In brief: ‘Warming centers’ may be open more
Spokane is proposing that this winter’s “warming centers” bring in homeless people when temperatures hit 10 degrees instead of 5, though wind chill would no longer be considered.
The city reimburses social services agencies that serve as warming centers to help transients from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. The proposal, which must be approved by the City Council, includes a new flat reimbursement rate, according to a city news release.
Warming centers are different from homeless shelters in that they do not have accommodations such as beds. The city is asking last year’s agencies whether they would like to continue as warming centers this winter.
The city’s proposal also would put the Human Services Department in charge of the warming center program, the release states. Agencies that are interested are asked to contact the department at (509) 625-6130.
– Nick Eaton
Gonzaga apartments to be dedicated
Following a catastrophic fire in March 2006, Gonzaga University officials will host a ceremony Friday to dedicate the Kennedy Apartment Complex at the corner of Boone Avenue and Pearl Street.
Local and federal fire officials determined that someone intentionally set the blaze on March 13, 2006, that destroyed the nearly finished complex. It was rebuilt, but the arson case remains unsolved.
The apartments are named for Duff and Dorothy Kennedy. Duff Kennedy is a former chairman of the Gonzaga University Board of Trustees and now serves as a trustee emeritus, Gonzaga spokesman Dale Goodwin said in a news release.
The apartment complex now houses more than 220 Gonzaga juniors and seniors.
The second phase of the project is under way and is expected to be completed in August, Goodwin said. When completed, it will house an additional 195 students.
The ceremony to dedicate the complex will be at 4 p.m. at the site, 121 E. Boone Ave. To learn more, contact Goodwin at (509) 323-6133.
– Thomas Clouse
Seattle
Acting U.S. attorney given job indefinitely
Federal court judges have agreed to keep Jeff Sullivan, who has served as U.S. attorney in Seattle since the Bush administration fired John McKay, in the position indefinitely.
Under an order signed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik on Wednesday, Sullivan’s appointment will become official Oct. 12. All judges in the Western Washington judicial district concurred with the decision, Lasnik said.
Sullivan, who served as McKay’s chief criminal deputy, was named the interim U.S. attorney after McKay was forced to resign earlier this year.
A provision of the USA Patriot Act allowed the Bush administration to name U.S. attorneys – who serve as the Justice Department’s top lawyers in their districts – without confirmation from the Senate. That provision was repealed this year.
Once the provision was repealed, the law regarding U.S. attorney appointments returned to its former state: If someone isn’t nominated and confirmed to the position within 120 days, the federal court in the district gets to make the appointment.
– Associated Press