Erica C. Barnett
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ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Erica C. Barnett
@ericacbarnett.bsky.social
18K followers 1K following 6.3K posts
Seattle-based reporter, founder/editor of PubliCola.com, and author of Quitter: A Memoir of Drinking, Relapse, and Recovery

She/her, Latina, Texan
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ericacbarnett.bsky.social
clearly doing this while I'm out of town on purpose 😅
TOMORROW: Mayor Harrell to Provide Address to People of the City of Seattle Seattle – Tomorrow, Mayor Bruce Harrell will provide an address to the people of the city of Seattle
November 12, 2025 at 11:37 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Seattle Times' business columnist is having a normal one. (From comments on a gracious post about a potential Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson by former mayor Greg Nickels).
Facebook comment by Jon Talton, a Seattle Times business columnist, from November 10: "She'll ruin the city."
November 11, 2025 at 6:33 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
"Are we sacrificing our American quality of life" by caring about immigrants, asks this piece the Seattle Times decided was worth running. I was curious if the authors actually live in Seattle and they do—in neighborhoods that are more than 80 percent white. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/king...
Unlike Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee, who has authorized and welcomed the National Guard in Memphis to help combat crime, our Gov. Bob Ferguson is hellbent on fighting Trump at every turn. While this position is popular with some Seattle voters, his reasoning begs examination: Are we risking conflict with the federal government to support undocumented immigrants’ presence in our country? What is the real cost of continuing this policy for the rest of us living here, especially if we face losing federal funds? Most important, are we sacrificing our American quality of life, the very freedom that the “tired, poor, huddled masses who yearn to breathe free” have sought our shores for? Let’s share a Seattle that wants to hold a vibrant and safe place for immigrants to find refuge, legally, and not in a manner that would compromise the dream of America for us all. Jolie Lansdowne: is chair of the King County GOP. Victoria Palmer: handles public relations for King County GOP.
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Harrell, speaking before walking offstage to wait for results.
November 5, 2025 at 4:03 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Crowd shot at Harrell's party, shortly before results come in.
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Katie Wilson's party is "absolutely packed," @andyengelson.bsky.social reports.
A room full of people facing away from the camera
November 5, 2025 at 3:38 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Got to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's election night party a little early; here's what it looked like a few minutes after 7, an hour before the first results come in. Photos by Josh Feit and me.
Photo of a nearly empty, brightly lit room with many round tables with tall, green glowing candle holders sitting on orange cloths Horizontal photo of a nearly empty, brightly lit room with many small round tables with orange and green decorations.
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
It's funny to me that his "older voter" is basically just his caricature of Kshama Sawant
November 1, 2025 at 12:20 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
The Seattle Times ed board, in its enthusiasm to promote City Councilmember Sara Nelson's doomed reelection campaign, misstates the amount of the new sales tax going toward recovery services. It's $5.8 million, of which $1.8 million is explicitly one-time, in a $2 billion general budget.
Increase in treatment options: $1.2 million for the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC's ORCA Patient Outreach Division (POD) expansion; $2.8 million for detox and/or inpatient treatment services; and S1.8 million to build the new Thunderbird Treatment Center
October 29, 2025 at 4:18 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
To be charitable, it's possible that Jonathan Choe literally does not know about candidate disclosure forms. But most likely, he's lying his dumb ass off like he always does. (Also, how does ME paying someone else bias me TOWARD them?)
Twitter post by right-wing Trump bootlicker Jonathan Choe (who works for Turning Point USA): ANOTHER OCTOBER SURPRISE: If far-left Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson wins, @TheStranger , @PubliColaNews , and The Urbanist could have unprecedented access to City Hall. That’s because she was once on their payrolls. Of course none of this was publicly disclosed by the @wilsonformayor campaign. Could reporters at these leftist blogs really be unbiased while covering their pal “Mayor Wilson?” So many potential conflicts of interest here. Huge find by @thehoffather . Another gift for @MayorofSeattle . Screenshot of Katie Wilson's financial disclosure form, submitted in March: ncome Reportable income, including wages, tips, sales commissions, stock options, non-investment retirement income and miscellaneous income such as legal judgments, rental property income, etc.: Transit Riders Union P.O. Box 20723 Seattle, WA 98102 Earned by: Katherine Barrett Wilson Income: $60,000.00 - $99,999.99 Type: CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR PubliCola P.O. Box 14328 Seattle, WA 98104 Earned by: Katherine Barrett Wilson Income: Less than $30,000.00 Type: COLUMNIST The Urbanist P.O. Box 31196 Seattle, WA 98103 Earned by: Katherine Barrett Wilson Income: Less than $30,000.00 Type: COLUMNIST The Stranger 800 Maynard Ave S, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98134 Earned by: Katherine Barrett Wilson Income: Less than $30,000.00 Type: COLUMNIST
October 29, 2025 at 3:51 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Here's the top of the (again, extremely long) Harrell campaign mailing; remember that whenever he uses the awkward "candidate," he's referring to his opponent, Katie Wilson, continuing his habit of refusing to use her name.
What People Are Saying About Katie Wilson’s Plan to Gut The Seattle Housing Levy and Affordable Housing Production Seattle, WA – Katie Wilson recently shared more details of her plan to provide 4000 emergency shelter spaces, which ignores the mandate to build and maintain thousands of affordable homes in the 2023 Housing Levy. Her plans also fail to address the real challenge of addressing people with severe behavioral health and substance use issues, by suggesting they be placed in currently vacant affordable housing units. The record $970 million housing levy that the Mayor proposed, and was adopted by voters, was negotiated for over a year by diverse stakeholders. It dedicated funding streams to secure land, build, and maintain thousands of affordable homes. Wilson’s plan to redirect these voter-approved funds would significantly damage the city’s investment in apartment construction and maintenance at a time when new housing construction is tapering off, and rents are expected to rise in coming years. This proposal could have long term effects that harm Seattle– and the social workers, teachers, baristas, retirees and other working people for whom the City is on track to build housing. This unprecedented step would require a vote of city council, and even if levy funds are fully removed from their intended purpose, they are unlikely to cover the full anticipated costs of Wilson’s plan. Furthermore, the placement of individuals with acute mental health and addiction issues into units intended for working families and low income residents has not historically been successful due to lack of services, staffing and support within these types of housing. It is no wonder, therefore, that the controversial idea of stripping dedicated affordable housing funds is generating a reaction from “progressive” voices and media throughout Seattle. Here’s what people are saying: Tammy Morales, Former City Councilmember and Rumored Wilson Administration Official …
October 20, 2025 at 9:46 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
In addition to considering a direct purchase of the Lake City QFC that's closing, Harrell's proposal sounds similar to Wilson's, except that it includes pointed references to "the private sector":
Other actions in the order include:  Directing City departments, including Finance and Administrative Services (FAS), the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), the Office of Economic Development (OED), and the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), to identify locations that are currently or may be at risk of becoming food deserts due to grocery store, convenience store, and pharmacy closures.    Identifying a potential City role in helping to acquire properties in strategic locations that may support a grocery store or pharmacy and working with potential private sector partners to assess feasibility, for locations identified as a current or potential future food or pharmacy desert.  Developing legislation to change land use, zoning, and permitting regulations to help incentivize more grocery stores and pharmacies in needed locations.  Convening stakeholder groups comprised of representatives from grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies, community groups, and representatives from business, labor, and state government, along with relevant City staff, to identify the structural and economic conditions contributing to the closure of stores and challenges faced by the Lake City community.  Inclusion in the City’s 2026 State Legislative Agenda a ban on restrictive covenants and other negative use restrictions that limit or prohibit a property from including a grocery store or pharmacy and modifying the state business and occupation tax structure to exempt grocery stores and pharmacies. 
October 20, 2025 at 7:05 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
The revenue forecast is based in part on stock prices for tech companies, particularly those in the AI sector (bubble if you're skeptical).
October 20, 2025 at 5:27 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
I was trying to recall an anecdote about the Stranger's 2007 endorsement meeting with Bruce Harrell in a thread with @goldy.horsesass.org. Here's a snippet that is interesting in retrospect.

www.thestranger.com/news/2007/10...
The race between Velázquez and her opponent, private attorney Bruce Harrell, has been ugly. Harrell accused Velázquez of exploiting race, of being a Republican (not a chance), and of illegally colluding with a PAC on her campaign. Meanwhile, Velázquez's campaign accused Harrell of being a bad father to his son from a past relationship. In an interview with the SECB that was frequently punctuated by name-calling and petty snipes (Harrell: "I couldn't make heads or tails of what she's agreeing to"; Velázquez: "Let me speak! I'm not interrupting you"), when the two actually got around to the issues, Velázquez emerged as the stronger candidate. Unlike Harrell, Velázquez cited several specific agenda items, including targeting families and education levy dollars where they're needed, putting resources into neglected areas like the Duwamish and South Park, and loosening zoning restrictions in industrial areas.
October 17, 2025 at 9:07 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
It's actually on the flip side of the mailer (which I should probably add to my post about this). Indicates that he hasn't applied for a regular job since 1990 at the latest.
October 17, 2025 at 8:02 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
The pro-Bruce Harrell PAC sent out a mailer suggesting Katie Wilson has no experience. VERY odd that they only include her resume through 2015. Wonder if Harrell would consider it fair to exclude mayor and two council terms from his resume? Yes they included her old address for some fucking reason.
Mailer showing Katie Wilson's resumer from 20015 Current Employment: Transit Riders Union $500 month stipend Admitted in debates she has only managed "A couple of paid employees" Dates of employment: October 2014 - Present Position: Lead organizer Past Employment in Seattle: Helga Kahr, Attorney at Law 6007 Palatine Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98103 Dates of employment: January 2012 - September 2014 Position: legal assistant (part-time) Responsibilities: drafting legal pleadings and letters; office work. Supervisor/employer: Helga Kahr Contact number: Katie Wilson has almost no management experience. Phinney Apartments 5705 Phinney Ave N. Seattle, WA 98103 Dates of employment, October 2006 - September 2013 Position: on-site building manager Responsibilities: tenant-landlord communication, renting vacant units, collecting and depositing rents, light maintenance and cleaning, coordinating service appointments, building security. Supervisor/employer Contact number: Julia's Bakery 403 Walingtord Ave N. Maximum budget was $247.000 Seattle, WA 98103 The city budget is $8.5 billion. Dates of employment: June 2006 - July 2007 Position: counter person, barista, baker Responsibilities: customer service, cash register, making coffee drinks, baking and packing (She overspent her budget by 10 percent for the last three years) Source: IRS Tax Returns, Form 990. Years 2022, 2023, 2024 *This is a copy of Katie Wilson's resume that she submitted when applying for a City of seattle advisory board.
October 16, 2025 at 11:46 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Apparently, as mayor, you can hold a rally at City Hall on the day ballots drop AND invite City employees to take time off work to attend your party.
At least, that seems to be the assumption behind the "rally and march" Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell is leading, nominally for the Mariners, today.
THURSDAY 10/16: Mayor Harrell Invites Fans to “Seize the Moment” at Mariners Rally and March Ahead of Game 4; Will Proclaim “Humpy Day” in Honor of Beloved Mascot The City of Seattle, Seattle Sports Commission, and Downtown Seattle Association invite Seattleites and Mariners fans to join a community rally and march to T-Mobile Park in celebration of the Mariners’ postseason run. The UW Husky Marching Band will lead the march to the stadium. Seattle – This Thursday, Mayor Bruce Harrell will proclaim October 16 2025, as “Humpy Day” in honor of Humpy the salmon — the beloved underdog mascot of the Mariners’ in-game “Salmon Run,” whose long-awaited victory brought laughter, joy, and energy to T-Mobile Park. Building on this excitement, last Friday’s City Hall flag raising, the Mariners’ historic extra-innings Game 5 win, and the team’s continued success in the American League Championship Series, Mayor Harrell is inviting Mariners fans to come together once again on Thursday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m. for a community rally and march to T-Mobile Park to celebrate the Mariners ahead of Game 4 against the Blue Jays. “Seattle is all in. Our city is standing behind the Mariners and ready for this historic run. From the team’s incredible performance and continued victories to Humpy’s unforgettable win, we’ve seen how this team brings people together,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Thursday’s rally is our chance to keep that momentum going — to show our pride, celebrate our city, and Seize the Moment together.” Email from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, which reads: Hello City Team, We invite you to join us tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m. on City Hall Plaza for a community rally and march to T-Mobile Park, where we'll cheer on the Mariners ahead of Game 4 and issue a proclamation declaring October 16, 2025, as "Humpy Day" - in honor of Humpy the salmon, the beloved underdog mascot of the Mariners' in-game "Salmon Run," whose long-awaited victory brought laughter, joy, and energy to T-Mobile Park. This optional event is open to the public, including all City employees, your families, and friends. The rally kicks off at 2:00 p.m., with the march ending around 3:15 p.m. at T- Mobile Park. We'll be joined by the UW marching band, cheer squad, and sports mascots as Seattle comes together to celebrate our hometown team's postseason run.
October 16, 2025 at 4:15 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
And after you read this doofus for a while, you realize that defending his elitist drinking choices is ALL this guy is about. There's no argument, just "wine gives life joy and meaning."
But wines with meaning — those that come from a place, from people who are either upholding traditions or starting new ones — are not immune to a downturn. I believe these wines will always have an audience, but they are far more susceptible to environmental and economic pressures than the commodity brands. These are the wines that I care most about. When wildfires, hailstorms and spring frosts occur, calamities that are often the direct result of climate change, these producers are threatened. They don’t have the resources to survive continued crises. When you layer on the effects of tariffs and health warnings, the threat becomes more acute.
October 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
I always click when I see a piece by the NYT's wine critic, mostly because of his insane elitism and insistence that people should ignore all scientific studies about the harms of drinking. Here's what he thinks of all you poors who would just as soon chug Four Loko as whatever shit wine you buy:
On one extreme is the largest body of wine buyers. They are not interested in how it’s produced, where it comes from, vintages or aesthetics. They mostly want an inexpensive alcohol delivery system that tastes good. They enjoy wine but are not wed to it. They might replace it with hard seltzer, premixed cocktails or cannabis if that were cheaper and just as enjoyable. On the other extreme is a smaller group, people who love wine and care deeply about all the geeky pleasures it offers. Like everybody else, they are sensitive to economic fluctuations. They may adjust their spending, but they continue to buy wine regularly and spend more per bottle than less-committed consumers. In between are many different shades of wine buyer. But generally, people either care about wine or see it as a means to an end.
October 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
aw, it's the first person to call me a cunt on Bluesky! I block for much less and you should too
October 12, 2025 at 1:27 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
I was at this debate. The Seattle Times is totally misrepresenting what happened to further the false narrative that Katie Wilson is a nitwit. Wilson was talking about the fact that the CARE team has not been allowed to exercise "its full latitude of responsibility" under the existing contract.
At a recent Seattle University/KOMO TV debate, Harrell’s opponent, activist Katie Wilson, didn’t appear to recognize that she has no authority under labor contracts to order police to do anything without going through a bargaining process. “As mayor, I will absolutely be working with SPD to make sure that they’re allowing the CARE team their full latitude of response and also to make sure that the CARE team can respond without police when appropriate,” she said. It’s not that easy.
October 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
In his message, Harrell misstates the name of his own encampment sweeps team (the Navigation Team was two names ago) and also claims she wants to get rid of all encampment response, which is not true either.
Unfortunately, my opponent would end or delay many of these actions. A strong supporter of 50% reductions of– or even eliminating– law enforcement budgets, she has suggested “a future without” Seattle Police, placing retail theft prevention and basic safety improvements at risk. She has called for these dangerous reductions as recently as 2023, and has even called for eliminating funding for the Navigation Team– the City’s response to homelessness that helps match people to shelter and services, and removes encampments from dangerous or inappropriate settings.
October 10, 2025 at 2:13 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
That chair on the left has been empty for the entire candidate forum so far. Dionne Foster, running against incumbent Sara Nelson for Position 9, is on the right.
October 10, 2025 at 1:51 AM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
phrasing?
excerpt from Bruce Harrell fundraising email: "That’s why we’re launching a $10,000 Debate Day Money Bomb to show our grassroots strength before Bruce steps on stage."
October 8, 2025 at 9:06 PM
ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell’s Unified Care Team sweeping a single tent outside my office, on the same block as the Compass Center homeless shelter. At least two police officers involved in removing this one tent.
October 8, 2025 at 6:59 PM