Philip LaRose
@philaros.bsky.social
Editor, music lover, KEXP volunteer, board/role-playing gamer, Go Play NW organizer. He/him.
With GIG and other one-way car-sharing services gone, scooter/bike share is now filling some gaps for me. Some people will always treat them carelessly, but I think providing corrals and enforcing use through the app would help a lot to make shared use of public space better for everyone.
Seattle's scootershare and bikeshare program continues to boom, setting a new ridership record in 2025. At the same time, the program could be at risk of falling victim to its own popularity, with increasing calls to beef up regulations.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/15/s...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/15/s...
Seattle Scootershare Ridership Continues to Surge, as Critics Make Regulatory Push » The Urbanist
# Seattle's scootershare and bikeshare program continues to boom, setting a new ridership record in 2025. At the same time, the program could be at risk of falling victim to its own popularity, with i...
www.theurbanist.org
November 16, 2025 at 2:22 AM
With GIG and other one-way car-sharing services gone, scooter/bike share is now filling some gaps for me. Some people will always treat them carelessly, but I think providing corrals and enforcing use through the app would help a lot to make shared use of public space better for everyone.
Reposted by Philip LaRose
November 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
So funny story: AAA owned GIG Car Share, which was the last one-way car-sharing service in Seattle. When GIG shut down a year ago, I had to at least briefly consider whether buying a car would be useful, but concluded since owning meant round trips, it was still cheaper to use Zipcar for that.
AAA estimates the average cost of owning a car is $12,297 a year, and recommends drivers spend no more than 10 percent of their income on car costs. This means you should make 120K to afford the average cost. Median *household* income in the US is $77K. The math just doesn't work.
November 15, 2025 at 2:21 AM
So funny story: AAA owned GIG Car Share, which was the last one-way car-sharing service in Seattle. When GIG shut down a year ago, I had to at least briefly consider whether buying a car would be useful, but concluded since owning meant round trips, it was still cheaper to use Zipcar for that.
Reposted by Philip LaRose
POLITICIANS: Here is how you answer that question: "King County sets the gold standard for ballot access, security and accuracy. The process includes multiple layers of quality control, tracking, and voter feedback to ensure every ballot is counted and the will of the people is upheld."
OK, "misunderstanding" is the wrong word here. There's a purposeful disinformation campaign from right wingers in WA to sow doubt about our elections. I honestly can't believe @mayorofseattle.bsky.social Harrell would say something like this, especially after the good stuff he said prior.
November 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
POLITICIANS: Here is how you answer that question: "King County sets the gold standard for ballot access, security and accuracy. The process includes multiple layers of quality control, tracking, and voter feedback to ensure every ballot is counted and the will of the people is upheld."
Reposted by Philip LaRose
Reposted by Philip LaRose
Contrary to what some people *cough* the lame duck mayor and the still-in power police guild president *cough* say, there was nothing wrong with the Seattle election:
www.thestranger.com/news/2025/11...
www.thestranger.com/news/2025/11...
There Was Nothing Unusual About Seattle’s Election, or the Results
There was nothing odd, wrong, or suspicious about Seattle’s election results. They sure felt slow, but they weren’t. Someone tell that to outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Police Officer’s Guil...
www.thestranger.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Contrary to what some people *cough* the lame duck mayor and the still-in power police guild president *cough* say, there was nothing wrong with the Seattle election:
www.thestranger.com/news/2025/11...
www.thestranger.com/news/2025/11...
Yeah to be fair to @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social, I agree that in her speech she’s just trying to make this point, which is similar to my own. I’m sure she understands this is not a new change for Seattle. It’s just infuriating that we still have to deal with this reactionary suburban mindset.
I didn’t take it that way. I took it as her trying to point out that it’s a big city. And many people are living in the past. Especially given other speeches she’s done. It is mostly NIMBYs who want to treat Seattle like it’s a suburb and get upset anytime it becomes obvious they are in a city.
November 14, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Yeah to be fair to @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social, I agree that in her speech she’s just trying to make this point, which is similar to my own. I’m sure she understands this is not a new change for Seattle. It’s just infuriating that we still have to deal with this reactionary suburban mindset.
Watching now, @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social just said “and we are now a big city, with big city problems” and I am *enraged*. SEATTLE HAS BEEN IN THE TOP 25 US CITIES FOR DECADES. I swear the biggest problem in Seattle is this fucking pernicious pervasive mindset that somehow it’s not a big city!!!
Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson is speaking live. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6KJ...
November 14, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Watching now, @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social just said “and we are now a big city, with big city problems” and I am *enraged*. SEATTLE HAS BEEN IN THE TOP 25 US CITIES FOR DECADES. I swear the biggest problem in Seattle is this fucking pernicious pervasive mindset that somehow it’s not a big city!!!
Not to bring down the hopeful mood, but this is one of the things I was already concerned about. The current council’s already shown they won’t be any more responsible by reining the budget in, and undermining Wilson’s potential now sets up Seattle to be dragged back into the do-nothing mire.
if I HAD been in town today I probably would have asked outgoing Mayor Harrell why his budget for next year sets up a huge fiscal cliff for incoming ,ayor Wilson, using one-time funding for long-term needs and assuming nine-figure deficits starting in next year's budget cycle
November 14, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Not to bring down the hopeful mood, but this is one of the things I was already concerned about. The current council’s already shown they won’t be any more responsible by reining the budget in, and undermining Wilson’s potential now sets up Seattle to be dragged back into the do-nothing mire.
OH MY GOD, HE KNOWS AND CAN SAY HER NAME. Who knew?!?
Harrell says that he “spoke with Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson to congratulate her.”
November 14, 2025 at 12:56 AM
OH MY GOD, HE KNOWS AND CAN SAY HER NAME. Who knew?!?
Reposted by Philip LaRose
This did in fact age well.
I think that local and state gov in my blue city & state matter even more now. I need Katie Wilson to run for mayor here in Seattle. Or someone with her grassroots organizing chops, record, and understanding of the legislative system here.
November 13, 2025 at 4:07 AM
This did in fact age well.
Reposted by Philip LaRose
Wonderful news! 💙✊
WE WON! After 42 days of striking we have a tentative agreement in hand that protects our existing 4 day work week, establishes a minimum salary, and adds protections against AI replacing jobs at our workplace!
![Graphic with multiple picket signs that reads "[up arrow] Minimum Salary", "4 day Work Week", and a big cancel sign over "AI Replacing Jobs" and so much more. Go to kickstarterunited.org to see it all!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gdife25rfr5drwr2nhncr3rf/bafkreidfgv3xytmgta3x35mjze22ojok7lwh3vlhgrcfbcwr7hjg6bb6eu@jpeg)
November 13, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Wonderful news! 💙✊
The Pike Place Market Historical Commission is actively harmful to the long-term health of the market and Seattle, and should be abolished.
This meeting is happening now, as expected, opponents of pedestrianizing Pike Place Market are pretty heavily represented when it comes to providing public comment on potential bollard installation at the Market.
URGENT BOLLARD ALERT.
SDOT is going to the Pike Place Market Historical Commission next Wednesday to get initial guidance on the "physical protective barriers" planned ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The board is getting its temperature taken on a "hybrid approach" of bollards and vehicle barricades.
SDOT is going to the Pike Place Market Historical Commission next Wednesday to get initial guidance on the "physical protective barriers" planned ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The board is getting its temperature taken on a "hybrid approach" of bollards and vehicle barricades.
November 13, 2025 at 3:45 AM
The Pike Place Market Historical Commission is actively harmful to the long-term health of the market and Seattle, and should be abolished.
Reposted by Philip LaRose
Wilson Wins In a Squeaker (That Should Not Have Been This Close)
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Wilson Wins In a Squeaker (That Should Not Have Been This Close) - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The voters have spoken: Katie Wilson will be the next Mayor of Seattle. On Wednesday, incumbent…
publicola.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Wilson Wins In a Squeaker (That Should Not Have Been This Close)
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
Wonder if incumbent Bruce Harrell will call her "Mayor-Elect Wilson" or if he'll keep referring to his successor as "this person" and "she."
publicola.com/2025/11/12/w...
I literally could not be the expert editor that I am today if I’d learned the skill of reading through the “three cueing” method—at best, I’d still have had to learn phonics to move beyond its simplistic take and gain the advanced reading, writing, and editing skills I have.
how did i go so long not knowing we were literally teaching people to read wrong. i knew something wasn't right but jesus christ www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers
For decades, schools have taught children the strategies of struggling readers, using a theory about reading that cognitive scientists have repeatedly debunked. And many teachers and parents don't kno...
www.apmreports.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:15 AM
I literally could not be the expert editor that I am today if I’d learned the skill of reading through the “three cueing” method—at best, I’d still have had to learn phonics to move beyond its simplistic take and gain the advanced reading, writing, and editing skills I have.
I expect the council’s majority to still be obstructive and incompetent, but Rinck plus Foster on the council and Wilson as mayor means more hope and better things for Seattle!
Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson! @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social
I’m looking forward to working together in building a city that is affordable, safe, and thriving for working families!
I’m looking forward to working together in building a city that is affordable, safe, and thriving for working families!
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 AM
I expect the council’s majority to still be obstructive and incompetent, but Rinck plus Foster on the council and Wilson as mayor means more hope and better things for Seattle!
HYPE!!
(In the “very excited” sense, not the “this is fake enthusiasm for marketing purposes” sense.)
(In the “very excited” sense, not the “this is fake enthusiasm for marketing purposes” sense.)
Mayor Katie Wilson? It's Sure Looking Likely!
Wilson surges in the final big batch of ballots that remained uncounted, moving above 50 percent.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/m...
Wilson surges in the final big batch of ballots that remained uncounted, moving above 50 percent.
publicola.com/2025/11/11/m...
Mayor Katie Wilson? It's Sure Looking That Way! - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson edged above 50 percent of the vote on Tuesday, in the final…
publicola.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:35 AM
HYPE!!
(In the “very excited” sense, not the “this is fake enthusiasm for marketing purposes” sense.)
(In the “very excited” sense, not the “this is fake enthusiasm for marketing purposes” sense.)
This is great news, but yes, with the count so close, it’s important to be sure your vote was included. Go to info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/... and verify whether your ballot was counted, and get it cured if not!
November 11, 2025 at 1:11 AM
This is great news, but yes, with the count so close, it’s important to be sure your vote was included. Go to info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/... and verify whether your ballot was counted, and get it cured if not!
Reposted by Philip LaRose
I did vote for Balducci because I felt she had more experience and stronger skills at this time for the job, but I believe Zahilay will do fine and I’m happy that for once the problem was choosing between two good candidates—it’s rare! Plus we still get Balducci continuing to do good work for us!
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.
November 8, 2025 at 6:26 AM
I did vote for Balducci because I felt she had more experience and stronger skills at this time for the job, but I believe Zahilay will do fine and I’m happy that for once the problem was choosing between two good candidates—it’s rare! Plus we still get Balducci continuing to do good work for us!
Reposted by Philip LaRose
With most ballots in, it is clear my colleague Girmay Zahilay has been elected as the next Exec. I called to congratulate and wish him all the best as he begins to transition into this important role. The success of KC depends on his success as Exec, and as a continuing CM I am committed to both.
November 8, 2025 at 12:05 AM
With most ballots in, it is clear my colleague Girmay Zahilay has been elected as the next Exec. I called to congratulate and wish him all the best as he begins to transition into this important role. The success of KC depends on his success as Exec, and as a continuing CM I am committed to both.
LET’S GO!
NEW // Katie Wilson Pulls Within Two Points of Harrell in Friday Count
Story by Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org. www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/07/w...
Story by Doug Trumm via @theurbanist.org. www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/07/w...
Wilson Pulls Within Two Points of Harrell in Friday Count » The Urbanist
# Urbanist-endorsed progressive challenger Katie Wilson gained significantly on incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in Friday's count, pulling within two points, a 4,300-vote gap. With around 50,000 votes r...
www.theurbanist.org
November 8, 2025 at 6:10 AM
LET’S GO!
Reposted by Philip LaRose
Wondering why no one likes your posts anymore, even among your friends? It's because @jay.bsky.team and team have decided to hide a huge amount of content from all of our feeds by default.
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
November 6, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Wondering why no one likes your posts anymore, even among your friends? It's because @jay.bsky.team and team have decided to hide a huge amount of content from all of our feeds by default.
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
It’s true! We’ve announced our dates and location for 2026! Spread the news, mark your calendars, and make your plans now! We look forward to seeing you next summer!
Save the date! Go Play NW’s Summer in-person event will be July 24-26, 2026 at the Centilia Cultural Center in Seattle, WA.
Event details, COVID policy, buying tickets, and more information is forthcoming. For now, please save the date, and come hang out on Discord: discord.gg/cvHUHFpzwf
Event details, COVID policy, buying tickets, and more information is forthcoming. For now, please save the date, and come hang out on Discord: discord.gg/cvHUHFpzwf
November 7, 2025 at 4:00 AM
It’s true! We’ve announced our dates and location for 2026! Spread the news, mark your calendars, and make your plans now! We look forward to seeing you next summer!
Okay, I just checked to make sure, and I’m relieved on that count. I sure hope the usual trend—or even more than the usual trend—toward more progressive votes coming in later holds true this time, because we really need it!
November 6, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Okay, I just checked to make sure, and I’m relieved on that count. I sure hope the usual trend—or even more than the usual trend—toward more progressive votes coming in later holds true this time, because we really need it!