Erica C. Barnett
@ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Seattle-based reporter, cofounder (with @joshfeit.bsky.social) and editor of PubliCola.com, and author of Quitter: A Memoir of Drinking, Relapse, and Recovery
She/her, Latina, Texan
She/her, Latina, Texan
How's that 30 by 30 goal going, guys?
(30 by 30: A police department goal of having a recruit class that's 30 percent women by 2030)
(30 by 30: A police department goal of having a recruit class that's 30 percent women by 2030)
November 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM
How's that 30 by 30 goal going, guys?
(30 by 30: A police department goal of having a recruit class that's 30 percent women by 2030)
(30 by 30: A police department goal of having a recruit class that's 30 percent women by 2030)
I briefly thought the Seattle Times' "save print newspapers only" columnist was advocating for online news, but nope: The bill he supports would fund only websites run by print publications or nonprofit news outlets, setting a standard for online news that no print outlet has to meet.
Another WA legislative push to support local news
Washington legislators may consider two different ways to support the state's local news industry in 2026.
www.seattletimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I briefly thought the Seattle Times' "save print newspapers only" columnist was advocating for online news, but nope: The bill he supports would fund only websites run by print publications or nonprofit news outlets, setting a standard for online news that no print outlet has to meet.
"Reducing drunk driving won't solve the problem," says Republican whose campaign the alcohol industry helped fund. Funny how, for bought and paid for poltiicans, the solution is always solving problems after the fact instead of trying to prevent them. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/lets...
November 23, 2025 at 5:11 PM
"Reducing drunk driving won't solve the problem," says Republican whose campaign the alcohol industry helped fund. Funny how, for bought and paid for poltiicans, the solution is always solving problems after the fact instead of trying to prevent them. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/lets...
Reposted by Erica C. Barnett
@tromano.bsky.social wrote an oral history of the Village Voice. @ericacbarnett.bsky.social & I will be interviewing her tonight at Elliott Bay. 7pm. Free. Here's the Village Voice from the week I was born. Stokely Carmichael's original "Black Power" exhortation and also the Beatles on the cover.
November 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
@tromano.bsky.social wrote an oral history of the Village Voice. @ericacbarnett.bsky.social & I will be interviewing her tonight at Elliott Bay. 7pm. Free. Here's the Village Voice from the week I was born. Stokely Carmichael's original "Black Power" exhortation and also the Beatles on the cover.
This week on PubliCola: An interview with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson, a deep dive on the federal cuts that could leave thousands homeless, the city council adopts a budget that pushes off hard choices, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 22, 2025 - PubliCola
An interview with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson, federal cuts that could leave thousands homeless, the city council adopts a budget that…
publicola.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
This week on PubliCola: An interview with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson, a deep dive on the federal cuts that could leave thousands homeless, the city council adopts a budget that pushes off hard choices, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/22/t...
Jam-packed Afternoon Fizz today, featuring the homelessness authority's "learning" trip to a religous recovery program in Baltimore, the latest on the next Seattle City Council president, Katie Wilson's plan to jerk-proof the Mayor's Office, and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
Homeless Authority Praises Religious Program, Katie Wilson Plans to Jerk-Proof the Mayor's Office, and Who Will Be the City Council's Next President? - PubliCola
1. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has signed a contract with Barb Oliver, the head of tiny house builder…
publicola.com
November 22, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Jam-packed Afternoon Fizz today, featuring the homelessness authority's "learning" trip to a religous recovery program in Baltimore, the latest on the next Seattle City Council president, Katie Wilson's plan to jerk-proof the Mayor's Office, and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
publicola.com/2025/11/21/h...
Come listen to us talk about the Village Voice, alt-weeklies, and Tricia's amazing oral history of the Village Voice—the ur-alt weekly) at Elliott Bay TOMORROW NIGHT! We've collectively worked at Seattle's alt-weeklies (there used to be two!) for a billion years, so gossip is guaranteed.
Reminder that I will be in conversation with @ericacbarnett.bsky.social and @mudede.bsky.social on Saturday at Elliott Bay in Seattle. Please come and say hello and listen to us chat alt weeklies and the Freaks Came Out To Write. www.elliottbaybook.com/events/48579...
Tricia Romano w/ Erica C. Barnett & Charles Mudede | Elliott Bay Book Company
Full-service, general bookstore operating since 1973. Frequent author events, cafe, over 150,000 titles
www.elliottbaybook.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Come listen to us talk about the Village Voice, alt-weeklies, and Tricia's amazing oral history of the Village Voice—the ur-alt weekly) at Elliott Bay TOMORROW NIGHT! We've collectively worked at Seattle's alt-weeklies (there used to be two!) for a billion years, so gossip is guaranteed.
Council Adopts Harrell's Budget With Minor Changes, Setting Up Huge Deficits for Incoming Mayor Wilson
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
Council Adopts Harrell's Budget With Minor Changes, Setting Up Huge Deficits for Incoming Mayor Wilson - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett On Thursday, the Seattle City Council voted (earlier than usual!) to pass the city’s 2026 budget,…
publicola.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Council Adopts Harrell's Budget With Minor Changes, Setting Up Huge Deficits for Incoming Mayor Wilson
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
The "audit the budget" crowd piles on more than $50 million in new spending, using new taxes to expand or start new programs and backfill an ongoing shortfall.
publicola.com/2025/11/21/c...
Seattle Nice Interviews Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson!
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
Seattle Nice Interviews Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson! - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett We had Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson on Seattle Nice this week for a wide-ranging interview about her…
publicola.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Seattle Nice Interviews Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson!
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
We discuss homelessness, the budget deficit, bus lanes, police accountability and more with Seattle's next mayor.
publicola.com/2025/11/20/s...
Check out my appearance on City Cast Seattle, a new show about Seattle news and politics! Really enjoyed our time talking about important local issues, including federal funding cuts to permanent housing that could profoundly impact the Seattle region.
What is "Seattle nice"? @ericacbarnett.bsky.social tells us what the phrase means to her.
Listen to today's ep, where we discuss federal changes to homelessness funding that could leave Seattle with a massive shortfall and upcoming shake-ups to city & county government: megaphone.link/CC1649419013
Listen to today's ep, where we discuss federal changes to homelessness funding that could leave Seattle with a massive shortfall and upcoming shake-ups to city & county government: megaphone.link/CC1649419013
November 20, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Check out my appearance on City Cast Seattle, a new show about Seattle news and politics! Really enjoyed our time talking about important local issues, including federal funding cuts to permanent housing that could profoundly impact the Seattle region.
what a framing choice by the NYT, centering the future reputation of the terrible man
November 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM
what a framing choice by the NYT, centering the future reputation of the terrible man
Just went through spam and saw a pile of emails from Dawn Mason, a longtime Bruce Harrell ally he brought onstage at his election party, calling me "white trash" and a "petty thief," and claiming I went to her house one time univited (a bizarre falsehood she keeps repeating.) Such strange behavior.
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Just went through spam and saw a pile of emails from Dawn Mason, a longtime Bruce Harrell ally he brought onstage at his election party, calling me "white trash" and a "petty thief," and claiming I went to her house one time univited (a bizarre falsehood she keeps repeating.) Such strange behavior.
why the fuck is the seattle times editorial board so concerned with how other people do their jobs
I will never understand this obsession with mandatory in-person work. people are happier when they have some flexibility and aren't chained to a commute!
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...
I will never understand this obsession with mandatory in-person work. people are happier when they have some flexibility and aren't chained to a commute!
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...
Strong back-to-office policy would help new King County executive | Editorial
Before she turns the government over to Girmay Zahilay, current King County Executive Shannon Braddock ought to bring public employees back to the office.
www.seattletimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:48 PM
why the fuck is the seattle times editorial board so concerned with how other people do their jobs
I will never understand this obsession with mandatory in-person work. people are happier when they have some flexibility and aren't chained to a commute!
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...
I will never understand this obsession with mandatory in-person work. people are happier when they have some flexibility and aren't chained to a commute!
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...
Our podcast, Seattle Nice, has an exclusive in-depth interview with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, featuring many of your questions for the city's next mayor! Listen (and subscribe) right here: seattle-nice.beam.ly/episode/mayo...
Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson says Seattle Nice is “Special” | Seattle Nice
Mayor-elect Katie Wilson turned down numerous invitations for national television appearances over the past week, telling Seattle Nice, “That is not my job.”...
seattle-nice.beam.ly
November 20, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Our podcast, Seattle Nice, has an exclusive in-depth interview with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, featuring many of your questions for the city's next mayor! Listen (and subscribe) right here: seattle-nice.beam.ly/episode/mayo...
No one should ever listen to advice on "how to save journalism" from a company whose entire business model is "keep producing sons"
www.seattletimes.com/business/loc...
www.seattletimes.com/business/loc...
Seattle Times publisher Frank Blethen hands reins to son Ryan Blethen
Ryan Blethen succeeds his father, Frank Blethen, who will step down Dec. 31 after four decades in the role.
www.seattletimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:21 AM
No one should ever listen to advice on "how to save journalism" from a company whose entire business model is "keep producing sons"
www.seattletimes.com/business/loc...
www.seattletimes.com/business/loc...
The Post-Election Budget: Council Protects Sweeps Team, Raises Permit Fees, and Bans Spending on Harm Reduction
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
The Post-Election Budget: Council Protects Sweeps Team, Raises Permit Fees, and Bans Spending on Harm Reduction - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The Seattle City Council is getting ready to approve the city’s budget for the first year…
publicola.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The Post-Election Budget: Council Protects Sweeps Team, Raises Permit Fees, and Bans Spending on Harm Reduction
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
publicola.com/2025/11/19/t...
Reposted by Erica C. Barnett
Reminder that I will be in conversation with @ericacbarnett.bsky.social and @mudede.bsky.social on Saturday at Elliott Bay in Seattle. Please come and say hello and listen to us chat alt weeklies and the Freaks Came Out To Write. www.elliottbaybook.com/events/48579...
Tricia Romano w/ Erica C. Barnett & Charles Mudede | Elliott Bay Book Company
Full-service, general bookstore operating since 1973. Frequent author events, cafe, over 150,000 titles
www.elliottbaybook.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Reminder that I will be in conversation with @ericacbarnett.bsky.social and @mudede.bsky.social on Saturday at Elliott Bay in Seattle. Please come and say hello and listen to us chat alt weeklies and the Freaks Came Out To Write. www.elliottbaybook.com/events/48579...
I wrote earlier this week about the new federal rules that will guide funding that flows to local nonprofits providing housing and services to people experiencing homelessness. Here's a slide from @naehomelessness.bsky.social laying out the batshit new "public safety" criteria for recipients.
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I wrote earlier this week about the new federal rules that will guide funding that flows to local nonprofits providing housing and services to people experiencing homelessness. Here's a slide from @naehomelessness.bsky.social laying out the batshit new "public safety" criteria for recipients.
Reposted by Erica C. Barnett
considered posting a joke "who wore what" headline yesterday about the NYT's fawning coverage of this supposed "triumph in diplomatic relations," but then they literally did it
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
Melania Trump Goes Saudi Green
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:20 PM
considered posting a joke "who wore what" headline yesterday about the NYT's fawning coverage of this supposed "triumph in diplomatic relations," but then they literally did it
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
County Executive-Elect Zahilay's Mass Layoff Proposal Shocks Some Longtime Staff
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
County Executive-Elect Zahilay's Mass Layoff Proposal Shocks Some Longtime Staff - PubliCola
The layoffs aren’t unusual for a new executive, Zahilay’s team says—it’s just that the county hasn’t had a new leader…
publicola.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:31 PM
County Executive-Elect Zahilay's Mass Layoff Proposal Shocks Some Longtime Staff
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
The layoffs aren't unusual for a new executive, Zahilay's team says—it's just that the county hasn't had a new leader in 16 years. publicola.com/2025/11/18/c...
Have tried "silence is confirmation" texts with two different sources today and I am here to report that it has worked 0/2 times
November 18, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Have tried "silence is confirmation" texts with two different sources today and I am here to report that it has worked 0/2 times
On this week's episode of Seattle Nice, we'll be talking to Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson. f you have questions for Seattle's next mayor, respond to this post and we may ask them on the pod!
November 18, 2025 at 7:42 PM
On this week's episode of Seattle Nice, we'll be talking to Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson. f you have questions for Seattle's next mayor, respond to this post and we may ask them on the pod!
Not officially confirmed, but hearing that Andrés Mantilla, former Department of Neighborhoods head and a City Hall insider going back to the Nickels (2002-2008) administration, will head up @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social's transition team.
November 18, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Not officially confirmed, but hearing that Andrés Mantilla, former Department of Neighborhoods head and a City Hall insider going back to the Nickels (2002-2008) administration, will head up @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social's transition team.
Not to worry, Seattle's 24/7 police surveillance cameras, expanding soon into three more neighborhoods, are totally different than Flock cameras and the feds will never, ever demand access to the footage (according to most of the city council and outgoing mayor)
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
WA cities reconsider license plate cameras after judge's ruling
Police in Washington are backpedaling on using Flock Safety cameras after a tattoo artist filed lawsuits asserting their databases are public record.
www.seattletimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Not to worry, Seattle's 24/7 police surveillance cameras, expanding soon into three more neighborhoods, are totally different than Flock cameras and the feds will never, ever demand access to the footage (according to most of the city council and outgoing mayor)
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...