In brief: Kendall Yards liaison post cut
Spokane Mayor Mary Verner has eliminated the position of the city’s designated contact person for Kendall Yards developers.
Cody George, economic adviser, was informed earlier this month that he will be terminated as of Friday.
Verner said she made the decision because George’s work can be absorbed by other employees.
“What I’m trying to do is accomplish more work with a lower budget,” Verner said. “We are certainly not abandoning our support for Kendall Yards.”
George, 31, was brought to City Hall in 2004 as Mayor Jim West’s senior adviser, but most recently has served as the liaison between the city and Kendall Yards, a 78-acre commercial and residential development along the Spokane River’s north bank.
George said he plans to spend more time at Vintage Hill Cellars, the winery he co-owns.
“I’m not going to pass judgment on what they’re trying to do,” George said.
“I’m really excited to take on new opportunities.”
Police identify man found dead
David T. Gaumond has been identified as the man found dead Sunday morning in Lincoln Park.
Police do not suspect foul play in the 55-year-old’s death, however, “certain things about the scene concern us,” said Spokane Police Sgt. Joe Peterson.
The body was found west of the driveway that leads to the park at 2100 E. Southeast Blvd. by a man walking his dog.
Police were unclear whether Gaumond, described as a transient, died at the park or was taken there after he died. But he did have a habit of sleeping at that park, Peterson said.
Police are interested in talking to anyone who saw or talked to Gaumond before Feb. 17. Anyone with information should call (509) 242-8477.
Police seek tips about shooting
Spokane police responded at 10:41 p.m. Sunday to several reports of shots fired in the 900 block of West Spofford.
They found evidence of a shooting but no indication that anyone had been injured, Officer Teresa Fuller said.
A window was shot out in the apartment building at 903 W. Spofford Ave.
Interviews with witnesses determined that the persons involved knew each other. The suspects have not been located, Fuller said in a press release issued Monday morning.
“Officers are working diligently to determine what happened and who the suspects are,” Fuller said.
Anyone with information about the Sunday night shooting is asked to call the tips line at 242-TIPS (8477).
Reward offered in fugitive search
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a fugitive.
Christopher K. Roybal, 30, is wanted on felony drug charges, according to Crime Stoppers. His criminal history includes convictions for driving with a suspended license, forgery, vehicle prowling, possession of stolen property, theft and probation violations.
Roybal last gave his address as 17 S. Ralph St., Spokane.
Authorities ask anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to call (800) 222-8477. Tipsters do not have to give a name to collect a reward.
Olympia
DNA database expansion OK’d
A measure that would drastically expand the state’s collection of DNA samples from those convicted of crimes has passed the House.
The bill would add several gross misdemeanors – including second-degree animal cruelty, fourth-degree assault and violation of protection orders – to the list of crimes that could prompt DNA collection by authorities.
Defense lawyers and civil libertarians who have raised privacy concerns and say inclusion of those crimes goes too far helped beat back the measure recently. But it sprang back to life Monday night, passing 80-15.
The Senate passed a stripped-down version of the DNA collection measure last week. The House bill now heads to the Senate.
Toxic toy ban passes House
A measure that would ban lead and other toxins from toys has passed the Washington state House by a unanimous vote.
The bill sponsored by Seattle Democrat Mary Lou Dickerson would require companies to disclose what chemicals their products contain, and ban retailers from selling toys with lead and other toxins. The bill approved Monday night now heads to the Senate.
After millions of toys manufactured in China were recalled last year, the state Legislature jumped on the issue with wide support this session. The measure was amended to address concern from the retail industry.
Seattle
Four stabbed outside club
Police are searching for a man who stabbed and cut four men on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.
Officer Mark A. Jamieson said the attack apparently occurred during an altercation in an alley behind Neighbors, a bar on Capitol Hill after 1:30 a.m. Monday.
Jamieson said all the victims were taken Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center and none of the injuries was life-threatening.
Jamieson said investigators believe some of the victims knew the man who attacked them.
From staff and wire reports