Beth Day
@thebethocracy.bsky.social
Seattle urbanista, interested in education, safe streets, and housing. Grew up in Baltimore. GIS graduate student and bike mom. Former wetland biologist. I follow Seattle School Board meetings and yell at cars.
Reposted by Beth Day
NEW: Last week's board meeting saw directors take a major step in dismantling SOFG -- and toward better, effective oversight of district finances and operations. Julie Letchner has the details:
Issue 18 -- February 11, 2026 School Board Meeting Recap
The board re-establishes standing committees, weighs changes to the student assignment transition plan and to financial thresholds triggering board review, and hears public testimony on highly capable...
thebulletinsea.org
February 16, 2026 at 10:31 PM
NEW: Last week's board meeting saw directors take a major step in dismantling SOFG -- and toward better, effective oversight of district finances and operations. Julie Letchner has the details:
Reposted by Beth Day
You can't call every step of creeping fascism a distraction from kitchen-table issues and then punt whenever you have a chance to address the kitchen-table issues.
WA Democrats consider retreat on estate tax, fearing wealth exodus
Democrats in the state Legislature are moving to roll back a big increase in the estate tax rate, acknowledging it may be causing some very wealthy people to move.
www.seattletimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 6:06 PM
You can't call every step of creeping fascism a distraction from kitchen-table issues and then punt whenever you have a chance to address the kitchen-table issues.
Reposted by Beth Day
100% agree with this. the SPS plan not only makes the park less functional - it also makes it less accessible.
the path along the bmx jumps is used by joggers cyclists trying to avoid the dangerous 5-way intersection @ 50th and green lake way. for cross country events. by kids learning to bike.
the path along the bmx jumps is used by joggers cyclists trying to avoid the dangerous 5-way intersection @ 50th and green lake way. for cross country events. by kids learning to bike.
NEW OP-ED // How to Fix Seattle’s Plan to Expand Lower Woodland Playfields
Op-Ed by Eric Fisk, via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/02/15/o...
Op-Ed by Eric Fisk, via @theurbanist.org // 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2026/02/15/o...
Op-Ed: How to Fix Seattle’s Plan to Expand Lower Woodland Playfields » The Urbanist
# Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is seeking to add a new football/soccer hybrid field for Lincoln High School in Lower Woodland Park, but has chosen a plan that prioritizes parking over accessibility an...
www.theurbanist.org
February 15, 2026 at 9:20 PM
100% agree with this. the SPS plan not only makes the park less functional - it also makes it less accessible.
the path along the bmx jumps is used by joggers cyclists trying to avoid the dangerous 5-way intersection @ 50th and green lake way. for cross country events. by kids learning to bike.
the path along the bmx jumps is used by joggers cyclists trying to avoid the dangerous 5-way intersection @ 50th and green lake way. for cross country events. by kids learning to bike.
Reposted by Beth Day
I don’t understand why people whine about wealthy people leaving if taxes are too high.
If people do not want to contribute to society, they are welcome to see themselves out. It’s not like they contribute now 🤷
If people do not want to contribute to society, they are welcome to see themselves out. It’s not like they contribute now 🤷
February 15, 2026 at 4:21 AM
I don’t understand why people whine about wealthy people leaving if taxes are too high.
If people do not want to contribute to society, they are welcome to see themselves out. It’s not like they contribute now 🤷
If people do not want to contribute to society, they are welcome to see themselves out. It’s not like they contribute now 🤷
I mean, it’s not SPS Midwinter Break without the will-it-won’t-it of snow.
We've got a cooler pattern moving into the Northwest, with a deep trough just offshore by Monday. This will bring cooler temperatures, plus showers moving through the area. There's a non-zero chance of some isolated lowland snow, so stay tuned for updates! #wawx
February 15, 2026 at 2:58 PM
I mean, it’s not SPS Midwinter Break without the will-it-won’t-it of snow.
I am in Portland for the week with the kids to visit college friends. I have not been to Portland since not long before COVID and I do not know why I stayed away so long.
February 15, 2026 at 2:25 PM
I am in Portland for the week with the kids to visit college friends. I have not been to Portland since not long before COVID and I do not know why I stayed away so long.
Reposted by Beth Day
Other people have noted this, but one of Mamdani’s strengths is that he appears to genuinely love New York City. Where Cuomo would be woodenly reading “come visit NYC, tourists” off a cue card, Mamdani behaves as though he thinks the city is amazing and wants you to come see it all.
Everyone in the world comes to get married at the NYC Marriage Bureau. Last week, the Mayor stopped by to officiate a few of those ceremonies.
Thank you to all the couples who shared their joy with us. Happy Valentine's Day, New York.
Watch the full video at Youtube.com/nycmayorsoffice
Thank you to all the couples who shared their joy with us. Happy Valentine's Day, New York.
Watch the full video at Youtube.com/nycmayorsoffice
February 14, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Other people have noted this, but one of Mamdani’s strengths is that he appears to genuinely love New York City. Where Cuomo would be woodenly reading “come visit NYC, tourists” off a cue card, Mamdani behaves as though he thinks the city is amazing and wants you to come see it all.
Reposted by Beth Day
'Seattle’s plutocrats are wealthier than anyone imagines. This keeps getting revealed, where a scheme is developed to tax wealth, & then amounts the tax brings in wildly overshoot even the most optimistic forecasts.'
westneat on the social housing wealth tax
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
westneat on the social housing wealth tax
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Another ‘millionaires tax’ finds Seattle is far richer than anyone knew
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson last week described the city as “filthy rich.” Impolitic as that may be, returns from a new tax on high pay packages show she’s not wrong.
www.seattletimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM
'Seattle’s plutocrats are wealthier than anyone imagines. This keeps getting revealed, where a scheme is developed to tax wealth, & then amounts the tax brings in wildly overshoot even the most optimistic forecasts.'
westneat on the social housing wealth tax
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
westneat on the social housing wealth tax
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Oooh I love this old logo/font.
#OnThisDay in 1976, Seattle, King County, and the State of Washington suspended a lawsuit against baseball's American League, clearing the way for the Seattle Mariners. historylink.org/File/10321
February 14, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Oooh I love this old logo/font.
Post a tree you photographed.
February 14, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Post a tree you photographed.
Reposted by Beth Day
The good folx at Seattle Solidarity Budget put together a map showing the location of
-SPD's cameras
-SDOT cameras (which feed into SPD's Real-Time Crime Center)
WSDOT cameras
-Some private cameras
www.seattlesolidaritybudget.com/surveillance...
-SPD's cameras
-SDOT cameras (which feed into SPD's Real-Time Crime Center)
WSDOT cameras
-Some private cameras
www.seattlesolidaritybudget.com/surveillance...
Surveillance In Seattle — Seattle Solidarity Budget
www.seattlesolidaritybudget.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:41 PM
The good folx at Seattle Solidarity Budget put together a map showing the location of
-SPD's cameras
-SDOT cameras (which feed into SPD's Real-Time Crime Center)
WSDOT cameras
-Some private cameras
www.seattlesolidaritybudget.com/surveillance...
-SPD's cameras
-SDOT cameras (which feed into SPD's Real-Time Crime Center)
WSDOT cameras
-Some private cameras
www.seattlesolidaritybudget.com/surveillance...
Reposted by Beth Day
35 Republicans and 1 Democrat in the Washington House just voted against a bill that would prohibit school employees from putting students in restraints or using isolation as a planned behavioral intervention.
app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/...
app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/...
HB 1795 Washington State Legislature
app.leg.wa.gov
February 13, 2026 at 8:45 PM
35 Republicans and 1 Democrat in the Washington House just voted against a bill that would prohibit school employees from putting students in restraints or using isolation as a planned behavioral intervention.
app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/...
app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/...
Reposted by Beth Day
Oooh may I introduce your kid to the SPU water and sewer map?! www.seattle.gov/utilities/co... One (me) can spend HOURS looking around at all the pipes. It also helps you understand the extent to which we’ve buried our creeks. I recommend a whole afternoon exploring your neighborhoods pipes lol
February 13, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Oooh may I introduce your kid to the SPU water and sewer map?! www.seattle.gov/utilities/co... One (me) can spend HOURS looking around at all the pipes. It also helps you understand the extent to which we’ve buried our creeks. I recommend a whole afternoon exploring your neighborhoods pipes lol
Reposted by Beth Day
If you live in Seattle, 140 years ago to the month in Feb 1886, a mob started forcibly rounding up and violently deporting Chinese migrants. This is immediately after a similar mob did the same in Tacoma a few month before.
Remind you of anything?
www.historylink.org/File/2745
Remind you of anything?
www.historylink.org/File/2745
February 12, 2026 at 7:04 PM
If you live in Seattle, 140 years ago to the month in Feb 1886, a mob started forcibly rounding up and violently deporting Chinese migrants. This is immediately after a similar mob did the same in Tacoma a few month before.
Remind you of anything?
www.historylink.org/File/2745
Remind you of anything?
www.historylink.org/File/2745
Reposted by Beth Day
Even the Seattle Times agrees: @chrisreykdal.bsky.social is right to suggest using the millionaire's tax to plow billions into public schools and offer a property tax cut as well. Win-win.
WA schools chief's bold plan for income tax deserves discussion | Editorial
While lawmakers dicker over details in a proposed income tax, the state's schools chief is pushing a much more ambitious plan.
www.seattletimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Even the Seattle Times agrees: @chrisreykdal.bsky.social is right to suggest using the millionaire's tax to plow billions into public schools and offer a property tax cut as well. Win-win.
Reposted by Beth Day
"The highest-earning 10% of households now account for nearly half of all U.S. consumer spending. About 30 years ago, those earners were just over one-third of U.S. consumer spending."
US firms confront widening income gulf as wealthy spend, budget shoppers struggle
America's consumer economy is pulling in opposite directions, a gulf increasingly apparent in C-suite commentary, with premium brands profiting from well-off customers while value-focused firms battle...
www.reuters.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:49 PM
"The highest-earning 10% of households now account for nearly half of all U.S. consumer spending. About 30 years ago, those earners were just over one-third of U.S. consumer spending."
Reposted by Beth Day
North Kitsap Schools Levy is now looking like it will pass after a late surge of yes votes. The Bond which requires 60% will fail.
I don’t understand why more people don’t support schools
I don’t understand why more people don’t support schools
February 12, 2026 at 3:41 PM
North Kitsap Schools Levy is now looking like it will pass after a late surge of yes votes. The Bond which requires 60% will fail.
I don’t understand why more people don’t support schools
I don’t understand why more people don’t support schools
Whoa that was SO much quicker than I expected!
A 50-mile stretch of U.S. 2 is now fully open between Skykomish and Leavenworth, more than a month ahead of schedule, after flooding and debris slides left the highway severely damaged.
US 2 fully reopened between Skykomish and Leavenworth after Washington flooding
A 50-mile stretch of U.S. 2 is now fully open between Skykomish and Leavenworth, more than a month ahead of schedule, after flooding and debris slides left the highway severely damaged.
www.kuow.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:36 AM
Whoa that was SO much quicker than I expected!
Reposted by Beth Day
If this story is not the kind of thing you were already hearing about, please reevaluate your news sources and how you get information about what is currently happening in the US.
There are also some great donation suggestions at the end of the thread.
There are also some great donation suggestions at the end of the thread.
I don’t really know what I expect in posting this, but maybe some people see it and can learn from it.
I’ll call it “lessons from an unwilling immigration attorney.”
1/
I’ll call it “lessons from an unwilling immigration attorney.”
1/
February 12, 2026 at 4:30 AM
If this story is not the kind of thing you were already hearing about, please reevaluate your news sources and how you get information about what is currently happening in the US.
There are also some great donation suggestions at the end of the thread.
There are also some great donation suggestions at the end of the thread.
Okay sorry about the abrupt change between @janedemel.bsky.social and I. They moved items fast and I needed to spend a little time with the kiddos before bed.
February 12, 2026 at 4:25 AM
Okay sorry about the abrupt change between @janedemel.bsky.social and I. They moved items fast and I needed to spend a little time with the kiddos before bed.
Reposted by Beth Day
Also, no, she’s wrong, I don’t know what kind of snake oil she got sold, fiduciary duty from the board to the district obligates staff time in return. It’s not “their staff,” it is what the staff has to do bc they have fiduciaries.
February 12, 2026 at 2:29 AM
Also, no, she’s wrong, I don’t know what kind of snake oil she got sold, fiduciary duty from the board to the district obligates staff time in return. It’s not “their staff,” it is what the staff has to do bc they have fiduciaries.
Reposted by Beth Day
She rescinded after her speech about how good all the stuff was, to continue talking about that stuff in policy committee, which I think can then get brought to the full board as edits? I am not clear either, will have to read the final policy.
February 12, 2026 at 2:45 AM
She rescinded after her speech about how good all the stuff was, to continue talking about that stuff in policy committee, which I think can then get brought to the full board as edits? I am not clear either, will have to read the final policy.
Reposted by Beth Day
Correct. Rankin withdrew her amendment but much of its content will make a reappearance in the newly created Policy Committee. Which is honestly fine, that's the place to hash it out, not in a last-minute amendment dropped on everyone out of the blue.
February 12, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Correct. Rankin withdrew her amendment but much of its content will make a reappearance in the newly created Policy Committee. Which is honestly fine, that's the place to hash it out, not in a last-minute amendment dropped on everyone out of the blue.
"Why Beth, another Seattle School Board meeting? Tonight? Haven't we had one every week lately?"
Why yes gentle reader, yes we have. This one is likely to be spicy, between a lot of unhappy people on the testimony list and the will they/won't they about reinstating committees. Agenda below.
Why yes gentle reader, yes we have. This one is likely to be spicy, between a lot of unhappy people on the testimony list and the will they/won't they about reinstating committees. Agenda below.
February 11, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting – Seattle Public Schools
www.seattleschools.org
February 11, 2026 at 11:27 PM
"Why Beth, another Seattle School Board meeting? Tonight? Haven't we had one every week lately?"
Why yes gentle reader, yes we have. This one is likely to be spicy, between a lot of unhappy people on the testimony list and the will they/won't they about reinstating committees. Agenda below.
Why yes gentle reader, yes we have. This one is likely to be spicy, between a lot of unhappy people on the testimony list and the will they/won't they about reinstating committees. Agenda below.
Reposted by Beth Day
Big news that the City of Seattle has settled with Jaahnavi Kandula's family. Kandula was killed by an SPD officer more than 3 years ago.
Also, btwn this and the City's payout in the Antonio Mays Jr. CHOP shooting case, the City has paid out at least $59.5 million in the last 2 weeks.
Also, btwn this and the City's payout in the Antonio Mays Jr. CHOP shooting case, the City has paid out at least $59.5 million in the last 2 weeks.
Updated tonight: @andyengelson.bsky.social reports for PubliCola that the city of Seattle has reached a settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, the 23-year-old killed by a speeding SPD officer, totaling at least $29 million.
publicola.com/2026/02/10/c...
publicola.com/2026/02/10/c...
Family of Jaahnavi Kandula, Pedestrian Killed by SPD Officer in 2023, Reaches $29 Million Settlement with City - PubliCola
In an incident that sparked widespread outrage, police guild leader Daniel Auderer joked that the 23-year-old student was only worth…
publicola.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Big news that the City of Seattle has settled with Jaahnavi Kandula's family. Kandula was killed by an SPD officer more than 3 years ago.
Also, btwn this and the City's payout in the Antonio Mays Jr. CHOP shooting case, the City has paid out at least $59.5 million in the last 2 weeks.
Also, btwn this and the City's payout in the Antonio Mays Jr. CHOP shooting case, the City has paid out at least $59.5 million in the last 2 weeks.