Erin Okuno
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thiserin.bsky.social
Erin Okuno
@thiserin.bsky.social
Originally from Hawai'i, now living in the Pacific Northwest. Work in education policy, early learning and K-12. Always on the hunt for good street food, entertaining books, and a tropical breeze. Creator of #Fakequity.
What a great way to grow community. I hope we see more of this type of community building.

‘Keeps your mind alert’: older Swedes reap the benefits of learning for pleasure www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
‘Keeps your mind alert’: older Swedes reap the benefits of learning for pleasure
Retirees with ‘fantastic hunger for education’ taking part in university organised events in record numbers
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Achievement, 1 more gallon of blood donated. I got in a donation before the end of the year. If you can donate, I hope you will.
December 22, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Much aloha to the ʻohana in Hawaiʻi an Washington. E hoʻomālielie i kou kaumaha.
A Washington State Patrol trooper born in Hawaii died Friday evening in Tacoma while responding to a crash.

Here's how loved ones and colleagues remember her
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/12/21/washington-state-trooper-born-hawaii-dies-duty-pedestrian-crash/
December 22, 2025 at 1:05 AM
If you have a WA student impacted by the flooding and they need help with schools, see this post. The WA State Office of the Education Ombuds can help to answer questions.
www.instagram.com/p/DSVoxoBgf5...
WA Education Ombuds on Instagram: "If your family or student is impacted by the flooding in WA and you need education support, please contact the Washington State Governor's Office of the Education Om...
2 likes, 0 comments - wa_education_ombuds on December 16, 2025: "If your family or student is impacted by the flooding in WA and you need education support, please contact the Washington State Governo...
www.instagram.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:58 PM
I toured a Title 1 school and saw multiple posters like this around the school. Thank you to educators who reach out to students and let them know school is a safe place.
December 16, 2025 at 12:13 AM
🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Egypt and Iran complain about planned World Cup 'Pride' match in Seattle

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations which target gays and lesbians, have complained to FIFA over a World Cup soccer match in Seattle that is expected to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.
Egypt and Iran complain about planned World Cup 'Pride' match in Seattle
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations which target gays and lesbians, have complained to FIFA over a World Cup soccer match in Seattle that is expected to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.
www.wral.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:40 AM
If you're stuck for a gift for someone, I recommend Loop earplugs. They come in incredibly handy when you may not expect it. I carry a set and find I use them more then expected--movies, crowded bars, events, snoring neighbors, airplanes, etc. Here is a 15% off referral code: rwrd.io/ref_NMHTOHT?c
Loop Earplugs | Up to 30% OFF | Gift Sale
Save up to 30% during the Loop Gift Sale from Dec 2nd - 30th. Discounts increase with your cart total. Perfect gifts for peace and style this holiday season!
rwrd.io
December 6, 2025 at 10:03 PM
A landmark special education law is 50. Some fear for its future : NPR share.google/8ON6eQc5YPsU...
50 years after the birth of special education, some fear for its future under Trump
The Trump administration has fired, or tried to fire, many of the federal staff members who manage and enforce federal disability law in schools.
share.google
December 5, 2025 at 6:36 AM
In 1942 a different president interned 120,000 Japanese Americans. While Roosevelt didn't outright call Japanese Americans garbage his actions showed we were garbage to him, locking up Japanese American citizens based on ethnicity and xenophobic beliefs. Solidarity with my Somali relations.
December 5, 2025 at 4:55 AM
If we want more K-12 educators we need to invest in high-quality affordable childcare. A friend said she's paying more in childcare than her mortgage. That is not sustainable for attracting and keeping public servants. #childcare #affordability #earlylearning
www.seattletimes.com/business/sea...
‘Outrageously expensive’ is the price tag for child care in Seattle
Seattle is one of the costliest places in the country to put a child in day care, and tuition costs have spiked since 2020.
www.seattletimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Reposted by Erin Okuno
This was a must visit activity when my kids were younger. So fun and magical.
Give the people what they want (trains)
December 1, 2025 at 2:05 AM
"But to many Japanese Americans, the images of uniformed federal agents ushering people onto buses, the mass detentions and the dehumanizing language used by government officials stir collective memories..." #Solidarity #JapaneseAmerican #immigration
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/u...
Haunted by History, Japanese Americans Fight Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Thank you Natoncka Metsu for the gift box. It is gorgeous and I'm excited to share it with others this holiday season. Go pick up a box for yourself this weekend at the Duwamish Longhouse holiday market, 10.00-5.00 pm. #BuyLocal #BuyNativeMade
November 29, 2025 at 12:21 AM
@spl.org why is the Beacon Hill Branch closing early so often? This is the third time I can recall in the past few weeks. So many disappointed people stopped by and had to leave.
November 29, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Target why won't you ship bedsheets to Hawai'i? I spent an hour choosing gifts and then found out you won't ship to Hawaii.
November 25, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Trans Day of Remembrance is today.

Recognizing my Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander QTPI relations at UTOPIA Washington share.google/6jvpZjGlgK2N...
UTOPIA Washington
United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance Washington (UTOPIA Washington) is a queer and trans people of color-led, grassroots organization born out of the struggles, strength, and resilience of...
share.google
November 21, 2025 at 4:21 AM
You need some Free Willy and Michael Jackson on your TL.

youtu.be/jQY_QL_wvQU?...
Michael Jackson - Will You Be There (Official Video)
YouTube video by michaeljacksonVEVO
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 AM
WA Dept of Children Youth & Families has this resource guide for families impacted by immigration related concerns. It is available in multiple languages. Share widely.

dcyf.wa.gov/publications...
Department of Children, Youth & Families
DCYF is a cabinet-level agency focused on the well-being of children. Our vision is to ensure that Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community.
dcyf.wa.gov
November 18, 2025 at 11:58 PM
WA has 930k residents on SNAP, any of them children. Many of these families are working or their parents are in school to get better paying careers.

Food stamps are back, but millions will soon lose benefits permanently - POLITICO share.google/mz9okVavZmiB...
Food stamps are back, but millions will soon lose benefits permanently
Even though the shutdown is over, the GOP’s signature tax and spending law is poised to kick people off the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
share.google
November 16, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Nothing like a Friday afternoon fire at the neighborhood high school. Franklin HS Seattle. Glad everyone is safe
November 14, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Office of Education Ombuds is hosting a Virtual Office Hours event on Thursday, 13 November from 10.00-11.30 a.m.
Topic: How to get an IEP or 504 Accommodations-Request to Eligibility

CART (captioning) and ASL will be provided.
Register: tinyurl.com/ycy5cfvz.
October 27, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Día de Los Muertos is coming up. Pick up this book, Día de Los Muertos Day of the Dead ABC to share with young kids. Why this book:
-The art is fab
-Bilingual, esp like it highlights Spanish and English equally
-Lots of interesting facts
#ErinOkReads #FakequityBooks
bookshop.org/a/13900/9781...
Day of the Dead ABC / Día de Los Muertos ABC
Check out Day of the Dead ABC / Día de Los Muertos ABC - <p><strong>Embark on a vibrant journey to celebrate Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead, the cherished Mexican holiday honoring departed loved ones....
bookshop.org
October 26, 2025 at 10:28 PM
"NOAA’s tsunami program was already bare-bones and needed more staff and funding. It’s a small team, and losing even a few people like me, with niche expertise that’s difficult to replace, means things will fall through the cracks."
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/23/c...
She Made Sure That Tsunami Warnings Reached the Public
www.nytimes.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The government is shutdown. TSA, air traffic controllers and many others are working without getting paychecks but he still started construction on the White House ballroom. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/u...
Part of White House Is Reduced to Rubble. Trump’s Ballroom Will Rise in Its Place.
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:22 AM