Deadly Deadline

Hot on a big scoop last month, KIRO TV news reporter Karen O'Leary couldn't get through on the Seattle Police Department's media hotline, so the desperate reporter came up with another solution--she called 911. When the dispatchers told her 911 was for emergencies only and hung up on her, the pesky TV personality called 911 a second time 14 minutes later, demanding the information. Again, the dispatchers hung up on her, and according to SPD spokesperson Clem Benton, police administration immediately called KIRO to complain. When The Stranger asked O'Leary why her story was important enough to use an emergency number, she said, "I was on a 5:00 deadline. What was I supposed to do, wait all day for them to call me back?" PAT KEARNEY


Condo Killers

Curiously, Urban League President James Kelly announced that he would not attend an important June 13 meeting to update the city council about the league's plans for the Colman School.

The school is being sold to the Urban League after years of division in the black community over the fate of the controversial 23rd Avenue South and Massachusetts Street site. (Activists wanted the school to be an African heritage museum. Kelly pushed through a compromise plan featuring condos.)

Theory is, Kelly decided not to attend the hearing--updating a few council members privately instead--because his pending appearance prompted death threats from someone opposed to the Urban League's plan. NANCY DREW


Tenants' Revenge

The tenants of Ticino Apartments achieved a small but satisfying victory last week against the building's owners, Pinnacle Realty Management Company. The owners originally threatened the building with a 65 percent rent increase ["Screwed Tenants," Matthew Preusch, May 10]. The building's owners folded to pressure from Tenants Union activists and City Council Member Judy Nicastro, and only increased the rents by around 20 percent. While a few of the low-income tenants were forced out by the hike, most residents were able to stay. KEVIN JONES


Power in Numbers

The Stranger has learned that there are witnesses (plural) to the May 31 Aaron Roberts shooting, whose stories differ dramatically from the police account. Do the right thing: Come forward. Contact The Stranger with your stories (323-7101 or josh@thestranger.com). We will keep all calls and e-mail messages confidential. EDITORS