Council expands and adopts updated SODA boundaries to include stretch of Rockefeller Avenue

The Everett City Council on Oct. 22 approved an amended stay-out-of-drug-areas (SODA) order that adds a stretch of Rockefeller Avenue to a newly proposed zone. The final roll call on the amended item recorded six votes in favor and one opposed.

Nut graf: The SODA policy (EMC chapter 10.13) allows municipal judges to impose geographic conditions on individuals charged with drug-related offenses. The council’s action modifies the map of areas used by judges and leaves enforcement implementation to the court and police.

City staff explained that SODA orders are imposed on individuals in judicial proceedings as pretrial or post-conviction conditions. The court provides a physical order that lists affected areas and maps. Staff said courts typically limit orders to areas where an individual has been frequenting; maps apply prospectively to future orders. Earlier in the meeting, council removed one area this year when crime data did not support continued designation.

Councilmember Ryan successfully moved an amendment to expand the new zone so it adjoins the existing coverage along Rockefeller; police crime analysts said Rockefeller had fewer incidents than adjacent corridors but “enough” data to support inclusion. The roll call on the amendment and the final motion were recorded as: Bader — yes; Ryan — yes; Voguely — no; Fossey — yes; Tuohy — yes; Zarlingo — yes; Schwab — yes. The amendment passed and the amended SODA map was adopted.

Ending: Staff said the maps would be published and used prospectively; individuals who later are subject to SODA orders will receive the specific order and maps at the time the court issues conditions.