Charges in baby’s death

The King County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges of manslaughter in the second-degree June 27 against Alberto Rios in the death of his 7-month-old son June 22.

This charge is filed when a death is the result of negligent behavior, said Dan Donohoe, King County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman.

The infant died from burns and smoke inhalation suffered after he fell into a fire pit in the family’s backyard. Rios had been drinking and had fallen asleep with the infant on his chest, reports said; he woke up to discover the baby deceased.

Rios is now being held on $1 million bail at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. An arraignment date is scheduled for July 9.

If convicted of the charge, Rios faces 21 to 27 months in prison, Donohoe said.

Performing arts center

The grass-roots group leading the pursuit of a performing arts center in Federal Way is seeking the assistance of The Collins Group, a fundraising counsel service, to begin the private fundraising process.

A performance center is expected to cost approximately $40 million. The Federal Way group will need to acquire $40,561 to utilize The Collins Group’s services, which are expected to streamline the fundraising.

“The Collins Group is the premier fundraiser for cultural and nonprofit agencies,” city manager Neal Beets said.

While private fundraising moves forward, discussions on a location for a performing arts center continue. On June 26, the school district offered up Lakota Middle School, 1415 S.W. 314th St., as another possible base for a performance center, Beets said.

As part of the 2007 school bond, the public voted to allow the district to construct a new school to replace the aging middle school.

Cell phones and driving

Talking on a cell phone while driving without a hands-free device will be illegal starting July 1. Drivers won’t be pulled over solely for talking on a hand-held cell phone, but drivers can be stopped if they are swerving or speeding.

The ticket is $124, the same fine for texting while driving. Drivers can still use their cell phones if they use a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth or headset.

Theater gets grant

Centerstage Theatre received a $10,000 grant from the Seattle Foundation to help cover the Federal Way theater company’s operating expenses through the 2008-2009 season. The grant is paid from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Fund, created by a gift to the Seattle Foundation, according to a news release.

This is the second time in the past two years that Centerstage has received a comparable award from the foundation.