UPDATE: Late-night protest in West Seattle, with visit to city councilmember’s neighborhood

9:52 PM: Thanks for the tips. We are at Madison MS, where a group of protesters is headed south, in vehicles and on foot, after rallying. We are trying to find out if this is the same group that’s been going to City Councilmembers’ houses late at night. Updates to come.

10:13 PM: The protesters are headed toward The Junction, where Council President Lorena González lives, though we don’t know if that’s where they were headed.

We asked about their destination as they were leaving Madison, but they would not answer, and told our photographer to leave. We drove ahead of what we guessed would be their route. They have chanted “Whose lives matter? Black lives matter” and calls for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign.

10:28 PM: They’re now on California passing Genesee, SB. We count about 40 on foot, plus vehicles.

10:36 PM: As they continue down California, one man broke away to yell at an apartment building that everyone should call the council about Wed’s big budget meeting. (SPD-related proposals will be on the agenda).

10:42 PM: The group has turned off California and is now in the councilmember’s neighborhood.

11:27 PM: González just spent about half an hour talking with and listening to the group. “Thank you for bringing the action to me.” she told them.

11:50 PM: Now that we are back at HQ, we are adding photos and a few more notes. González expressed support for the group, reiterated that SPD cuts will be on the table when the council meets Wednesday as the Select Budget Committee, and said this is the time for community members to let councilmembers know what they want to see. She also urged involvement in the participatory budget process next year.

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A reader provided this video of most of the dialogue between Councilmember González and the protesters:

234 Replies to "UPDATE: Late-night protest in West Seattle, with visit to city councilmember's neighborhood"

  • Neighbor July 27, 2020 (10:04 pm)

    This is ridiculous…..it’s a Monday night and they’re screaming and banging drums.  Everyone is on edge because no one knows what they’re going to do or how far they’ll take it.  All it takes is one agitator to get it out of hand and as we can see from everywhere else in the city, chances are that’ll happen.  This is a sad place.

    • BLM July 27, 2020 (10:17 pm)

      “Everyone is on edge because no one knows what they’re going to do or how far they’ll take it.”

      Interesting way to phrase it.  That exactly describes how many people feel about the cops when interacting with them.

      • MovingAcrossTheSound July 27, 2020 (10:54 pm)

        Yup. I suppose that’s why the city council is already pushing to defund SPD 50% and Dow Constantine has already agreed to close both the primary and youth jails in Downtown. So … why exactly are you still protesting in Seattle?

      • Paul July 27, 2020 (11:03 pm)

        And, when have you 1) had a conversation with a LEO 2) taken equity and social justice training 3) had a REAL black history education 4) had equity training 5) volunteered at a predominantly black community center, ymca or church. And before you lie, think about it. And, before you ask, yes I have and still do. 

        • j July 28, 2020 (9:43 am)

          Paul is self certified.

      • A July 27, 2020 (11:18 pm)

        I have been in support of BLM ‘2013…this is another level.

    • PR July 27, 2020 (10:19 pm)

      Imagine how the folks on Capitol Hill feel about now. 

    • Aneighbors neighbor July 27, 2020 (10:30 pm)

      They were chanting, having fun. Protestors are bringing the movement to every corner of Seattle so that everyone can hear their message, sorry you were disturbed in your privileged house in your white neighborhood by the voices of minorities. If you felt threatened by a drum circle imagine having a cop pull a gun on you. People like you are the reason they have to demonstrate like this, it’s the only way to get you to pay attention. 

      • Ts July 28, 2020 (12:21 am)

        I saw mostly white people in the group not mostly minorities. I’m white and have been  harassed  and threatened by police. I support BLM and police reform. Your statement is discriminatory and ignorant 

        • WS RES July 28, 2020 (9:42 am)

          TS you are the one who sounds completely ignorant. BLM.

      • ????? July 28, 2020 (8:07 am)

        I watched them walk by last night.  The group was mostly white people.  It sounds like you didn’t even see it…..meaning you weren’t there supporting them.

      • WILLOW July 29, 2020 (1:48 pm)

        YES!!!

    • Yourannoyed Neighbor July 27, 2020 (10:41 pm)

      If you felt threatened by a drum circle imagine having a cop pull a gun on you………….They were peaceful and having fun, calling attention to the BLM movement.

      • GiveMeA Break July 30, 2020 (4:58 pm)
        • .They were peaceful and having fun, calling attention to the BLM movement.
        • You dont threaten a photographer from the WSB if you are having fun.   Try and keep up.

    • Yup July 27, 2020 (10:47 pm)

      Well, I guess we’ll just have to get some justice if we want some peace. Let’s talk about the how to spend tax payer dollars on solving problems, not making problems with police violence. 

    • Ajax July 27, 2020 (10:50 pm)

      I think you’re safe, Neighbor.  At the end of my evening walk, I came upon one gentleman who had left his $800k townhouse to observe the protest from the sidewalk with a glass of red wine in hand.

      • Tony July 28, 2020 (7:16 am)

        Not sure what your point is here Ajax. What relevance does the cost of a persons home have to do with what was going on last night.

    • Willow harvey July 29, 2020 (1:32 pm)

      Okay so listen. Extremely necessary. Disrupting white neighborhoods is extremely necessary. Having this conversation is extremely necessary and this is the time and the place. Your complaints about the noise are violent and tone def. Its a major gift that this group is bringing this conversation into this neighborhood. Please let this be a moment of community, reachout to your rich white neighbors and talk about what yall are doing to redistribute wealth, and what other actions you need to be taking. I invite you to really deeply consider what it is that is disturbing to you and why your sense of urgency in this matter isnt meeting theirs.. I want to see more ADULTS AND PARENTS be organizing amplifying and supporting conversations and demonstrations. The only demonstrations weve seen in west seattle have been led by the youth, and we do need your support, but we also need you to be giving us a safe and arms open community for voices to be heard fully. This neighborhood is full of opportunities to plant seeds of decolonization and antiracism so that things can change with your support. Its one thing to support BLM and its another to truly fight for a future where all people can be safe. Lets be clear that you are not doing that by complaining about these people raising their voice. Please be bringing up these matters with your community, your workplace, your children your family your peers- we are all students and we can all do more, its time for disruption in places that have for so long turned away from the racist systems and people which are all around us. Use your priveledge. Be thankful that in a neighborhood that looks like west seattle this conversation is really being had, and know that it is the point to get you to wakeup, and also to question why are you so disturbed by people begging to be heard————and just do better, do more. It is a shame that within this article they failed to mention that this organized group of people is and organized group. The very productive conversation between the people and council person can we watched here https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDLQzjSg8Gp/?igshid=7hoibj7v7re4 Its time for yall to get OUT OF YOUR HOUSE AND INTO THE STREETS, be the change for your children and for our childrens futures, be using your presence to protect and amplify these voices who are taking the time out of their lives to make a change. Urgency. Think bigger. Change is coming so please, find an opening and settle into the conversation being had. It is super necessary for you to do so. This is just the beginning. Defund, dismantle, abolish the police. REFORM WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH. Reallocate funds. In the recent years we have defunded from almost all funds in our budget except for SPD. Please start doing the research and the work, theres a million recourses ready to be read and studied. You are missing some information, because trust If you knew what they knew, you would feel the same way, so please start listening, amplifying and make some noise in your communities. 

    • WILLOW July 29, 2020 (1:49 pm)

      Extremely necessary. Disrupting white neighborhoods is necessary. Having this conversation is extremely necessary and this is the time and the place. Your complaints about the noise are violent and tone def. Its a gift that this group is bringing this conversation into this neighborhood. Please let this be a moment of community, reachout to your rich white neighbors and talk about what yall are doing to redistribute wealth, and what other actions you need to be taking. I invite you to really deeply consider what it is that is disturbing to you and why your sense of urgency in this matter isnt meeting theirs.. I want to see more ADULTS AND PARENTS be organizing amplifying and supporting conversations and demonstrations. The only demonstrations weve seen in west seattle have been led by the youth, and we do need your support, but we also need you to be giving us a safe and arms open community for voices to be heard fully. This neighborhood is full of opportunities to plant seeds of decolonization and antiracism so thait things can change with your support. Its one thing to support BLM and its another to truly fight for a future where all people can be safe. Lets be clear that you are not doing that by complaining about these people raising their voice. Please be bringing up these matters with your community, your workplace, your children your family your peers- we are all students and we can all do more, its time for disruption in places that have for so long turned away from the racist systems and people which are all around us. Use your priveledge. Be thankful that in a neighborhood that looks like west seattle this conversation is really being had, and know that it is the point to get you to wakeup, and also to question why are you so disturbed by people begging to be heard————and just do better, do more. 

      It is a shame that within this article they failed to mention that this organized group of people is and organized group. The very productive conversation between the people and council person can we watched here https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDLQzjSg8Gp/?igshid=7hoibj7v7re4 
      Its time for yall to get OUT OF YOUR HOUSE AND INTO THE STREETS, be the change for your children and for our childrens futures, be using your presence to protect and amplify these voices who are taking the time out of their lives to make a change. Urgency. Think bigger. Change is coming so please, find an opening and settle into the conversation being had. It is super necessary for you to do so. This is just the beginning. Defund, dismantle, abolish the police. REFORM WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH. Reallocate funds. In the recent years we have defunded from almost all funds in our budget. 
      Please start doing the research and the work, theres a million recourses ready to be read and studied. You are missing some information, because trust If you knew what they knew, you would feel the same way, so please start listening, amplifying and make some noise in your communities.

    • Be Responsible August 2, 2020 (9:26 am)

      It is not necessary…..it is disturbing the peace.   There is a line between freedom of speech and disturbing the peace.  

  • Ts July 27, 2020 (10:08 pm)

    They’ve blocked both lanes of Charlestown turning it into a one way street. Shining flashlights into darkened houses.

    • BLM July 27, 2020 (10:19 pm)

      Oh no.  A tragedy on par with the bridge breaking.  Whatever will we do.

      • Ts July 27, 2020 (10:41 pm)

        I would follow the law and not create dangerous or annoying situations if I wanted to gain attention for a cause. But BLM has been going on in Seattle for 2 months straight and this is an uber liberal area. Everyone has heard or knew about social justice long before police killings these past few years. Beating drums, honking horns, megaphones, shining lights into people’s dark houses, chanting  crowds in a usually quiet neighborhood at 10pm. I don’t get it.

        • TA July 28, 2020 (12:28 am)

          Sucks to be annoyed, but at least you don’t have to fear for your life everytime you pass by police officers. I live right off California while the protesters were organizing prior to marching. They were not shining flashlights into neighborhood windows. Sounds like there are a lot of people who are trying to mischaracterise these protesters and the movement they’re marching for. Protests are not meant to be convenient for people who are privileged. It calls attention to a problem that needs to be addressed and im proud to live in a neighborhood in which brave patriots like these protesters are willing to act. 

        • StopFussn July 28, 2020 (12:50 am)

          I agree about the time and place of this particular protest, but the BLM protests continue on in many cities around the country. Police brutality against B&B people has finally reached a crescendo in America and all of the Black, White, Latinx and Asian people that support this cause through protest only want to see real results initiated now, not a year or two from now.But again, I do agree that the protests should be planned and executed at the right time/place and we should always be considerate of our neighbors.

  • MrsT July 27, 2020 (10:13 pm)

    Let us not lose track of the fact that Black Lives Matter. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration protesters! 

  • Megan July 27, 2020 (10:17 pm)

    What a joyful surprise tonight! Keep up the great work, activists! Black Lives Matter in West Seattle!

  • Alki resident July 27, 2020 (10:18 pm)

    So they wait until dark to do this to not be identified easily. Keep your porch lights on and your self defense close. 

    • Wtfdude July 27, 2020 (10:29 pm)

      Yes, they’re coming for you. Just you.

    • BLM July 27, 2020 (10:33 pm)

      Don’t let paranoia and fear rule you

      INSTEAD

      GO OUT AND JOIN THEM!

      BLM

    • KM July 27, 2020 (10:37 pm)

      Black Lives Matter.

    • Your Neighbor July 28, 2020 (10:53 am)

      Literally 💯 of that march was filmed and streamed live over the internet. I watched it. They’re not afraid of being identified but they don’t want to be murdered by ignorant people, whether they be police or their civilian neighbors. Legitimately, they didn’t break laws and no where in the constitution does it mention that your right to peacefully assemble has to be done in broad daylight or be done in “quiet”. If you’re annoyed, do something. Contact your city council members and encourage them to put an end to the protests. It’s not that hard. ;)

      BLACK LIVES MATTER

  • BLM July 27, 2020 (10:20 pm)

    This is great. BLACK LIVES MATTER in West Seattle too. Love it. 

    • Admiral MJ July 27, 2020 (10:38 pm)

      Yes, Black Lives Matter in West Seattle! Thank you protesters!

    • Ts July 27, 2020 (10:44 pm)

      Preaching to the choir.

    • EW July 27, 2020 (11:17 pm)

      So why aren’t you out with them?  Just curious.

  • WS July 27, 2020 (10:31 pm)

    The  BLM point was made weeks and weeks ago. Time to wrap it up or put an initiative on the ballot for the voters to decide..

    • YES2WS July 28, 2020 (12:09 pm)

      @WS; “The  BLM point was made weeks and weeks ago. Time to wrap it up or put an initiative on the ballot for the voters to decide.. ” Um, no. It’s no where NEAR time to wrap it up

  • Rowan July 27, 2020 (10:32 pm)

    This honestly rules and if you’re complaining about the disturbance I hope you’ve complained about police brutality just as much. :)

    • Ts July 28, 2020 (12:27 am)

      I can say I have complained and have been an activist for police respecting everyone’s rights for about 10 years. I am betting we all have a lot more in common than you think.

  • Dan July 27, 2020 (10:40 pm)

    40 out of 80,000 people in WS. C’mon Man, go home!

  • Why at night? July 27, 2020 (10:42 pm)

    Why wait till nightfall to march and protest?What is your agenda?

    • Ummm... July 28, 2020 (10:56 am)

      The purpose of marching is to get your voice heard. People are working during the day… *rolls eyes* It’s not that hard of a deduction to make that protests will be more effective when people are off work.

    • West Seattle Resident and Protester July 28, 2020 (12:14 pm)

      Agenda is: 1. reduce police funding by at least 50% 2. give that funding back to black communities 3. release all protesters currently in jail 4. no new youth jail 5. Jenny Durken should resign. That’s the agenda and they were chanting it loud and clear. Why at night, because that group of protesters are protesting all around the city all day long every day. They are fighting a good fight. The idea is that people are comfortably sleeping and it’s good every now and then to be woken up and reminded about what’s going on. If you were worried about violence, this was the most peaceful protest you could imagine. Lots of young people, lots of energy, music, laughter…there’s no hidden agenda no nefarious activity. They were literally yelling the agenda, maybe you should listen.

      • K. Davis July 28, 2020 (7:12 pm)

        You’re losing me with your “agenda”.  Cutting police funding by 50% is breathtakingly reckless and stupid … and if that were to happen, why only give to the “black”community?  Why not other oppressed POC?  Yes – Black Lives Matter.  I’m all in on that.  But I’m adamantly opposed to cutting the police by an arbitrary, made-up number with no  rational basis to justify it, other than it feels good to people who aren’t paying attention to what police services provide that we actually need.  

  • Cody July 27, 2020 (10:45 pm)

    I’m all for the protesting but when it’s 11pm and you have work in the morning and have your child to sleep and lights are shining into your windows, banging metal, chanting on a megaphone, and cars honking it can be extremely annoying.

    • WSB July 28, 2020 (12:11 am)

      CM González has a baby who could be heard in the background (we observed the dialogue from a distance, I forgot my mask when we ran out after getting word of this) and can often be heard during council-meeting streams, so it was a late night for her too.

    • Ts July 28, 2020 (12:44 am)

      I agree Cody. Technically these protesters are breaking several laws. The bottom line for me is these violations aren’t enforced due to staffing, morale, and politics and people don’t know the laws or don’t care.

    • HLS July 28, 2020 (11:46 am)

      Well said Cody.  Completely not respectful of others. They don’t know your situation – you could be a supporter…but good luck getting people to come out and support when they are raising families and trying to keep it together.   My kids would be terrified if this was happening in our neighborhood.  I love urban areas for their wealth of diversity and experiences, but am so thankful I live in the middle of nowhere.  I have my privacy and my peace, and in a way I can hide easier from racism.  I am a minority and agree there is systemic racism EVERYWHERE – whether in personal or professional settings.  But I am disturbed when I think of harried and tired parents trying to maintain their family lives in the middle of a dark night of protests going on in residential areas.  Sorry for those that are impacted, and sorry if true BLM message is getting lost in a distasteful execution.  It is a powerful and very true cause, but maybe requires a different approach – (disclaimer, this is completely the viewpoint of someone looking in from the outside…I don’t mean to offend anyone reading this!  Everyone has a valid point, wish there was an easier solution, but it’s not an easy problem to start with).

  • Yma July 27, 2020 (10:45 pm)

    Yes – Black Lives Matter. And no lives matter until Black lives matter.this, you 40 people, this is kinda not great.

  • MovingAcrossTheSound July 27, 2020 (10:47 pm)

    I live along California. I overheard a shouting match between a black West Seattle resident and a white woman leading the protest via megaphone. The black resident wasn’t  “enthusiastic” about their presence and told the leader to check her white privilege. The white woman proceeded to scream into the microphone  about “having family & friends attacked by law enforcement” before sliding back into a chant. What an absolute circus this city has become. 

    • Ajax July 27, 2020 (10:57 pm)

      Also live along California and I heard her for about 30 minutes while I was out walking and I kept thinking that I don’t know whether this protest is doing anything for justice or equality, but it sure is making some white folks feel good about themselves.  I hope people’s intentions are in the right place, but what I observed seemed extremely performative.

    • TA July 28, 2020 (12:32 am)

      What does it matter what these two individuals were arguing about? What significance does their race entail with your assertion that the march was a circus? 

      • MovingAcrossTheSound July 28, 2020 (12:55 am)

        I called the city a circus because protests have made us a national spectacle. I described the races involved in the argument because a white participant resorted to “I’m a victim, too!” when challenged by someone they’re supposedly representing. You know, the lack of self-awareness often present in these movements.. 

    • O.O July 28, 2020 (10:59 am)

      Cops murdering people is the spectacle. If you’re embarrassed about Seattle being in the news, I hate to break it to you Seattle has a very long history of protesting and being in the news for protesting. You should probably find someplace that doesn’t. *shrugs*

  • T July 27, 2020 (10:47 pm)

    Keep up the activism! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!

  • Friend O'Dinghus July 27, 2020 (10:47 pm)

    I would be pissed off if this was happening at this hour on my street, and I am a supporter of the BLM movement. My support is not carte blanch though, with this group or any other social movement I support. Imagine the great MLK suggesting these tactics…creating a disturbance this late in a residential area, shining lights into peoples homes? If true, you can count me out thank you. Go home and sober up!

    • BLM July 27, 2020 (11:03 pm)

      Imagine the great MLK suggesting these tactics…”no imagination needed, he did this stuff and much much more.   you just don’t realize how much of this nitty-gritty protesting mlk had to slog through.”More than a decade of lawsuits, civil disobedience campaigns, peaceful marches, powerful speeches — and, yes, riots — all contributed to the growth and success of the civil rights movement, and the chance for King to one day become a “good” protester. Perhaps King and the other marchers appeared respectable and calm in that photo because one week earlier, President Lyndon B. Johnson had announced his support for the marchers and for the Voting Rights Act, ending an eloquent call for civil rights with an echo of the movement anthem, “We Shall Overcome.” Perhaps they appeared placid because they were protected by National Guard troops Johnson had placed under federal control. Conservative critics love to remember King, but only when facing contemporary activists trying to pursue the very same goals that animated King a half-century ago. Rather than admonishing today’s protesters, they could help by providing the conditions that would allow those less disruptive events to matter.https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/05/good-protesters-bad-protesters/

      • Friend O'Dinghus July 28, 2020 (7:50 am)

        MLK encouraged and supported marches after 10:00pm at night in residential neighborhoods huh?

        • Ron Swanson July 28, 2020 (9:29 am)

          Now that you mention it, the Letter from a Birmingham Jail is right on point…



          First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action;” who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a “more convenient season.

        • BLM July 28, 2020 (10:53 am)

          “MLK encouraged and supported marches after 10:00pm at night in residential neighborhoods huh?”

          Did you even read the article?

          Here is some of what people said about MLK:

          In the 1963 letter from the (white) clergymen he was accused of inciting “hatred and violence.”

          Robert Kennedy wrote “Negroes are now just antagonistic and mad and they’re going to be mad at everything.  You can’t talk to them.”

          These responses to MLK’s work are STRIKINGLY similar to your complaints about the protest causing a “disturbance” in a “residential area.”  And then you add a little bit about how they’re drunk?

          How dare you hold up MLK as an example and then turn around and disrespect this completely peaceful protest? 

          You are the white moderate MLK spoke of.  You are what he worried about.  And you seem to be the type of person who would have absolutely bashed him had you been in that era. 

          I can just imagine you: “Really, blocking a bridge and disrupting a highway?  I support them, but if they use these tactics?  You can count me out thank you.”

      • Jeebus Croix July 28, 2020 (8:02 am)

        Oh shut up. Look around. Every other house in this area has a BLM poster or sign. We support! You are literally just making a ruckus to make a ruckus because people it’s easier to get away with it in a progressive area. But you’re losing support. There’s a time and place. Why don’t you use that energy and venture out into some of the “red territories”.  

        • BLM July 28, 2020 (12:10 pm)

          “Uppity”

          That’s the word you’re looking for.

          Those protesters…  So uppity.

          ps
          Since you’re such a good supporter I’m sure you venture out into some of the red territories. Right?  

        • Ron Swanson July 28, 2020 (1:24 pm)

          “you’re losing support”[citation needed]

        • Willow July 29, 2020 (1:55 pm)

          “uppity” is a racist tem historically used to silence and condemn the outcries of Black people. you have work to do. Your support is not enough, do more and do better. New time join them and listen. protect and amplify Black people, Black voices, Black sories and truths. if you knew what they knew you would have a far different sense of urgency.

          • BLM July 29, 2020 (2:42 pm)

            peace willow,i know full well the context surrounding the word uppity, and the word that normally follows it.  i was calling out the post above, the one by jeebus.  i was in no way calling the protesters uppity, it was just a rhetorical tool.

  • Medium July 27, 2020 (10:48 pm)

    Late night protests down residential streets is not the way to raise awareness. 

    • Foop July 27, 2020 (10:58 pm)

      So you only support protests that are convenient for you and far away from you? How nice.

    • AmandaK July 27, 2020 (11:01 pm)

      Except that it’s on the local popular blog, and we are all talking about it.  Black Lives Matter, all the time.  Every day.

      • WILLOW July 29, 2020 (2:41 pm)

        YES AMANDA!!!

    • Stephanie July 27, 2020 (11:35 pm)

      This group marches every single day, morning and night with specified goals and a clear, focused message and not only have they raised awareness, they have affected real change already. Black Lives Matter all day, everyday, and all night, every night. 

      • M July 28, 2020 (7:00 am)

        The message is lost.  I don’t pay attention to the protests and its message anymore. I am less likely to support it now as all it is is screaming and yelling which is losing the message. 

    • Mellow Kitty July 28, 2020 (8:32 am)

      Hmmmm. One, loud late night rally down California and everyone is upset about the noise and disturbance and frustration of being woken up . . .funny no on comes on the blog to say how dangerous, rude and irresponsible the nightly drag racing and endless noise from car doing doughnuts in the parking lots is. You’re okay with the kids “just having fun,” but people make noise to highlight social injustice are a problem. The BLM marchers are working towards positive change. They are marching to bring attention to an issue that has widely been ignored and needs to be fixed. If you want to get mad, get mad at the system that perpetuates hatred and division based on the color of a human’s skin. Get angry at the supposed “christian” leaders who spout “we’re all god’s children” then murmur behind their praying hands (unless you’re not white). We need to support each other. We need to be neighbors; we need to show compassion. We ALL need to make sure equality is for everyone, not just the selected elite. Be the instruments for positive change, not the the puppets used to perpetuate hatred. 

      • j July 28, 2020 (9:55 am)

        Mellow Kitty is not familiar with WSB when writing that no one complains about loud cars, motorcycles, blasting sound systems and street racing/doughnuts.  West Seattleites have a proud tradition of complaining about all sorts of noises.

  • Black Lives Matter! July 27, 2020 (10:50 pm)

    I’m all for it! BLACK LIVES MATTER! I’ve been listening from my window, considering joining the group. Big change needs to happen and now is the time! 

  • Medium July 27, 2020 (10:50 pm)

    Not a good sign when they chase away the media. 

    • Ts July 28, 2020 (12:29 am)

      IKR. That was odd.

    • Lisa July 28, 2020 (6:48 am)

      @Medium – they didn’t “chase away the media.” They didn’t answer questions and they asked the photographer to leave. That’s not unusual when you consider that Seattle media outlets are required to turn over photos and video of protestors to police if requested.

      https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/24/seattle-times-protesters-police-subpoena/

      • cjboffoli July 28, 2020 (9:18 am)

        Telling the independent, local media to leave is arrogant and inappropriate.  They absolutely have a right to be there and to ask questions. It also shows a lack of media savvy to be adversarial with the very people who can amplify and normalize your message beyond the earshot of banging pots and pans. The media is not in the employ of law enforcement. Some local media was compelled by the rule of law to hand over images and video of people in a public place that anyone and everyone could see. Peaceful assembly and protest is a constitutional right. Violence and destruction is not. If you don’t want the police to catch you hurling Molotov cocktails then you shouldn’t throw them.  The media is not the enemy.

        • j July 28, 2020 (10:10 am)

          Absolutely agree, the media is not the enemy.  Our nations fabled free press and free speech are being challenged as never before by the BLM movement.  It is a bitter irony that the movement that was ignited by a video recording is now asserting control over the same thing.  

    • wscommuter July 28, 2020 (10:18 am)

      I have to agree on this point.  I fully support BLM and changes to how we police.  We heard the protests in our neighborhood last night – no big deal; it wasn’t that loud.  But when folks in the movement want to hide from media, that is not consistent with seeking change – it suggests something else (and what, I have no idea).  Blaming the court order to TV stations and the Seattle Times seeking footage of the arsons downtown as an excuse to hide from media now is BS.  That protest last night was by all accounts peaceful and non-destructive.  So why do these folk want to hide from the media?  And why do they presume to tell media to go away?  This is America –  you don’t get to do that here.   You want to march  – god bless you.  But you don’t get to tell the media not to observe and report on  your marching.  All part of the same 1st Amendment.

    • Perspective Y'all July 28, 2020 (11:07 am)

      They told the media to leave because more than one organizations have come into protest areas and then reported straight out lies about what has been happening. You’re welcome to watch the protests either in person or from your home as much of the protests are live streamed. :)

      • K. Davis July 28, 2020 (7:15 pm)

        Oh, the horrors … the media isn’t perfect.  I’ll take our imperfect media over your facism in shutting down the media because you  claim someone got something inaccurately.  Grow up.  

        • cwit July 30, 2020 (12:23 pm)

          K. Davis – telling the media (WSB) to leave while not really enforcing that sentiment (as far as I can tell by this coverage) isn’t really facism or shutting down the media. Granted, they could have handled it better in that instance of whoever said that to the WSB.

      • Perspective Y'all July 31, 2020 (1:52 am)

        What I’m referring to was blatant lies, not “whoopsies”. Purporting images from completely different cities were Seattle and blatant lies about what happened during protests. The protestors haven’t illegally prevented anyone news agencies from being around, but there is no law requiring anyone to cooperate with the press either.Those articles of lies lead to someone trying to run them over, more than once. Please for a half second use your brain and realize that legitimately lives are on the line. One protestor already died.If you want to know what’s happening, you’re also welcome to like, you know go out there and witness it for yourself. ;)

  • Bette July 27, 2020 (11:00 pm)

    As a child of the 60s Who demonstrated against the war I applaud the young folks continuing to advocate For these important issues.  Let’s not forget indigenous people, other people of color, LGBT who have systematically been oppressed I worry that the violence that is happening that impacts a cross section of our community is playing into the strategy for Trump et al and plays into the fears of many and sways voters non violence protest and the element of consistent messaging will  be more effective for sustained changealso working within the system, securing positions within the establishment and speaking truth to power is criticalstop the violence it serves no useful outcome at best and at worst alienates potential alliesI also would suggest that as impatient as the young are for systemic change ( and totally understandable) change in institutions will only happen overtime with thoughtful people in leadership roles, to think that institutions that are systemically racist, masoginistic etc will change over night or over a decade is folly

    • WSB July 28, 2020 (12:05 am)

      To be crystal clear, lest anyone be confused, there was NO violence involved with this march/demonstration, nor with any of the almost 20 others of all sizes that we have covered in West Seattle. – TR

      • j July 28, 2020 (10:13 am)

        No reports of violence would be the safer way to describe the West Seattle protests.

  • Josh in Puget Ridge July 27, 2020 (11:03 pm)

    This is what democracy looks like. I understand it’s inconvenient for some of you. The status quo in this country has been more than inconvenient for a lot of people for a very long time.  

    • Mandy July 28, 2020 (7:07 am)

      Would you want the medical staff performing your child’s heart surgery to have missed 3 hours’ sleep the night before? Depriving people of several hours’ sleep isn’t an inconvenience; it’s destructive. Everyday drivers, professional drivers, phlebotomists, nurses, radiologists, surgeons–basically any person whose mistake can cause harm–NEED a full night’s sleep in order to prevent costly errors. The fact protestors are reveling in this, with no thought to the damage, absolutely devalues the cause.

      • WS REZ July 28, 2020 (10:01 am)

        mandy, protests are meant to be disruptive. They cant go around the neighborhood collecting everyones sleeping hours. If you live in West Seattle, you can expect some noise once in a while, and if you dont- you shouldnt live somewhere so close to the city.  Black lives matter! Check your white privilege at the door, please.

      • BLM July 28, 2020 (10:57 am)

        Mandy, it seems like your energy would be better spend ending fireworks in Seattle–they keep 1000 times as many people awake.

        ps

        I know various people for whom sleep is critical.  Want to know their secret?  White noise machine and ear plugs.

      • Well Then Mandy July 28, 2020 (11:12 am)

        Sounds like you need to get off your duff and get out there and speak to City Council, The Mayor and Chief Best to encourage them to help end the protests.

    • j July 28, 2020 (10:31 am)

      This has very little to do with democracy.  Democracy is those young mostly white protesters using their admirable energies for Getting Out the Vote.  It may not be as trendy, fashionable or instagram-able, but that is the viable proven method for change. I wonder what part of the admittedly small group of protesters were West Seattleites?  I wonder how many joined in support?  I wonder about the vehicles accompanying the protests? I wonder who the leaders are?  None of this was reported because the group managed to limit the presses (WSB) engagement.  This is truly troubling. 

    • willow July 29, 2020 (1:56 pm)

      !!YES!!

  • Geoff July 27, 2020 (11:10 pm)

    It’s a efficient tactic, raises awareness and alienates potential supporters at the same time. Looking forward to four more years of this.

    • BLM July 28, 2020 (1:33 pm)

      If you stop supporting the fight against racism and police violence because of a peaceful nighttime march then one wonders how strong your support was in the first place.

      • Geoff July 29, 2020 (11:04 pm)

        My point actually was that this tactic of marching at night is exactly what a false flag op meant to discredit the message would do. Very shrewd.

        • BLM July 30, 2020 (8:03 am)

          Oh, ok.  So you don’t think it alienated potential supporters?

          I mean you either do or you don’t, and if you do think a small peaceful march gets people to stop supporting BLM then my point stands.

          And if you don’t think the small peaceful march stopped people from supporting BLM, uh, what are you even talking about?

          Your point is so dull it’s just smudging up the page.

  • California Ave resident July 27, 2020 (11:25 pm)

    Definitely did not see what others saw – no shining flashlights in houses. Lots of banging drums for sure. The two people I saw leading chants with megaphones were both black women. Did see a white woman get very mad and call 911 claiming someone was following her (no one was and in fact she was walking away while the protesters faced the opposite direction).

  • Diane July 27, 2020 (11:27 pm)

    ah, now I understand the vague post I just saw on FB

  • Detaching July 27, 2020 (11:30 pm)

    I  approached about 5-6 protesters with their bikes and scooters blocking the the far end 44th .  I expressed support of the movement, but shared that I did not like the violence and  property destruction that came with it, which seemed to be done behind the veil of peaceful BLM protests.  I expressed my opinion that such actions were counter productive and hurt the movement –  and they would lose supporters in the process.  They (he) denied supporting the violence, but did NOT have a problem with property destruction.   He started to explain why, but at that point, I walked away, saying,  you lost me.

    • James July 28, 2020 (5:34 am)

      You chose random people in the protest to use them as a sounding board for your agenda. Those protesters don’t owe you anything.

      • WTF July 28, 2020 (8:46 am)

        When you draw attention to yourself (for any cause) you do owe it to people. You can’t have it both ways. That belief is getting really tired and the hypocrisy is not going unnoticed.

        • BLM July 28, 2020 (10:28 am)

          What about the hypocrisy of the commenter who wanted to have a conversation and when the other person began explaining their position s/he “walked away”.  Like you said, you can’t have it both ways.  

  • psps July 27, 2020 (11:49 pm)

    LOL. I am amused when people express dismay that they are inconvenienced by a protest.  “Protests are fine and I support them and all of that, just so long as they don’t disturb my peaceful existence and routine!!”  That kind of sums up the problem right there, doesn’t it?

  • WS resident July 27, 2020 (11:51 pm)

    To all the people complaining in the comments about the inconvenience and all, take it somewhere else. Kudos to all those participating and talking to the councilmember about their concerns directly. Many people complain, not many take action. So don’t be upset when people match their actions with their words. 

  • Science27 July 28, 2020 (12:15 am)

    Suzi LeVine’s house next? There are thousands of us that still have not recieved unemployment benefits since March.

  • WS Mama July 28, 2020 (12:16 am)

    Wonderful surprise to have a BLM protest in West Seattle tonight. It was completely peaceful and well organized. I marched to Councilmember González’s home with my 9 year old after seeing them outside of our house. He saw the group and insisted on joining the movement. The group was welcoming, kind and respectful of the neighborhood. If it was a little loud and kept you up a few minutes past bedtime, lets remember that change is not always convenient. How did Breonna Taylor feel when she was trying to sleep and the police woke her with bullets? I’d say this is a minor inconvenience. BLM!

    • MrsT July 28, 2020 (9:32 am)

      We joined too when our teenager insisted. We are a family that sees the value in protests and attend them regularly. The group we joined was definitely boisterous and definitely had a lot of white people in it. The three people I saw with bullhorns were black. Their call and response was creative, engaging, to the point and pretty much went on non-stop. I was walking next to a guy that was waving a small flashlight towards windows. No one was even a little violent. Nothing was damaged that I saw.The entire point of a protest is to disrupt and bring focus to a cause. If the crowd was too white for some, maybe we should find a way to entice POC to live in our city and neighborhood. My guess is that a lot of these folks used to work in the restaurant industry. They are young, energetic, angry, and have tons of time on their hands since we continue to fail to get this pandemic under control. All of the people I saw were wearing masks.

    • willow July 29, 2020 (1:57 pm)

      !!YES!!

  • Rockatansky July 28, 2020 (12:19 am)

       Yes, of course she’s happy about being dragged out of bed at 10:30 at night who wouldn’t be? Surrounded by adult children recording her every move with a cell phone so they can broadcast it later. It’s just intimidation at this point. “we know where you live” 

    • Incorrect July 28, 2020 (11:17 am)

      They were broadcasting it live over the internet like they do with all of them. :D

  • Ts July 28, 2020 (12:32 am)

    I’m hearing loud chants still at 12:30 and a lot of honking horns and speeding cars. Two 2 very loud explosions (like Seafair Clowns canons) before midnight.&nbsp

    • WSB July 28, 2020 (12:44 am)

      Those blasts have been happening nightly, heard it up here. As for the chants, they might have marched back the same way -we left when the convrsation with the CM wrapped up and they all thanked her.

      • WS Mama July 28, 2020 (1:00 am)

        They are wrapping up at Madison Middle now. Ended with chants. I believe fireworks are unrelated since we hear them every night by the school. Thanks fo the coverage WSB. 

    • Joy July 28, 2020 (12:54 am)

      I heard 2 loud explosions at my North Admiral home exactly at 12am and I wondered what happened and have been searching on WSB as well as Twitter and FB.  It was Boom and 5 mins later 2nd Boom that shook my home. It’s too loud to be fireworks or gunshots. 

      • WSB July 28, 2020 (2:11 am)

        There’ve been several. They sound just like the standard M-80 type “firework” I’ve heard a thousand times before, unfortunately. (And 2 minutes later, yet another.)

        • Brandon July 28, 2020 (8:43 am)

          Oh, they were much bigger than M-80’s. On Genessee hill it was as more like the Seafair pirate cannons.   Glad no one in WS has wartime PTSD. I would sympathize with those vets. 

      • AlkiBOOM July 28, 2020 (10:17 am)

        Group of 20 people were on the very east side of Alki beach. They set off a series of small fireworks then 2 GIANT airborne explosions that didn’t look like a traditional firework. Called SPD nonemergency to try to get them on the way in case it continued. Was told they would not respond unless it was ‘life and death or if things escalated to assault’. 

        • MW July 28, 2020 (1:49 pm)

          Thanks for that note.  I live beside the old Schmitz Park Elementary.  My sturdy 1950s house walls shook with that 2nd bomb.  

  • me July 28, 2020 (1:17 am)

    Black Lives Matter – good job protesters, keep the momentum going!

  • James July 28, 2020 (5:24 am)

    Police retaliation is real and has happened many times to protesters in Seattle. This was pointed out to you on Twitter—you know why protesters did not want to engage with you as a member of the press. I wish you would have thought twice to not publish photos of faces. This is disappointing.

    • Brandon July 28, 2020 (8:46 am)

      Why should they get special privileges?  It’s public spaces and not against the law. 

    • WSB July 28, 2020 (10:08 am)

      After getting back here midnightish,  I saw that several people had speculated  on Twitter that the ruling was the reason the organizers were hostile. Maybe that was it, maybe it wasn’t.

      We are not party to that court fight nor are we bound by that ruling. Having been the legal point person in newsrooms of many sizes over the last 35+ years, I can say that it’s long been (even in the pre-digital days) best practice NOT to keep unpublished images/notes, in case of such subpoenas.

      At WSB, we have been the subject of a similar demand, to turn over some non-published info – a demand from a business, not a government entity – exactly once in 13 years. (We have an exceptional lawyer and he got them to back down. Cost $ but it was important.)

      Otherwise, backing down in general is not my personal MO. Our world as community journalists is usually pretty calm but we do occasionally encounter situations in which someone tries to order us to stop covering something in a public place. (Last time was a couple months ago when a security guard tried to block us from photographing, from a public street, the publicly funded, to-this-day-unoccupied quarantine site in Top Hat.)

      Back to the subject of photography, that ruling hasn’t ended visual coverage of Seattle protests  – as seen iin abundance last weekend, from indie streaming journalists to TV crews. And there was no shortage of photography last night – phone and other cameras abounded – so there certainly was no prevailing “no photography” policy.

      Our job is to report on what’s happening in West Seattle as best we can and that’s what we were doing last night. I wish we could have told a better story – when we decided to run the risk of getting hassled again and got closer to the gathering outside the councilmember’s home, I found myself maskless and so had to keep my distance, not close enough to clearly hear those engaging with her. – TR 

      • Neighbor July 28, 2020 (11:25 am)

        It’s been common practice for the protestors to request news outlets to leave since before the ruling. It started just after Fox News published that article of untruths. From their perspective and they have been vocal about this, is that News Organizations aren’t trustworthy. But, let me state that this isn’t a comment as to the quality of the news the WSB puts out, because it’s a solid source.Once the untruths started getting printed, any news outlet became one in the same. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but that is how they have chosen to move forward.

      • Peter S. July 28, 2020 (12:24 pm)

        Thank you Tracy for articulating the facts of the matter as well as your reporting philosophy.  It’s been repeatedly upheld by the courts that one can’t participate in a public spectacle  (and protests are by definition “spectacle”),  and have any expectation of privacy.  Anyone who thinks the “authorities” don’t  know how to find essentially the same images uploaded by multiple individual cell phone users onto Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. is either naive or dishonest.  I’ll grudgingly concede that protests which inconvenience me get my attention better than those which have no direct impact.  That said, there’s no place for vandalism or destructive mayhem if you want rational people to get behind your cause, because some of the “I’m cool with violence and destruction” goes away when it’s your car being torched or your business windows being broken.  Thankfully, there’s been none of that in West Seattle, so far and I sincerely hope it stays that way.  As another poster accurately noted, that kind of activity is being pointed out as an object lesson to large swaths of conservative America.  

      • James July 28, 2020 (2:57 pm)

        I’m looking at your original tweet on Twitter and I am not seeing any speculation on the part of others, especially in reference to “unruly” protesters. You’ve chosen to cite your career and whataboutism to support your position to double down. You could have still covered this story by sharing photos of people marching on the street rather than showing faces. There are multiple ways to post this story without putting Black and Brown bodies at risk of retaliation for protesting. Your choice remains disappointing. Do better.

  • Me July 28, 2020 (5:43 am)

    Ugh so over this city. You can support BLM but not agree with protesting through a neighborhood so late. 

  • Joe Z July 28, 2020 (6:47 am)

    Keep the pressure on protestors, West Seattle supports you. BLM.

  • Lisa July 28, 2020 (6:57 am)

    Glad to hear this is happening in our neighborhood. Day and night, BLM. We’re all going to have to endure some level of  inconvenience until there is equality for all.

    • Friend O'Dinghus July 28, 2020 (8:06 am)

      While I support your enthusiasm, and too believe there is systemic racism in American policing, another four years of a Trump presidency will eliminate all of your arguments, as he is a fascist who will seek to be our ‘forever’ President. Every stunt like this drives untold numbers of Trump supporters to the polls. I would suggest a much lighter touch until after the election. I will explain; the PNW has become practically a video production facility for the right wing media outlets to use for their narratives. They play the images over and over to tens of millions of eyes everyday ad naseum. First rule of effective persuasion is to not strengthen the opponents counter position. It’s looking increasingly like a Trump win come November, and the final blow to what was once the promise of freedom. Think wisely on what I have just said.

      • Ron Swanson July 28, 2020 (9:38 am)

        That’s some mighty fine concern trolling there! In fact, Trump’s polling is in steady free fall, both due to his inability to competently handle the pandemic and his complete tone deafness about BLM and police violence.  Despite all the “chaos and antifa” rhetoric, 63% of the public support BLM in a recent ABC news poll.  It’s not 1968 anymore, despite how much Trump and other Fox News viewers think it is.

      • CAM July 28, 2020 (10:57 am)

        None of that is true based on recent polling and evidence of how people across the country are responding to the protests. If you are referencing the president’s base, they don’t need convincing and will be voting no matter what. It’s not good practice to discourage people from doing good things to benefit us all out of unfounded fears. Moderates have been predicting that progressives will depress the vote for eons but the only evidence out there suggests the reverse in the majority of recent elections. 

      • BLM July 28, 2020 (11:00 am)

        It’s looking increasingly like a Trump win come November”

        Not it’s not.

        https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/national/

  • Frustrated July 28, 2020 (7:45 am)

    I think the city council should gear up ,  grab a bike and standing in the frontline with the officers at these protests. See what it’s like to be responsible for keeping the peace while being threatened and having rocks bottles and explosives thrown at them. All the while trying to stop the destruction of peoples business and fires being set. Then talk about defunding the police department. Violence doesn’t solve anything. What’s wrong with sitting down with the city leaders and police and work out a solution for real changes and real accountability  when the few bad officers cross the line .

    • BLM July 28, 2020 (1:35 pm)

      Violence doesn’t solve anything”

      Then why do cops kill a thousand people a year?

  • AMD July 28, 2020 (8:11 am)

    So many people say “civil disobedience and violence are not the way to get your point across” but as soon as the protests are non-violent, downtown (out of sight), and in the afternoon while everyone is busy, we stop talking about the issue.  Thank you to the activists who are keeping the conversation alive, because it’s still VERY relevant, and thank you CM Gonzales for engaging with the community members who came to your door. 

  • Rockatansky July 28, 2020 (8:14 am)

        To those encouraging this as “needed activism” and a just cause.  Which I don’t disagree with, just please consider the reserve situation. You are obligated to show support for causes you consider “unjust” as well.  The 1st amendment is for all. Not just those you agree with. Please be respectful of your community everywhere. 

    • BLM July 28, 2020 (1:39 pm)

      You are obligated to show support for causes you consider “unjust” as well.”

      What messed up crack have you been smoking?

      There is zero obligation to support causes you consider unjust–what are you even…

  • Lola July 28, 2020 (8:24 am)

    Thank you WSB for always being the source I can count on for what is going on in my neighborhood.  I could not tell if it was coming from down on Beach Dr or the Junction as our bedroom faces West towards the Beach.  My son said he heard the loud booms at about 12 AM he lives in N Admiral.  

  • Lisa July 28, 2020 (8:26 am)

    Don’t like the Seattle CC (at all). But, have to respect the fact Gonzales went outside and had a conversation with the group.

    • Neighbor July 28, 2020 (11:27 am)

      Agreed. Herbold came out the night before, but was much more brief and didn’t bother putting on a mask at all.

      • WSB July 28, 2020 (11:29 am)

        The demonstrators were at her house Friday night but they were gone by the time I heard that and went over (10:40 pm) to look. What we subsequently heard about how these are carried out is why we correctly guessed what was going to happen last night when we started getting texts about the gathering at Madison.

        • Neighbor July 28, 2020 (1:38 pm)

          Yes, you are correct it was Friday evening they went to Herbold’s house. In a post COVID-19 world where we don’t leave the house much anymore, the days blend together. I was watching the group from home and saw Herbold definitely it wearing a mask. She was keeping her distance as CM Gonzalez was, but still chose not to mask up.

  • Richard July 28, 2020 (8:29 am)

    No justice, no peace.Protests are a disturbance. If you’re complaining on here about how this protest inconvenienced you then you have never truly understood or supported the ideas behind Black Lives Matter. Systemic racism didn’t go away after you posted a black square that one time on Instagram. Want these protests to stop? Write to your legislators, senators, the city council, the Mayor, and everyone else about supporting defunding the police. Once that happens you can sleep in peace again. 

    • A July 28, 2020 (12:47 pm)

      I had a good laugh at your comment Richard. I’ve read a lot of ridiculous statements on this topic but yours takes the cake. Talk to your representatives about defunding the police and then you can sleep in peace? Haha you’re pretty funny Richard. Defund the police and myself and many others are going to be purchasing guns. I hate guns but if the police are defunded to a point where they can’t protect us then I will be arming myself and there are many out there like me. Be careful what you wish for Richard. This no police utopia you are thinking of does not exist. There are lots of bad people out there and without police our whole city will turn into CHOP and that would be a disaster

  • max34 July 28, 2020 (8:37 am)

    good work y’all.  keep up the protests and get the word out.   some momentary inconvenience from chants and banging pots is nothing compared to the every day fear black folks had / have / continue to live with.  There’s no “right” way to protest because it’s meant to disrupt the status quo.  glad the councilwoman was able to address folks.  tensions are way high to be sure and there will always be folks who want to agitate.  they cannot be the focus.  

  • Mamabear July 28, 2020 (8:38 am)

    Is this Peace? Do these yelling protesters create a community that you want to be a part of?The yelling & screaming made me feel angry & defensive. How would they like to have this by their home? Their small children woken up feeling scared. As a mama, I instinctively get defensive to protect my babes. Do you want to create fear & anger?Isnt that the opposite of what we need?If you want Respect, Ya all need to find a better way To express your message. 

    • MrsT July 28, 2020 (9:42 am)

      I am a mom too, and I marched out my door because black mothers Everywhere live in real, validated fear for their children every single day. I choose to aim my fury at the fact that marches like this are necessary, not that they are inconvenient. 

    • Blbl July 28, 2020 (9:57 am)

      No justice, no peace.  Any other questions?

      • Mamabear July 28, 2020 (8:54 pm)

        There is no justice in many things. I’m not seeing marches, rioting, theft, damage for all of those! People organize marathons and music festivals to bring awareness. There are lots of other ways to get the “unjust” point across and make a lasting impact. It takes thinking….

    • BLM July 28, 2020 (11:17 am)

      “Is this peace?” 

      You actually asked that?  What part of NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE is too complicated for you?

      “Do these yelling protesters create a community that you want to be a part of?”

      Yes!!!  I opened my window wider, and hoped my daughter would wake up so she could experience it.  It absolutely thrilled me, and I wish I could have joined them.

      ” How would they like to have this by their home?”?? 

      I mean they were there–they LITERALLY could not be closer to the protest, so my guess is they’re ok with it…

      “Do you want to create fear & anger?”

      Me, personally?  I can’t answer for the protesters, but for me, personally, no to the fear, but I do think many people could use more anger.  Anger about all of the injustice and racism and abuse and violence in our society.  At this point if you’re not angry you’re not paying attention.

      • WILLOW July 29, 2020 (2:31 pm)

        @ BLM “At this point if you’re not angry you’re not paying attention.” YES. GET UNCOMFORTABLE, GET REAL EDUCATED. THEN GET MOBILE !!!

    • WS Mama July 28, 2020 (2:43 pm)

      They started the protest outside my house so our family went to meet them. My 5 year old met the event organizers. We chanted with them. My 9 year old begged to join the march. Children don’t need to be scared of the protests, just educated. My family is scared for the children who are dying at the hands of police. Tamir Rice was 12. That is what we should all be scared of. 

    • willow July 29, 2020 (2:38 pm)

      THINK ABOUT WHY THE OUTCRIES MAKE YOU FEEL “angry & defensive” theres so much white supremacist delusion there. the narrative that theres a right way to protest. while sitting in your quiet manicured home and neighborhood, you should always feel angry & defensive for Black and indigenous lives! all of us are #1 occupying Duwamish stolen land! time to pay rent. disruption of your comfort is ABSOLUTELY Necessary. I invite you to really deeply consider what it is that is disturbing to you and why your sense of urgency in this matter isnt meeting theirs.. I want to see more ADULTS AND PARENTS be organizing amplifying and supporting conversations and demonstrations.if you were informed you would undoubtably be out there with them. its as matter of weather you have all of the information, and how much you care. were fighting for a better safer future. have some urgency.

  • Joe Zerhehic July 28, 2020 (9:07 am)

    Equality ! 

  • Anonymous Coward July 28, 2020 (9:19 am)

    How do all the other organizers-with-a-cause get a list of addresses of our esteemed council members?  Because if someone has an issue that they want heard by the city council members, showing up at their house at 10p with a megaphone sounds like it results in warm, personal conversation and thanks from the council members.  Way more effective than writing a letter or trying to schedule a constituents meeting…

    • MR July 28, 2020 (2:16 pm)

      We need their addresses.  I’m for nightly marches screaming in every council members’ neighborhoods, forcing them  to act with urgency to restore us the WS high rise bridge.   I don’t think every Seattle resident cares as much about this issue as WS does – which they should.  Shake up the entire city.   Our issues are Your issues!

  • DefendSPD July 28, 2020 (9:36 am)

    What no police hatred street spray for Queen Lorena? All the other council members had their streets full of children defaced.

    • WSB July 28, 2020 (11:11 am)

      I don’t know where that was but we went back to CM González’s block this morning to look. Nothing written on the street or sidewalk.

  • Brandon July 28, 2020 (10:16 am)

    You can add the march continued back up 45th to Madison MS at 12:30 a.m.  Both lanes of the street were filled as about 40 cars, horns honking, alerted the neighbors to their presence. “Wake everyone up” was their call as megaphone chants filled the air by the 40-50 marchers who followed. 

  • LoveThyNeighbor July 28, 2020 (10:18 am)

    I support your right to peaceful protests.  I also agree that black lives matter & that systematic racism must end.  But calling people “white privilege” because they own a house, AND YOU DON’T, is racist. 

    Seattle & the entire PNW is a very liberal area, the vast majority of us support equal rights for all, & the end to police violence. 

    When you start to imply that homeowners (or “white privilege”) are somehow a part of the problem, & then intentionally target quiet neighborhoods THAT SUPPORT YOU at 10pm at night, then do not be surprised when you lose their support.

    • B July 28, 2020 (12:23 pm)

      The problem is that you can say you support, but what are you doing to help the cause? If you’re sitting in your house doing nothing, that’s not very helpful to the cause, is it? Pointing out privilege where it exists isn’t racist. It’s necessary. You can afford to sit in your house and not act in the form of protesting. POC can’t. BLM can’t. Some noise shouldn’t make you lose support for BLM. 

    • BLM July 28, 2020 (12:42 pm)

      I’m only addressing one part of your post, but let me be really clear:

      If you stop supporting the fight against racism and police violence because of a peaceful march that was too noisy or too late at night then you were never really an ally.

      • WS RES July 28, 2020 (2:21 pm)

        Well put. BLM.

      • cwit July 28, 2020 (3:23 pm)

        Hear hear! Where’s the clap icon when you need one (or many of them)? I’ll echo the sentiment – well said, BLM!

    • Ron Swanson July 28, 2020 (1:35 pm)

      You should really look into the history of redlining, the fact that homeownership rates are so much higher among whites than minorities isn’t some historical accident: it’s systemic racism at work!

    • Know Your History July 28, 2020 (1:45 pm)

      In the Seattle Metropolitan area, owning a home IS White Privilege BY DESIGN. You clearly own a home. Why don’t you research the covenants that your neighborhood originally had, which the Supreme Court ruled illegal? I live in Cottage Grove. The covenants in my neighborhood originally prevented specifically peoples of Asian descent (many named directly by specific country of origin) from living within it’s boundaries, as well as owning a piece of property.This city has a deep dark history of redlining as well. Owning a house or any real estate in Seattle absolutely IS White Privilege because it was designed that way. I understand that this is hard to hear, but it is important to understand and recognize how the system was designed and how some benefit from the system while others don’t.

    • Dr. No July 28, 2020 (1:52 pm)

      Exactly. The second you suggest a different point of view or way to approach something your labeled, accused of being privileged etc etc. Basically cancelled.  This isn’t a binary thing. It’s complex! Look at some of the BLM demands..reparations, over turned sentences- It’s extremely complex.  I’m with the message 100 percent but not with the aggressive tactics used by groups under the guise of civil rights. Showing up at 11PM is not a peaceful protest, it’s a very planned strong arm tactic. 

    • tsurly July 28, 2020 (2:54 pm)

      Seems like you have alot to learn about what white privilege and racism actually are, and how a you, presumably as a white person, perpetuate racism without being “racist. ” That is ok and is something that you can change. There are lot of good books out there that can explain this to you and provide guidance on recognizing your privilege and how your actions are racist. Start with “How to be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi; this book was an absolute eyeopener for me, a white, upper middle class, educated male. 

    • KBear July 28, 2020 (8:15 pm)

      “Lovethyneighbor” (do you really?)—You insist that home ownership is not an expression of white privilege, but have you ever tried to buy a home while being black? And what exactly do you mean by “quiet” neighborhoods?

  • AlkiRosco July 28, 2020 (10:30 am)

    Thank you WSB for continuing to cover the important things and not backing down.    I appreciate your integrity.   

  • Sam July 28, 2020 (10:44 am)

    The group is being mischaracterized! I joined the protest for about a half hour; did anyone else run into the woman who was yelling about her kids not being able to sleep? She ended up calling the police, telling them, ‘I am being followed’, while walking away from the protest! NO ONE was following her!Karen Alert! 

  • Kim July 28, 2020 (10:58 am)

    Yeah! Thanks to all that are helping #IncreasethePeace by taking to the streets to protest the injustices and speak up for what is right! And props to CM Gonzalez for coming out to listen, discuss and appreciate them taking the action to her. Black lives matter!

  • JES July 28, 2020 (11:05 am)

    BLACK LIVES MATTER. Yes, even at inconvenient times. You either support or you don’t.

  • Duggie July 28, 2020 (11:31 am)

    Yes, you are either with us or against us…

    • A July 28, 2020 (1:01 pm)

      I’m against adult children throwing tantrums and making demands so I guess I am against you. You had me at black lives matter. You lost me at defund the police and overthrow the current system. I don’t think you guys even know what you are protesting for anymore. The majority of us like our lives and our country and you will be in for a rude awakening if you think you are going to destroy it

      • Dr. No July 28, 2020 (1:37 pm)

        Spot on A

      • WS RES July 28, 2020 (2:21 pm)

        wellll… that was an aggressive response. 

        • BLM July 28, 2020 (2:39 pm)

          ikr

          it’s like sure, Black Lives Matter but not enough to actually DO anything.  Lol, lip service to the movement but hell if I’m going to actually help you change the system so that fewer Blacks get shot or attacked by the police.  and these people think they are allies? 

          it’s so telling that there are SO many people being like Yeah, BLM, totally! but can you maybe not protest or defund the police or do anything at all to change the status quo cuz, really, that’d be inconvenient.  

          • Mamabear July 28, 2020 (9:11 pm)

            What’s your solution? How are you going to stop a cop from being a jerk? So what if we have 1/2 the police force. You don’t get to pick and say, “ we only want the nice ones”, get real. Who is gonna decide who those good cops are? Got a better solution?

      • tsurly July 28, 2020 (3:07 pm)

        Ah the internet tough guy, must be here taking a break from 4Chan. The tone and wording of your message makes me think you are part of that good ol’ boy population desperately trying to maintain the power and control that you’ve been privilege to for hundreds of years, while quickly being surpassed by women and minorities in  every category that we as a nation gauge as a measure of success. Good luck swimming against the current in the sea of change, bro.

        • LookingforTruth July 28, 2020 (7:51 pm)

          Our culture as a nation has become far too accustomed to instant gratification.  If the BLM movement was seeking to wake the nation up to racial injustices that many of us were unaware even existed, consider us “woke”.    Now, let’s pause & take stock of the situation to plan/act for a better future.  Change for the sake of change can easily backfire with unintended & horrible consequences.   I know that everyone wants what they want right now, but that’s not how effective growth happens.  I see the raw anger, frustration & impatience of the protests play out on the news & around me every day & wish that energy could be re-directed now towards positive actions.  More marching, chanting, yelling & burning is not going to move the needle any further at this point.  Alienating  the very people the movement is trying to “wake up” is counterproductive & feeds into the narrative of those who will never be on the side of equality.   

          • BLM July 28, 2020 (8:48 pm)

            Lemme get this straight.

            at 2 pm today you had no clue what the protestors were asking for (you wrote as much in this selfsame comment section).

            now 5 hours later you’re going to tell people they’re asking for too much?  that they’re asking for it too soon?

            you are a disgrace.

            let me leave you with this point, which i’ve already said a couple times today.  you write that this protest alienated people.  if anyone got turned away from the fight against racism and police violence because of a small peaceful march then they were never fighting in the first place.  no matter how many buzzwords and platitudes and condescension you can muster, that is that.  if you were so pissed there was noise outside from 10-12 last night that you think, ugh, i was totally on board with the BLM message but that was really too much–then you were never really there.  

          • LookingforTruth July 29, 2020 (10:04 am)

            I can almost feel the spittle on my face as you call me a “disgrace”.  Like almost every other human being walking the planet, I see the world through the lens of my own lived experience.  When I am ready to suspend that in order to envision things as you see them, that demonstrates a willingness to listen & learn.After all, do want to win the hearts & minds (and votes) of people that are different from you or do you just seek to subjugate them? 

          • BLM July 29, 2020 (9:01 pm)

            I can almost feel the spittle on my face as you call me a “disgrace”. ”

            I’m wearing a mask.

            Like almost every other human being walking the planet, I see the world through the lens of my own lived experience.”

            That sentence is entirely meaningless–I feel like I’m grading freshman philosophy essays.

            When I am ready to suspend that in order to envision things as you see them”

            Uh, you mean have a conversation?

            that demonstrates a willingness to listen & learn.”

            Aha.  But, see, herein lies the rub because you have shown zero interest in listening and learning–what you did show was a ridiculously patronizing attitude.

            You professed to know nothing about the demands of activists, and then in the next breath explained how they needed to “…pause & take stock of the situation” because whatever they want (cuz remember–you don’t even know what they want!) could “backfire with unintended & horrible consequences.”

            That’s not listening and learning.  That’s concern-trolling and lecturing. And this is you getting called out for it. 

        • Mamabear July 28, 2020 (10:18 pm)

          Hahahaha! I’m a woman through and through! I’m a mama to my two kids. I think you should write tv sitcoms! No really, we have got to get way more creative as a nation. The police force obviously needs an overhaul. 

        • Mamabear July 28, 2020 (11:09 pm)

          Response to TSURLY Hahahaha! I’m a woman through and through! I’m a mama to my two kids. I think you should write tv sitcoms! No really, we have got to get way more creative as a nation. The police force obviously needs an overhaul. 

          • Tsurly July 29, 2020 (11:22 am)

            I was replying to A, not you

          • LookingforTruth July 30, 2020 (6:12 am)

            @ BLM:“I can almost feel the spittle on my face as you call me a “disgrace”. ”I’m wearing a mask.That was not literal “spittle” but intended to convey the extreme contempt with which that insult was hurled (who’s grading the Freshman English paper here?)“Like almost every other human being walking the planet, I see the world through the lens of my own lived experience.”That sentence is entirely meaningless–I feel like I’m grading freshman philosophy essays.This was me conceding that because I believe that I have never displayed outright racism to anyone, I may have been blind to the fact that other, bigger factors were in play.“When I am ready to suspend that in order to envision things as you see them” Uh, you mean have a conversation?No, this means much more than having a conversation.  It requires taking what’s learned in a dialogue and reflecting deeply on the bigger picture.  Ultimately, it can lead to a paradigm change in how one views & interacts with the world.Aha.  But, see, herein lies the rub because you have shown zero interest in listening and learning–what you did show was a ridiculously patronizing attitude.More insults (and spittle).You professed to know nothing about the demands of activists, and then in the next breath explained how they needed to “…pause & take stock of the situation” because whatever they want (cuz remember–you don’t even know what they want!) could “backfire with unintended & horrible consequences.”I NEVER said I didn’t know anything about the protester demands, but merely wanted a consensus of the five most important ones from the people closest to the issues. I don’t think I even need to defend the idea that careful consideration before making historical decisions is a prudent idea.  History makes that argument for me.That’s not listening and learning.  That’s concern-trolling and lecturing. And this is you getting called out for it. This “Concern Troll” (never heard those 2 words strung together like that) was really just trying  to get to the meat of the differences between the people who feel they’ve been “overexposed” to the message & are now really turning off to it – AND the peeps who feel that they have just cracked the social consciousness  of the general public & want to take the opportunity to press home the point.So, I guess I consider myself “called out”.  Thanks.

        • A July 29, 2020 (5:25 pm)

          Don’t know what 4 chan is and I’m Mexican but you did a good job of judging me based on my beliefs. Good job bro

  • Dr. No July 28, 2020 (12:08 pm)

    Well, after the huge show of support for SPD on the blog re: defunding, it seems the opposition has taken to the blog to make their voice heard. Which is cool. I think everyone should have a voice at the table. However when you try to limit coverage/ opposing views you’re only hurting your movement. Because you know, hypocrisy. I also take exception with the bully tactics disguised as a protest. You’re beating a drum in one of the most liberal places in America and vow not to stop..again, totally your right to do so, but do you think there may be a better way? What does a bully tactic (call it a protest if you want) to a council members house at 11PM solve? That you’re willing to make it inconvenient until you get what you want? My children use the same tactic. So what happens if you don’t get what you want? Because, news flash, you’re not going to get *everything* you ask for. Maybe I’m wrong but didn’t Sawant use the same tactics and now it seems these tactics have spread to council members homes? Anyone marching to Sawant’s house? No? Weird. You’ll maintain public support if you stop trying to manipulate the cause. Everyone sees right through this behavior.

  • Blbl July 28, 2020 (1:12 pm)

    138 comments and counting. Looks like the protest was a huge success! I look forward to joining in the next one. 

  • David Schneider July 28, 2020 (2:40 pm)

    PERFECT protest.  That kids is HOW you do a civil protest.  Flawless!This children, is how you have an EFFECTIVE protest. I know it’s fun to smash a Starbucks window because, well it’s fun. But THIS is how “adults” do it. They marched in West Seattle, to the home of a city councilwoman, they chanted a bit, the councilwoman came out, they talked and had a constructive dialog, then they went away. No one “broke” anything for fun. They were trying to reach out to the folks in power, you know, actual action. Believe it or not, getting the city council on your side IS more effective than breaking a window at a coffee house. I love this, one person did break way…to smash something? No…”one man broke away to yell at an apartment building that everyone should call the council about Wed’s big budget meeting. (SPD-related proposals will be on the agenda).”

    • LookingforTruth July 28, 2020 (7:02 pm)

      Is it really ok to show up at people’s houses to protest?  It seems wrong to me for a person in any given  profession to tolerate unhappy clients, customers, patrons, viewers, readers OR voters turning up at their door at all hours to air grievances.  Excuse me while I clutch my pearls, but if I cooked/served a meal to a diner at my restaurant, I would resent them showing up at my house at 11:00 in the evening to complain of heartburn.   Am I that out of touch?

      • junctioneer July 28, 2020 (8:50 pm)

        I have the same question but the comments for this article are downright embarrassing and reek of lack of listening and shutting people out, not dialogue. And now here I am among them, probably embarrassing future me.I have no problem with a protest being disrupted. I may or may not be annoyed but the point is to disrupt. Don’t care to argue about that.I feel interested in hearing more about why the choice to go to a council member’s home. That feels more Sawant-like disregard to me (ref recent events with that). But I recognize I could be wrong here. Presumably it was successful in that it got an audience. But, for example, if Pro Trump protestors were at her house, would we just say “poor taste” or would we say “how dare they threaten her”? Or is that a bad comparison somehow?uh, asking for a friend…

        • cwit July 30, 2020 (12:36 pm)

          Junctioneer – They are protesting at the council members’ homes b/c the city council would be the ones voting on police reform in Seattle.  Is that your question or is it specifically for why go to their home?  If the question is that then reference your comment about the point being disruption.Regardless of who the protesters are, if someone is threatening these public servants with harm, then yes, I would say “how dare they threaten her” but I don’t see anything that said that has happened.Although it’s been reported that one council person’s home was tagged w/spray paint.  Yes, that is in poor taste.

          • junctioneer July 31, 2020 (9:43 pm)

            It was why go to someone’s home, period. I guess that would be suggesting “honoring” of privacy regarding their home life, whatever that actually means. Going where it is personal for them rather than approaching them where they do their career. I realize that’s a flimsy argument, it just seems to break some invisible barrier in my mind with public figures. I also would add it is a little hard to argue council member safety since the whole sentiment of the protest is black bodies are not safe and it doesn’t seem, like you said, there were threatening actions.

  • Register and VOTE July 28, 2020 (2:46 pm)

    My hope is that everyone that is an eligible voter (whether or not they protest, complain about protests or protester behavior, likes or doesn’t like noise or sleep, or takes the time to post to the WSB) will REGISTER AND VOTE! REGISTER AND VOTE! REGISTER AND VOTE! register and vote (shh).

    • D Del Rio July 29, 2020 (8:54 am)

      Exactly. Didn’t something like less than 30% of registered voters even bother to vote in the last election? We have mail in ballots here, so there should be no excuse. Stop complaining and vote. It’s not that hard. Also remember that the less than 30% does not even count all those who don’t even bother to register to vote. I have a friend who is 43 years old, and complains about what is happening in this city and country, and has never voted once in his life. 

  • LookingforTruth July 28, 2020 (2:49 pm)

    If this protest could effect five INSTANTANEOUS but VERY specific changes (world peace & equality for all are way too vague), what would they be?  What five things accomplished would make almost everyone happy enough to go home & protest no more??

  • TS July 28, 2020 (3:26 pm)

    For those who didn’t like faces being shown in coverage photographs .. well there is no privacy in public. There’s case law up to the Supreme Court. You need to take responsibility for your actions. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. You should be wearing a mask anyway :)

  • Lagartija Nick July 28, 2020 (4:12 pm)

    I think a lot of the pearl clutchers here would have wept over King George’s tea.

  • Bradley July 28, 2020 (6:35 pm)

    Defend SPD. 

    • Bradley July 28, 2020 (9:06 pm)

      And that’s not a typo. Defend our women and men in Blue. There are good people in the SW Precinct. 

      • Bradley July 29, 2020 (1:51 am)

        As the original West Seattle Blog Bradley, I agree 110%. I talk to West Seattleites and other city residents, daily, from all walks of life. None of them want any police defunding and most want increased SPD funding and presence.

      • tsurly July 29, 2020 (6:54 am)

        There are certainly good cops (several of whom I know personally) who are the model for what police should be. The problem is that they are part of a system, whether they actively perpetuate it or not, that protects bad cops. That needs to change, and I cannot see a reason to dispute that, no matter what end of the political spectrum you’re on.

    • L July 29, 2020 (9:56 am)

      Agree with Bradley.   Defunding the police is misguided to say the least.  What are they going to cut?   Let’s improve the police force and weed out the bad cops, not demonize all of them.   Most of the city council (including Herbold) ran on a platform of increasing police funding.   Don’t let them shove this down our throats without a detailed plan and a city-wide vote.

    • Bradley July 29, 2020 (11:16 am)

      The only difference between DEFEND and DEFUND is U.

      Think about it.

      Stop police violence!

  • Done July 28, 2020 (7:15 pm)

    Do you ever agree with people just so they shut the hell up? I’m over it. Idaho looks great right now. 

  • A July 28, 2020 (9:25 pm)

    To the black lives matter/defund the police movement. I’m old enough to remember way back when when the people of Seattle tried an experiment. The experiment was called CHAZ and then CHOP. In this experiment the police were banished and the country of CHAZ was left to fend for itself with it’s own security force. In this country of CHAZ multiple people were shot and two black men were murdered within a two week period. I would venture to say that this experiment was an extreme failure. Can we please not try this experiment with the rest of our city? The BLM movement should be asking for more funding for the police and better training, not to abolish or defund them. Defunding the police will hurt minority communities more than any other community. It amazes me that you guys are so vocal and so demanding for something that is going to cause you way more harm than good

  • Allie July 29, 2020 (12:08 am)

    I fully support the police. And feel that they need to be fully funded, more training, hire more officers etc. Defunding is irresponsible 

    • Bradley July 29, 2020 (11:20 am)

      Paying police for doing jobs they DO NOT WANT TO DO is insane.  Most work police do is drug-related or mental-health related or other work that police were never ever meant to do.  Pay someone else (less!) to do those jobs, free police to do real police work!  THAT is what defunding means.You really want police doing the jobs of dog catchers, welfare agents, mental health professionals and drug counselors?  Cuz I got news for you–police themselves don’t want to be doing those things!  So hire others, which means we need less cops, which means the cops we do have can be lean mean crime fighting machines–and not social workers.  THAT is what defunding means.

      • willow July 29, 2020 (2:12 pm)

        ALLIE, you have lots of learning to do. Police reform will absolutely never be enough. Good police do not last in such a system that criminalizes black people, and was always setup to oppress black people. DEFUND THE POLICE. Rebuild the system. There have already been such substantial plans to do so. This is the start of creating a safe public for all. Its time to disarm and divest from criminalizing our seattle communities and be a real example for states abroad. Please do the work in listening and having conversations with people that simply no more than you. If you knew what they knew you would be out there too. We are in the midst of a police state, and we all need you to be doing better, and constantly learning. We can all always do better. your ignorance is violent. 

    • Willow July 29, 2020 (1:43 pm)

      Then you have lots of learning to do. You will have blood on your hands if you do not educate yourself. Police reform will absolutely never be enough. Good police do not last in such a system that criminalizes black people, and was always setup to oppress black people. DEFUND THE POLICE. Rebuild the system. There have already been such substantial plans to do so. This is the start of creating a safe public for all. Its time to disarm and divest from criminalizing our seattle communities and be a real example for states abroad. Please do the work in listening and having conversations with people that simply no more than you. If you knew what they knew you would be out there too. We are in the midst of a police state, and we all need you to be doing better, and constantly learning. We can all always do better.

  • Mariner July 29, 2020 (8:34 am)

    can someone explain why they are demanding Durkan must resign? 

    • willow July 29, 2020 (2:06 pm)

      For committing war crimes on her citizens and for gassing a neighborhood community which is home to a large fraction of residents of the entire WA residential community. CAP HILL is a very dense residential neighborhood, people were being gassed while in their home overnight for a whole week. She is completely responsible along with Spd chief carmen best for the polices actions and movements. She has lied to her people, and she does not want change to occur. She is nonsensical, and doesn’t treat the peoples plans as legitimate, and has taken many moves time and time again to remove credibility to protesters and demonstrators. Jenny D is a BIG NO.

  • Eric July 29, 2020 (11:42 am)

    Defund police, change union contracts that allow BAD cops to stay on the force and start investing in communities so there is less need for police.  

    • willow July 29, 2020 (2:09 pm)

      yesyes yes! Police donor reduce the crime rate, we as people we continue to make our presents known decriminalizing Seattle means defunding, not more funding!

  • WILLOW July 29, 2020 (2:27 pm)

    WEST SEATTLE RESIDENTS! OUT OF YOUR HOMES AND INTO THE STREET. TIME TO INVEST MORE TIME IN FOLKS, DO THE WORK IN EDUCATING YOURSELF AND YOUR COMMUNITIES, COME INTO THIS ALL AS A STUDENT AND BE PREPARED TO LEARN AND GROW. REDISTRIBUTE YOUR WEALTH. REGISTER TO VOTE. AND BE INTENTIONAL OF HOW YOU ARE VOTING WITH YOUR DOLLAR IN DAY TO DAY LIFE. REDISTRIBUTE YOUR WEALTH. REDISTRIBUTE WEALTH. SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUISNESSES. HOLD YOUR COMMUNITIES ACCOUNTABLE. AMPLIFY BLACK VOICES, LISTEN TO BLACK VOICES. GET WITH IT WEST SEATTLE!! IT DOESNT END AT VOICING YOUR SUPPORT FOR BLACK LIVES MATTER, DO YOUR PART IN FIGHTING FOR A SAFER FUTURE.

  • Dale July 29, 2020 (2:42 pm)

    “stopdefunding.com.”

    Sign up.

    Stop the insanity.

    • 1994 July 30, 2020 (11:02 pm)

      Signed the petition, stopdefunding.comSocial service professionals will not be eager to respond to citizens who are unstable and could be violent. Stop blurring the lines of these 2 very different professions, police and social services.

      • BLM July 31, 2020 (1:43 pm)

        “Stop blurring the lines of these 2 very different professions, police and social services.”

        Yes!  ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!

        This is one of the biggest arguments for defunding.

        Because with defunding, instead of having cops perform the roles of social workers, drug counselors, etc., we let the appropriate professionals deal with those issues which leaves police free to do police work.

        If you truly want to differentiate the roles–and assign specialists to each role, then you DO support defunding.  You just don’t realize it yet.  

  • WSB July 29, 2020 (11:32 pm)

    For anyone still interested: Just added above, a reader-provided 18-minute clip from the protesters’ dialogue Monday night with Councilmember González. P.S. While on Monday she stressed that SPD funding would be a major topic on Wednesday, it has instead been rescheduled for Friday – last possible date before the council is scheduled to take a final vote next Monday.

  • Elayne Huntington July 30, 2020 (4:19 pm)

    I am Native American.  We didn’t see any of you supporting our causes.  You want respect and support.  Where was ours?  You look at us like we don’t matter.  All races in this country is being discriminated against, not just you, even white people, Asian Americans, Mexican people, Middle Eastern, and there is good and bad in every race.  Until all of you can sit down together, without animosity and hatred for each other along without  racism, nothing will be accomplished.  Everyone matters, we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of God.  We may not all think the same way, but we can compromise with all colors aside.  We need unity, it doesn’t matter if you’re a millionaire or one who is working at a factory, it’s what our hearts say, it’s being compassionate for our neighbors and standing together for what is right. You need to ask for one’s help, you will gain more in the end as our children will carry on the legacy of being United and demolishing racism where it once stood.  I will stand with my brothers and sisters in peace.  Until this happens I wish you well in your endeavors.  

    • BLM July 30, 2020 (7:21 pm)

      I’m sorry you didn’t see anyone here supporting your causes.

      How can we support you?

  • Be Responsible August 2, 2020 (9:02 am)

    Defunding 50% is a knee jerk reaction experiment.  It is not responsible.
    There needs to be some reallocation. Marching on council member’s homes can be seen as trying to get their way out of fear and intimidation. Hum…..where else have we seen this in history?

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