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
Burien City Council member gives accurate assessment of who's preventing housing growth, has to apologize for use of "adult" language on hot mic: b-townblog.com/burien-housi...
Burien housing debate intensifies after hot mic incident from newly-elected city councilmember - The B-Town (Burien) Blog
Newly-elected Burien City Councilmember Rocco DeVito apologized last week after comments he made were picked up on a hot microphone during a Burien Planning Commission meeting. The incident prompted p...
b-townblog.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Burien City Council member gives accurate assessment of who's preventing housing growth, has to apologize for use of "adult" language on hot mic: b-townblog.com/burien-housi...
Morning Fizz: Police Chief Takes the Holidays Off, SPD Won't Answer Questions About Two Anti-Prostitution Stings They Announced
Chief Barnes will make $12,500 during his time off.
publicola.com/2025/12/29/p...
Chief Barnes will make $12,500 during his time off.
publicola.com/2025/12/29/p...
Police Chief Takes the Holidays Off, SPD Won't Answer Questions About Two Anti-Prostitution Stings They Announced - PubliCola
1. If you’re wondering who’s in charge at the Seattle Police Department during the historically busy holiday season, including New…
publicola.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Morning Fizz: Police Chief Takes the Holidays Off, SPD Won't Answer Questions About Two Anti-Prostitution Stings They Announced
Chief Barnes will make $12,500 during his time off.
publicola.com/2025/12/29/p...
Chief Barnes will make $12,500 during his time off.
publicola.com/2025/12/29/p...
Reposted by Erica C. Barnett
New, from me: The NYT reporter who specializes in profiles of beleaguered right-wingers on campus went to New College...and found out that things were going ok!
So let me explain some pretty massive errors of omission: 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-nyt-re...
So let me explain some pretty massive errors of omission: 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-nyt-re...
The NYT Recruiting Brochure for New College
A failing Ron DeSantis higher ed experiment gets a boost
donmoynihan.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
New, from me: The NYT reporter who specializes in profiles of beleaguered right-wingers on campus went to New College...and found out that things were going ok!
So let me explain some pretty massive errors of omission: 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-nyt-re...
So let me explain some pretty massive errors of omission: 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-nyt-re...
"Many saw [calling Muslims "savages" and saying they are ruining France] as racist," but the NYT is too objective to take a position—and they elide the fact that Bardot's husband is a literal fascist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/28/m...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/28/m...
December 28, 2025 at 5:52 PM
"Many saw [calling Muslims "savages" and saying they are ruining France] as racist," but the NYT is too objective to take a position—and they elide the fact that Bardot's husband is a literal fascist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/28/m...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/28/m...
A rare clear-eyed look at homelessness on the op/ed page of the Seattle Times (who snuck this through?) "Visual relief [from encampments] is blinding."
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/home...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/home...
Homelessness in Seattle: We can't unsee it | Op-Ed
Every day we see homeless people on Seattle’s sidewalks, in public rights-of-way and in parks. At some point, we stop seeing them as humans with needs.
www.seattletimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 5:31 PM
A rare clear-eyed look at homelessness on the op/ed page of the Seattle Times (who snuck this through?) "Visual relief [from encampments] is blinding."
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/home...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/home...
just as a reminder, Seattle police already have a system where retail security officers can fully apprehend and file police reports directly, no $70-an-hour cops required. The only reason to have multiple officers doing big sting operations is to put out press releases like this one.
Felon Arrested During Retail Theft Operation in U-Village - SPD Blotter
Seattle police officers arrested a 28-year-old felon and two other shoplifters during a Retail Theft Operation in the University Village shopping center yesterday evening. On Dec. 23 at about 7:15 p.m...
spdblotter.seattle.gov
December 25, 2025 at 5:17 AM
just as a reminder, Seattle police already have a system where retail security officers can fully apprehend and file police reports directly, no $70-an-hour cops required. The only reason to have multiple officers doing big sting operations is to put out press releases like this one.
Seattle Nice: Our Hopes and Predictions for Seattle in 2026
It's our annual New Year's extravaganza!
publicola.com/2025/12/22/s...
It's our annual New Year's extravaganza!
publicola.com/2025/12/22/s...
Seattle Nice: Our Hopes and Predictions for Seattle In 2026 - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett For the final Seattle Nice show of 2025, we brought in our returning special guest,…
publicola.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Seattle Nice: Our Hopes and Predictions for Seattle in 2026
It's our annual New Year's extravaganza!
publicola.com/2025/12/22/s...
It's our annual New Year's extravaganza!
publicola.com/2025/12/22/s...
turns out that as you get older, taking a drug that causes you to lose muscle mass, as one of the direct "benefits"—35-45% of weight loss on Ozempic-type drugs is muscle loss—is bad, actually
(unrelated, wtf is going on with that illustration)
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/h...
(unrelated, wtf is going on with that illustration)
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/h...
Older Americans Quit Weight-Loss Drugs in Droves
www.nytimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:44 PM
turns out that as you get older, taking a drug that causes you to lose muscle mass, as one of the direct "benefits"—35-45% of weight loss on Ozempic-type drugs is muscle loss—is bad, actually
(unrelated, wtf is going on with that illustration)
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/h...
(unrelated, wtf is going on with that illustration)
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/h...
This Week on PubliCola: December 20, 2025
SPD Invites Cops to Evangelical Event, City Attorney Quadruples Drug Prosecutions, and Seattle Approves Eight-Unit Apartments Everywhere
publicola.com/2025/12/20/t...
SPD Invites Cops to Evangelical Event, City Attorney Quadruples Drug Prosecutions, and Seattle Approves Eight-Unit Apartments Everywhere
publicola.com/2025/12/20/t...
This Week on PubliCola: December 20, 2025 - PubliCola
SPD Invites Cops to Evangelical Event, City Attorney Quadruples Drug Prosecutions, and More By Erica C. Barnett Monday, December 15…
publicola.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:58 PM
This Week on PubliCola: December 20, 2025
SPD Invites Cops to Evangelical Event, City Attorney Quadruples Drug Prosecutions, and Seattle Approves Eight-Unit Apartments Everywhere
publicola.com/2025/12/20/t...
SPD Invites Cops to Evangelical Event, City Attorney Quadruples Drug Prosecutions, and Seattle Approves Eight-Unit Apartments Everywhere
publicola.com/2025/12/20/t...
In Seattle, Choe usually crashes press events wearing nasty hospital-grade slides, mudflap-girl track pants, and a ratty hoodie and baseball cap. Would be interested in hearing what @dieworkwear.bsky.social thinks of our local Charlie Kirk acolyte's MAGA glowup.
Jonathan Choe is out here with a staff badge filming protesters. This is the guy who was fired from a Seattle ABC affiliate network after he made propaganda for the Proud Boys (neo-Nazi anthem included). Nowadays he works with TPUSA via their Frontlines BS.
leftcoastrightwatch.org/articles/sea...
leftcoastrightwatch.org/articles/sea...
December 20, 2025 at 7:57 PM
In Seattle, Choe usually crashes press events wearing nasty hospital-grade slides, mudflap-girl track pants, and a ratty hoodie and baseball cap. Would be interested in hearing what @dieworkwear.bsky.social thinks of our local Charlie Kirk acolyte's MAGA glowup.
Seattle Times opens up its pages for random people to just complain and complain about how hard it is to park in downtown Seattle, how there's supposedly shit all over the sidewalks, and oh yes, how we aren't MAGA enough. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/some...
Downtown Seattle: The good, the bad and the ugly, from readers | Op-Ed
What readers had to say about why they do or don't visit downtown.
www.seattletimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Seattle Times opens up its pages for random people to just complain and complain about how hard it is to park in downtown Seattle, how there's supposedly shit all over the sidewalks, and oh yes, how we aren't MAGA enough. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/some...
very frustrating to see stories irresponsibly blaming addiction for Nick Reiner's alleged murder of his parents, and stating as fact that addiction can "lead to" murder. We know nothing so far about any mental health conditions he may have used drugs to self-medicate. So can we all just take a beat?
The Reiners Struggled With Their Son’s Addiction. These Families Can Relate.
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:26 AM
very frustrating to see stories irresponsibly blaming addiction for Nick Reiner's alleged murder of his parents, and stating as fact that addiction can "lead to" murder. We know nothing so far about any mental health conditions he may have used drugs to self-medicate. So can we all just take a beat?
Sent the Seattle Police Dept two sets of questions about two different stories: A sting they did on a strip club where they claim they found "human trafficking" and the "john letters" they are sending to men suspected of soliciting sex workers. Both were on SPD's blotter. Just got their response./1
December 20, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Sent the Seattle Police Dept two sets of questions about two different stories: A sting they did on a strip club where they claim they found "human trafficking" and the "john letters" they are sending to men suspected of soliciting sex workers. Both were on SPD's blotter. Just got their response./1
Gen Z seems smaller in this Seattle count because the cohort only includes a 12-year span here, while millennials and Gen X are 15-year generations. If all 15 years were included, Gen Z would have Gen X-like numbers—and Boomers, chopped up here into two cohorts, would be similar to millennials.
Seattle is the nation’s millennial capital; Gen Z, not so much
Market-research data shows around 32% of the Seattle area's adult population are millennials, the highest share among the largest metro areas, writes FYI Guy.
www.seattletimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Gen Z seems smaller in this Seattle count because the cohort only includes a 12-year span here, while millennials and Gen X are 15-year generations. If all 15 years were included, Gen Z would have Gen X-like numbers—and Boomers, chopped up here into two cohorts, would be similar to millennials.
More news from this week: Council Passes Watered-Down Consultant Ethics Bill, Wilson Appoints SDOT Director Who Headed Waterfront, Mercer Projects
publicola.com/2025/12/19/4...
publicola.com/2025/12/19/4...
Council Passes Watered-Down Consultant Ethics Bill, Wilson Appoints SDOT Director Who Headed Waterfront, Mercer Projects - PubliCola
1. In one of her final acts as council president, Councilmember Sara Nelson passed a watered-down version of a plan…
publicola.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:27 PM
More news from this week: Council Passes Watered-Down Consultant Ethics Bill, Wilson Appoints SDOT Director Who Headed Waterfront, Mercer Projects
publicola.com/2025/12/19/4...
publicola.com/2025/12/19/4...
Due to an editing error by SOMEBODY, this post was originally posted over an unrelated one. HERE is the new, improved link!
publicola.com/2025/12/19/s...
publicola.com/2025/12/19/s...
Seattle Council Approves Eight-Unit Apartment Buildings Everywhere - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Maybe calling them “stacked flats,” rather than “apartments,” was a stroke of genius. On Tuesday, the…
publicola.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Due to an editing error by SOMEBODY, this post was originally posted over an unrelated one. HERE is the new, improved link!
publicola.com/2025/12/19/s...
publicola.com/2025/12/19/s...
Seattle City Council Approves Eight-Unit Apartment Buildings Everywhere
The changes are part of the city's long-delayed comprehensive plan, which still isn't finished—giving the new mayor and councilmembers an opportunity to add urbanist improvements.
publicola.com/2025/12/18/c...
The changes are part of the city's long-delayed comprehensive plan, which still isn't finished—giving the new mayor and councilmembers an opportunity to add urbanist improvements.
publicola.com/2025/12/18/c...
City Approves Eight-Unit Apartment Buildings Everywhere in Seattle - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Maybe calling them “stacked flats,” rather than “apartments,” was a stroke of genius. On Tuesday, the…
publicola.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Seattle City Council Approves Eight-Unit Apartment Buildings Everywhere
The changes are part of the city's long-delayed comprehensive plan, which still isn't finished—giving the new mayor and councilmembers an opportunity to add urbanist improvements.
publicola.com/2025/12/18/c...
The changes are part of the city's long-delayed comprehensive plan, which still isn't finished—giving the new mayor and councilmembers an opportunity to add urbanist improvements.
publicola.com/2025/12/18/c...
Reposted by Erica C. Barnett
It’s been a tumultuous year in local politics, with voters supporting new leadership in the city & county. Journalists @ericacbarnett.bsky.social, @sanfordnate.bsky.social, & Greg Kim break down biggest stories of 2025 & what they mean for year ahead. Watch full show w/ @callananseattle.bsky.social
Seattle journalists dive into the headlines that shaped 2025
YouTube video by Seattle Channel
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 1:57 AM
It’s been a tumultuous year in local politics, with voters supporting new leadership in the city & county. Journalists @ericacbarnett.bsky.social, @sanfordnate.bsky.social, & Greg Kim break down biggest stories of 2025 & what they mean for year ahead. Watch full show w/ @callananseattle.bsky.social
Drug Prosecutions Quadrupled In Final Months of City Attorney Ann Davison's Term
Incoming City Attorney Erika Evans says diversion, not punishment, "should be the default response for people dealing with substance use disorder.”
publicola.com/2025/12/18/d...
Incoming City Attorney Erika Evans says diversion, not punishment, "should be the default response for people dealing with substance use disorder.”
publicola.com/2025/12/18/d...
Drug Prosecutions Quadrupled In Final Months of City Attorney Ann Davison's Term - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has accelerated filings of misdemeanor drug possession cases during the last…
publicola.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Drug Prosecutions Quadrupled In Final Months of City Attorney Ann Davison's Term
Incoming City Attorney Erika Evans says diversion, not punishment, "should be the default response for people dealing with substance use disorder.”
publicola.com/2025/12/18/d...
Incoming City Attorney Erika Evans says diversion, not punishment, "should be the default response for people dealing with substance use disorder.”
publicola.com/2025/12/18/d...
Just got 10 form messages letting me know that the Seattle Police Department has moved my "placeholder date" for the records requests they are ignoring, going back te 2023, to the end of NEXT year. Almost unbelievably, they have only provided ONE set of records on ONE request (from 2024) this year.
December 18, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Just got 10 form messages letting me know that the Seattle Police Department has moved my "placeholder date" for the records requests they are ignoring, going back te 2023, to the end of NEXT year. Almost unbelievably, they have only provided ONE set of records on ONE request (from 2024) this year.
A $600 Suckling Pig? Wagyu for All? On Menus, It’s a New Gilded Age
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM
NEW: Mayor-elect Katie Wilson has chosen Angela Brady, director of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects and Sound Transit, as head of the Seattle Department of Transportation. Brady will replace Adiam Emery, former mayor Bruce Harrell's SDOT director and his former deputy mayor.
December 17, 2025 at 11:25 PM
NEW: Mayor-elect Katie Wilson has chosen Angela Brady, director of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects and Sound Transit, as head of the Seattle Department of Transportation. Brady will replace Adiam Emery, former mayor Bruce Harrell's SDOT director and his former deputy mayor.
SPD Paid for Top Exec to Stay at Four-Star Hotel for a Month; Unclear Whether New Contract Would Have Let Police Handle Auderer Case Internally
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/12/16/s...
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/12/16/s...
SPD Paid for New Executive to Stay at Four-Star Hotel for a Month; Unclear Whether New Contract Would Have Let Police Handle Auderer Case Internall - PubliCola
1. The Seattle Police Department spent more than $6,300 on a month-long stay at the four-star Arctic Club Hotel in…
publicola.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:45 PM
SPD Paid for Top Exec to Stay at Four-Star Hotel for a Month; Unclear Whether New Contract Would Have Let Police Handle Auderer Case Internally
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/12/16/s...
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/12/16/s...
everybody stop complaining the Seattle Times posted a Manhattan Institute editorial that says you're just whining unnecessarily about the cost of living
"Some have high expectations that their incomes can’t meet" like being able to go out occasionally
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/affo...
"Some have high expectations that their incomes can’t meet" like being able to go out occasionally
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/affo...
Affordability isn’t a hoax. It’s not a crisis for most, either
We should be more precise about what affordability means, and for whom.
www.seattletimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
everybody stop complaining the Seattle Times posted a Manhattan Institute editorial that says you're just whining unnecessarily about the cost of living
"Some have high expectations that their incomes can’t meet" like being able to go out occasionally
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/affo...
"Some have high expectations that their incomes can’t meet" like being able to go out occasionally
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/affo...
ICYMI: The Seattle Police Department invited officers to attend a retreat hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, headed by Trump ally Franklin Graham. Four years ago, then-chief Adrian Diaz had to rescind a dinner invitation from the same group over its anti-LGBTQ views.
SPD Invites Officers in "Officer Involved Shootings" to Attend Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Retreat
The fundamentalist ministry, run by Donald Trump ally Franklin Graham, is anti-LGBTQ and anti-choice—and teaches that a woman's place is in the home.
publicola.com/2025/12/15/s...
The fundamentalist ministry, run by Donald Trump ally Franklin Graham, is anti-LGBTQ and anti-choice—and teaches that a woman's place is in the home.
publicola.com/2025/12/15/s...
SPD Invites Officers in "Officer Involved Shootings" to Attend Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Retreat - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Seattle Police Department sergeant Christopher Gregorio sent a department-wide email Monday morning inviting officers and their…
publicola.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:27 PM
ICYMI: The Seattle Police Department invited officers to attend a retreat hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, headed by Trump ally Franklin Graham. Four years ago, then-chief Adrian Diaz had to rescind a dinner invitation from the same group over its anti-LGBTQ views.