Citizen Tacoma

On this episode, we picked veteran TNT reporter Sean Robinson's brain about his nearly 20 years at The News Tribune, and talked about some of his greatest investigative stories and the legacies they leave behind in Pierce County. Sean left the paper in March, and this was a reporter's notebook dump mixed with some wistful pontificating on the current and future state of local journalism. We also drank beers and ate cookies. This is a long episode, but a good one. Don't miss the first 20 minutes, when Sean recalls in vivid detail some pivotal events in the days and weeks leading up to the murder-suicide involving Tacoma Police Chief David Brame and his wife Crystal Judson. Links Here are some of our favorite Sean Robinson stories: Snared by a cybercult queen The stolen child: Part 1 The stolen child: Part II The stolen child: Part III Inside David Brame's police department She vanished years ago and famously reappeared with amnesia. Inside the mystery of Jody Roberts

On today's episode, we sat down with TPU Director Jackie Flowers, who came on board in August and is the first woman to hold the position permanently. Jackie came to Tacoma from Idaho Falls, and has managed public utilities for 19 years of her 26-year career. We talked about what she sees as the utility's priority focus areas, how lower income folks can get help paying their bills, TPU's impressively clean energy portfolio, the future of advanced metering in Tacoma, electric vehicles, how to combat the rumored "bro" culture at TPU, and — you guessed it — Click. We got to most of your listener questions, too! Thank you for submitting those. Links The News Tribune: Rainier Connect recommended in public-private Click option for city Click network update from TPU TPU bill payment assistance information The News Tribune: Settlement reached in Tacoma Public Utilities 'bro' culture case The News Tribune: The Tacoma public utility board has chosen its next director. Next stop: City Council The News Tribune: Power revenues can't be used to pay for Click network's commercial expenses, judge says Channel 253 membership

It's a very special crossover episode! Citizen Tacoma and Crossing Division team up to bring you an informative discussion of recycling in Tacoma. Our guest is Tacoma City Councilmember Ryan Mello and Lewis Griffith, Solid Waste Management Division Manager. Links City of Tacoma Recycling SurveyHow to recycle in Tacoma by Candice Ruud for Channel 253Channel 253 membership

In this episode, we talk to Tacoma politicos Dorian Waller and Christina Blocker of Archway Consulting Group and Nic Van Putten of Progressive Strategies NW. We have some significant races coming up this year: There are two open Tacoma City Council seats, and two city council members face re-election. Two Port of Tacoma commissioners are up for are up for re-election. On the Tacoma School Board, voters will make decisions in two races. Overall, given that it's already March, the consensus is this election season is off to a surprisingly quiet start. Links As 2019 begins, so does Facebook's ban on local political ads in Washington state Tacoma is about to make it easier for you to add second living space on your property Puyallup City Council backs off proposal to change form of government to strong mayorThe Public Disclosure Commission: Learn about who wants to represent youSupport Channel 253 with a membership

Bryant Flint, a member of the Tacoma Public Utilities Board, joins the podcast to talk about Click, Tacoma's own cable company. Click sells cable TV directly to users and is a platform for local ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to provide Internet access to customers. Over the last few years, the future of Click has been hotly debated and the subject of litigation. To learn more about Click, here's Candice's explainer about Click for Channel 253. Links Candice Ruud's Click Explainer (members-only for 72 hours)Channel 253 membershipTacoma Click customers face rate increases as network addresses ongoing deficits, uncertaintyPower customers deserve $21 million reimbursement for keeping Click afloat, lawsuit saysPower revenues can’t be used to pay for Click network’s commercial expenses, judge says photo by flickr user artbystevejohnson used under a Creative Commons license

On today's episode we spoke with former News Tribune reporter Debbie Cafazzo and Matt Martinez, director of content for KNKX, about what it might look like if a local group of people banded together to buy our beloved (but suffering) hometown paper. We also discussed another option: starting a nonprofit, online-only news outlet that would be laser-focused on Pierce County news. Martinez helped lead KNKX (formerly KPLU) as it raised $7 million to buy its independence from Pacific Lutheran University. Before taking a buyout in 2017, Cafazzo spent 24 years at the TNT. For more background (and fun), I suggest reading the Credit Risk Monitor report on The McClatchy Company's financial outlook, linked below. It paints a quick but illuminating picture of what's going on with the TNT's parent company and why there's so much concern about continued cuts to our local newsroom. Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Credit Risk Monitor: McClatchy continues to struggle in the newspaper industry The Seattle Times: KPLU officially begins broadcasting as KNKX The News Tribune: Publisher David Zeeck leaving The News Tribune after 24 years as publisher and executive editor The Seattle Times: Tacoma News Tribune to lay off dozens of printing employees Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy: Playbook for Launching a Local, Nonprofit News Outlet Nonprofit Quarterly: Where Local Media Falters, Community-Based Nonprofit Models Step In Politico: This is How a Newspaper Dies Poynter: As Wall Street sours on McClatchy, a longtime lender is now also buying up its stock KNKX Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today's episode we bring back former Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, whose final term ended in December 2017. She's been serving as the president of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce since February.  We asked Strickland about parallels between Seattle and Tacoma and talked about some of the hot button issues during her last year in office, and what's happened since. Major topics include homelessness, Click, and the Northwest Detention Center.  We also talked about K-pop, her favorite place to eat in Tacoma and got some recommendations for binge-worthy TV.  Producer: Doug Mackey Links:  KNKX: Tacoma moves to continue aid, enforcement around homelessness through 2019  The News Tribune: It has cost millions and moved just 46 people into housing. Still, judging Tacoma’s tent city is tricky The News Tribune: Tacoma Click customers face rate increases as network addresses ongoing deficits, uncertainty The News Tribune: Power revenues can’t be used to pay for Click network’s commercial expenses, judge says The News Tribune: Tacoma gets a win in effort to keep the Northwest Detention Center from growing Vox: BTS, the band that changed K-pop, explained Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today's episode we bring back Candice Ruud to talk about how the results of the 2018 midterms shook down in the end, now that the results are certified. We also give an update on our #MeToo episode. And there's, a **surprise** announcement at the end! Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Pierce County Election Results 2018 Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

In this episode, we interview Mark Lindquist, the incumbent in the race for Pierce County Prosecutor. We get up to speed on his accomplishments during his term and his plans for the future. Check it out! Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Meet Mark Lindquist Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

In this episode, we interview David Fischer, the Executive Director of the Broadway Center, all about Prop 1, the Tacoma Creates initiative. If you've seen those signs around town and wondered what they mean, the intention is to strengthen the cultural identity, spark the creative energy and promote the vibrancy of our neighborhoods and communities. It will engage and support youth, families and neighborhoods, improve livability, and increase our economic base.  If you've wondered about the ins and out of an initiative that could adequately fund the Arts in Tacoma, check out this episode! Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Tacoma Creates Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today’s episode, we talk to Melanie Morgan, who hopes to represent the 29th Legislative District. Melanie has resided in the 29th for over twenty years and has lived many of the experiences of her constituents, who make up one of the most diverse areas of the state. She has spent significant time in the community working on issues related to education, family homelessness, and community relations as a school board member, a Commissioner on the Board of the Pierce County Housing Authority, and on the Board of Community Healthcare.  Melanie is a super inspiring candidate who is definitely walking her talk, an example of how all of us can get involved to make change. Listen in! Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Elect Melanie Morgan Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today’s episode, we talk to Christine Kilduff, who is running to retain her position representing the 28th Legislative District. As a representative of a “purple” district, Christine has practiced bi-partisan cooperation for the last 4 years and hopes to continue her work for the 28th. Check it out! Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Elect Christine Kilduff Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

The 28th Legislative District encompasses parts of Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, Lakewood and Spanaway, and includes JBLM and Western State Hospital. Mari Leavitt has lived in and served this diverse community for many years and hopes to unseat the Republican incumbent in November. She's a certified LadyBoss and really knows her stuff. Listen in! Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Elect Mari Leavitt Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

Julie Anderson is back on today's episode to update us on changes in election law, report on the results of the last  stamp-free election, and the County's preparation for the upcoming census. We don't really keep it a secret how much we love Julie on this podcast. She's the BEST. Listen in for a great example of an accessible, dedicated public servant who occasionally swears. Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Pierce County Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today's episode, we talk to three striking teachers and union leaders about how we got here, what is the McCleary case, the realities of teacher pay and schedules, and how we can help. WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT TEACHERS DURING THE STRIKE *** Come to the rally on Thursday 9/13 at 4pm at Peoples Park! *** 1. Bring food, snacks and drinks to the sign waving teachers in front of their schools. You could also ask local businesses to help with this. Surely a morale booster! 2. Schools are not open to teachers. They will need access to restrooms. If you live near a school or can arrange for a business to have restrooms open for nearby teachers, let them know. Put a sign out front to let teachers know they can use your restroom(s). 3. Write a letter to the editor in support of teachers. Teachers need to know the parents and community members are in their corner. This is a way to get the word out there.https://www.thenewstribune.com/…/letters-to-…/submit-letter/ https://tacomaweekly.com/contact/ 4. If you belong to a union, approach its leadership about showing support to the teachers. 5. Walk the picket lines at your neighborhood or child's school. Bring the kids! 6. Wear the color red (for Ed-ucation). 7. Put signs in your homes, cars, businesses saying you support Tacoma’s Teachers. 8. Keep the pressure on the school district. Call, email, text, call and email again. 253-571-1000 Use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Express your support for teachers! School Board member Emails: Debbie WInskill - tbeatti@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Enrique Leon - eleon@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Scott Heinze - sheinze@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Andrea Cobb - acobb@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Karen Vialle - kvialle@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Superintendent Carla Santorno: csantor@tacoma.k12.wa.us or Fax her at (253) 571-1440. 9. Honk your car horn if you see people in red in front of schools holding signs! Honk for your teachers! 10. Parents can sign the affidavit that is located at the TEA office, stating their children are not harmed by our strike, in case the school makes this a legal matter. Download a copy from here: https://tinyurl.com/yd7gfohf or you may pick up a copy from the TEA Office at 3049 S 36th Street, Suite 300 - Tacoma, WA 98409, **Located on the third floor of the IBEW Building** (253) 565-4411 Drop off or mail the completed and signed form to Connie L Powell, Tacoma UniServ Council, Uniserv Representative, 3049 S 36th Street, Suite 300 Tacoma, WA 98409 11. Call our lawmakers in Olympia to tell them you support the teachers and so should they! Host: Jenny Jacobs Producer: Doug Mackey Links: Parent Affidavit of Support We Teach Tacoma FB Page Tacoma School Board Contact Page Tacoma Education Association Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines