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
Homelessness Authority Rescinds Tiny House Village Grant, Gives Money to Salvation Army Instead
LIHI worked to secure the funds in Seattle's budget. KCRHA said the nonprofit took too long to secure a site.
publicola.com/2026/02/13/h...
LIHI worked to secure the funds in Seattle's budget. KCRHA said the nonprofit took too long to secure a site.
publicola.com/2026/02/13/h...
Homelessness Authority Rescinds Tiny House Village Grant, Gives Money to Salvation Army Instead - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has rescinded a $3 million grant it gave the Low…
publicola.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Homelessness Authority Rescinds Tiny House Village Grant, Gives Money to Salvation Army Instead
LIHI worked to secure the funds in Seattle's budget. KCRHA said the nonprofit took too long to secure a site.
publicola.com/2026/02/13/h...
LIHI worked to secure the funds in Seattle's budget. KCRHA said the nonprofit took too long to secure a site.
publicola.com/2026/02/13/h...
unpopular opinion maybe but when people talk about totally eliminating automatic license reader technology (based on legitimate ICE-related concerns), it's probably important to mention that this is how toll roads work. it's also why Seattle residents usually get their cars back when they're stolen
February 13, 2026 at 7:44 PM
unpopular opinion maybe but when people talk about totally eliminating automatic license reader technology (based on legitimate ICE-related concerns), it's probably important to mention that this is how toll roads work. it's also why Seattle residents usually get their cars back when they're stolen
This Seattle Times story references the "HOPE Team," which hasn't existed since 2022, and "the Woodland neighborhood," actually the part of Wallingford below Woodland Park.
Editors with local knowledge are good, actually
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Editors with local knowledge are good, actually
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Ballard encampment cleared in first test of Katie Wilson’s homelessness strategy
The mayor’s earlier decision to delay the removal was her first break from her predecessor’s aggressive policy.
www.seattletimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:19 PM
This Seattle Times story references the "HOPE Team," which hasn't existed since 2022, and "the Woodland neighborhood," actually the part of Wallingford below Woodland Park.
Editors with local knowledge are good, actually
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Editors with local knowledge are good, actually
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
New Councilmember Dionne Foster: Police Cameras "Should Be Turned Off and Come Down."
Listen to the latest episode of Seattle Nice!
publicola.com/2026/02/13/n...
Listen to the latest episode of Seattle Nice!
publicola.com/2026/02/13/n...
New Councilmember Dionne Foster Tells Seattle Nice: Police Cameras "Should Be Turned Off and Come Down." - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Our guest for this week’s episode of Seattle Nice (don’t worry, we’ll get back to our…
publicola.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
New Councilmember Dionne Foster: Police Cameras "Should Be Turned Off and Come Down."
Listen to the latest episode of Seattle Nice!
publicola.com/2026/02/13/n...
Listen to the latest episode of Seattle Nice!
publicola.com/2026/02/13/n...
A feature I was just saying how much I liked while driving in stop and go traffic in LA
www.seattletimes.com/business/epa...
www.seattletimes.com/business/epa...
EPA ends credits for automatic start-stop vehicle ignition, a feature Zeldin says ‘everyone hates’
The Environmental Protection Agency says it is ending credits to automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles.
www.seattletimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:54 PM
A feature I was just saying how much I liked while driving in stop and go traffic in LA
www.seattletimes.com/business/epa...
www.seattletimes.com/business/epa...
I don't say this on here often enough, but my work—while always free to read!—is not free to produce! We are a full-time operation that is funded entirely by reader contributions. If you appreciate this work, please consider a one-time or recurring donation; lots of options at publicola.com/support/
February 12, 2026 at 10:41 PM
I don't say this on here often enough, but my work—while always free to read!—is not free to produce! We are a full-time operation that is funded entirely by reader contributions. If you appreciate this work, please consider a one-time or recurring donation; lots of options at publicola.com/support/
Review Finds Multiple Police Failures Preceded Violent Response to Counteprotests During Anti-LGBTQ Event in May
Police didn’t engage with community before the anti-LGBTQ event, weren’t familiar with Capitol Hill and its history, and referred to protesters as “transtifa,” the report found.
Police didn’t engage with community before the anti-LGBTQ event, weren’t familiar with Capitol Hill and its history, and referred to protesters as “transtifa,” the report found.
Review Finds Multiple Police Failures Preceded Violent Response to Counteprotests During Anti-LGBTQ Event in May - PubliCola
Police didn’t engage with community before the anti-LGBTQ event, weren’t familiar with Capitol Hill and its history, and referred to…
publicola.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Review Finds Multiple Police Failures Preceded Violent Response to Counteprotests During Anti-LGBTQ Event in May
Police didn’t engage with community before the anti-LGBTQ event, weren’t familiar with Capitol Hill and its history, and referred to protesters as “transtifa,” the report found.
Police didn’t engage with community before the anti-LGBTQ event, weren’t familiar with Capitol Hill and its history, and referred to protesters as “transtifa,” the report found.
PubliCola confirmed this morning that the city settled with Jaahnavi Kandula's family for $29,011,000. The added $11,000, which the family requested in their lawsuit, is a reference to then-police guild vice president Daniel Auderer's "joke" that Kandula's life was only worth that much.
Family of Jaahnavi Kandula, Pedestrian Killed by SPD Officer in 2023, Reaches $29,011,000 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 12, 2026 at 7:20 PM
PubliCola confirmed this morning that the city settled with Jaahnavi Kandula's family for $29,011,000. The added $11,000, which the family requested in their lawsuit, is a reference to then-police guild vice president Daniel Auderer's "joke" that Kandula's life was only worth that much.
just got a response from a local public agency that my email to media relations asking for a copy of a contract that they've diverted my simple question into a records request process that will delay disclosure until well after I've published—which of course makes their delay part of the story
February 12, 2026 at 4:43 PM
just got a response from a local public agency that my email to media relations asking for a copy of a contract that they've diverted my simple question into a records request process that will delay disclosure until well after I've published—which of course makes their delay part of the story
Tax For Social Housing Brought In Twice the Original Estimate, Mirroring Early JumpStart Results
With $115 million (almost) in hand, the social housing developer says it's ready to start buying up apartments.
publicola.com/2026/02/11/t...
With $115 million (almost) in hand, the social housing developer says it's ready to start buying up apartments.
publicola.com/2026/02/11/t...
Tax For Social Housing Brought In Twice the Original Estimate, Mirroring Early JumpStart Results - PubliCola
With $115 million (almost) in hand, the social housing developer says it’s ready to start buying up apartments. By Erica…
publicola.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Tax For Social Housing Brought In Twice the Original Estimate, Mirroring Early JumpStart Results
With $115 million (almost) in hand, the social housing developer says it's ready to start buying up apartments.
publicola.com/2026/02/11/t...
With $115 million (almost) in hand, the social housing developer says it's ready to start buying up apartments.
publicola.com/2026/02/11/t...
hope this comes up in Brandi's lawsuit claiming that she is so totally a journalist
February 11, 2026 at 5:16 PM
hope this comes up in Brandi's lawsuit claiming that she is so totally a journalist
far-right activists who participated in Trump adulation ceremony, plus a failed local candidate-turned-plagiarist, cry because normal people won't cater to their cute little fantasy that they're journalists
seattlered.com/legal/wa-pre...
seattlered.com/legal/wa-pre...
Journalists sue Washington over Capitol press‑access denials
Lawsuit claims Washington unfairly denied press credentials and demands clear, neutral access rules for journalists.
seattlered.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:41 PM
far-right activists who participated in Trump adulation ceremony, plus a failed local candidate-turned-plagiarist, cry because normal people won't cater to their cute little fantasy that they're journalists
seattlered.com/legal/wa-pre...
seattlered.com/legal/wa-pre...
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 6:56 AM
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...
was so smug about giving myself plenty of time for once to get to Beacon Hill on time for the State of Social Housing event tonight in Seattle
until five seconds after I sat down, when I realized I had fully forgotten my computer
until five seconds after I sat down, when I realized I had fully forgotten my computer
February 11, 2026 at 3:54 AM
was so smug about giving myself plenty of time for once to get to Beacon Hill on time for the State of Social Housing event tonight in Seattle
until five seconds after I sat down, when I realized I had fully forgotten my computer
until five seconds after I sat down, when I realized I had fully forgotten my computer
ACLU Drops Lawsuit After City Attorney Evans Drops Blanket Affidavit Against Judge; Council Gets New Central Staff Director
Today's Afternoon Fizz!
publicola.com/2026/02/10/a...
Today's Afternoon Fizz!
publicola.com/2026/02/10/a...
ACLU Drops Lawsuit After City Attorney Evans Drops Blanket Affidavit Against Judge; Council Gets New Central Staff Director - PubliCola
1. City Attorney Erika Evans and the ACLU of Washington jointly announced this week that the ACLU is dropping…
publicola.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:02 PM
ACLU Drops Lawsuit After City Attorney Evans Drops Blanket Affidavit Against Judge; Council Gets New Central Staff Director
Today's Afternoon Fizz!
publicola.com/2026/02/10/a...
Today's Afternoon Fizz!
publicola.com/2026/02/10/a...
Sex Worker Advocates Demand Action from the City After Prosecutors' Dehumanizing Presentation
The advocates want the city to listen to more diverse perspectives and stop infantilizing and ignoring sex workers who support a peer-led support system, rather than a carceral approach.
The advocates want the city to listen to more diverse perspectives and stop infantilizing and ignoring sex workers who support a peer-led support system, rather than a carceral approach.
Sex Worker Advocates Demand Action from the City After Prosecutors' Dehumanizing Presentation - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Advocates for sex workers, activated by a brutal, dehumanizing presentation the King County Prosecutor’s Office…
publicola.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Sex Worker Advocates Demand Action from the City After Prosecutors' Dehumanizing Presentation
The advocates want the city to listen to more diverse perspectives and stop infantilizing and ignoring sex workers who support a peer-led support system, rather than a carceral approach.
The advocates want the city to listen to more diverse perspectives and stop infantilizing and ignoring sex workers who support a peer-led support system, rather than a carceral approach.
Now Rob Saka is reading the most-quoted Winston Churchill quote, referring to his support for city litigation with the Trump administration
Immediately before that, he said it's up to the council to decide when to "overrule" "the advice of our lawyers," the city attorney's office
Immediately before that, he said it's up to the council to decide when to "overrule" "the advice of our lawyers," the city attorney's office
February 10, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Now Rob Saka is reading the most-quoted Winston Churchill quote, referring to his support for city litigation with the Trump administration
Immediately before that, he said it's up to the council to decide when to "overrule" "the advice of our lawyers," the city attorney's office
Immediately before that, he said it's up to the council to decide when to "overrule" "the advice of our lawyers," the city attorney's office
Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka just asked a presenter at the public safety committee why the city's drug laws refer to SPD enforcement at stationary transit stops but not on buses. They explained that Metro has its own transit police.
February 10, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka just asked a presenter at the public safety committee why the city's drug laws refer to SPD enforcement at stationary transit stops but not on buses. They explained that Metro has its own transit police.
just realized I have been living rent-free in somebody's head and that they think I'm surviving on like $40K a year
fucking hilarious
fucking hilarious
February 10, 2026 at 4:46 PM
just realized I have been living rent-free in somebody's head and that they think I'm surviving on like $40K a year
fucking hilarious
fucking hilarious
this advice (don't bake something incredibly involved and elaborate for someone early in a relationship, but do bake something incredibly involved and elaborate once you're long-term) seems applicable only to pastry chefs who tend to go overboard
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/d...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/d...
Baking for Your Valentine? This Psychologist Would Like a Word.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:36 PM
this advice (don't bake something incredibly involved and elaborate for someone early in a relationship, but do bake something incredibly involved and elaborate once you're long-term) seems applicable only to pastry chefs who tend to go overboard
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/d...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/d...
Bill Targeting Sex Buyers Would No Longer Result in Immediate Felony Charges
But an attempt to decriminalize sex work—another component of the “Nordic model”—failed.
publicola.com/2026/02/09/b...
But an attempt to decriminalize sex work—another component of the “Nordic model”—failed.
publicola.com/2026/02/09/b...
Bill Targeting Sex Buyers Would No Longer Result in Immediate Felony Charges - PubliCola
But an attempt to decriminalize sex work—another component of the “Nordic model”—failed. By Erica C. Barnett State legislation that would…
publicola.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Bill Targeting Sex Buyers Would No Longer Result in Immediate Felony Charges
But an attempt to decriminalize sex work—another component of the “Nordic model”—failed.
publicola.com/2026/02/09/b...
But an attempt to decriminalize sex work—another component of the “Nordic model”—failed.
publicola.com/2026/02/09/b...
ok going through the football reply guys and gals and mass-blocking
don't care if your bio says pro-housing, anti-ICE or whatever if you are attacking me for a mild aside that I don't happen to personally care for sports, you're a weirdo
don't care if your bio says pro-housing, anti-ICE or whatever if you are attacking me for a mild aside that I don't happen to personally care for sports, you're a weirdo
February 9, 2026 at 7:40 PM
ok going through the football reply guys and gals and mass-blocking
don't care if your bio says pro-housing, anti-ICE or whatever if you are attacking me for a mild aside that I don't happen to personally care for sports, you're a weirdo
don't care if your bio says pro-housing, anti-ICE or whatever if you are attacking me for a mild aside that I don't happen to personally care for sports, you're a weirdo
it's official, bluesky is now twitter
February 9, 2026 at 6:22 PM
it's official, bluesky is now twitter
calling people "apeshit" for attacking me for an opinion about the former mayor that said nothing, absolutely nothing, about "people enjoying a football win"
February 9, 2026 at 5:35 PM
calling people "apeshit" for attacking me for an opinion about the former mayor that said nothing, absolutely nothing, about "people enjoying a football win"
good morning! still glad Katie Wilson, who clearly doesn't care about football, is mayor of Seattle right now rather than Bruce Harrell, AKA Mayor Football. It's a huge burn, and as a non-sports person who went to lots of press events I found the constant sports references and name drops tedious.
February 9, 2026 at 4:41 PM
good morning! still glad Katie Wilson, who clearly doesn't care about football, is mayor of Seattle right now rather than Bruce Harrell, AKA Mayor Football. It's a huge burn, and as a non-sports person who went to lots of press events I found the constant sports references and name drops tedious.