Kay M. send along this article and notes, “I am very troubled after reading Nicole Brodeur’s column on the front page of today’s Seattle Times, section B. I think this article merits placing on your blog. This is happening in our neighborhood and I am not sure what we can do to help. Maybe many of us could start with something as simple as buying a pizza there and telling the owners we support them.”
“For months, people have been raving about Italian Family Pizza, which opened last summer at Madison Street and Boren Avenue in Seattle.
“What they didn’t tell me is that you get a floor show with your pie — thanks to the clients of the Therapeutic Health Services (THS), a methadone clinic a few blocks away.
“The first time I visited Italian Family Pizza, owner Steven Calozzi bolted out from behind the pizza ovens to chase a man who had stolen the restaurant’s sandwich board and taken off down the street.
“Before they even opened, they found a couple sleeping in their side doorway. After they were rousted, the man came back and threatened to stab Steven with a used syringe. The woman threw up on their stoop and spit at Jennifer.
“A fine how-do-you-do.
“Not long after, Steven opened the back door and faced a man who came after him with a knife. Steven fought him off with a broom handle.
“The last straw came a few weeks ago, when the Calozzis’ 17-year-old son — a student at O’Dea High School and a member of its cross-country team — was held up at gunpoint by a man the clinic verified was one of its clients.
“They have filed a report with the police and called the clinic to complain. They even drove around Seattle University the other morning, after their son spotted his robber while running through campus. I probably would have done the same thing.
“Last Monday, Jennifer took time off from work to attend the Seattle City Council meeting and ask for help.
“It was a waste of time.
“She was allowed one minute to speak, about a problem she’s been dealing with for months, before they cut the mic.” Click here to read the full article from the Seattle Times.
This is a deplorable situation and one that should get full attention from all of us nearby. I presume there is no to limited police watch by the restaurant. Also, is there a camera to take pics of who is attacking the owners (and clients?) so charges could be brought.
Should we take up a collection to get a camera if there is none?