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Monday morning's headlines

King County Sheriff Sue Rahr's force is about to be reduced by dozens of deputies. The county council is voting on a budget plan today that will cut $60 million, and along with public safety and public health jobs.
AP
King County Sheriff Sue Rahr's force is about to be reduced by dozens of deputies. The county council is voting on a budget plan today that will cut $60 million, and along with public safety and public health jobs.

King County To Cut 300 Jobs

The budget ax falls today in King County.  The coucil will vote on a plan that eliminates  about 300 jobs, including dozens from law enforcementand the prosector's office.  The move balances a $60 million shortfall. On a 7-2 vote Friday, the council also made trims to public health nurses.  County leaders had hoped to prevent the pain with a sales tax. Voters rejected the idea at the polls.

"The people of King County spoke very clearly," Patterson said. "It was a mandate: Go back and prioritize and make the cuts. We've done that," Patterson told The Seattle Times.

 

McKenna Wants More Help to Fight Gangs

At a Yakima appearance today, Attorney General Rob McKenna will lay out his plan to crack down on gangs. McKenna will deliever his plan accompanied by families who've lost loved ones to gangs. According to the Yakima Herald-Republic, McKenna will:

propose spending $10 million for gang prevention and intervention, stiffer sentence enhancements for gang crimes and empowering local governments and property owners to keep gangs out of certain areas.

State legislators who back the idea say it will be tough to get it passed with the state facing a $4.8 billion projected shortfall next year.

 

Chetzemoka: New Ferry Launched

We were there for the launch of the state's newest ferry, the Chetzemoka. It now plies the waters between Coupeville and Port Townsend.  Governor Chris Gregoire christened the boat, whose name honors a 19th Century native chief.  The Jamestown/S'Klallam Tribefound his descendents to honor Sunday's first run.

 

A Town Full of Chickens?

Federal Way may join the growing list of Puget Sound communities to say yes to chickens. The News Tribune reports a vote by a city council committee tonight could clear the way for homeowner to own up to four egg-layers. If it does, Federal Way wold join Bremerton. Tacoma and Seattle already allow some poultry. Federal Way's plan would require enclosed coops with outdoor and indoor space, and only in backyards.

 

And One Injured Bird: Seahawk Matt Hasselbeck

Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has a cracked bone in his left wrist, a trophy of yesterday's 36-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals.  He played with the injury,and still delivered 333 passing yards. Still, he says he may be able to play when his team takes on the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints next Sunday. Last week, Hasselbeck missed a game due to a concussion. Yesterday's win keeps the Seahawks on top the NFC West.