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City Inside/Out: Juvenile Justice Levy 5/11/2012
Voters will decide in August whether to support a $210 million levy to replace King County`s aging facility for cases involving children. Located in Seattle`s Central District, the new Children and Family Justice Center will cost a median homeowner $25 a year for nine years. Supporters say the building is deteriorating beyond repair, but with detention numbers currently down, is this the right time to construct a new complex? We hear from King County councilmember and levy sponsor Bob Ferguson; King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg; former state Supreme Court Justice Bobbe Bridge; and Rick Lichtenstadter, Juvenile Division Supervisor of The Defender Association. We also go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the aging facility and hear from critic Ari Kohn about his concern over investing in a new building instead of more human services. In 2010, voters rejected a more ambitious sales tax hike to replace the juvenile justice facility. Will they be more supportive of a pared back property tax this time around?
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City Inside/Out: Yesler Terrace 5/4/2012
Yesler Terrace has been a central source of low-income housing in Seattle for 70 years, but it`s falling apart. It also sits on 30 acres of valuable real estate on the edge of downtown. How should the city proceed with redeveloping the area? What will happen to the 1,200 residents who currently living there?
We hear from Dave LaClergue and Gary Johnson of the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, Tom Tierney and Anne Fiske Zuniga of the Seattle Housing Authority, and Yesler Terrace residents Fadumo Isaq, Kristin O`Donnell and Darasavanh Kommavongsa. Yesler Terrace Citizen Review Committee member Quang Nguyen also weighs in.
Is the Seattle Housing Authority`s ambitious vision for Yesler Terrace a good idea? And should the Seattle City Council approve a rezone of the neighborhood to allow greater density, skyscrapers and a significant increase in traffic?
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City Inside/Out: Library Levy 4/27/2012
Seattle voters will decide on August 7 whether to support a new $123 million levy to save our public libraries. The beloved system is facing a fifth year of budget cuts in 2013, and if the levy fails, five branches will have to close. But will property owners support this seven-year tax increase? And how will levy funding be spent?
We hear from library patrons and branch regional manager Wei Cai, plus Richard Conlin weighs in as Council chair of the library levy. Our studio guests include Councilmember Jean Godden, City Librarian Marcellus Turner and Washington Policy Center Vice-President of Research Paul Guppy.
Tune in as we check out a new chapter in the fate of the Seattle Public Library!
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City Inside/Out: Parking Pains 4/20/2012
Seattle is hoping to stimulate economic growth by simplifying regulations and eliminating some minimum parking requirements. An unusual alliance of businesses, labor groups, low-income housing providers and the environmental community support this change, but some neighborhoods are up in arms over the prospect of overcrowded streets and a loss of quality of life. Is Seattle becoming unfriendly to drivers?
We hear from residents across the city, and Richard Conlin weighs in as chair of the city council`s planning, land use and sustainability committee. Our studio guests include developer Liz Dunn; Brock Howell of Futurewise; and architect Greg Hill.
Should developers drive Seattle`s parking future? Tune in this week for our lively debate!
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City Inside/Out: Plastic Bag Ban 4/6/2012
Starting July 1st, Seattle shoppers will have to bring re-usable bags to the store, or be prepared to shell out a nickel for a paper bag. How are businesses and consumers getting ready for this big change? Why has the reaction been mixed, so far?
On January 19, 2012, the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags at all Seattle retailers. The new law takes effect on July 1. How is the city`s outreach effort going? Are the rules clear? We hear from City Councilmember Mike O`Brien; Alann Hamada, Director of Uwajimaya Seattle; Tony D`Onofrio, Sustainability Director of Town & Country Markets; and Robb Krehbiel of Environment Washington.
Why did the Seattle City Council approve this ban just three years after voters rejected a similar measure? How many other cities are planning to follow in Seattle`s footsteps? Check it out this week on the show!
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City Inside/Out: Envisioning Seattle`s Waterfront 3/30/2012
For the past year, the city has hosted community forums to explore the future of the waterfront after the Alaskan Way Viaduct comes down. What priorities have emerged? Which ideas are getting the most buzz? What would a dynamic public space along Elliott Bay look like?
The viaduct is scheduled to come down in 2016, after the waterfront tunnel is completed, which will provide a unique opportunity to re-think Seattle`s waterfront. In the next few months, a concept design will be delivered to city leaders. How will they balance the myriad competing needs? What do citizens want? What are waterfront businesses most concerned about?
We pay a visit to a longtime waterfront institution, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54, and hear from fourth-generation owner Andy James. We also get perspective from Marshall Foster, City of Seattle Planning Director; Maggie Walker, co-chair of the Waterfront Committee; and Cary Moon, director of the People`s Waterfront Coalition. How different will the waterfront look in five years?
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City Inside/Out: Seattle Schools 3/23/2012
With Interim Superintendent Susan Enfield`s decision to leave for the Highline School District, Seattle Public Schools are in turmoil again. What insights does Dr. Enfield have for her replacement? What should the top priorities be for educating Seattle`s kids? We get perspective from education activist Melissa Westbrook, new School Board member Sharon Peaslee and past School Board President Steve Sundquist. Dr. Enfield joins us in the studio for a one-on-one discussion. What does she hope to accomplish in the next three months? What will it take to restore the public`s faith in our education system?
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City Inside/Out: New Sports Arena? 3/9/2012
It`s been four years since the Seattle Supersonics left town, but basketball fans are buzzing with excitement over a new deal to try and lure the NBA and possibly the NHL here. San Francisco financier Chris Hansen is offering to put up nearly $300 million to build a new arena in SODO if the city and county agree to invest $200 million from taxes generated by the new facility. Should city leaders support this proposal? What protection will taxpayers have that Hansen`s team will cover any funding gaps? Can the city support two more professional sports teams? We get perspective from NBA legend Lenny Wilkens, Chris Van Dyk of Citizens for More Important Things, and KJR`s "Softy" Mahler. Our studio panel includes Arena Solution organizer Brian Robinson, Seattle Times columnist Jerry Brewer, SODO Business Association president Mike Peringer, and Hall Walker, deputy budget director of the city of Seattle.
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City Inside/Out: Privatizing Liquor 2/24/2012
After being bombarded with the most expensive initiative campaign in state history, Washington voters chose to privatize liquor last fall. We look at the aftermath of I-1183 and the changes that are on tap. How are distributors reacting to the new 10% tax they will soon have to pay? Will consumers balk at the new 17% retail tax on their booze? Will craft distilleries stay in business? We hear from the Washington State Liquor Control Board`s Pat Kohler, restaurateur Eric Banh and Sound Spirits` Steven Stone. Our studio guests include Joe Gilliam, President of the Northwest Grocery Association; John Guadnola, Executive Director of the Washington Wine and Beer Wholesalers Association; Jan Gee, C.E.O. of the Washington Food Industry Association; and David LeClaire, General Manager of Wine World Warehouse. Bottom line: As state liquor stores begin to shut down, consumers are pondering whether liquor prices will go down...or up!
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City Inside/Out: Marijuana Reform 2/17/2012
Should Washington become the first state to legalize marijuana? Medical marijuana is already legal here, but the system of growing and getting it is complicated. Will a new initiative make things easier or harder for patients? And should the law expand to give all adults legal access to marijuana? What are the repercussions? We hear from travel guru and I-502 co-sponsor Rick Steves, State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, State Representative Terry Nealey and Phil Dawdy of the Washington Alternative Medicine Alliance. Our studio guests are marijuana legalization supporter Alison Holcomb, Campaign Director of New Approach Washington, and legalization opponent Jim Cooper, Past President of the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.
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City Inside/Out: Seattle Police 2/10/2012
The Seattle Police Department has come under fire from the community and the Department of Justice for the way its officers use excessive force when dealing with the public. Now, 2 months after some serious allegations from the DOJ, has anything changed? How is the SPD rebuilding community trust? We talk to Seattle Police Chief John Diaz to answer those questions and more. We also hear from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and community leaders Rev. Harriett Walden of Mothers for Police Accountability, Attorney Lorena Gonzalez and Rich O`Neill of the Seattle Police Officers Guild.
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City Inside/Out: Belltown Blues 2/3/2012
Belltown has always been a diverse and popular neighborhood in Seattle, but many residents and businesses are singing the blues. Multiple gun shots on New Year`s Eve coupled with a recent police report that 50 people are responsible for 2,700 Belltown arrests have led to increasing public safety concerns. What are the city and county doing to help Belltown change its image and reduce its crime problem? Our studio guests include Mayor Mike McGinn, Belltown Business Association President Jim Miller, Belltown business owner Jessica Norton and Jon Scholes of the Downtown Seattle Association.
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City Inside/Out: Future of Tolling 1/27/2012
It`s been a month since tolling on 520 began. How well is it working and are we on track to raise enough revenue to pay for the 520 bridge replacement? Are Washingtonians willing to accept more tolling across the state for better roads & highways? How is tolling impacting the trucking industry industry? Studio guests include Craig Stone, Tolls Director for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Mark Hallenbeck, Director of the Washington State Transportation Center, Richard Ford, Chairman of the Washington State Transportation Commission and Doug MacDonald, former Washington State Transportation Secretary. Are all the new tolls taking a toll on drivers in Washington?
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City Inside/Out: Same-Sex Marriage 1/20/2012
Since Washington State`s domestic partnership law took effect in 2007, gay rights advocates have been pushing for marriage equality here. Voters affirmed, in 2009, their acceptance of "Everything but Marriage" for gays and lesbians, leading many advocates to declare their work done. Recently though, Governor Chris Gregoire dropped a political bombshell with her push for a same-sex marriage bill this legislative session. Should marriage only be between one man and one woman, or should the state join six others in the country that recognize gay marriage? We meet a lesbian couple who are fighting for marriage equality, and hear from a Christian minister who vows to fight against it. Studio guests include Pastor Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, Josh Friedes of Equal Rights Washington, and Everett attorney Stephen Pidgeon.
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City Inside/Out: Race Relations 1/13/2012
It`s been nearly 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King began his fight for racial equality. How far have we come in Seattle? We take a look at the city`s Race and Social Justice agenda, its response to community concerns about excessive force by the Seattle Police Department, and the impact of the new Congressional redistricting plan on racial politics here. Studio guests include Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, OneAmerica founder Pramila Jayapal, Latina/o Bar Association of Washington president Fe Lopez and University of Washington student Hamdi Mohamed.
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City Inside/Out: 2012 Legislative Preview 1/6/2012
The new year brings some new challenges for our legislators in Olympia. How will they fix a $1.4 billion budget hole? Will they support gay marriage? How will they respond to a recent high court ruling that lawmakers are failing to fully fund education? Four Seattle lawmakers join us to preview the 2012 legislative session. Studio guests include House Majority Whip Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-37th), Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-36th), Senator David Frockt (D-46th) and Senator Adam Kline (D-37th).
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City Inside/Out: Sales Tax Hike? 12/16/2011
The state is facing a $2 billion deficit, with dire consequences for education, public safety and the disabled. To help reduce the impact, Governor Chris Gregoire is proposing a new temporary half-cent sales tax increase. She joins us in the studio to discuss why she believes voters will support this, even in these tough economic times. Does she have legislative support for this move? Hear from Senators Ed Murray (D-Seattle) and Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla), Representative Ross Hunter (D-Medina) and state Republican Party chair Kirby Wilbur. Would you support a sales tax hike next year?
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City Inside Out: Housing the Homeless 12/9/2011
On any given night, thousands of homeless people are living on the streets throughout King County. This week, we take stock of how Seattle is tackling its homeless problem, and whether a new partnership with Seattle faith`s community is working. The city council has passed two laws recently to allow tent cities and car camps. Will these be effective in leading to a permanent housing solution? We meet some of Seattle`s homeless, and hear in studio from some of the city`s leading advocates. Don`t miss our discussion with Seattle Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith, Committee to End Homelessness Director Bill Block, City Council Chair of Health & Human Services Nick Licata, and Real Change Publisher Tim Harris.
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City Inside/Out: Moving Seattle 12/2/2011
This week, we look at how Seattle should tackle its transportation and transit priorities. Voters recently rejected Proposition One, which would have collected over $200 million via a new $60 car tab tax, to pay for needed street and transit improvements. So, what`s next? Will potholes prevail? Will voters be asked to decide next year on another similar measure? Don`t miss our studio roundtable with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Director Peter Hahn, Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond, Bus Chick & Blogger Carla Saulter and Fremont Business Owner Suzie Burke!
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City Inside/Out: Seattle Veterans Court 11/18/2011
This week, we look at an innovative new approach to helping Seattle veterans who get into legal trouble. Seattle Veterans Court offers a therapeutic approach for defendants who qualify, but does it work? Meet two Seattle men who fought for the U.S. but then fell into addiction and homelessness when they returned. Veterans Court offers them another chance, but can they stick to their rigid probation terms? We also hear from Presiding Judge Fred Bonner, Prosecutor Jennifer Grant, Defender Burns Petersen and U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs` Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator Kevin Devine about how they are helping local veterans access community services while re-integrating into civilian life.
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City Inside/Out: Post-Election Journalist Roundtable 11/11/2011
This week on City Inside/Out, our panel of veteran journalists compares notes on the recent general election. Were there any surprises? Are voters largely content with our city council? Why did school board president Steve Sundquist get a failing grade while other incumbents passed? Why did the $231 million school levy succeed, but $60 car tabs fail? Does $22 million buy a campaign in WA? Don`t miss our reporter roundtable with Lynne Varner of the Seattle Times, Dave Ross of KIRO Radio, Erica Barnett of Publicola and Chris Grygiel of the Associated Press!
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City Inside/Out: Journalist Roundtable 11/4/2011
This week on City Inside/Out, our panel of veteran journalists compare notes on the upcoming general election. Will Jean Godden win a 3rd term on the city council? Will Seattle voters support a $60 car tab tax and a $231 million school levy? Will 4 school board incumbents get to keep their jobs? Will Costco`s liquor initiative pass? How will Tim Eyman`s toll and transit measure fare? We convene Joni Balter of the Seattle Times, John Carlson of KOMO Radio, Dominic Holden of The Stranger and Deborah Wang of KUOW Public Radio for a pre-election roundtable!
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City Inside/Out: Initiatives 1125 and 1183 10/28/2011
This week on City Inside/Out, 2 controversial initiatives on the November ballot. Costco has spent a record $22 million to push for I-1183, which would privatize liquor sales in Washington. Supporters say it will improve consumer choice and public safety, but opponents argue small businesses will be hurt and alcohol consumption will rise. Kathryn Stenger of Yes on I-1183 and Alex Fryer of No on I-1183 debate in our studio. Also, should tolls be flat or variable? I-1125 sponsor Tim Eyman wants voters to support his new initiative to tighten tolling rules in our state and ban light rail over I-90. He says flat tolls with an expiration date are fair, but opponents like King County Executive Dow Constantine argue transportation funding will be hurt if I-1125 passes. Eyman joins us in studio to debate former state transportation secretary Doug MacDonald. Don`t miss the show!
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City Inside/Out: Families and Ed. Levy and School Board Races 10/21/2011
This week on City Inside/Out, should voters renew the 7-year Families and Education levy this November? If approved, the measure will double the amount collected from homeowners to help close the achievement gap at Seattle public schools. Campaign co-chair Matt Griffin and opponent Paul Guppy of the Washington Policy Center debate about the new levy. Also, more than half of the Seattle school board is up for re-election and facing an uphill battle as the district tries to recover from its recent problems. A $1.8 million financial scandal and the ouster of Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson have shaken public confidence in the leadership. Should the board incumbents be given a passing or failing grade? We hear from education activist Melissa Westbrook and Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy executive director George Allen about why they have come to opposite conclusions!
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City Inside/Out: City Council Race 9 and Proposition 1 10/14/2011
This week on City Inside/Out, we continue our election coverage with City Council Position 9 and Proposition 1. Incumbent Sally Clark is facing challenger Dian Ferguson, who she put out of a job when the City Council cut its funding for SCAN TV, where Ferguson was the executive director. Both tout their leadership abilities. Who will voters support this time around? Also on the ballot, Proposition 1, a new $60 car tab tax to pay for transportation improvements in Seattle. Supporter Maurice Classen and opponent John Fox debate this controversial measure. Don`t miss it!
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