hotel that we just love. Good luck to the people of Spokane -- do what you need to do to clean this up. Crime is the result of rampant drug use - no doubt about that. Support your police.
Our city council has stripped SPD from being able to do their jobs, our jails are already full of these clowns. I went on several ride alongs with SPD and the Sheriffs department and every time was the same complaint, they feel like they can't do their jobs and even if they do make an arrest. That person will be out the next day committing the same crimes. I have lived in Spokane my entire life and finally got fed up and moved to a small town outside Spokane, life is much better now. I hope the best for Spokane but one of the city council woman stated she "wants to adopted the same laws Seattle has" and look at how well that worked... Change the city with your Vote, that is your only option.
A young black man was assassinated in his home, in Spokane. The killer has not been found and for Krem and Khq this seems to not be to important. The Dog that was killed in a fire is getting more coverage then this murder.
Coming from someone that lived in in NYC for 13 years, your data is wildly inaccurate. Property crime in NY is so common it's often simply not reported. The NYPD's self reporting system tends to focus on major violent crimes while sometimes ignoring misdemeanors altogether..... More jails? Ok, let's put someone in jail for having too many drinks and is walking home. Put him in jail, potentially risking his job. Loses job. Unable to pay fines. Gets new charges. If your intention is to monetize the criminal justice system, which is beyond disgusting, then go for it. This "documentary" claims we have a revolving door justice system, if that's true then institute a 3 strikes your out policy. A year and a day for habitual (misdemeanor) offenders over a three year period and send them to prison. However, you can't close off your compassion simply because something or someone is difficult to look at, hear or smell. Were all human and have lived vastly different lives, let's try and remember that when were turning our noses up at some stranger.
@@jasonbettencourt3771 Did I stutter? Yes. With a degree, military service, & all that stuff behind me. No addictions, no begging, no filth. A year and a half. I also have had ADHD all my life. It took me 12 years to earn a four-yr. degree, but I did it, & I took grad courses until they became too expensive. But it wasn't my super-duper intelligence that pulled me through. I just have had faith that God would see me through all the hard times. Call it blind faith if you want, but experience has taught me better. Drugs & fantasy thinking won't solve anything. They only dis-solve things like families, jobs, & lives. Do people listen? No. They do the same stupid things over & over, then wonder what happened. As for those who are genuinely nuts, it is a crime NOT to pick them up & put them into monitored care. What? We're free to be mad & miserable? How human is that? Tough, thoughtful compassion is the only thing that'll work. Some will die, yes. Some will fight the system & end up in jail, yes. That's life. Let's get real. Common sense is not common, but it is a valuable asset that has been lacking in politics for as long as I can recall.
Brought to you by Larry Stone, who makes profit from the city by charging rent to house the homeless. Inflaming the situation can be good for those that seek to profit from it. Classic example for Larry Stone, profit where you can, while you can.
The problem boils down to income inequality and people having to live on the edge, paycheck to paycheck. Miss one and then you’re out on the street and who wants to hire you?
Wrong!!! relax on the Bernie Sanders propaganda dude, your not a victim, A good work ethic and humbleness will get you where you need to be. Your no entitled to anything..
How would moving the bus terminal underground solve anything? Hiding the problem doesn’t help anyone. I’d rather have my tax dollars go to another homeless shelter. 6:55 the 315 unsheltered homeless people are the problem, they need a roof over their head so they can get their life back together. It’s hard to contact people if they don’t have an email or at least an address. This would also solve the public urination problem.
If Spokane doesn't do something now, they will end up like Seattle, a city where I grew up in but now I do not want to live in anymore due to the same issues that were left unchecked for the past 5 - 10 years. We still have a city council that does nothing and the problem is getting worse. At least Spokane has a winter climate that might clear some of the criminals out for a few months. And they will end up in Seattle!
Here's one thing we ought to be thinking about seriously, not just for the sake of homeless people, but for the general welfare. www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/aug/31/local-non-profit-offering-showers-of-hope-to-homel/?The+Spokesman-Review+Newsletters&EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_06_04_08_00_COPY_01& Why, you ask? "Several of the infectious diseases associated with human lice are life-threatening, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever, which are caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, Borrelia recurrentis, and Bartonella quintana, respectively. Although these diseases have been known for several centuries, they remain a major public health concern in populations living in poor-hygiene conditions because of war, social disruption, severe poverty, or gaps in public health management. Poor-hygiene conditions favour a higher prevalence of body lice, which are the main vectors for these diseases." www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X14614439
I reside 450 miles away, but I have four children in Spokane, so I visit (usually a different hotel each time, although my kids have their favorite eateries) monthly. Have become very familiar with the area, and especially downtown. I appreciate the homeless -- and related crime -- problem Spokane shares with other cities. It does seem somehow more acute there, but that might be due to the large number in a relatively small area. I see the desperation in those folks as elsewhere. I have, a number of times, had to dodge and sidestep and warn away and even step between my kids and people who not only "don't seem gainfully employed," but seem to be in need of immediate mental health care. But we still go downtown. We still walk around. We deal with it. Sometimes it's difficult, certainly. In any case, I applaud and endorse your effort to do something about this situation. When I served on a city council, I spent considerable time researching what other cities did that worked, in areas where things weren't working in my own community, or where improvements were demanded by residents and business owners. By contrast, I also looked at cities where things were more messed up, and analyzed their failures. Often, it came down to the resolute and lasting power of the "liberals love to raise your taxes!" argument from some taxpayers, which ended all discussion of solutions, since the best solutions or doing anything positive at all costs money. Those with vision in the city would at some point need to capitulate. Shrug your shoulders, walk away, let it be. Keep dodging and sidestepping. Wouldn't it be nice if fiscal conservatives were also problem solvers?
Here is just ONE thing Spokane needs.. Look back to the late 1960's and a core group of about 15 or more Spokane businessmen, including King Cole ( not from Spokane), Mayor David Rodgers, CEO of ASI American Sign and Indicator Luke Williams and many others. It was this core group of people that got a Worlds Fair in the smallest US city ever... we do NOT need politicians. We need residents who plan and use VISION to plan what can benefit most of the residents without concern for getting elected. I would like to see the Mayor on a Citizens Panel with nobody else in politics or not anyone else elected and then go from there. Too many politicians say and do whatever they have to say to get elected and unfortunately most benefit from elected office whether they benefit their constituents or not.
I grew up in Spokane in the 90's and have lived in Seattle since 2006. I never remembered crime and drug use being a problem in Spokane, but when I moved to Seattle and encountered the homeless downtown I saw how crazy it was. from the looks of things in this video it seems like Spokane is now much worse than Seattle is. that's a shame. Spokane is such a beautiful city with great people. I've actually wanted to move back to Spokane for a really long time. compared to Seattle and how people are here, I would much prefer the city of Spokane that I grew up in. it was a very warm and friendly city with a great things to do outdoors. but idk what it's turning into. this is sad. I really love Eastern Washington.
Lived in Spokane for 3 years with my wife. Had our first kid, started looking for a house in Idaho. 9 months 10 days later, had another kid, Bought a house in Post Falls. No way did we want our kids raised over there.
The reason these problems exist is because we tolerate it. Much of the crime is because of the homeless and much of the homelessness is because of the charities that cater to them. It’s time to stop “trying to help” the homeless, which only makes it easier for them to remain here. It’s time to make them EXTREMELY uncomfortable and unwelcome. It’s time to take down the bird feeders. It is unfair to hard working taxpayers to expect us to tolerate this crap.
In patient drug treatment centers, affordable housing, viable support centers for social issues, fair and equitable law enforcement with officer training for de-escalation of volatile situations, and inpatient mental health facilities are all desperately needed! Get police, courts, and social services working for our city...not as enemies.
Sadly that very approach has happened in Seattle for several years. Drugs are nolonger prosecuted unless in high quantity, treatment is offered to all who want it. LEAD and drug court are available to those who are charged. The methadone clinics are full, the needle exchange is booming also providing rock & meth pipes. Low level crimes of theft, trespassing and vandalism are nolonger prosecuted.Property crime in the city is now #2 in the nation. Seattle has injection sites where open drug use is allowed in government funded housing (navigation center 12th & S Weller). Police in Seattle are very hands off as directed by the Mayor, council and Chief. Over 150 million a year spent on the homeless problem. And the crime rate, drug use and homelessness problem is still on the rise. Most of the homeless have no intention of getting work, better their situation or to stop using drugs. Affordable housing doesn't fix that. The police didn't cause drug addiction. The police didn't cause mental illness. The police didn't cause criminal behavior. Police don't prevent people from getting drug treatment. It may feel good to give free food, tents, needles and look the other way when crimes occur but it has a horrible cost.
I agree with you from a good morale viewpoint, but when the homeless, drug users and criminals don't want to better their community also, but instead abuse its beneficial resources. There needs to be different ways of dealing with those problems. My history as an officer, I would say they answered a large issue. When the justice system works against the police officers that are trying to enforce the laws, the police don't feel the need or point to enforce petty crimes when they feel the public and justice system are rooting against them.
@@MH-on8ol Oh. Yes. I see your view and agree. Thanks. I'm a physician here in Spokane and treat those addiction cases and resulting carnage daily. It gets hard. Yet I see where you are coming from too. Thanks.
@Alan formula1 I hear you. I went from a family neighborhood next to a smart little elementary school, to one devastated by expansion of the freeway, addicts ripping us all off daily and this newest city flop house proposal coming next month 3 blocks from my door. I thought about your post. Then I went to Walmart on E. Sprague to pick up a prescription and looked twice at the sad, sad, sate of humanity down there. I'm thinking... you are right. Those folks are enjoying their "lifestyle" and I'm sick of seeing it! I mean....c'mon! I don;t know of any mature adult who has not been devastated at some point in life, but Daaaammmn! They have no problem finding $$ for their addictions! Thanks for getting me back to thinking.
Do these people choose to stay out there year round? You’d think people without shelter would go live somewhere warmer where weather doesn’t matter as much if anything, rather than freeze to death up in east WA.
FINALLYYYYYYY this is being addressed. Will anything ACTUALLY be done though? As a female who worked downtown and had to walk past all this day and night I was terrified every day I had to walk to or from work. I moved to Los Angeles recently and people complain about the homeless and crime here and I’m like this is nothing compared to Spokane! I pray to god things get better for Spokane. It’s sad.
I see poop, excrement, faeces, crap, sheet, doo doo, caa caa, human loads, human logs, piles of defecation all over town as I walk the downtown core. Some watery and brown. Some strewn against walls, while others are piled in a mound a la mount Spokane. Sometimes I wonder, are these local artwork on display for beautification purposes?
Sorry, my compassion is nearing its end ( yeah I get mental health issues etc etc and its tough... but can only save the ones who want it). Cant wait for winter to drive the crazies south. If the city wont deal with the problem, mother nature will... at least until Spring. My answer, put them all in chain gangs doing work for the state such as picking up garbage, needles, feces etc for the opportunity of 3 hots and a COT.
Gotta clean them up first. Till then, you're dealing w/ the addiction or the mental problem. Work is therapeutic, & I agree there. Chain gangs? Have you ever seen a chain gang? I wouldn't want that around me. If they're that dangerous, they shouldn't be anywhere near the public.
Chain gangs is pretty harsh, even for this old Marine. Still, work is good for the spirit. Three hots & a cot? I usually do two & yes, I still sleep on a good ol' military cot. Oo-rah!
Our car was broken into and stolen and after police found it wrecked inside two days later, nobody bothered to check for fingerprints. Of course crime will go wild if there's no consequence...
Upon moving to spokane I was met with a break in during moving in where much was stolen. We reported it to the police and they dusted for finger prints and then NOTHING. Next we found if we did not lock our car in the driveway we were nearly guaranteed someone would go thru the car and take stuff. We live in a desirable part of town and it is believed transients come here to pilfer. Watching this video explains the root of the problem. I agree Spokane desprately needs to address the homeless problem and increase the jail size. I would support raising taxes toward this effort. The only way this will get better is if the people get treatment or arrested to change their behavior. When moving we could have just as easily moved to Boise instead, darn.
The real issues here are intervention in a humane and supportive fashion, the ability to seek services and begin a path of recovery, housing and employment options once one is able, and a empathetic attempt to empower others with healthy lifestyle choices and ideals that encourage a feeling of hope leaving people believing that things will get better. If we can accept this as mutually beneficial process for our entire society, then, as a community we can begin to heal. Our citizens as well as its constituents need to be educated about a system that is broken and promotes a vicious cycle of socioeconomic, physical and emotional abuses that are handed down from one generation to the next. I apologize for the pain I am seen expounding from my being in this clip. PS. Homelessness is not a joke, this is not my individual issue as depicted by this malicious scene that is baseless and an absolute assasination of my true character in the most defaming of ways. This to me is cyberbullying and led to many attempts on my life. I DID NOT CONSENT to BE FILMED (around 3:50 mark)
Absolutely not. Lived here for 21 years and it’s just awful now. The housing market is complete trash, homes that aren’t worth 100k are being listed for over 250k because it’s just too overpopulated. And the whole downtown/north side area is a complete joke. Id rather live in Compton.
A Crime Rate 5× higher than NY City?! How is that even possible??? 😳 and how is simply just putting the Transit System Underground going to make a Difference? 😒 oh Parking...14:27...l got Trapped in that garage! Than when they finally came to Rescue me because the Pay Meter was Broken, they couldn't Accept Cash, so they Sent me a Bill with a Late Fee Fine! WTF?
I think the law enforcement should be more approachable, not drawing a gun first and asking questions after they shoot.. I don’t even bother talking to police because of the temperament they have.
This video was well produced. In comparison of Boise and Spokane: Boise's downtown is much smaller and less dense than Spokane's. In Boise, it is almost against the law to be homeless. If there is someone who is visibly homeless at an event in downtown Boise, they will be hassled by the police until they leave.
I'd give the homeless a chance to choose-- shelter & resources like rehab & psych care, or get out & stay out vs. imprisonment & hard labor. Tough love, but reasonable.
Actually, having lived in Boise and travel to Spokane often, the core downtown areas are pretty much identically sized. I won't disagree with you however on your critique of the Boise's handling of homeless populations... That has been a mess.
I’d rather them be kicked out then stay in the streets. The cities kids don’t need that. Maybe if they’re thrown in a jail until they can get help. Or sent directly to some kind of care center
Merida MX, Port Au Prince HT, Santa Domingo DR, and Havana CU have lower crime rates than Spokane does. Spokane has been my hometown where I was born and raised and to this day I still live here and there are much bigger problems than vagrants. We need to look at where they were beforehand. What caused them to become vagrants, why they are homeless, how they lost their source of income. And lastly their independence. Some of these people resort to drugs and are homeless because of how our system failed them. How many of these people walk into worksource everyday hoping employment turns up for them and it doesn't? Look at it this way, one man works three jobs just to support his wife and two kids. Hours cut back on one, or he loses one for whatever reason. He cannot afford his rent. Thus, he was served an eviction. His wife breaks up with him because of it. He can only sleep on the streets because he has no money. He went from being a hardworking dad to a man with nothing now the only way he can manage to keep his mind off of it is by doing meth and heroin. Using illicit drugs or hydros to kill the emotional pain. Our government preys on those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, that needs to change. One day I was just hanging round Downtown Spokane, I had $75 to put to use. Here is what I did. For 25 patrons under the Browne Street Bridge, I ran over to the corner to order pizza from Dominoes. I gave the homeless pizza to eat. And I talked to them. They feel very discouraged, they feel locked out, only at the Mercy of the shelters. The reason why the Browne Street Bridge smells like a disused toilet is because none of these people have a restroom to use because businesses state "sorry no public restrooms." So where is left that can they actually make nature's call. Where can they shower? Our government throws people under the bus quicker than they are able to get back up. Our social system only favors an elite few. Additionally, if they have been to jail when they were teenagers, there is no way they will find a high paying job. We lock people out and we give them no chance to improve their life. So none of them have anything to stand for. Instead, we need to create provincial groups that support landlords when tenants get behind on their rent and it is because they have no way to pay the rent with as little money as they have. We need to open our restrooms up more for the patrons on the street, this will stop the urination/defecation problem we have. And we need to be less of a police state and more of a humanitarian state. More jails will not fix our problem, more support for those who have fallen under bad times is the answer. Second chances to those who were once a prisoner is also the answer. Our social system is overdue to be rebuilt, so let's do that now. Let's give private and corporate landlords the ability to let tenants who have fallen on hard times shelter in their places, provide them money to allow it. Quit jailing people who have had no other choice but to backpack their groceries, instead; provide them the ability to pay for their groceries. We do not need a skyscraper shelter with harsh regulations. People need the freedom to live regardless of where they are. Money does not buy happiness; fairness, compassion, caring and sharing does. Let's quit doing politics and let's start doing good, this is how we can rebuild Spokane.
This is a direct reflection of the cities elected mayors, councils and prosecutors. Criminal filing standards that allow the behavior to continue is not compassion its reckless and exposes the citizens to this lawless behavior. Drug enforcement policies that keep people in the cycle of addiction is anything but compassion. Chronic Drug addiction leads to homelessness and in many cases mental illness. This spreading crisis isn't caused by gentrification, poor luck or a poor economy. Drugs are not a victimless crime and its damage is huge in lost potential, broken family, destroyed health, drain on first responders, hospitals, theft to support a habit and frequently deaths. Claiming to be compassionate while handing out free needles, Narcan, meth & rock pipes, tents and food is saying use drugs sleep in a tent and just exist while these people slowly decay and continue to victimize the community. Hold people accountable, slow the supply of drugs into the community. Allow people to sober up while in municipal, and county jails. If we continue to throw hundreds of millions of dollars at it with the same strategy expect the same. This problem isn't new and no city taking Spokane or Seattles approach has seen anything but more crime, homelessness and drug use.
I'd suggest 2 things 1. instead of a new prison on the outskirts of the city, build something designed to rehabilitate addicts and allow them to contribute back to the society again just based off numbers jailing all of them seems unproductive 2. I would also move away from bus transit and towards light rail, it has a higher initial cost but costs less or equal overtime, and could likely help the community a lot more as there's a fairly consistent trend between lightrail stations and property values. You could use that as a way to reduce the amount of restricted affordable housing in downtown because you'd be allowing lower income folks a way to still have access to downtown from outer neighborhoods without needing a car. With less people struggling in your downtown it'll make businesses less likely to move out of the area, which generally leads to growth.
It would also help with some of the parking issue, that still likely needs to get fixed, but with less people reliant on a car less cars to mess with the crappy parking situation.
I really like Spokane, it is a beautiful, historic city. However, it is in grave danger of destroying itself with the homeless, drug addicted masses. you can't drive more than a couple blocks without seeing a tweeker or junkie. Spokane has had a history of corrupt politicians and a very corrupt police force. Straub was a good police commissioner and Condon was a good mayor. The policing has gone back to being corrupt since Straub left, and Condon has been hamstrung by the liberals on the city council and is not seeking re-election. I have a lot of concern for the future of this city going forward. If we don't have laws (and enforce them) we don't have a society.
I wouldn't be too quick to accuse our police of corruption. More likely they are dismayed by the snowflake SJWs like those on our sh-- city council, one of whom belongs in jail herself for breaking the law. Burke. Time to grow up & face the reality of running a law-abiding, attractive city. Mayor Condon tried the liberal, progressive palliatives. Even he admits they didn't work. Law breakers are criminals. Face the music or go someplace else w/those qualities. We're not heartless, but we are becoming mindless.
@@slukky Not as corrupt as they used to be, but still have issues. Straub helped shape things up when he was commissioner. I am not anti police, and agree the SJWs are the biggest problem. We definitely need the police if we are to have any hope of enforcing any laws.
Remember we close down all the Mental Hospitals about 10 years ago. This is what you get homeless and drugs. This video has no comprehension what is actually going on .. I've never had a problem walking downtown Spokane. And I've lived here for 46 years.. the stupidity drivers scare me more than the crazy people and drug addicts.
the problem is the rent is uncontrolled in Spokane that's why you have all those homeless people down there there's always going to be a few but you have a big problem
@@Countcho More expensive in Seattle too, and they have a worse problem. This video does not begin to touch the complexity of the issues that drive homelessness, drug addiction or mental health. But they got an even lamer ass solution. smh. You can tell this was made by an uninformed idiot.
When I was a teen in the 1980's, my friends & I shopped downtown on a regular basis. It was fun, safe & clean. Now, well into adulthood, I avoid downtown like the plague. Partly bc I get tired of having to step around the ppl sleeping on the sidewalks, infront of the entry ways & wading thru their litter & filth.
When I moved to Seattle in 1981 after walking away from Procter and Gamble as a burned out alcoholic pharma rep at age 30, with only a few bucks and knowing nobody but, I knew Seattle was the happening place, I decided to start a sign business because I saw a major need as business was booming and most local sign shops didn't have active sales forces. I literally walked into a monopoly. I focused on small jobs, windows, free standing signs etc...jobs that ran around $200.00-$500.00...and living in my car, I winged it and made my product in old garages, industrial parks after hours where the parking lots were a safe space, anywhere. I was homeless for two months before I saved enough to lease a small warehouse and built living space in a loft. I loved it. I was enjoying my work, solitude and overall environment..and I was my own boss. The key to success and only living in my car a mere two months, I realized off the bat, was staying the fuck away from other homeless. I went nowhere near missions, community centers, homeless encampments...anywhere the homeless are in a flock. If you fall into that community trap, you'll end up just like them...on the streets for years and all fucked up and permanently so. I devoted getting back on my feet to me and me only, staying to myself and focused, vagabonds bad news to be treking with if you want to keep moving forward.
Robert, congratulations. You are gifted w/ a keen business acumen. If you want lessons on how to lose it all w/o three months, hire me to be your consultant. Really, some of us are clueless. Now, I can grow crops & even forage some, but I've no business smarts whatsoever. I've a degree & 7 1/2 yrs. of military service behind me (from boot to ocs), several grad courses (till I went broke), & I'm honest & reliable. I'm also old, so who wants me? I've been "out" 3 times, & I agree-- be choosy about your company. So many will rip you off, & some few would have no compunction shoving a blade between your ribs. And if you're a giver, there is no end to the takers. Christ Himself told us not to be saps, but just to be harmless as doves. We desperately need a triage system in place & soon imho. Those who need to dry out & stay clean go there; those who need mental healthcare, go to the other place nearby; & thems that needs some training get it in trade for their stipended services while training. Not everyone's going to be a Robert Glenn, agreed? I'd settle for a sober, reliable laborer who lives in decent housing. Then, let the past rot.
@@slukky I don't know about gifted..we are all born with gifts...intuition primary among gifts God hardwires us with at birth. Unfortunately, stupid conformist parents who do more harm that good to growing offspring, government run schools and society in general, kill inate intuition early on because the system operates best with idiots made idiots by mom and dad as home, community and school churn out dummies. However, I hated school, had little respect for my parents, hated teachers, hated the entire paradigm...a contempt for authority primary. This explains why I trashed corporate life early on, authority something I couldn't tolerate. I was the guy who was always getting suspended from school for things like kicking the hall monitor's ass simply because he was dumb enough to ask for a pass when I was on my way to take a pee, a pass to take a pee? Oh, fuck that. Smoking, refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance and so much more, kept me from surrendering intuition and self. But, there was a price, a price like my parents thinking I was a mental case even though I got straight A's and was a very good student when attention to me wasn't being a pain in the ass. I mean, I'd done that stupid pledge seemingly forever. If it hadn't sunk in by 5th grade, it never would...so I said enough of this shit and daily, it's off to the principal's office again. Anyway, fear is what motivated me to get back on my feet and fast. i knew full well it's best to have a plan before bolting on one's orthodox life when lacking capital. I'd always been an amateur graphic designer so, signs was a logical road to getting off the road with all due haste. I hear you on the age thing. I'm now 67 and witness daily a world that wishes anyone over fifty just fucking die. Well, with that attitude the norm, rather than die, I've killed them off simply by staying away from the herd. I've always flourished when good and alone and wouldn't have it any other way. I wish you all the best because life really is a bitch...but, only if you allow it to be so. Gotta be a bigger bitch than life to survive life.
It's heart breaking to witness this in a city I've grown up in. Even tho I've only witnessed very little of the people who are on hard drugs or drunk or both, I know that its a bigger problem than it seems. When my parents and I had moved here from a little town north of Spokane, my parents were clean from drugs. They suddenly had become addicts a year later, it tore my family apart. I hope that this video helps address these problems, and can make a difference in attitude towards these issues to solve them. I hope it can make a difference for families who have drug issues, I don't want more kids to go through the same thing I did. Good video, here's to hoping it makes a difference.
Vestal's such a windbag. He's offered no reasonable solutions to homelessness & concurrent crime, but plenty of vitriol & sarcasm toward anyone who suggests some tough love. I offered to accompany him out on the streets for at least one weekend, preferably a month of weekends, but he's such a wimp that he simply spits accusations at me for being such a jerk. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! I've been homeless. Vestal has not. That kind of pompous verbiage should not be tolerated by the SR; however, I guess times are tough for the dying holdouts of paper & ink. Larry Stone deserves a big applause for his time & investment in at least trying to solve some very nasty problems afflicting our beautiful city. And I'm sick & tired of being accosted by maniacs, panhandlers, & smelling downtown turn into a giant urinal. Vestal seems to like that. I don't. Kudos to Stone & all those who produced this overview.
@samcapo C'mon! Jaywalking? Since when do I bow to a machine? or some stupid lines? Littering, yes. Jaywalking-- you're old enough. Your choice. Now, cause an accident & pay the price. Fine w/ that.
@samcapo I just love it when people agree w/ me-- don't you? :-D Thing is, there are a lot of laws, regs, codes, that demand we obey like little robots. I don't need to be told how to behave or what never to do, but just as in the military, the rules don't discriminate. We're all under Big Blubber. I hate Big Blubber! (That's from 4891.)
Grew up here, but got out of dodge due to wanting to raise a family where my husband and I didn’t have to worry about safety to the extreme! Want our kids to be able to walk to school, go play in the woods, meet friends at the park, etc... and despite living in one of the nicer neighborhoods, there is no way I would have allowed the above... drug addicts shooting up on our porch, car broken into multiple times, runners being “chased.” I love Spokane and I hope the best for it.... but things need to change!!
I'm born and raised in Spookaloo... I know one thing our system is fucced up they keep the wrong people in jail and let the ones that need to be in that shit hole go free..... It's jus gonna get worse R.I.P. Kane Town!!! 😅💯
Boise also has Garden City and Nampa where the crime rates are significantly higher than in Boise. If Spokane had other cities to push their criminal element to then we would have "lower crime rates."
@@bryanrose20 Spokane has nearly double the crime rates as Airway Heights and the Valley, but Boise's crime rate is half of Garden City's and Garden City is only a few blocks from downtown Boise. A lot of the difference comes down to policy choice. Spokane certainly effects the greater area and Boise is definitely a cleaner town but morally, I think that there's a little more to the story.
back in '00 I worked downtown, would walk home from work at Divine's at 3rd & Browne to my place at Boone & Monroe, now I wont even set foot downtown at night. Heck even 3 years ago I'd go play pokemon go in RFP till late at night, not anymore, no way. I dont even like walking around the southern end of downtown in the middle of the day
Spokane has it's problems, but after living all over the West Coast(San Diego, L.A, Modesto, Sacramento, Salem, Portland, Seattle) i prefer it over the rest.
Spokane is also a very peaceful city. As I walk the alleyways, and underpasses, the smell of peace fills the air. The aroma is pungent as it wafts through the crisp northwest air. While riding the buses, traversing the bus plaza, using the public library, the smell of peace is everywhere. Why do people keep spreading peace in and around the city?
We need a fucking vigilante, this video just makes me so upset to be a resident in Spokane, it’s giving me more and more reasons to pack up and leave this town.
Thank you so much for making this film. This is the main reason I do not go downtown anymore. Unsafe,Crazy people walking around. Laws not being enforced. Mostly safety issue for my family. I used to go down there all the time ,loved it down there. Not anymore! Our city fathers have passed rules and regulations that created this mess. We need new leadership.
My thoughts as a Spokane native: I completely agree with the assessment in building a larger jail. If it's overpopulated, we need another one as the population is sure to continue to grow. Second, I love the idea of having police officers on bicycles or foot in the downtown area. From spending a lot of my childhood up until now in the downtown area, there have been a lot of moments where a lack of police presence was felt. Plus, it gives Spokane Police an opportunity to change the horrible, and incorrect stereotype of the corrupt, controlling police. Putting the police in a position where the public can interact with them, as well as being able to properly enforce the law. Great idea. Third: I wish the video spent a little more time explaining why an underground transit facility makes any sense. If all we did was sink the facility into the ground, that just means the crime is going to move underground, rather than being resolved. However, my assumption is that instead of making the underground facility public access, like the current STA plaza facility, that you would purchase your bus ticket, or admission like you would for a subway, before entering the facility. That way, there are only paying customers, and keeping the drifters and squatters out. My only push back would be what would this solution offer in resolving or reducing crime rather than just moving it to the above ground entrance? Fourth: The last point made the least sense in regards to "Curing Spokane". I absolutely want Spokane to attract visitors, and the parking situation is absolutely pitiful, but how does building parking structures reduce the crime we have other than the few car break-ins we currently have? The video makes more of a case that the issue is with homelessness and squatting, rather than crimes of property damage. Spokane has a lot of work to do. And much of that has to do with the city leadership. Stop fighting the charities, clear the red tape, enable groups like the Catholic Charities, Union Gospel Mission, etc etc. I love my hometown, but it's definitely not the city I grew up in not too long ago.
To me, it's pretty obvious. The person who created this video is an investor of commercial properties... Part three might as well be titled 'sell me the plaza so I can build something else there and make a profit' and part four might as well be titled 'If I build more parking garages, I can probably make a profit'... (parking is not an issue downtown, people just don't know how to find parking... there are two huge garages that are never full and lots everywhere...). I know the creator said he's not affiliated with anyone, but the glove fits rather nicely pointing to where this is aligning, if you also look at who's subsidizing which mayoral candidate. Now, before all you knuckle draggers out there try blaming it on 'the libs', you know our mayor is republican, right? You know the city council and mayor are absolutely NOT in control of the same parts of local government nor do they govern the same issues. The council is not 'counseling' the mayor in anything. They control completely different things. (Just some food for thought).
This made some good points, and the comments also have some good points. How many of these problems would be prevented by a wide variety of available Mental Health services. Not all, but many of these people suffer with mental illness that they self medicate, and then addiction becomes the driving force of their lives. Prevention is both more compassionate, and more cost effective.
I grew up in Spokane. But i left 20yrs ago and this makes me sad to see. I feel the legalization of drugs has drawn a lot of people that are involved in that kinda thing to Washington state. And the failure to enforce THE LAW, large and small are equity important. I will being returning to vist in about 6 moths and im scared of what im going to see. It wasn't always like this....Residents of Spokane dont vote for people in you local election off feeling, vote off logic!!! Logical thinking can fix all these issues.
All these solutions are conceptually good ideas but the problem lies with funding, which seem to be shot down by lawmakers and voters over and over again. Take a hard look at where our tax dollars are spent and vote to approve funding to solve some of these issues.
How they police is definitely the problem. Really glad the business owners want cops patrolling. But I guess the residents being ripped off by the dozens, every night, can just suck it. Recovery homes and sober houses get shady types and they creep our neighborhoods every night. SO while this is a good video, it addresses business owners, not the population as a whole. Sick of this shit. At the end of this, I smell a realty Barbieri/Diamond deal in the making here. And what an insult ass for Gordon Hester to say downtown is the biggest tax base. I'll put homeowners up against downtown any day.
Thank you for Mr. Stone for making this documentary! It is about time that someone stepped up and said something about this mess of a city! Thank you, thank you!
Red Sargent yes thank you, i wont waste my time moving to this citythat clearly has alot of issues and i dont need a worse place to live, i need safety and peace,,
I totally agree with this video. I do live in low income housing.Two months back it took the Spokane police three times in one evening to incarcerate a resident for disorderly conduct and public intoxication and assault on a resident to finally arrest the person which should had been done the first time even with a description of him because he did leave before they came the first time to arrest him after 5 hours of terror from him and calling crime check from different residents 5 different times. I believe even the homeless shelters should be located out in the far rural areas, example Tuscon, Arizona and Phinox, Arizona, to keep them far enough to where they have to stay near shelter area or take all day to come back from a downtown to get shelter. In Phinox Arizona they have a shelter Central Arizona shelter service, there it is a huge compass that provide all of the services needed as well as shelter and over flow shelter for homeless. every thing on this video is correct. What is going on right now even Low income housing issues are compromising my abilities to get a permanent full time employment because these issues are also effecting our housing facilities as well as the streets. It forces me to work temporary part time jobs every year because you do not know if your apartment is going to get broke in to or anything else plus coming home late in the Browne and Pacific street area where I live, do not know if you get robbed killed or both. Spokane city government is in denile that Spokane is a small country like town like it was ten years ago but now it is growing in to a big mid size city for this area of the United States. The city government need to realize that or it will turn into Seattle,WA or even where I am from Rockford,IL area and die if not change soon. As for me, I will more and likely have to go back to where I am from, even homeless again, to start over because the opportunity that was working five years ago which was doing well is now no different from Chicago. Very sad. Wake up Spokane city government. A person who is following the rules to pull them self out of poverty and homelessness and did use the services to do that is now paying for it thru the inattention of other homeless individuals that could do the same thing!
i used to be homeless down town less than a year ago i got off the streets and now am sober with a job and i know several of the people in this video but it all starts with having support and having a place to live thats what i think
I agree. But we can't force people who don't want help, just handouts & whatever's their addiction. I've tried, even when I was on the streets. Maybe two folks ever listened to me. I looked for resources to help me off the streets. Some people have found their comfort zone there. The city needs laws w. teeth. Tough love.
Those are the 2 valuable keys to succeed, without this we get no where no compassion no hearts, no dignity or self worth
I bet you knew my son he was there
@@lisadeav73 its possible i knew alot of people some have made it our of thy cycle and meny have not i wish one day every one will make it out
Homeless people should be put to sleep like stray cats. This is true compassion. Compassion for the TAX payers and their families who could use the money for education.
Watching this it seems all of the attention is centered on downtown when actually this is a city wide problem.
Once downtown is addressed, the rest will take care of itself. Thank CA for sending us their poor & puddled masses.... as well as NY, PA, FL, & TX. And that's just the list I know.
Stravo Lukos that’s not the problem...you think drug addicted people that can barely function make state moves?
@@carsonmitchell3468 "state moves?" Do you mean smart moves? No, I never said that. They aren't in control unless under management & monitoring/case mgt. I am addicted to prescribed meds that I must take for whatever time I have left on this earth. That's a big diff from mainlining heroin. Or meth. What makes you think I believe addicts are in their right minds?
@@slukky tobacco cigarette smoke, while you're at it
@@MrCoontwo I hate it.
If people would stop ignoring the issues in our city because they refuse to admit things are bad, it's never going to change either. These politicians need to stop turning a blind eye to everything that doesn't directly benefit them.
That was an excruciatingly generic comment.
@@coryvette7170 and your reply was enthralling? 😂
Maybe this DOES benefit them, somehow.
I do feel a distinction needs to be made. The trouble is with the drug addicts who refuse help and setup camps wherever - along the river especially and trash the place. This is where the real problem lies. They will not go to a shelter because there are rules there and they can't use their drugs. Arrest them. Force them to clean up their messes, Offer them treatment or Jail. Its that simple. Boise does this - and they don't have the problem as severe as here and in Seattle.
Yes!!! THAT IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. I was born & raised in Spokane. I moved to Mesa, AZ in the mid 90's. I moved back to Spokane mid 2k's. I did not, (still dont) even recognize Spokane. To make it worse, the Spokane Police hands have been tied to the point of ridiculousness! Eg: If someone was to steal my purse & a cop even saw it, if the purse snatcher runs...too bad, bc the police can no longer make chase.
Stop with the logic and reason. We don't do that on the internet.
Visited Vancouver, British Columbia this summer which is ranked as the most beautiful city in the world. There is one district on the edge of downtown that spans a 15 block radius that blew my mind with rampant drug use, things I won’t even repeat that I’ve witnessed. It goes from multi million dollar glass and concrete condo towers and Louis Vitton, Gucci stores to a tent city in a matter of three blocks. Talked to locals there who said the problem will never be solved. Where do you even begin? Seattle is much the same from what I’m told, it’s out of anyones control. Trillion dollar mark to even begin
Spokane is one of the best cities in the country to be a homeless drug addict. Cheap drugs, endless supplies of food and hand-outs from bleeding hearts. Every week these people are "blessed under the bridge". Heck, local treatment centers send staff downtown every week and offer 100% free residential drug and alcohol treatment with few to no takers. This place is a magnet for the worst kind of people and everything we're doing to help is just making the problem worse.
Sadly, compassion stretched not only too thin, but misguided is part of the problem. Tough love means telling the truth regarding behavioral consequences.
The Butler You created an egg account on You Tube just to make that one comment? Pathetic.
Have we sent flyers to other cities welcoming their biggest losers.
@@murphacus Flyers were last a thing back in the cowboy and Indian days. now they all have free Obama phones.
@@obbeachbum69 Obama phones are trash. Just about worthless, but the gubmint won't go w/ the more reliable old Kyoceras bc it wants us all on smartphones-- that hang, dial on their own, & crash in the middle of a text. That's plain stupid waste. But then, we can afford to send Israel billion$ every year so it can steal property & shoot babies playing on the beach.
We make it too easy for people to be homeless.
Most of them don’t even want to get off the streets which is the problem
it takes sometimes 5 years to get approved for public housing assistance
This video has some good points, but it's oversimplistic. No mention of the drug problem/availability compared to Boise. Drugs=Crime. Until we address it with a comprehensive plan, our streets and neighborhoods will continue to deteriorate.
heather silke Idaho also gives harsher punishments for drugs. Just residue will get you 7 years in prison. Weed will get you 6 months in jail and or 2 years probation.
what are you talking about? they mentioned drugs through the whole thing
@@jaylee6769 In comparison to Boise. Read what someone is saying before you respond so ignorantly.
Some commenters are overlooking the fact that there are two distinct groups - people who have fallen on hard times ("homeless"), and people who do not want to or cannot integrate into a modern civil society ("criminal vagrants"). This video is concerned primarily with the latter. Of course we need to show compassion and show support for those who truly need it (the homeless). There is plenty of existing housing in shelters for this group. But for those who exist in a way that is harmful to the general public (crime, sanitary and health issues, orderly civil society), they must be dealt with in a mature manner for the benefit of all. Yes, that includes utilizing tools like actually enforcing existing laws and bringing back public mental health institutions (FKA asylums). Giving free housing will not work because they flat out do not want to participate in society, or because they are mentally incapable of doing so and need to be institutionalized.
Exactly.
I have a degree & served as everything from a boot recruit to an officer in the Marines & Army. I fell through those cracks. I never panhandled, was never addicted bc I didn't want to become addicted, & I kept myself clean & presentable. I availed myself of the resources offered & got off the streets eventually thanks to the efforts of some very nice people & organizations. I never feared the cops. It was my fellow bums who concerned me most. Thieves, tweakers, & outright psychopaths roam the streets at night. Let them learn the fear of the law if they won't listen to their own damaged consciences. Aversive therapy works in nature when nothing else will. When people act like animals, they should face an implacable wall of law-- compassion applied later. That's the reason we have govts in the first place.
You'd have to be an utter pudding brained moron not to see the shear number of tweakers in relation to 'homeless'. You sympathizers have enabled them long enough.
Tom H I’m with you but very dangerous words when your talking about enforcing laws and bring back asylums. Most people blend it together and then when you talk about how we can’t give them free housing.
Well that’s juts it put the non criminal one that juts don’t want to be part of society inthe other group. It sounds bad. But why not.
Then it’s simper. And exactly just enforce basic laws. Like jay walking in front of cars is illegal and make it so people respect themselves and others and respect for the law will fall in line. Let’s get a generation of kids repeating legal code flawlessly instead of some of theses lame songs.
Build up the urban density and tiny houses etc. get the city to accutally encourage proper campaign.
Contact me if anyone want to help my campaign to help.
I been working on this for years.
Not to brag but I know how to deal with almost all the factors.
I love America and the American spirt.
Can you blame anyone for not wanting to be part of this society. If that’s the worst of them that’s not a crime. We need to work a little harder to understand others and make it mate fun. Enjoy thinking about what kinds of world you would feel like living in. It big job bit not impossible.
save the wilderness for people who care about living off it.
Don’t let suburban sprawl happen here or your fucked guys.
If there isn’t all levels of housing what are we doing.
Travel and see how other countries are guys.
Keep our 1st and second amendment and let start over with housing at every level and no gov housing but private owners who get credits to build a mother in law quarters.
Build tree houses with heat and ac and small fridge and shower and out door shared kitchen so no risk of accidental fire for these people who are coming Down off these drugs. Meth literally makes you schizophrenic imagine your family is murdered in front of you and then some “ friend” says here smoke this it will make you feel better I juts wanna see you happy again.
And boom walking dead. But their not. Not total zombies yet. Now if their a piece of crap human and true selfish or violent criminal they are easy to spot and arrest. They need to juts do their job.
I herd of a meth head tellign a officer he would stab him and he didn’t arrest him. Probably should and stop making up excuse to arrest small dv or clear self self defense calls
Thanks for being one for solutions mister Tom H
It’s a tuff topic.
Thank you for trying and not giving up!!!
Exactly the ones that are tweaking in the streets they have no fear of the law !
It's the shady government and cops of this town. Not to mention the meth problem they never address!
Yeah "shady" cauz they target tweakers. I've never been harrassed here cauz I don't buy tweak.
Matt Tenney it’s not the cops. Their hands are tied with this issue. They are doing what the city allows them to do. Want better cops? Vote better
Matt...I also do not agree with it being a police issue. They simply cannot do their job. The less than adequate jail space (for 12-15 years) was very telling. Why arrest someone only to have them get out in 3-4 hours? Its political. Always...at the end of the day.
It's definitely not the police. The majority of them just want to do thier job. It's city government and the people running it, particularly City Council. The solution is really simple. 1. A two year moratorium on all public improvement projects. 2. Tax developers on new projects specifically for the construction of a larger county jail. 3. Take the funds saved from the moratorium on public improvement projects and hire more police officers. 4. DO NOT ELECT BEN STUCKART FOR MAYOR!!!
@Manny Q you are so wrong. They don't make money off anyone. This comment is a sure sign you have no idea what your talking about or grasp of facts.
You can start by making panhandling illegal and actually enforce the law! Boise police actually enforce the law and it keeps the lowlifes away
chrisgunderson I agree 100%!
bingo
Spokane has the same laws, but our over crowded jail and growing liberal city council wont let the police enforce those laws.
Seriously our police need to be able to enforce these laws!
Agreed. I have lived homeless & never once panhandled. I also washed regularly & picked up after other bums. No need for this.
Somebody stole my truck a few months ago and I've been having problems with people stealing mine and my kids' things for more than a year and I live miles away from downtown. More patrols I can agree with but it needs to be everywhere and that alone won't fix it. What Spokane needs to do is properly deal with the mentally ill. That would free up room in the jails for people that need to be there.
Edit: So after a little reading and a little more thought, I've refined my views a bit. Homeless people don't have the resources they need to stop being homeless and no rational person would choose to be homeless. If they're given dignity and the basic means to escape homelessness, they might act more dignified and escape homelessness. It has to be cheaper than building an underground bus depot and paying to house people in jail. If the humane option is also the cheapest, only an asshole would want the alternative.
AGREE! Being homeless is traumatic. No wonder people turn to drugs- they feel like "why not? I dont have anything else going for me." We have a punitive system that punishes before it cares about people. It's quite easy to become homeless. It's difficult to find a job and stay sober if you don't have enough resources. I don't think JAIL is a resource, but obviously the people who are making money off of jail, love more people in jail. Lots of folks in jail have undiagnosed illnesses, which won't ever make them "normal" and "fit into the precise box that allows one to be successful in society" so what do we do? punish them. Then they feel cast out and then we throw them in jail and fund the jail owners. Also, if you are wealthy, you can keep yourself out of jail pretty easily- you just pay your bond.
The video vaguely identifies a problem for which they offer extremely specific, detailed solutions barely related to the problem. I’ve lived in Spokane for most of the past six decades and have many frustrations with some of issues highlighted here. However, the solutions are simply bizarre. How does moving public transportation underground solve problems? The London, New York, and Chicago public transportation systems are all predominately underground. The notion that moving things underground will solve the problems that are not even clearly explained in the video challenges my personal observations of these other cities.
This video also mixes city-wide crime data with downtown crime issues in ways that are designed to confuse. Overall city crime rates are not the same as downtown crime rates. I call that propaganda.
Thank you, I felt the same way. What an agenda.
@@cdub2231 Bad data is bad data. Good data misapplied is bad data as well. You disagree? Your assumptions about the crime in my neighborhood appear to interfere with your comprehension.
This scares me, after the fact.... I went there about a week ago for a business trip and the first day there I noticed how many homeless ppl were around where I stayed and I stayed at a grand hotel it was mind blowing. We were told not to go out at night, I couldnt wait to get back on the plane. I plan on staying away from there. Sad because it's such a beautiful city
truly sad. it is a gorgeous city with the friendliest people in Wa state. I grew up there, it was great. these druggies and the crime hurts it though
First off, good luck policing homelessness. Without addressing the issues as to why there is so much homelessness in an area, you're instead just flushing money down the toilet because soon you'll have to build bigger and bigger prisons to incarcerate people for a few days for petty crimes. Secondly, I hate to break it to you but if you're afraid to go downtown, you're obviously using fear tactics to oversell the problem. Do I enjoy walking around places where public intoxication and other sketchy people are congregating? No. It is an annoyance? Very much so. That said, I have never even felt close to feeling threatened or scared walking downtown in all my life. I'm 42, and other than living in Seattle and New York for 15 years combined, I was born and raised here and having been to plenty of places, some much smaller than Spokane where there was true danger. This is all about a bunch of people who want to hold their smug nose in the air and feel above the plight of homeless people. Grow a pair of balls and quit wasting public resources on locking up people you don't like.
PavementIztRad For what it’s worth, Ive lived in Spokane for 20 years And I’ve been jumped and robbed twice and know a few different people who have been victims in crimes committed by the junkies hanging out downtown.
God bless you. I lived in Spokane 55 years and Seattle 5. I totally agree with what you are saying here.
this is a real comment
I can tell you what the problem is right now. We spend too much money on incarceration, and not enough on active enforcement. The bloated prison system is taking all the money that could go toward having proper enforcement. Spokane is well below the national average for cops per 1000 people.
@Bill You are just taking things to an extreme to make a point. No one ever said anything about ending incarceration, just making the sentences shorter, along with many other reforms. The current recidivism rate is so high that it is obvious the current system is a failure.
@Bill If what you say is true, how come they are coming out worse than when they went in again. Your approach of doing more of the same expecting different results is flawed thinking. We need to do things differently if we want a different outcome.
@Bill You say we should be executing criminals left and right rather than paying to house them, yet you argue for longer sentencing? Do you realize how much it costs to execute criminals?
@Bill Do you make this up as you go along, or do you have a study, a statistic, or any tangible evidence to support your opinion?
what does that have to do with homelessness and addiction?
We don't need more parking, we need more public transport.
I am not afraid to be in Downtown either day or night but parking is a huge issue. I just spent nearly 6 yrs living in Vegas which is 10x bigger than Spokane BEFORE any tourists and I have really noticed how poorly Spokane drivers drive. Many have no clue about how to navigate a round about and so many other things. Spokane has SO much potential but we have to listen to each other to keep improving it. Nothing is stagnate.
Just moved up from Vegas few weeks back. Agreed.
@@Imwatchinua It only takes one incident. I live near the Cath. cathedral. There are deals outside & even a gunshot or two. We've also had stabbings & break ins. But, if you wish to takes yer chances, you're a big girl. Just don't complain if the odds aren't in your favor. You & Jennifer have been warned.
I grew up in Spokane, when i moved back a few years ago, it just broke me to see all the problems the city has, I live in the cannon park area, close to down town, not to far. Crime is not just down town, but every where, we need more police, we need a bigger jail. I can't even walk my trash to the dumpster with out fear and having to wear a side arm, cant go anywhere in this town with out a side arm. as for down town, it is worse down there, scares the shit out of me to even go down there. there are some very good points to things that would work in this video, now our city council needs to stop building damn foot bridges, and shrinking roads and actually put that money where it needs to be, like a new jail, bigger police force, and start putting these criminals away for some good amount of time, not a few hours or a few days.
I'm sure they'll be doing much better and stop being homeless after getting out of jail..
download333 I didn’t see him mention the homeless, he specifically said “criminals”.
Yeah man you kind of sound like a pussy
damn really? I grew up in Spokane too and thinking about moving back
@Azlorn Magus you sound like a criminal lol
The problem is drugs. Once you figure out away to stop the drug problem the rest of the problems will start to go away too
What difference does it make if the bus station is underground or not?
To me, if most of your crime occurs downtown, wouldn't it make sense to have the jail close by versus out of town?
Lot of crime on the north side of Spokane Washington plus other areas & yes center hub for drug addicts/dealers are downtown where DEA agents should be able to find all the drug dealers because that's where the middle men come in that's dealing the fentanyl & other illegal drugs so they follow the the middle men mules selling the drugs then bust all the drug cartels that bring to USA plus make harder on China for making the main ingredients for fentanyl they're killing people
Facing up to the issues downtown is an important step. I like that this video distinguishes between the homeless (still needing compassion) and the criminal element (which needs to be addressed, and the primary subject of this video). You have to admit, it is getting pretty scary downtown.
yeah they want to arrest more people for misdemeanors. Authoritarian pukes.
@@pnwhobby3313 if you like living amongst filth, have at it.
Who said anything about that? You cant arrest away homelesness. Stupid.
The "homeless" don't deserve any compassion. They are almost to a man, drug addicts. Get rid of them. They deserve no more respect from us than they have for themselves. We need to prioritize COMPASSION for the hard working people and business owners of the city that are productive and make contributions to society. No more priority for the dregs.
@@forbesmag1271 statistics say you are wrong. Many homeless have mental health issues or come from bad domestic situations totally separate from drugs. You're a bootlicking idiot.
Spokane isn't this bad. I moved here 15 years ago from Macon Georgia. Towns like Macon should be avoided not, Spokane. Sure, there is a lot of homeless freaks, just ignore them and mind your own business, you'll be fine. I use the bus system often and never have a problem. Spokane is beautiful especially the south hill area. Spokane police are great, they are always helpful and respectful to citizens. We definitely need a better and bigger jail or somewhere to jail and help the homeless. No homeless person should be sleeping in our parks and under the train tracks downtown. Spokane needs a law against homelessness to FORCE these people into getting help, seldom do they reach out for help till things get bad for them. Make homelessness against the law and give these people a reason to change. Jail is the answer, invest in a new Spokane jail now or pay the price. Nobody wants to hang out in our city with the sick and mentally ill everywhere.
Spokane will slowly become the new Seattle
Ahimsa Rose I surely hope not!
Slowly?
@Miss Dani Can't stop Americans from moving wherever we please. Wouldn't you move here from the coa$t? The prices go up astronomically bc some people here are greedy. Then the rest are stuck w/ rising costs that force their hands. Can't blame capitalism either. It's just a formula. The inputs, including values, come from people. How much faith do you put in humanity?
I feel it already has, just smaller scale
Never said anything like that, I am referring to the homeless /drug issues. That is the comparison I'm making. And actually Seattle take most if Spokanes federal funding . That's a fact .
its been 3 years whats the update?
You don't want to know
@@geno1825 dang that bad eh?
@@guitardude0909 yes & little bit late but now they want to build way bigger jail in Spokane Washington but should of been done 20 years ago because in reality we needed really bad with criminals/drug addicts getting away with everything with getting lenient sentences with some criminals with more than 50 misdemeanors or felonies but not enough room in prison or jails they think that criminals or drug addicts can be reformed overnight but in reality they are not
Maybe if the police dealt with property crimes they wouldn't be so high..
David Hennessey the police wish they could. Local government has their hands tied though.
Police are only concerned with pulling normal people over.
@@cdub2231 (¯`•.•´¯) (¯`•.•´¯) The NYPD has NOT fixed the crime issues in NYC by focusing on the criminals; they still focus on decent tax payers to meet unjust quotas and isolate minority victims through their(in department) racial profiling agenda.
FACTS: The quality of life crimes have decreased due to officers being directed to enforcing petty violations against minorities to clean up the appearance of neighborhoods. However, victims of violent crimes were still on-the-rise prior to the pandemic, largely due to stop-and-frisk being discontinued -- though an unbalanced and unjust approach to policing, it was highly effective toward illegal weapons and contraband control, increasing revenues to process more cases against targeted low-income minorities, condemning young men of color to begin their adult lives with petty misdemeanor arrest records and convictions(as their constitutional rights were overridden daily).
*The REAL reason for any type of crime deduction in NYC was due to "the rising cost of housing," largely due to re gentrification and a large influx of legal & illegal 3rd world immigrants in areas that were once deemed basically as ghettos, who pool their resources to pay the rents demanded by landlords(as the rental housing market continues to sky-rocket), leaving low-level criminals disenfranchised in their capacity to remain in NYC -- forcing them to migrate upstate, other locations in the tri-state area and cheaper non-local destinations. Most of these immigrants(particularly African Muslims and hard working Mexicans(who come str8 from Mexico, btw), bring with them a deep respectability and cultural consciousness that actually honors the grace of being able to live in a place where the average salary is 78k a year, even if the cost-of-living is absurd! 😒
This is statewide !!! Drugs are destroying Spokane and destroying lives. My baby is out there somewhere ....... my sweet girl is out there ! Shut the border ! FREE treatment for anyone who wants it . Still watching to how Boise did it.
Yo are in my prayers, JM.
release all the non-violent marijuana crimes and will be plenty of room in the jail...
Ross Mandigo not true. I used to work there. The reason it’s crowded is because they make money housing federal inmates. This needs to stop immediately. The majority of the officers do not arrest anyone solely for drug possession. At least I never saw it over a two year period. It’s seen as a waste of time. However, if you break into someone’s home or car, and you happen to have say heroin on you, then that charge is added on.
I personally did not like or fit in with the SPD or jail staff, but even I’m saying, as far as I know most were fair... extremely emotionally retarded and too dumb to have an intelligent conversation with, but fair.
@@redemptionhappens7725 damn bro. like that huh?
Within hours!
The most frustrating thing is seeing those in leadership without a vision. Parking sucks and next to no safety concerns about rideshare pick up zones, they just let the homeless run business out of the area. No one wants to visit downtown because they feel unsafe. Leadership here sucks. Because there is none.
While we may not all agree on the proposed solution, what this video does very well is: Identify the problem. Creating solution-directed dialogue will benefit all members of our community.
People, probably those who like the govt. to solve all their problems, cannot concentrate for more than about 20 minutes, so this film had to be concise & an overview. There are many other presentations online for those who care to do the watching. I've been homeless. This film is lightweight.
Time for Liberty State!
There's a ginormous diff btwn Washington State & Idaho state in terms of the consequences for breaking the law, disrespecting law enforcement officers, and so much more. So...I'm not surprised whatsoever.
I am from Spokane, and I have a few issues and concerns from these points.
Cops making more arrest doesn’t help without the DA’s office, probation Dept and the courts working to solve the problem. Forced drug treatment doesn’t take.
I live in Spokane and I don't go anywhere without a firearm or a knife, know why?
Police wont show up on time and people aren't around for you to scream to and some people won't help you when ur almost dead.
Edit: yes I spelt something wrong, I meant to say I don't go anywhere without a firearm or knife
Dont vote socialist Democrats shit wont happen and I carry everywhere Spokane is alot better then Yakima or Seattle
Without you mean???
@@mohrphine69 sorry I was tired I did mean to say without
Fund rehabilitation not jails. The revolving door exists because root issues aren't being addressed: housing, health services, and opportunity.
I hope that the citizens of Spokane will make whatever changes are necessary to "save" Spokane. It makes me very sad to see how things have deteriorated. I worked in downtown Spokane from 1966 through 1974. It was a wonderful place to work -- walk to work, walk anywhere during the lunch hour, go to night classes and return to the car in the dark -- and never had to worry about being attacked or confronted by aggressive panhandlers. My recent visit to Spokane was two years ago. We always stay at the historic beautiful Davenport Hotel, but this stay was very different. Uniformed Davenport security people walked the block -- constantly to provide a feeling of safety for their guests. We did not do much walking around downtown Spokane. We have family and friends living in the outskirts of the city and we want to see them all, but we will not be returning to the lovely Davenport - a hotel that we just love. Good luck to the people of Spokane -- do what you need to do to clean this up. Crime is the result of rampant drug use - no doubt about that. Support your police.
Had my license plates stolen in north Spokane near Gprep. They are not just downtown...
Our city council has stripped SPD from being able to do their jobs, our jails are already full of these clowns. I went on several ride alongs with SPD and the Sheriffs department and every time was the same complaint, they feel like they can't do their jobs and even if they do make an arrest. That person will be out the next day committing the same crimes. I have lived in Spokane my entire life and finally got fed up and moved to a small town outside Spokane, life is much better now. I hope the best for Spokane but one of the city council woman stated she "wants to adopted the same laws Seattle has" and look at how well that worked... Change the city with your Vote, that is your only option.
A young black man was assassinated in his home, in Spokane. The killer has not been found and for Krem and Khq this seems to not be to important.
The Dog that was killed in a fire is getting more coverage then this murder.
Coming from someone that lived in in NYC for 13 years, your data is wildly inaccurate. Property crime in NY is so common it's often simply not reported. The NYPD's self reporting system tends to focus on major violent crimes while sometimes ignoring misdemeanors altogether.....
More jails? Ok, let's put someone in jail for having too many drinks and is walking home. Put him in jail, potentially risking his job. Loses job. Unable to pay fines. Gets new charges. If your intention is to monetize the criminal justice system, which is beyond disgusting, then go for it. This "documentary" claims we have a revolving door justice system, if that's true then institute a 3 strikes your out policy. A year and a day for habitual (misdemeanor) offenders over a three year period and send them to prison. However, you can't close off your compassion simply because something or someone is difficult to look at, hear or smell. Were all human and have lived vastly different lives, let's try and remember that when were turning our noses up at some stranger.
NYC is one of the portals to hell. Too many years of libvert leadership(?) We need tough love & Liberty State.
@@slukky have you actually even been there? Honestly?
@@jasonbettencourt3771 Did I stutter? Yes. With a degree, military service, & all that stuff behind me. No addictions, no begging, no filth. A year and a half. I also have had ADHD all my life. It took me 12 years to earn a four-yr. degree, but I did it, & I took grad courses until they became too expensive. But it wasn't my super-duper intelligence that pulled me through. I just have had faith that God would see me through all the hard times. Call it blind faith if you want, but experience has taught me better. Drugs & fantasy thinking won't solve anything. They only dis-solve things like families, jobs, & lives. Do people listen? No. They do the same stupid things over & over, then wonder what happened. As for those who are genuinely nuts, it is a crime NOT to pick them up & put them into monitored care. What? We're free to be mad & miserable? How human is that? Tough, thoughtful compassion is the only thing that'll work. Some will die, yes. Some will fight the system & end up in jail, yes. That's life. Let's get real. Common sense is not common, but it is a valuable asset that has been lacking in politics for as long as I can recall.
Brought to you by Larry Stone, who makes profit from the city by charging rent to house the homeless. Inflaming the situation can be good for those that seek to profit from it. Classic example for Larry Stone, profit where you can, while you can.
Of course he's nothing but a narcissist snob slumlord
The problem boils down to income inequality and people having to live on the edge, paycheck to paycheck. Miss one and then you’re out on the street and who wants to hire you?
Bullshit commie
Wrong!!! relax on the Bernie Sanders propaganda dude, your not a victim, A good work ethic and humbleness will get you where you need to be. Your no entitled to anything..
How would moving the bus terminal underground solve anything? Hiding the problem doesn’t help anyone. I’d rather have my tax dollars go to another homeless shelter. 6:55 the 315 unsheltered homeless people are the problem, they need a roof over their head so they can get their life back together. It’s hard to contact people if they don’t have an email or at least an address. This would also solve the public urination problem.
If Spokane doesn't do something now, they will end up like Seattle, a city where I grew up in but now I do not want to live in anymore due to the same issues that were left unchecked for the past 5 - 10 years. We still have a city council that does nothing and the problem is getting worse. At least Spokane has a winter climate that might clear some of the criminals out for a few months. And they will end up in Seattle!
Here's one thing we ought to be thinking about seriously, not just for the sake of homeless people, but for the general welfare.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/aug/31/local-non-profit-offering-showers-of-hope-to-homel/?The+Spokesman-Review+Newsletters&EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_06_04_08_00_COPY_01&
Why, you ask?
"Several of the infectious diseases associated with human lice are life-threatening, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever, which are caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, Borrelia recurrentis, and Bartonella quintana, respectively. Although these diseases have been known for several centuries, they remain a major public health concern in populations living in poor-hygiene conditions because of war, social disruption, severe poverty, or gaps in public health management. Poor-hygiene conditions favour a higher prevalence of body lice, which are the main vectors for these diseases." www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X14614439
I reside 450 miles away, but I have four children in Spokane, so I visit (usually a different hotel each time, although my kids have their favorite eateries) monthly. Have become very familiar with the area, and especially downtown. I appreciate the homeless -- and related crime -- problem Spokane shares with other cities. It does seem somehow more acute there, but that might be due to the large number in a relatively small area. I see the desperation in those folks as elsewhere. I have, a number of times, had to dodge and sidestep and warn away and even step between my kids and people who not only "don't seem gainfully employed," but seem to be in need of immediate mental health care. But we still go downtown. We still walk around. We deal with it. Sometimes it's difficult, certainly. In any case, I applaud and endorse your effort to do something about this situation. When I served on a city council, I spent considerable time researching what other cities did that worked, in areas where things weren't working in my own community, or where improvements were demanded by residents and business owners. By contrast, I also looked at cities where things were more messed up, and analyzed their failures. Often, it came down to the resolute and lasting power of the "liberals love to raise your taxes!" argument from some taxpayers, which ended all discussion of solutions, since the best solutions or doing anything positive at all costs money. Those with vision in the city would at some point need to capitulate. Shrug your shoulders, walk away, let it be. Keep dodging and sidestepping. Wouldn't it be nice if fiscal conservatives were also problem solvers?
Here is just ONE thing Spokane needs.. Look back to the late 1960's and a core group of about 15 or more Spokane businessmen, including King Cole ( not from Spokane), Mayor David Rodgers, CEO of ASI American Sign and Indicator Luke Williams and many others. It was this core group of people that got a Worlds Fair in the smallest US city ever... we do NOT need politicians. We need residents who plan and use VISION to plan what can benefit most of the residents without concern for getting elected. I would like to see the Mayor on a Citizens Panel with nobody else in politics or not anyone else elected and then go from there. Too many politicians say and do whatever they have to say to get elected and unfortunately most benefit from elected office whether they benefit their constituents or not.
I grew up in Spokane in the 90's and have lived in Seattle since 2006. I never remembered crime and drug use being a problem in Spokane, but when I moved to Seattle and encountered the homeless downtown I saw how crazy it was. from the looks of things in this video it seems like Spokane is now much worse than Seattle is. that's a shame. Spokane is such a beautiful city with great people. I've actually wanted to move back to Spokane for a really long time. compared to Seattle and how people are here, I would much prefer the city of Spokane that I grew up in. it was a very warm and friendly city with a great things to do outdoors. but idk what it's turning into. this is sad. I really love Eastern Washington.
Lived in Spokane for 3 years with my wife. Had our first kid, started looking for a house in Idaho. 9 months 10 days later, had another kid, Bought a house in Post Falls. No way did we want our kids raised over there.
that sucks. I grew up in Spokane. had a great childhood. used to be a great city
The reason these problems exist is because we tolerate it. Much of the crime is because of the homeless and much of the homelessness is because of the charities that cater to them. It’s time to stop “trying to help” the homeless, which only makes it easier for them to remain here. It’s time to make them EXTREMELY uncomfortable and unwelcome. It’s time to take down the bird feeders. It is unfair to hard working taxpayers to expect us to tolerate this crap.
In patient drug treatment centers, affordable housing, viable support centers for social issues, fair and equitable law enforcement with officer training for de-escalation of volatile situations, and inpatient mental health facilities are all desperately needed! Get police, courts, and social services working for our city...not as enemies.
Sadly that very approach has happened in Seattle for several years. Drugs are nolonger prosecuted unless in high quantity, treatment is offered to all who want it. LEAD and drug court are available to those who are charged. The methadone clinics are full, the needle exchange is booming also providing rock & meth pipes. Low level crimes of theft, trespassing and vandalism are nolonger prosecuted.Property crime in the city is now #2 in the nation. Seattle has injection sites where open drug use is allowed in government funded housing (navigation center 12th & S Weller). Police in Seattle are very hands off as directed by the Mayor, council and Chief. Over 150 million a year spent on the homeless problem. And the crime rate, drug use and homelessness problem is still on the rise. Most of the homeless have no intention of getting work, better their situation or to stop using drugs. Affordable housing doesn't fix that. The police didn't cause drug addiction. The police didn't cause mental illness. The police didn't cause criminal behavior. Police don't prevent people from getting drug treatment. It may feel good to give free food, tents, needles and look the other way when crimes occur but it has a horrible cost.
I agree with you from a good morale viewpoint, but when the homeless, drug users and criminals don't want to better their community also, but instead abuse its beneficial resources. There needs to be different ways of dealing with those problems.
My history as an officer, I would say they answered a large issue. When the justice system works against the police officers that are trying to enforce the laws, the police don't feel the need or point to enforce petty crimes when they feel the public and justice system are rooting against them.
@@MH-on8ol Oh. Yes. I see your view and agree. Thanks. I'm a physician here in Spokane and treat those addiction cases and resulting carnage daily. It gets hard. Yet I see where you are coming from too. Thanks.
@Alan formula1 I hear you. I went from a family neighborhood next to a smart little elementary school, to one devastated by expansion of the freeway, addicts ripping us all off daily and this newest city flop house proposal coming next month 3 blocks from my door. I thought about your post. Then I went to Walmart on E. Sprague to pick up a prescription and looked twice at the sad, sad, sate of humanity down there. I'm thinking... you are right. Those folks are enjoying their "lifestyle" and I'm sick of seeing it! I mean....c'mon! I don;t know of any mature adult who has not been devastated at some point in life, but Daaaammmn! They have no problem finding $$ for their addictions! Thanks for getting me back to thinking.
Truth Seeker well said!
Do these people choose to stay out there year round? You’d think people without shelter would go live somewhere warmer where weather doesn’t matter as much if anything, rather than freeze to death up in east WA.
FINALLYYYYYYY this is being addressed. Will anything ACTUALLY be done though? As a female who worked downtown and had to walk past all this day and night I was terrified every day I had to walk to or from work. I moved to Los Angeles recently and people complain about the homeless and crime here and I’m like this is nothing compared to Spokane! I pray to god things get better for Spokane. It’s sad.
LA is *WORSE* ?
Lol LA is worse. 😂
Is the site no longer available (curingspokane.com)?
I see poop, excrement, faeces, crap, sheet, doo doo, caa caa, human loads, human logs, piles of defecation all over town as I walk the downtown core. Some watery and brown. Some strewn against walls, while others are piled in a mound a la mount Spokane. Sometimes I wonder, are these local artwork on display for beautification purposes?
Let's gather them & give them all to Shawn Vestal. Seems he likes that sort of shtuff.
Such a beautiful poem
@@Ama40401 you are bad. Lol. You are encouraging my line of sarcasm.
Sorry, my compassion is nearing its end ( yeah I get mental health issues etc etc and its tough... but can only save the ones who want it). Cant wait for winter to drive the crazies south. If the city wont deal with the problem, mother nature will... at least until Spring. My answer, put them all in chain gangs doing work for the state such as picking up garbage, needles, feces etc for the opportunity of 3 hots and a COT.
Gotta clean them up first. Till then, you're dealing w/ the addiction or the mental problem. Work is therapeutic, & I agree there. Chain gangs? Have you ever seen a chain gang? I wouldn't want that around me. If they're that dangerous, they shouldn't be anywhere near the public.
Chain gangs is pretty harsh, even for this old Marine. Still, work is good for the spirit. Three hots & a cot? I usually do two & yes, I still sleep on a good ol' military cot. Oo-rah!
Our car was broken into and stolen and after police found it wrecked inside two days later, nobody bothered to check for fingerprints. Of course crime will go wild if there's no consequence...
Upon moving to spokane I was met with a break in during moving in where much was stolen. We reported it to the police and they dusted for finger prints and then NOTHING. Next we found if we did not lock our car in the driveway we were nearly guaranteed someone would go thru the car and take stuff. We live in a desirable part of town and it is believed transients come here to pilfer. Watching this video explains the root of the problem. I agree Spokane desprately needs to address the homeless problem and increase the jail size. I would support raising taxes toward this effort. The only way this will get better is if the people get treatment or arrested to change their behavior.
When moving we could have just as easily moved to Boise instead, darn.
Does this sort of thing happen in the south hill area?
Go back to where you moved from.
The real issues here are intervention in a humane and supportive fashion, the ability to seek services and begin a path of recovery, housing and employment options once one is able, and a empathetic attempt to empower others with healthy lifestyle choices and ideals that encourage a feeling of hope leaving people believing that things will get better. If we can accept this as mutually beneficial process for our entire society, then, as a community we can begin to heal. Our citizens as well as its constituents need to be educated about a system that is broken and promotes a vicious cycle of socioeconomic, physical and emotional abuses that are handed down from one generation to the next. I apologize for the pain I am seen expounding from my being in this clip. PS. Homelessness is not a joke, this is not my individual issue as depicted by this malicious scene that is baseless and an absolute assasination of my true character in the most defaming of ways. This to me is cyberbullying and led to many attempts on my life. I DID NOT CONSENT to BE FILMED (around 3:50 mark)
Take back the city!
I was thinking about moving here but now not so sure... Anyone who lives in Spokane, can you share if you think this is still a nice place to live?
Absolutely not. Lived here for 21 years and it’s just awful now. The housing market is complete trash, homes that aren’t worth 100k are being listed for over 250k because it’s just too overpopulated. And the whole downtown/north side area is a complete joke. Id rather live in Compton.
:::clutches pearls:::
A Crime Rate 5× higher than NY City?! How is that even possible??? 😳 and how is simply just putting the Transit System Underground going to make a Difference? 😒 oh Parking...14:27...l got Trapped in that garage! Than when they finally came to Rescue me because the Pay Meter was Broken, they couldn't Accept Cash, so they Sent me a Bill with a Late Fee Fine! WTF?
So you move the bus plaza underground to hide all the problems.🙄Not!& this is a city wide issue,not specific to downtown.
Larry's brilliant solution.
Throw em in jail.
Wow
For the record. "Hey, look at Boise" isn't a solution. Neither is "lock em up".
I think the law enforcement should be more approachable, not drawing a gun first and asking questions after they shoot.. I don’t even bother talking to police because of the temperament they have.
These scum need to die.
Truth....
If enforcing misdemeanor laws means stopping and fining helmetless bicycle riders, I'm totally against this plan.
This video was well produced.
In comparison of Boise and Spokane: Boise's downtown is much smaller and less dense than Spokane's.
In Boise, it is almost against the law to be homeless. If there is someone who is visibly homeless at an event in downtown Boise, they will be hassled by the police until they leave.
I'd give the homeless a chance to choose-- shelter & resources like rehab & psych care, or get out & stay out vs. imprisonment & hard labor. Tough love, but reasonable.
Actually, having lived in Boise and travel to Spokane often, the core downtown areas are pretty much identically sized. I won't disagree with you however on your critique of the Boise's handling of homeless populations... That has been a mess.
Good. Get them out.
I’d rather them be kicked out then stay in the streets. The cities kids don’t need that. Maybe if they’re thrown in a jail until they can get help. Or sent directly to some kind of care center
Merida MX, Port Au Prince HT, Santa Domingo DR, and Havana CU have lower crime rates than Spokane does. Spokane has been my hometown where I was born and raised and to this day I still live here and there are much bigger problems than vagrants. We need to look at where they were beforehand. What caused them to become vagrants, why they are homeless, how they lost their source of income. And lastly their independence. Some of these people resort to drugs and are homeless because of how our system failed them. How many of these people walk into worksource everyday hoping employment turns up for them and it doesn't?
Look at it this way, one man works three jobs just to support his wife and two kids. Hours cut back on one, or he loses one for whatever reason. He cannot afford his rent. Thus, he was served an eviction. His wife breaks up with him because of it. He can only sleep on the streets because he has no money. He went from being a hardworking dad to a man with nothing now the only way he can manage to keep his mind off of it is by doing meth and heroin. Using illicit drugs or hydros to kill the emotional pain. Our government preys on those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, that needs to change.
One day I was just hanging round Downtown Spokane, I had $75 to put to use. Here is what I did. For 25 patrons under the Browne Street Bridge, I ran over to the corner to order pizza from Dominoes. I gave the homeless pizza to eat. And I talked to them. They feel very discouraged, they feel locked out, only at the Mercy of the shelters. The reason why the Browne Street Bridge smells like a disused toilet is because none of these people have a restroom to use because businesses state "sorry no public restrooms." So where is left that can they actually make nature's call. Where can they shower? Our government throws people under the bus quicker than they are able to get back up. Our social system only favors an elite few.
Additionally, if they have been to jail when they were teenagers, there is no way they will find a high paying job. We lock people out and we give them no chance to improve their life. So none of them have anything to stand for. Instead, we need to create provincial groups that support landlords when tenants get behind on their rent and it is because they have no way to pay the rent with as little money as they have. We need to open our restrooms up more for the patrons on the street, this will stop the urination/defecation problem we have. And we need to be less of a police state and more of a humanitarian state. More jails will not fix our problem, more support for those who have fallen under bad times is the answer. Second chances to those who were once a prisoner is also the answer.
Our social system is overdue to be rebuilt, so let's do that now. Let's give private and corporate landlords the ability to let tenants who have fallen on hard times shelter in their places, provide them money to allow it. Quit jailing people who have had no other choice but to backpack their groceries, instead; provide them the ability to pay for their groceries. We do not need a skyscraper shelter with harsh regulations. People need the freedom to live regardless of where they are. Money does not buy happiness; fairness, compassion, caring and sharing does. Let's quit doing politics and let's start doing good, this is how we can rebuild Spokane.
This is a direct reflection of the cities elected mayors, councils and prosecutors. Criminal filing standards that allow the behavior to continue is not compassion its reckless and exposes the citizens to this lawless behavior. Drug enforcement policies that keep people in the cycle of addiction is anything but compassion. Chronic Drug addiction leads to homelessness and in many cases mental illness. This spreading crisis isn't caused by gentrification, poor luck or a poor economy. Drugs are not a victimless crime and its damage is huge in lost potential, broken family, destroyed health, drain on first responders, hospitals, theft to support a habit and frequently deaths. Claiming to be compassionate while handing out free needles, Narcan, meth & rock pipes, tents and food is saying use drugs sleep in a tent and just exist while these people slowly decay and continue to victimize the community. Hold people accountable, slow the supply of drugs into the community. Allow people to sober up while in municipal, and county jails. If we continue to throw hundreds of millions of dollars at it with the same strategy expect the same. This problem isn't new and no city taking Spokane or Seattles approach has seen anything but more crime, homelessness and drug use.
@Azlorn Magus Says the man child who experiences life via video games.
I'd suggest 2 things
1. instead of a new prison on the outskirts of the city, build something designed to rehabilitate addicts and allow them to contribute back to the society again just based off numbers jailing all of them seems unproductive
2. I would also move away from bus transit and towards light rail, it has a higher initial cost but costs less or equal overtime, and could likely help the community a lot more as there's a fairly consistent trend between lightrail stations and property values. You could use that as a way to reduce the amount of restricted affordable housing in downtown because you'd be allowing lower income folks a way to still have access to downtown from outer neighborhoods without needing a car.
With less people struggling in your downtown it'll make businesses less likely to move out of the area, which generally leads to growth.
It would also help with some of the parking issue, that still likely needs to get fixed, but with less people reliant on a car less cars to mess with the crappy parking situation.
I really like Spokane, it is a beautiful, historic city. However, it is in grave danger of destroying itself with the homeless, drug addicted masses. you can't drive more than a couple blocks without seeing a tweeker or junkie. Spokane has had a history of corrupt politicians and a very corrupt police force. Straub was a good police commissioner and Condon was a good mayor. The policing has gone back to being corrupt since Straub left, and Condon has been hamstrung by the liberals on the city council and is not seeking re-election. I have a lot of concern for the future of this city going forward. If we don't have laws (and enforce them) we don't have a society.
I wouldn't be too quick to accuse our police of corruption. More likely they are dismayed by the snowflake SJWs like those on our sh-- city council, one of whom belongs in jail herself for breaking the law. Burke. Time to grow up & face the reality of running a law-abiding, attractive city. Mayor Condon tried the liberal, progressive palliatives. Even he admits they didn't work. Law breakers are criminals. Face the music or go someplace else w/those qualities. We're not heartless, but we are becoming mindless.
Stravo Lukos I agree 100%
@@slukky Not as corrupt as they used to be, but still have issues. Straub helped shape things up when he was commissioner. I am not anti police, and agree the SJWs are the biggest problem. We definitely need the police if we are to have any hope of enforcing any laws.
Remember we close down all the Mental Hospitals about 10 years ago. This is what you get homeless and drugs. This video has no comprehension what is actually going on .. I've never had a problem walking downtown Spokane. And I've lived here for 46 years.. the stupidity drivers scare me more than the crazy people and drug addicts.
the problem is the rent is uncontrolled in Spokane that's why you have all those homeless people down there there's always going to be a few but you have a big problem
Greedy rich ruining the country, the system is rigged the rich are in control.
Rent is more expensive in Boise yet they have way less homeless.
@@Countcho More expensive in Seattle too, and they have a worse problem. This video does not begin to touch the complexity of the issues that drive homelessness, drug addiction or mental health. But they got an even lamer ass solution. smh. You can tell this was made by an uninformed idiot.
BARBARA NORTON you mean freeattle? I know that place well. Lots of crime just out in the open.
There is not a " police " or " punishment"( jail ) solution to this. Spokane needs improved programs and services to help the vulnerable people..
When I was a teen in the 1980's, my friends & I shopped downtown on a regular basis. It was fun, safe & clean.
Now, well into adulthood, I avoid downtown like the plague. Partly bc I get tired of having to step around the ppl sleeping on the sidewalks, infront of the entry ways & wading thru their litter & filth.
How about prior to 2010-ish?
When I moved to Seattle in 1981 after walking away from Procter and Gamble as a burned out alcoholic pharma rep at age 30, with only a few bucks and knowing nobody but, I knew Seattle was the happening place, I decided to start a sign business because I saw a major need as business was booming and most local sign shops didn't have active sales forces. I literally walked into a monopoly. I focused on small jobs, windows, free standing signs etc...jobs that ran around $200.00-$500.00...and living in my car, I winged it and made my product in old garages, industrial parks after hours where the parking lots were a safe space, anywhere. I was homeless for two months before I saved enough to lease a small warehouse and built living space in a loft. I loved it. I was enjoying my work, solitude and overall environment..and I was my own boss. The key to success and only living in my car a mere two months, I realized off the bat, was staying the fuck away from other homeless. I went nowhere near missions, community centers, homeless encampments...anywhere the homeless are in a flock. If you fall into that community trap, you'll end up just like them...on the streets for years and all fucked up and permanently so. I devoted getting back on my feet to me and me only, staying to myself and focused, vagabonds bad news to be treking with if you want to keep moving forward.
Robert, congratulations. You are gifted w/ a keen business acumen. If you want lessons on how to lose it all w/o three months, hire me to be your consultant. Really, some of us are clueless. Now, I can grow crops & even forage some, but I've no business smarts whatsoever. I've a degree & 7 1/2 yrs. of military service behind me (from boot to ocs), several grad courses (till I went broke), & I'm honest & reliable. I'm also old, so who wants me?
I've been "out" 3 times, & I agree-- be choosy about your company. So many will rip you off, & some few would have no compunction shoving a blade between your ribs. And if you're a giver, there is no end to the takers. Christ Himself told us not to be saps, but just to be harmless as doves.
We desperately need a triage system in place & soon imho. Those who need to dry out & stay clean go there; those who need mental healthcare, go to the other place nearby; & thems that needs some training get it in trade for their stipended services while training. Not everyone's going to be a Robert Glenn, agreed? I'd settle for a sober, reliable laborer who lives in decent housing. Then, let the past rot.
@@slukky I don't know about gifted..we are all born with gifts...intuition primary among gifts God hardwires us with at birth. Unfortunately, stupid conformist parents who do more harm that good to growing offspring, government run schools and society in general, kill inate intuition early on because the system operates best with idiots made idiots by mom and dad as home, community and school churn out dummies. However, I hated school, had little respect for my parents, hated teachers, hated the entire paradigm...a contempt for authority primary. This explains why I trashed corporate life early on, authority something I couldn't tolerate. I was the guy who was always getting suspended from school for things like kicking the hall monitor's ass simply because he was dumb enough to ask for a pass when I was on my way to take a pee, a pass to take a pee? Oh, fuck that. Smoking, refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance and so much more, kept me from surrendering intuition and self. But, there was a price, a price like my parents thinking I was a mental case even though I got straight A's and was a very good student when attention to me wasn't being a pain in the ass. I mean, I'd done that stupid pledge seemingly forever. If it hadn't sunk in by 5th grade, it never would...so I said enough of this shit and daily, it's off to the principal's office again. Anyway, fear is what motivated me to get back on my feet and fast. i knew full well it's best to have a plan before bolting on one's orthodox life when lacking capital. I'd always been an amateur graphic designer so, signs was a logical road to getting off the road with all due haste. I hear you on the age thing. I'm now 67 and witness daily a world that wishes anyone over fifty just fucking die. Well, with that attitude the norm, rather than die, I've killed them off simply by staying away from the herd. I've always flourished when good and alone and wouldn't have it any other way. I wish you all the best because life really is a bitch...but, only if you allow it to be so. Gotta be a bigger bitch than life to survive life.
It's heart breaking to witness this in a city I've grown up in. Even tho I've only witnessed very little of the people who are on hard drugs or drunk or both, I know that its a bigger problem than it seems. When my parents and I had moved here from a little town north of Spokane, my parents were clean from drugs. They suddenly had become addicts a year later, it tore my family apart. I hope that this video helps address these problems, and can make a difference in attitude towards these issues to solve them. I hope it can make a difference for families who have drug issues, I don't want more kids to go through the same thing I did. Good video, here's to hoping it makes a difference.
I'm sorry i hope they recover. Nice Umbreon tho
Compassion is the problem, not the solution. This is the end result of a civilization gone soft.
Vestal's such a windbag. He's offered no reasonable solutions to homelessness & concurrent crime, but plenty of vitriol & sarcasm toward anyone who suggests some tough love. I offered to accompany him out on the streets for at least one weekend, preferably a month of weekends, but he's such a wimp that he simply spits accusations at me for being such a jerk. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! I've been homeless. Vestal has not. That kind of pompous verbiage should not be tolerated by the SR; however, I guess times are tough for the dying holdouts of paper & ink.
Larry Stone deserves a big applause for his time & investment in at least trying to solve some very nasty problems afflicting our beautiful city. And I'm sick & tired of being accosted by maniacs, panhandlers, & smelling downtown turn into a giant urinal. Vestal seems to like that. I don't. Kudos to Stone & all those who produced this overview.
Homeless addicts should be executed and fed to pigs.
@samcapo C'mon! Jaywalking? Since when do I bow to a machine? or some stupid lines? Littering, yes. Jaywalking-- you're old enough. Your choice. Now, cause an accident & pay the price. Fine w/ that.
@samcapo I just love it when people agree w/ me-- don't you? :-D
Thing is, there are a lot of laws, regs, codes, that demand we obey like little robots. I don't need to be told how to behave or what never to do, but just as in the military, the rules don't discriminate. We're all under Big Blubber. I hate Big Blubber! (That's from 4891.)
Spokane needs more police on the sidewalks and not on the street.
Grew up here, but got out of dodge due to wanting to raise a family where my husband and I didn’t have to worry about safety to the extreme! Want our kids to be able to walk to school, go play in the woods, meet friends at the park, etc... and despite living in one of the nicer neighborhoods, there is no way I would have allowed the above... drug addicts shooting up on our porch, car broken into multiple times, runners being “chased.” I love Spokane and I hope the best for it.... but things need to change!!
my neighborhood is so trashy. they like openly deal their drugs and honestly don't care anymore
I'm born and raised in Spookaloo... I know one thing our system is fucced up they keep the wrong people in jail and let the ones that need to be in that shit hole go free..... It's jus gonna get worse R.I.P. Kane Town!!! 😅💯
Boise also has Garden City and Nampa where the crime rates are significantly higher than in Boise. If Spokane had other cities to push their criminal element to then we would have "lower crime rates."
Andrew Williams oh you mean like the valley? Oh wait what about airway heights?
@@bryanrose20 Spokane has nearly double the crime rates as Airway Heights and the Valley, but Boise's crime rate is half of Garden City's and Garden City is only a few blocks from downtown Boise. A lot of the difference comes down to policy choice. Spokane certainly effects the greater area and Boise is definitely a cleaner town but morally, I think that there's a little more to the story.
@@bannockchief Boise has a large percent of LDS population which encouages strong families.
back in '00 I worked downtown, would walk home from work at Divine's at 3rd & Browne to my place at Boone & Monroe, now I wont even set foot downtown at night. Heck even 3 years ago I'd go play pokemon go in RFP till late at night, not anymore, no way. I dont even like walking around the southern end of downtown in the middle of the day
Spokane has it's problems, but after living all over the West Coast(San Diego, L.A, Modesto, Sacramento, Salem, Portland, Seattle) i prefer it over the rest.
Spokane is also a very peaceful city. As I walk the alleyways, and underpasses, the smell of peace fills the air. The aroma is pungent as it wafts through the crisp northwest air. While riding the buses, traversing the bus plaza, using the public library, the smell of peace is everywhere. Why do people keep spreading peace in and around the city?
randy Pall I’m sorry, but I think you mean the smell of weed and urine?
@@Ama40401 lol. Finally somebody recognizes my sarcasm
The aroma is pungent alright.. 🤢
I think you meant Pee's
We need a fucking vigilante, this video just makes me so upset to be a resident in Spokane, it’s giving me more and more reasons to pack up and leave this town.
Thank you so much for making this film. This is the main reason I do not go downtown anymore. Unsafe,Crazy people walking around. Laws not being enforced. Mostly safety issue for my family. I used to go down there all the time ,loved it down there. Not anymore! Our city fathers have passed rules and regulations that created this mess. We need new leadership.
windsurfed1 I totally agree!
Idaho doesnt fool around with such things. When you break the law here the law is actually enforced.
My thoughts as a Spokane native:
I completely agree with the assessment in building a larger jail. If it's overpopulated, we need another one as the population is sure to continue to grow.
Second, I love the idea of having police officers on bicycles or foot in the downtown area. From spending a lot of my childhood up until now in the downtown area, there have been a lot of moments where a lack of police presence was felt. Plus, it gives Spokane Police an opportunity to change the horrible, and incorrect stereotype of the corrupt, controlling police. Putting the police in a position where the public can interact with them, as well as being able to properly enforce the law. Great idea.
Third: I wish the video spent a little more time explaining why an underground transit facility makes any sense. If all we did was sink the facility into the ground, that just means the crime is going to move underground, rather than being resolved. However, my assumption is that instead of making the underground facility public access, like the current STA plaza facility, that you would purchase your bus ticket, or admission like you would for a subway, before entering the facility. That way, there are only paying customers, and keeping the drifters and squatters out.
My only push back would be what would this solution offer in resolving or reducing crime rather than just moving it to the above ground entrance?
Fourth: The last point made the least sense in regards to "Curing Spokane". I absolutely want Spokane to attract visitors, and the parking situation is absolutely pitiful, but how does building parking structures reduce the crime we have other than the few car break-ins we currently have? The video makes more of a case that the issue is with homelessness and squatting, rather than crimes of property damage.
Spokane has a lot of work to do. And much of that has to do with the city leadership. Stop fighting the charities, clear the red tape, enable groups like the Catholic Charities, Union Gospel Mission, etc etc. I love my hometown, but it's definitely not the city I grew up in not too long ago.
To me, it's pretty obvious. The person who created this video is an investor of commercial properties... Part three might as well be titled 'sell me the plaza so I can build something else there and make a profit' and part four might as well be titled 'If I build more parking garages, I can probably make a profit'... (parking is not an issue downtown, people just don't know how to find parking... there are two huge garages that are never full and lots everywhere...). I know the creator said he's not affiliated with anyone, but the glove fits rather nicely pointing to where this is aligning, if you also look at who's subsidizing which mayoral candidate. Now, before all you knuckle draggers out there try blaming it on 'the libs', you know our mayor is republican, right? You know the city council and mayor are absolutely NOT in control of the same parts of local government nor do they govern the same issues. The council is not 'counseling' the mayor in anything. They control completely different things. (Just some food for thought).
Currently living in Spokane valley and getting ready to move asap! Spokane and the surrounding area sucks it's a shit hole!
This made some good points, and the comments also have some good points. How many of these problems would be prevented by a wide variety of available Mental Health services. Not all, but many of these people suffer with mental illness that they self medicate, and then addiction becomes the driving force of their lives. Prevention is both more compassionate, and more cost effective.
I grew up in Spokane. But i left 20yrs ago and this makes me sad to see. I feel the legalization of drugs has drawn a lot of people that are involved in that kinda thing to Washington state. And the failure to enforce THE LAW, large and small are equity important. I will being returning to vist in about 6 moths and im scared of what im going to see.
It wasn't always like this....Residents of Spokane dont vote for people in you local election off feeling, vote off logic!!! Logical thinking can fix all these issues.
We have no police presence downtown Spokane. We have lived here for almost one year. I believe we have seen police once downtown. Ridiculous!
You're WAY OFF.
All these solutions are conceptually good ideas but the problem lies with funding, which seem to be shot down by lawmakers and voters over and over again. Take a hard look at where our tax dollars are spent and vote to approve funding to solve some of these issues.
Start a one way bus ride to Seattle. Fixed. They love them
Exactly!
How they police is definitely the problem. Really glad the business owners want cops patrolling. But I guess the residents being ripped off by the dozens, every night, can just suck it. Recovery homes and sober houses get shady types and they creep our neighborhoods every night. SO while this is a good video, it addresses business owners, not the population as a whole. Sick of this shit. At the end of this, I smell a realty Barbieri/Diamond deal in the making here. And what an insult ass for Gordon Hester to say downtown is the biggest tax base. I'll put homeowners up against downtown any day.
Thank you for Mr. Stone for making this documentary! It is about time that someone stepped up and said something about this mess of a city! Thank you, thank you!
Red Sargent yes thank you, i wont waste my time moving to this citythat clearly has alot of issues and i dont need a worse place to live, i need safety and peace,,
@Azlorn Magus Agreed, the left should stay out of our safe spaces
Is this in effect to Gonzaga University as well??
I totally agree with this video. I do live in low income housing.Two months back it took the Spokane police three times in one evening to incarcerate a resident for disorderly conduct and public intoxication and assault on a resident to finally arrest the person which should had been done the first time even with a description of him because he did leave before they came the first time to arrest him after 5 hours of terror from him and calling crime check from different residents 5 different times. I believe even the homeless shelters should be located out in the far rural areas, example Tuscon, Arizona and Phinox, Arizona, to keep them far enough to where they have to stay near shelter area or take all day to come back from a downtown to get shelter. In Phinox Arizona they have a shelter Central Arizona shelter service, there it is a huge compass that provide all of the services needed as well as shelter and over flow shelter for homeless. every thing on this video is correct. What is going on right now even Low income housing issues are compromising my abilities to get a permanent full time employment because these issues are also effecting our housing facilities as well as the streets. It forces me to work temporary part time jobs every year because you do not know if your apartment is going to get broke in to or anything else plus coming home late in the Browne and Pacific street area where I live, do not know if you get robbed killed or both. Spokane city government is in denile that Spokane is a small country like town like it was ten years ago but now it is growing in to a big mid size city for this area of the United States. The city government need to realize that or it will turn into Seattle,WA or even where I am from Rockford,IL area and die if not change soon. As for me, I will more and likely have to go back to where I am from, even homeless again, to start over because the opportunity that was working five years ago which was doing well is now no different from Chicago. Very sad. Wake up Spokane city government. A person who is following the rules to pull them self out of poverty and homelessness and did use the services to do that is now paying for it thru the inattention of other homeless individuals that could do the same thing!