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amysundberg.bsky.social
Amy Sundberg
@amysundberg.bsky.social
4.8K followers 630 following 2.3K posts
SF/F and YA writer, reporter at @theurbanist.org, publisher of Notes from the Emerald City. She/her. Send tips on Signal (amysundberg.92)
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amysundberg.bsky.social
Amy Sundberg @amysundberg.bsky.social · Nov 9
Signal boosting this Bluesky starter pack of Seattle News and Journalists: go.bsky.app/MdNLsYQ
amysundberg.bsky.social
🧵. Note that Divest believes 2 of the 3 officers involved in the shooting were rookies. There will be many rookies flooding into SPD from the hiring spree this year.
divestspd.bsky.social DivestSPD @divestspd.bsky.social · 2h
UPDATE: The Office of Police Accountability has opened an investigation into the three officers who fatally shot a man in SODO on Oct. 30.

While OPA has opened investigations into every 2025 shooting, this one is different. The allegations are "Conformance to Law," not force.
divestspd.bsky.social DivestSPD @divestspd.bsky.social · 5d
CW: Shooting/Death

New video of last week's shooting in SODO.

Officers told him to drop his gun. He did. They killed him.
November 11, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
finchfrii.bsky.social
A Fistful of Loud: Seattle Neighbors Build Whistle Kits to Protect Immigrants From ICE
A Fistful of Loud: Seattle Neighbors Build Whistle Kits to Protect Immigrants From ICE
A grassroots whistle project helps neighbors warn each other of ICE activity and stand up for immigrant safety together in South Seattle.
southseattleemerald.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:09 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
Eight months ago, Katie Wilson declared her intention to run and all the conventional powers-that-be said she didn't stand a chance of winning.

Remember that we don't always know what is possible.
theurbanist.org The Urbanist @theurbanist.org · 21h
Wilson now leads in the Seattle mayoral race by 91 votes. Prior to today, Harrell had been leading by 4,300 votes, but this latest vote batch netted Wilson 4,391 votes.
November 11, 2025 at 12:13 AM
amysundberg.bsky.social
I chatted with Erika Evans a few days ago to discuss her vision for the Seattle City Attorney's office.
November 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
glentalk.bsky.social
NEW: Washington State Rep. Shaun Scott issues statement concerning Roger Wright and Seattle police accountability following a Real Change investigation:
Justice for Roger Wright and the Ongoing Fight for Police Accountability I was dismayed to read the revealing article in Real Change News about Seattleite Roger Wright’s 21-year-long search for accountability. Roger was the victim of severe police brutality in 2004 in South Seattle where he was racially profiled, tasered, knocked unconscious for hours, and abandoned on a freeway onramp. He has been dealing with the fallout and trauma from this near-death experience ever since. None of Seattle’s police accountability agencies have made much progress on actual justice for Roger, and many Seattle-area politicians have been less than responsive to him. For the last several months, I’ve talked with Roger about what I can do to ensure that this community does right by him and have considered mechanisms for accountability with the officers involved who are still currently on the police force. Roger’s human rights were violated, and he and his family have spent the past 2 decades pursuing every formal avenue to seek justice and truth for Roger and the Wright family. He has faced not only the trauma of the original injustice but also in validating his experience in the years since. I know that the 43rd Legislative District stands with Roger Wright. Historically, we’ve been a stronghold of civil rights – during the protests for racial justice in the summer of 2020, we showed the world what it looks like to do the most in pursuit of a world without police prejudice. I know that our community doesn’t tolerate what happened to him, because I’ve seen our community’s values up close. I am grateful that Roger has attended a couple of our town halls and that he has shared his story and perspective directly with my office over the past several months. His courage underscores why the Legislature has worked to strengthen police accountability and transparency in recent years — including passing landmark laws such as HB 1054, which bans dangerous police tactics like chokeholds and no… I am grateful that Roger has attended a couple of our town halls and that he has shared his story and perspective directly with my office over the past several months. His courage underscores why the Legislature has worked to strengthen police accountability and transparency in recent years — including passing landmark laws such as HB 1054, which bans dangerous police tactics like chokeholds and no-knock warrants; SB 5051, which improves officer certification and oversight; and SB 5259, which created a statewide database to track use-of-force incidents. We know that these laws are just the beginning. We are already developing additional proposals to expand independent investigations and prosecutions for excessive force to ensure true accountability and prevent future injustices like what Roger endured. If you’d like to join in the fight for police accountability and Roger’s efforts for justice and visibility, here are three things you can do: Be a part of the public accountability process: Read and share Roger Wright’s story, in private and in public, with friends and on social media, to highlight his harrowing experience and his incredible advocacy to fight for justice for himself and his family. Ask elected officials who represent you in state and local government about how they would prevent what happened to Roger from happening to anybody else. Reach out to my office if you have ideas or tips that we can explore to get justice for Roger Wright.
November 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
I had to double-check to make sure this was a true thing that Elon Musk said. And it is!
November 8, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
theurbanist.org
NEW // Op-Ed: Ferguson Must Back ‘Stand Up to Trump’ Rhetoric with Funding

Op-Ed by John Burbank via @theurbanist.org 🔗 www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/08/o...
Op-Ed: Ferguson Must Back ‘Stand Up to Trump’ Rhetoric with Funding » The Urbanist
# The Trump administration is gutting health care, child care, and food stamps. John Burbank argues Governor Bob Ferguson should immediately call a special session of the Washington State Legislature ...
www.theurbanist.org
November 8, 2025 at 8:27 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
Still trying to adjust to the idea that the Seattle Mayor's race might very well be so close it triggers an automatic recount.
November 8, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
theurbanist.org
Did SPD solve all of the violent crime, property crime, traffic violence, and clear case backlogs in the city that they have capacity to do other agencies’ administrative work?
olraca.bsky.social Olraca @olraca.bsky.social · 3d
SPD out here on Northgate shutting down the taco stand between 8th and Roosevelt due to "multiple licensing and health code violations" that they wouldn't provide anymore info about.
November 8, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
At a time when Latino immigrants are uniquely at risk and many struggle to make a living for fear of ICE raids, why are you focused on the supposed dangers of taco trucks, and do you have any actual evidence—as opposed to conjecture—that anyone has been harmed by taco trucks or Latino fruit vendors?
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
I'm at a fundraiser where I know no one. The combo is sick, but I'm beginning to contemplate pulling out my Kindle.
November 8, 2025 at 2:23 AM
amysundberg.bsky.social
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mayor's race remains painfully close.
theurbanist.org The Urbanist @theurbanist.org · 3d
Claudia Balducci has conceded the King County Executive race to Girmay Zahilay after today's results. However, Balducci will remain on the King County Council and Sound Transit Board of Directors.
Balducci Concedes King County Executive Race, Congratulates Executive-Elect Zahilay on Victory With the returns showing a clear outcome in the County Executive Race, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci issued the following statement: “I want to congratulate my colleague, Executive-Elect Zahilay, on the victory and thank him for a spirited contest of ideas about how to lead King County through these tumultuous times. He has my full support, and I look forward to continuing working with him going forward. Throughout this campaign, we heard frequently that voters thought highly of both candidates. This puts us in a rare position in politics today to end an election campaign unified rather than divided and well-aligned to work in tandem for the best interest for all of King County going forward.” “I’m grateful and humbled that so many voters placed their trust in me in these tumultuous times. Our message was simple: government has to work! That means delivering on affordable housing, high quality public transit, and public safety. This message resonated throughout all corners of the county, and it is what I plan to continue working for on the council. I know Executive-Elect Zahilay will too in his administration.”
November 8, 2025 at 12:26 AM
amysundberg.bsky.social
I didn't even bother asking lol. It's a big deal that Jim Britt is being promoted to lead the East Precinct, not least because he'll no longer be in charge of the Real Time Crime Center. Will SPD be bringing on someone who is well acquainted with surveillance technology to take his place? Who knows.
ericacbarnett.bsky.social Erica C. Barnett @ericacbarnett.bsky.social · 4d
I asked SPD's comms department to confirm this 2 days ago and they ignored me as usual. (All my questions have to go through their PR person—literally, I cant't get yes/no answers without a whole special delaying process. It's wild!) Anyway, here's the press release they did instead of answering me.
Chief Shon Barnes Announces New East Precinct Captain and New LGBTQ+ Liaison - SPD Blotter
The East Precinct is home to one of Seattle’s most diverse and vibrant communities, including many LGBTQ+ residents and small businesses. I am committed to ensuring the precinct’s leadership reflects ...
spdblotter.seattle.gov
November 7, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
theurbanist.org
On the whole, there were bright spots for urbanist candidates all around the region, with major gains seen in Burien, Redmond, and Tacoma. There was also some backsliding in places like Sammamish and Bainbridge Island.

Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/06/p...
Pro-Housing Candidates Make Gains All Around Puget Sound » The Urbanist
# On the whole, there were bright spots for urbanist candidates all around the region, with major gains seen in Burien, Redmond, and Tacoma. There was also some backsliding in places like Sammamish an...
www.theurbanist.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
johnpfaff.bsky.social
Federal judge saying in open court that ICE and CBP lie so much she simply does not believe them—bc the evidence clearly show they are lying.

And to be clear: this is all too common police culture. Do something wrong, lie to cover it up.
djbyrnes1.bsky.social Dave Byrnes @djbyrnes1.bsky.social · 5d
Ellis acknowledges federal agents' assertions justifying thier use of force, but says, again,
"I don't find defendants' version of events credible."
November 6, 2025 at 5:06 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
The momentum is building.

That said, it's important to remember that the issues around surveillance are not limited to just Flock.
November 6, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
theurbanist.org
It's worth checking with King County Elections that your ballot was counted. If not, you can probably cure ballot so that it is counted. info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/...
King County Elections
Led by Director Julie Wise, King County Elections conducts accurate, secure, and accessible elections for King County's over 1.4 million registered voters.
info.kingcounty.gov
November 6, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
deflock-redmond.bsky.social
Redmond Police posted an update earlier regarding the #Flock suspension.

www.redmond.gov/2400/Automat...

NB. This states RPD *access* has been disabled, but until they are physically disconnected/removed, the data is still being sent to #Flock.

1/2

#deflock #surveillance #alpr #flocksafety
After a recommendation from City Council on November 3, 2025, the Redmond Police Department (RPD) has suspended operation of its Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, also known as the Flock cameras. Access to the system has been disabled pending further review by the Council.
November 6, 2025 at 1:54 AM
amysundberg.bsky.social
There's a lot going on here, almost none of which is contained in this statement.
glentalk.bsky.social Glen Stellmacher @glentalk.bsky.social · 5d
NEW: Initial Seattle PD statement on firing of Brian Maxey and Rebecca Boatright:
This message is to inform you that Brian Maxey and Becca Boatright are no longer serving in their roles as COO and General Counsel. They served the public with honor. We do not discuss personnel matters. More information regarding the department’s organizational structure will be forthcoming. Sgt Michaud
November 5, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Reposted by Amy Sundberg
theurbanist.org
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell gained another point on progressive challenger Katie Wilson in today's ballot drop, which added about ~21,000 ballots. She trails by 8 points.

Expected bigger counts tomorrow and Friday, which are typically more progressive-favoring. Comeback still possible.
City of Seattle Ballots Counted: 139,173 * Registered Voters: 505,393 27.54% Mayor Katie Wilson 62,700 45.69% Bruce Harrell 73,883 53.84% Write-in 654 0.48%
November 5, 2025 at 11:43 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
My latest about contingency plans (or lack of them) for increased ICE enforcement and/or National Guard deployment in Seattle.

If you've been hoping SPD might intervene on behalf of Seattle residents, you might want to read until the end.
November 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
Not a fan of people coming to my door to sell a service I might be interested in, but I have to decide *today.* I will never decide today about a pricy and important service. In fact, the stress of being forced to artificially decide with a tight deadline makes me less likely to ever decide.
November 5, 2025 at 10:02 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
Tbh I'm not surprised by this news, but it does represent a big shakeup at SPD.
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
I've already been missing Cascade PBS's coverage. High quality reporting and not locked behind a paywall, which meant I could share articles knowing folks wouldn't have a problem accessing it.
meganburbank.bsky.social Megan Burbank @meganburbank.bsky.social · 7d
Halloween was my last day at Crosscut/Cascade PBS, a month after my team was laid off. What do we lose when we lose a newsroom? Even before I was an editor there, Crosscut amplified abortion access and reproductive health policy coverage while other newsrooms waited for Dobbs to force the issue.
November 4, 2025 at 6:55 PM
amysundberg.bsky.social
This is huge news and illustrates the power of advocacy.
nwprogressive.org Northwest Progressive Institute @nwprogressive.org · 7d
A preliminary victory for privacy: Redmond Police Department to disable Flock automated license plate readers for the time being

Hours after NPI dispatched a letter to the Redmond City Council calling for the swift decommissioning of the Flock surveillance system, the Council recommended to the…
A preliminary victory for privacy: Redmond Police Department to disable Flock automated license plate readers for the time being
Hours after NPI dispatched a letter to the Redmond City Council calling for the swift decommissioning of the Flock surveillance system, the Council recommended to the Redmond Police Department that the system be disabled, and the police chief agreed to cut off access to his officers within hours. Later this month, the Council will discuss ending the contract with Flock Safety.
www.nwprogressive.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:31 AM