Hacks & Wonks

On this topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Evan Thompkins, STAR Program Specialist with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Stephanie Van Jacobs, Program Manager at WellPower! The STAR program offers a promising alternative response to mental health and substance use crises, providing individuals with the support and resources they need while reducing the burden on traditional police response. With strong community support and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Denver residents, the STAR program is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. As cities across the country grapple with the challenges of addressing these complex social issues, Denver's STAR program serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community-driven, collaborative solutions.   Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/denvers-star-program-offers-promising-alternative-response-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-crises/ Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks and on X (formerly Twitter) at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and X at @finchfrii. Find Denver Department of Public Health & Environment on X at @DDPHE.

On this topical show re-air, Eleuthera Lisch, director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, joins Crystal for a conversation about curbing youth gun violence using community-based approaches with violence interrupters. Encouraging early data from the program indicates fewer youth involved in shootings, fewer re-hospitalizations after gun injuries, less shoplifting near outreach, and 400+ high-risk youth mentored.   Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/king-countys-community-led-approach-showing-promise-in-combating-gun-violence/   Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks and on X (formerly Twitter) at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and X at @finchfrii. Find Eleuthera Lisch and the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention on X at @KingCountyRGV.

On this Tuesday topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Dr. Stephan Blanford, Executive Director of Children’s Alliance, for a wide-ranging conversation on childcare. They delve into the importance of childcare as an economic driver and its societal impacts through preparing kids for success in school and life. A review of the state of childcare in Washington reveals that this critical resource is often out-of-reach for those who need it most and looks at the factors that make it inaccessible and expensive. Crystal and Dr. Blanford then discuss how various stakeholders can make an impact on the issue at all levels of government.   Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/dr-stephan-blanford-childcare/   Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Dr. Stephan Blanford and Children’s Alliance on Twitter/X at @ChildAllianceWA.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 😖 Morales bullied out of office ✋ Rinck sworn in 🙅 SPS recall effort shut down 🔥 KC Exec race heats up 🤓 Final precinct data & election thoughts 💚 Green Jacket Lady is back!   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on Bluesky at @robertcruickshank.com.

A groundbreaking guaranteed income pilot program in Tacoma, Washington has not only demonstrated positive economic impacts but also challenged long-held misconceptions about poverty and cash assistance. The Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT) program, which provided $500 monthly payments to 110 families, is helping reshape traditional narratives that have long portrayed poverty as a result of personal failings or suggested that direct cash assistance leads to dependency.   Join Crystal for a conversation about guaranteed income and GRIT with Sukhi Samra, Executive Director of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, and Dona Ponepinto of United Way of Pierce County.   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.   Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Sukhi Samra and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income on Twitter/X at @mayorsforagi, Mayor Victoria Woodards and the City of Tacoma at @CityofTacoma, and Dona Ponepinto and the United Way of Pierce County at @UWPC.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🧮 Seattle budget and amendments 🙅 County rejects Rivera’s proposal for sobering center 👨‍⚖️ Sal Mungia wins open Supreme Court seat 🗳️ Reichert concedes ⚔️ How WA electeds will take on Trump admin As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at @ericacbarnett and on PubliCola.com.

Jason Schwarz, Director of the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense and the Chair of Washington's Council on Public Defense, talks about new public defender caseload standards under consideration by the Washington Supreme Court to address the state's public defense crisis. The combination of public defenders working under decades-old caseload standards and lack of state funding have led to massive delays and staff exodus, creating an urgent need for reform to ensure justice for defendants, victims, and the community at large.   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.   Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Katie Wilson discuss: 📈 Minimum wage increases for the win 🙄 More Burien shenanigans 💰 JumpStart raid 💲 Seattle progressive revenue proposals 🚋 Saka💔Streetcar 🏁 King County Exec race begins 👀 Upcoming appointments   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Katie Wilson, on Twitter/X at @WilsonKatieB, as well as the Transit Riders Union at @SeattleTRU.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 😭 Presidential election 🥳 Washington election results 🤓 What that means for how Washington Democrats will need to govern moving forward  As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank at @cruickshank.

In a competitive race between two Democrats, Melissa Demyan, a labor organizer, is challenging 20-year incumbent Larry Springer for a 45th district state house seat. We talk with Melissa about her priorities, how she differs from Rep. Larry Springer, and her vision for the 45thth legislative district. Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/new-leadership-or-old-guard-demyan-challenges-springer-in-45th-district-race/  Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher at @finchfrii and find Melissa Demyan at @MelissaDemyan. VOTE by Tuesday 11/5! Then track your ballot!

Andrew Villeneuve of the Northwest Progressive Institute discusses how their new poll shows Democrats leading in most statewide races, voters are likely to reject three of four initiatives on the November ballot, and a close race in Washington’s 3rd congressional district. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Andrew Villeneuve and the Northwest Progressive Institute at @nwprogressive and https://www.nwprogressive.org/

On this Tuesday topical show re-air, Crystal learns about north King County’s innovative new Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency with its inaugural Executive Director Brook Buettner and Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. Following national guidelines and best practices for behavioral health crisis care, a five-city consortium established RCR in 2023 as part of a vision to provide their region with the recommended continuum of behavioral health care - which includes someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. Executive Director Buettner and Mayor Herbig share how the program grew out of a need for a person-centered mobile crisis response, rather than the traditional law enforcement response which is often without the right tools or expertise for the job. They describe the collaborative process of getting buy-in from police agencies, electeds, and city staff to design a service that has evolved from the RADAR co-response program to approaching a 24/7 behavioral health first response. Finally, they cover impressive early results in cost-savings & outcomes and offer advice to other cities looking to bring similar solutions to their own communities. As always, a full text transcript of the show and resources is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky @finchfrii and find Mayor Nigel Herbig on X at @nigelherbig.   Brook Buettner Brook Buettner is inaugural Executive Director of the groundbreaking Regional Crisis Response Agency, which deploys services to people experiencing behavioral health crisis in the North King County community. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an experienced human services professional with a focus on policy advocacy and program implementation for high-needs populations. During her two decade-long career, she has been focused on transforming systems to meet the needs of individuals who are high utilizers of both criminal legal and health and human services systems. Ms. Buettner holds Masters in Public Administration and Social Work from the University of Washington. Mayor Nigel Herbig Nigel grew up in the Seattle neighborhood of Wallingford, attended Seattle Public Schools, and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Political Science and Comparative Religion. Nigel and his wife, Tiffany, decided to move to Kenmore when their daughter was a baby as they were looking for a great place to raise their daughter where they could purchase their first home. They have never regretted that decision. Nigel has worked in broadcasting, fundraising, and politics. He currently works at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. Mayor Herbig represents the Council on the Eastside Transportation Partnership (Vice Chair), and the Sound Transit SR 522 Bus Rapid Transit Elected Leaders Group. He also sits on the King County Affordable Housing Committee.  

In a recent interview, Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts outlines the city's approaches to housing, development, and public safety, emphasizing how the newly opened light rail stations are reshaping the community north of Seattle. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Mayor Chris Roberts at @ElectRoberts.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 📊 Cascade PBS/Elway polls 🗳️ Ballots arriving in mailboxes 💸 Capital gains tax repeal costly for schools 🏳️‍🌈 Tacoma rainbow crosswalk ⚖️ Pierce County jury pay pilot 😵 Yakima County coroner As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Shauna Sowersby, at @Shauna_Sowersby.

Four statewide initiatives backed by a California hedge fund manager are stirring up controversy as Washington voters prepare to cast their ballots this November. The measures, which would repeal several recently passed laws, are being met with strong opposition from groups who argue they would benefit wealthy people and corporations at the expense of working families and crucial public services. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find more about the Defend Washington campaign at defend-washington.com/.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ron Davis discuss: 🌲 Public Lands candidate takes stance on I-2117 🤩 Overlook Walk opens to widespread acclaim 🏫 School closure update 🏘️ Suarez out of touch on housing 📸 Seattle police bonuses and surveillance approved 📊 Tacoma’s refreshing budget approach 🌀 Hurricane-caused IV fluid shortage 🕵️ Inspectors given access to Tacoma ICE facility As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Ron Davis at @ronpdavis on both Twitter and Bluesky, as well as ronpdavis.substack.com for his newsletter.

Pierce County Executive candidate Ryan Mello outlines his comprehensive vision for the county and pledges active leadership that emphasizes public safety reforms, affordable housing, environmental conservation, and economic development. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Ryan Mello at @RyanMelloTacoma.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Scott Greenstone discuss: 🚔Tacoma police chief admin leave mystery 🏫Revised school closure plan 😨Weird Serrano video & AG debate 🗣️Woo/Rinck debate 💲Seattle budget scrutiny + Saka ♥️🐴 📺Seattle Channel in jeopardy As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Scott Greenstone at @evergreenstone or on Instagram and Threads at @scott.memestone.

Shasti Conrad, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, discusses the role of the State Party in volunteer and candidate support, turning out the Democratic base, maintaining unity within a diverse party, and the transition to Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Shasti Conrad at @ShastiConrad.   Resources Washington State Democratic Party   “The WA GOP put it in writing that they’re not into democracy” by Danny Westneat from The Seattle Times   Get involved with the Washington State Democratic Party

Ruth Rosas from America Walks and Cecelia Black from Disability Rights Washington share details about next week’s Week Without Driving (September 30 - October 6, 2024), which challenges elected leaders, advocates, and individuals to forgo their cars and understand the barriers for nondrivers. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii, Ruth Rosas at @AmericaWalks and Cecelia Black at @cecelia_black.   Resources Week Without Driving | September 30 - October 6, 2024   Week Without Driving Events Planned Across Washington State as the Challenge Continues to Grow Nationally | Disability Rights Washington   Week Without Driving 2024 Resources and Social Media Toolkit   Week Without Driving | America Walks   “Disability advocates challenge Vancouver’s elected leaders to go a week without driving” by Chrissy Booker from The Columbian “What a Week Without Driving Can Teach” by Anna Zivarts for Bloomberg