In a note sent out Monday, said he no longer saw a pathway for the closure approach in the 2025-26 school year.

What we have witnessed this year is a master class on FECKLESS leadership. From Jones to the School Board and the crying board president Liza Rankin, they’ve lost all credibility.

Background: Seattle Public Schools superintendent scraps plan to close schools

The district has a nearly $100-million budget gap. That isn’t going away.

Jones initially proposed closing up to 21 schools, causing all sorts of stress and anxiety for students and parents. Somehow he and the board did not anticipate such strong reactions and threats of a mass exodus from an already struggling district. So, the Superintendent cut down the list to four. He still didn’t explain WHY or HOW he decided on these four elementary schools. Not to mention, the closures would barely help in filling the budget hole.

Once again, the parents and students make passionate pleas to keep them open. And once again, the Superintendent and the board caved in.

Jason Rantz: Retreating from closures, Seattle Public Schools superintendent, board revealed as completely inept

Kudos to the parents and kids who successfully pleaded their case. But this is only going to exacerbate the problem.

Jones recently got a pay raise. His salary is close to $400,000 a year. He is paid to make tough decisions. This was the classic ‘kick the can down the road.’ He says he’s going to find savings in operational efficiencies and will beg the legislature for money. That sounds like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Do you recall the state already dealing with a $10-billion deficit?

So, he has to come up with a plan. Fire a bunch of people in administration or somehow squeeze money out of a rock in Olympia. The other options are to hit taxpayers for more money, re-negotiate teachers and staff contracts next year and pay them less or CLOSE schools.

Doing nothing is not an option and this lack of leadership only guarantees more chaos for Seattle Public Schools next year.

Ursula Reutin is the co-host of The Gee and Ursula Show.

Listen to Ursula and Gee Scott weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

That was the case at the National Association of Black Journalists convention this week where former President Donald Trump questioned whether Vice President Kamala Harris is really Black or if she’s Indian.

More details: Donald Trump falsely suggests Kamala Harris misled voters about her race

He suggested that she only recently turned Black to get votes. For the record, Harris’ father is Jamaican, her mother is Indian and she has always identified as being Black, even attending Howard University, a historically Black university. She is also proud of her Indian heritage.

Why is that so hard for Trump — or anyone else —聽 to understand?

His ridiculous line of questioning brought me back to 1978. As a 13-year-old in a new country, I desperately wanted to feel like I belonged. Although I have a Germanic name, my outward appearance favors my Filipino ancestry. During my first decade living in the U.S., I would get questions like “Do you eat dogs or monkey meat?” or I’d hear racially-charged comments like “get back on the boat and go back to your country.”

It was painful! My natural response was to try to look and act like all my American friends who had lived here all their lives. I didn’t want to be different.

After graduating from college in 1988 and moving to Seattle, I felt more accepted. Seattle was a much bigger city and had more diversity than Eugene. In 1993, I gave up my German passport and was proud to become an American citizen.

Ursula: Being gay has no bearing on allegations against former SPD Chief Diaz

Over the years, I’ve found that the vast majority of people I encounter are accepting of my bi-racial background. It only makes sense. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans who identify as two or more races grew to 33.8 million in 2020. VP Harris and I are among the 25 million U.S. adults who are children of immigrants. That is 10% of the adult population.

America is a true melting pot and I believe our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We cannot afford to go backward by accepting such divisive and disrespectful remarks from the former president. We are better than that.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM.聽Subscribe to the podcast here.

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I can’t imagine what it feels like to not be able to live your truth and I hope that Diaz feels like a burden has been lifted now that he’s no longer keeping that secret.

But that’s not his only struggle.

During that same time, Diaz has also been the embattled chief of a police department that is suffering from historically low staffing, poor morale, and scandals. In the past year, Diaz has been hit with lawsuits and claims from women who accuse him of sexual harassment, misconduct, misogyny and gender discrimination.

Report: Seattle mayor hires firm to probe SPD sexual harassment, discrimination claims

In his exclusive interview with “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH, Diaz said he hasn’t had the opportunity to share his side of the story.聽 And he believes if people knew the truth about him being gay, we would understand how the allegations couldn’t also be true. (Even though he also acknowledged that being gay doesn’t mean you can’t be a misogynist).

What he said in this interview is mind-blowing to me! Diaz wants us to believe that all these women at SPD are making up their allegations because he is gay and wouldn’t have an interest in them. As far as everyone knew, until yesterday, he was married and has three children. What he was feeling internally doesn’t absolve him from what those women were feeling because of his external actions. The disclosure of his sexual orientation changes absolutely nothing about these cases. It also doesn’t explain some of the other issues that have been raised about his leadership style or the actions of others on his leadership team.

Rantz Exclusive: Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz announces he’s gay

So why did he only make this announcement to one talk show host instead of having a news conference? It’s clearly a tactic to control the message and to avoid any follow-up questions that other reporters will have. Diaz said his decision to step down was made together with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who opted not to wait for an independent investigation to be completed. The mayor named former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr as interim chief while Diaz will work on unspecified special assignments.

Rantz asked whether anyone in the mayor’s administration pressured him NOT to come out publicly. Diaz’s answer was vague, saying it’s something that will be discussed at a later time. He then went on to say he’s had an immense amount of support from the community but also predicts there will be people who will try to “de-gay” or “un-gay” him because it doesn’t fit their narrative.聽 Then he finally admitted that yes, he got pushback from the mayor’s office but he wants to move forward for his and the community’s sake.

More from Ursula Reutin: The outside investigation of SPD can’t come soon enough

Does this mean that Diaz will make a claim against the city or get a payout to leave? I hope not but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s in the pipeline. Seattle taxpayers are already on the hook for so many of SPD’s issues, so just add this to the list.

Diaz is now vying for the police chief job in Austin, Texas. He’s one of more than 30 candidates. Austin better do its homework.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

The decision comes on the same week that four women within SPD filed a $5 million tort claim, alleging sexual discrimination and harassment by Chief Adrian Diaz and other department leaders. SPD is strongly rejecting the allegations, calling them hearsay in an effort to stop the chief from making necessary changes.

Report: Seattle mayor hires firm to probe SPD sexual harassment, discrimination claims

But the complaint is just the latest in a growing number of accusations and lawsuits filed by female officers at SPD. In January, Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette filed a lawsuit against SPD and Diaz, alleging gender, wage and job discrimination. Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin filed a lawsuit, claiming she faced daily racism and gender discrimination during her 43 years with SPD.

In his letter to the city council, Mayor Harrell wrote, “We will not malign those who come forward and, to the contrary, will give these claims the close attention they deserve. Our goal is to understand the implications of these allegations and take actions as appropriate.”

This outside investigation can’t come soon enough. It’s desperately needed to address what many within the department have described as an unhealthy, “good ol’ boys” culture. The women who have made the allegations in the tort claim, , are credible. Some of them have worked with us in the media and it was their word that we used and trusted to report news events involving Seattle Police. Mayor Harrell is correct in saying their claims need to be given close attention.

SPD, under Chief Diaz, has made it a goal to have women represent 30 percent of the staff by 2030. But in their so-called 30×30 report, which was made public earlier this year, numerous women made allegations of sexual harassment in the police force. They said the culture at SPD discourages women from leadership. It’s obvious there’s a big disconnect between these stated goals and what is festering within the department.

Lawyer: Women suing SPD for sexual harassment are face of recruitment efforts

It’s not just the women who are complaining. Many of the hundreds of officers who’ve left the department in recent years have mentioned distrust in leadership and poor morale in their exit interviews. Right now, SPD has a culture problem that’s turned into a PR nightmare. It’s no wonder that it also has a very difficult time recruiting new officers. Although the city is now offering 103K dollars for starting officers, bigger paychecks won’t help Seattle Police recruit new talent when there’s something rotting from within.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM.聽Subscribe to the podcast here.

The company announced early Monday that three senior executives, including were stepping down. In a statement posted on Boeing’s website, Calhoun acknowledged that the mid-air blowout of an Alaska Airlines door panel was a watershed moment that changed the company. He’s leaving at the end of the year.

is retiring, effective immediately. announced he will not run for re-election at the next shareholders’ annual meeting.

Good! This is finally a step in the right direction.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been saying on The Gee and Ursula Show that I don’t understand how Calhoun still has his job. I’ve also questioned why Boeing’s Board has largely been silent during these turbulent times.

Background story: Boeing CEO, president step down amid company turbulence

Calhoun was brought in as CEO in 2020 after the two 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people but there’s no evidence that the culture has improved during his tenure. If anything, it seems to have gotten worse. And this is a guy who made $22 million dollars in 2022!

On CNBC this morning, Calhoun said the decision to step down was 100 percent his own. He pointed out that he’ll be close to turning 68 at the end of the year.

“I’ve always said to the Board, and the Board has always been prepared, that I would give them plenty of notice so that they could plan succession in regular order. And that’s what this is about. It’s me giving them notice that at the end of the year, I plan to retire,” he explained.

Frankly, I don’t think Calhoun or Boeing had a choice.

While Boeing is dealing with the recent string of disasters, Airbus has been eating the company for lunch when it comes to orders and deliveries.

Boeing鈥檚 shares have dropped more than 25 percent this year. That’s not all.

Airline CEOs are hacked off because Boeing’s troubles are also affecting their bottom line. The FBI has now informed passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that they may be a possible victim of a crime.

is accusing Boeing of dragging its heels in the investigation of that incident. The lawsuits are piling up and plaintiffs are sharing their horror stories of almost getting sucked out of the plane at 16,000 feet.

Other Boeing news: Attorney 鈥榮tunned鈥� to see similar Boeing quality control problem 6 years later

Late last week, we learned that Boeing’s most important airline customers asked to meet with the company’s board of directors without Calhoun present.

Sorry, I’m not buying that this was Calhoun’s decision. But it’s a way to ensure that he gets a golden parachute on his way out.

During the CNBC interview, Calhoun acknowledged the ongoing production challenges at Boeing.

“We have this bad habit in our company,” he said. When you move it down the line, it sends a message to your own people that ‘Wow, I guess the movement of the airplane is more important than the first-time quality of the product.’ And we have got to get that in a way more balanced. Without a doubt.”

Wow! A bad habit? It’s more like a serious issue with your company’s culture and the buck stops with Calhoun, and all the others in the C-Suite.

This seismic change in leadership is an opportunity for Boeing to undergo a drastic overhaul and return to an emphasis on safety and quality over profit.

I’m still rooting for Boeing and for the first time in a while, I feel optimistic about the company’s future.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

For the past year, Burien’s been struggling with what to do with the dozens of homeless people who’ve set up tents on public property. Last week, the City Council approved a stricter ordinance that creates a 500-foot buffer zone around schools, parks, libraries and sidewalks, any hour of the day. Essentially, the ban leaves very few options for the unhoused to go. At the same time, Burien still only has two shelters: Mary’s Place for about 150 family members and a women-only shelter for nine.

As the result of a ruling from the , police in Washington cannot arrest or fine a homeless person for public camping if they have nowhere else to go.

Because of the lack of alternatives, King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall ordered her deputies not to聽enforce a recently passed camping ban in Burien. She and the county also asked a federal judge to weigh in on the constitutionality of the new ordinance.

The sheriff said she doesn’t want her deputies to be held liable if they arrest people, simply for being homeless. On top of that, Burien’s new ordinance also gives the city manager broad discretion to change the no-camping zones, without public comment. Because of that, the sheriff said it would become a moving target for deputies to enforce.

More background on the legislation: Burien facing lawsuit over ordinance banning homeless encampments

The Burien ordinance sounds like another lawsuit waiting to happen

I don’t blame her for asking for clarification from the courts. This sounds like another lawsuit waiting to happen.

Mayor Kevin Schilling dismissed the sheriff’s legal challenge as mere politics. He called this a violation of their contract for public safety services. He told The Jason Rantz Show on KTTH that Burien’s law mirrors what’s being done in Bellevue and SeaTac. In actuality, both of those cities are more specific about where and when their public camping bans can be enforced. Cole-Tindall said Burien’s previous ordinance was enforceable. However last week, the city rushed to pass even more restrictions without giving her much notice.

Schilling said it was the CITY that was blindsided by the sheriff’s decision not to enforce the new ban. He blamed King County Executive Dow Constantine and his “appointed sheriff” for having an agenda. He is now talking about possibly cutting ties with the department and creating the city’s own police force.

Schilling said they’ll put a levy on the ballot asking voters to approve a sales tax increase to raise more money for public safety.

Lawmakers are spending more time bickering

Like many other situations involving our homelessness crisis, those in charge are spending more time bickering about what to do instead of working together toward solutions.

More from Usrula: Travis Kelce should apologize for his bad behavior in the Super Bowl

For the record, I understand the frustration of tents on sidewalks and other public property and am in favor of reasonable bans. But Burien shouldn’t have passed this more restrictive law without including the sheriff’s department that would have to enforce it.

It’s also ridiculous the city still doesn’t have a shelter for single adult men or young adults. There’s clearly a desperate need for more beds. As long as more energy is spent on political grandstanding instead of working together on solutions — I don’t see the homelessness crisis getting better any time soon.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

No matter how the NFL, Coach Andy Reid, or Kelce and his fans try to spin it, we witnessed abusive behavior that needs to be addressed. For his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, his sideline tantrum should serve as a big red flag. For parents watching the Super Bowl with their kids, it’s an opportunity to talk to them about unacceptable behavior and better ways to handle their frustration, even in the most difficult situations.

During post-game interviews, Coach Reid said Travis privately apologized to him for shoving him, getting in his face, and yelling expletives at him for not keeping him on the field.

Reid said on ESPN, “He came over and hugged me… He just wants to be on the field and he wants to play. He wants to help his team win… As much as he bumps into me, I get after him…and we understand that.”

What?! In my opinion, Coach Reid is being complicit by justifying Kelce’s bad behavior. He should’ve benched him for the rest of the game.

For his part, Kelce has joked that he was just expressing his love for the legendary coach who he credits for helping him do a better job of “channeling his emotions.”

Sorry, Travis. You have more work to do. A lot more. This is no joking matter. This is also beyond being in the “heat of the moment” during the biggest sporting event on the planet. Please don’t use that excuse.

Former Seahawk defensive end, Cliff Avril, was on the team when they won the Super Bowl in 2014. He was on the Gee and Ursula Show on Monday and I asked him whether Kelce’s behavior was unusual. ‘Well, I never pushed my coach. I’ve never even yelled at him, to be honest. They might have that kind of relationship but Coach Reid is older and Travis could’ve hurt him,” he told us. “I really haven’t seen anything like that before, but this is a new NFL.”

Is it a new NFL or is Kelce getting a pass because the league is enjoying even higher ratings and raking in hundreds of millions of dollars more, now that he’s dating Taylor Swift?

Chiefs get White House invitation to celebrate Super Bowl win. Could Taylor Swift tag along?

Apparently, Sunday’s blow-up with his coach is not a first for Kelce, who also had an exchange with Coach Reid during the Christmas game against Las Vegas when he hurled his helmet in disgust. As Gee and I discussed on the show, would D.K. Metcalf or any other Black player in the NFL get the same pass as Kelce is getting if they body-checked their coach? I doubt it.

I think Travis Kelce can still find a path to redemption, but the clock is ticking, and he can’t just wait this one out. He needs to publicly apologize to his coach, acknowledge that he has an anger issue, and then use the off-season to do the hard work necessary to channel his emotions properly.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

At the same time, there’s a push in King County to end the use of youth jails and, instead, focus on community-based alternatives. A new proposal by the county’s Care and Closure Advisory Committee calls for teen suspects to be held in a 24-hour center where kids facing serious charges could stay for up to three days or until their first court hearing.

Those who are considered higher risk would then be placed in group homes in different neighborhoods while they await trial. Each of these homes would have up to five people and would be run by community organizations with county supervision. Some would have locks, and some would only have staffers to keep youth from leaving.

What could possibly go wrong? This is crazy! Have you heard of the recent escapes from in Snoqualmie?

Juvenile crimes in Washington: Teens who escaped Echo Glen have violent criminal histories

Holding youth accountable for their actions

While a “mistake” shouldn’t derail a young person’s life forever, I believe it’s a huge mistake to not hold youth accountable for their actions. We already see the ramifications of not doing so. Car theft charges against teens in King County went up by more than 500% last year. We’ve also seen a dramatic increase in charges involving violent crimes, including armed robbery.

More from Ursula Reutin: My mom lived a life that’s full; she did it her way

And you want these teen suspects to live in group homes in neighborhoods instead of a youth jail?

When Constantine first proposed closing down the juvenile detention center, it was the summer of 2020. There were protests against racial injustice and police violence after the murder of George Floyd. Some protesters called for an end to juvenile incarceration, pointing out that half the teens in detention were Black and that youth incarceration only perpetuated inequities in our criminal justice system. I agree that this is certainly a concern that needs to be addressed. But not having serious consequences for teens who commit serious crimes is not the answer.

Delay due to more time being needed: King County pauses plan to close juvenile detention centers by 2025

The county will hold community town halls to discuss the proposal over the next year. In the meantime, Constantine says the goal of shutting down the juvenile detention center by 2025 will not be met. He expects it to be delayed by a few years. I hope they drop the idea altogether.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

We think we’re ready to say goodbye. But this in-between stage is fraught with uncertainty. We have been through this before. First, it happened with our brother who died of cancer when he was only 55 in 2017. Then it happened when our 92-year-old dad had a massive stroke in June and died on Father’s Day.

The truth is, all the previous experience with loved ones dying doesn’t make it any easier. Each time we have walked down this path, we are confronted with a myriad of difficult decisions, none of them clear but all of them eventually leading to the same heartbreaking conclusion.

More from Ursula Reutin: Does everyone deserve a second chance? It’s complicated

A decision made

Our mom is a pragmatist. Once she learned she had an aggressive form of brain cancer, compounded by a stroke and broken ribs, she decided she no longer wanted any medical interventions.

But her bleak prognosis didn’t stop her doctors from suggesting everything possible to extend her life, even after she signed her end-of-life directive. Palliative and hospice care are relatively new concepts in the Philippines. That has made an excruciating situation even more complex and confusing.

One night, we asked the doctors to give her something for her acute anxiety and insomnia. Instead of giving her a medication, they referred her to their psychiatry team and sent two “junior doctors” to evaluate her. They asked her two hours worth of questions about trauma in her life, starting from her childhood. After all that, a doctor prescribed 10 mg of the antidepressant Lexapro, which was useless since she wasn’t able to swallow after her stroke.

Each of her 10 medical specialists had different ideas on how to keep her going. But my mom was only interested in how quickly she could slip into a deep sleep and not wake up. She yanked out her nasal gastric tube and said she only wants to eat the “natural way.”

On Thursday, after nearly three long weeks in the hospital, we were finally able to bring her home.

Now, our focus is on keeping her as comfortable as possible. No more tubes in her nose. No more needles poking her arms. No more medications other than for pain relief. We know the days ahead are going to be rough and raw. Our own bodies are tired but we are armed with morphine, fentanyl patches and lots of love and compassion. We cherish the minutes, sometimes even hours, when she musters enough energy to laugh about life and enjoy the goofiness of her daughters.

My sister Hanni and I are in our 50s, but, at times, we revert to how we were, sharing a bedroom during our childhood. We love when we can cackle with abandon and our mom does too.

With Christmas just two days away, one of our Gee and Ursula show listeners, Dave P., sent me a message, saying he hopes my mother’s situation won’t ruin every Christmas for me in the future.

It won’t.

Even in the darkest hours, there is beauty if you look for it. In our time of crisis, we met a cousin once removed who just so happens to be a trained caregiver. Diana has been a godsend! Our cousin Vicki has also been a tremendous help as we navigate all of this in a foreign country. She’s a fantastic cook and has been making all our favorite Filipino dishes.

Ursula Reutin content: We aren’t doing enough for nurses, who are leaving in droves

A new memory created

Over the last few weeks, we have also created many core memories, most of which will remain within our family. But there’s one I have to share because it epitomizes our mom. On one of her last nights in the hospital, Hanni, Diana and I had an impromptu karaoke session next to our mom’s hospital bed. As uncomfortable as she was, she had a huge smile on her face as we attempted to belt out all her favorites from her professional singing days.

When we got to she joined us, despite the nasal gastric tube that was rubbing her throat raw. The melody was gone but she sang this verse that made all three of us cry:

“I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, I did it my way 鈥�”

She certainly has. I love you, mama.鉂わ笍

I wish all of you a joyous holiday season. Your kind thoughts and abundance of prayers for my mom are so appreciated. She told me I could share what’s happening over here and she wanted me to thank all of you for the love and care you鈥檝e shown to all of us. I’ve read your messages to her and they’ve given us all great comfort during a very difficult time. I look forward to being back with you in early 2024.

With lots of love,

Ursula

As pointed out, turnout hasn’t been this low since voter registration counts began in 1936. In Seattle itself, 46% of voters turned in their ballots. That’s considerably less than in 2019 and this time around, voters were deciding on seven of the nine city council seats. The fate of the city was at stake and more than half of Seattle’s voters couldn’t be bothered.

More on low voter turnout: 2023 King County election: Lowest voter turnout in nearly 90 years

This level of voter apathy is disturbing to me! Democracy doesn’t work when it’s dictated by the voices of the few. Political experts think the odd-year election and a lack of statewide ballot measures are reasons for the drop in turnout. I think it goes beyond that. For various reasons, too many people don’t believe their vote matters. That was confirmed when we asked listeners of The Gee and Ursula Show why they sat this election out or don’t vote regularly.

“King County is one of the most progressive counties in the nation. As long as we have so many progressives and liberals, there’s no sense in anyone in the middle trying to vote any other way,” one show listener responded. “It’s an exercise in futility.”

“If King County and another county vote blue, it doesn’t matter if all the rest of the counties vote red,” Cory, a listener who lives in Port Orchard, said. “King County dictates how this state’s direction goes.”

And a number of our listeners expressed frustration about previous vote results that were ignored by state lawmakers.

“What kills voting participation is that the Legislature does whatever it wants anyway (i.e., car tabs fees),” Jeff in Issaquah texted the show.

“I always vote. But since I live in Pierce County. Our votes get overshadowed by King County,” Mike, another listener of the show, wrote. “And even when King County, Pierce County and the rest of the state all agree and overwhelmingly vote for $30 car tabs, it still doesn’t matter. That’s frustrating.”

We also had some listeners who didn’t understand why I was lamenting the low turnout.

“I don’t see a problem with low turnout. Many are apathetic and don’t care to research the issues,” one listener said. “I would rather have few people who have done the research voting, compared to lots of people voting who make random choices based on the person’s name or gender.”

More from Ursula Reutin: 鈥業 condemn Hamas and agree with the goal of eliminating this terror group鈥�

As someone who couldn’t vote until I became a U.S. citizen in 1995, I make a point of exercising that right every time an election rolls around. It was horrible not having a voice on issues that were important to me. I urge you not to take that right for granted. Although it takes time and energy to research the candidates and issues, that is time well spent.

Your vote does count. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. One of the Seattle City Council races was decided by fewer than 250 votes. And while the politicians don’t always follow the will of the voters, your best chance of getting them out of office is to make sure you fill out and turn in your ballot.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here

But the protesters, organized by the are passionate in their belief and they’re calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war in Gaza.

Ever since the war started Oct. 7, I’ve been reluctant to weigh in with my own opinions, even though I’m a talk show host on an opinion-based radio show. I’ve focused on reporting what we know through various trusted sources.

The rhetoric from the pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides is already heated and it would be too easy to walk into a verbal landmine by adding my two cents to a situation that requires a deep understanding of a complex history.

Related news: Protesters block Port of Tacoma trying to delay military vessel headed to Israel

But as this war wages on, and more innocent lives are lost, I’m realizing that my feelings are likely shared by so many other people watching the death and destruction from afar.

I condemn Hamas and agree with the goal of eliminating this terror group that massacred more than 1,400 people, injured nearly 7,000 others, and kidnapped more than 240 during its surprise attack on Israel. It was the deadliest militant attack in Israel’s 75-year-old history.

I support Jews and believe that Israel has the right to defend itself.聽 But I don’t believe it’s antisemitic to say that I also support innocent Palestinians and don’t agree with everything that and are doing in response to the initial attack.

Although the only figures we have on the death toll come from the it’s surely well into the thousands and there’s no end in sight.聽 The loss of ALL innocent lives in this conflict is absolutely heartbreaking.

I don’t think anyone can witness what’s happening with indifference. And with a ground offensive imminent, it’s hard not to worry that we are on the verge of an all-out war in the Middle East.

More from Ursula Reutin: We aren’t doing enough for nurses, who are leaving in droves

What is the end game? Is there an exit strategy? What is the future for Gaza and its more than two million people? Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? No one knows the answers and that’s what makes it even more heartbreaking.

After I shared my thoughts on the Gee and Ursula Show Monday, a listener texted a quote by the late Seattle artist, . It really hit home for me.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

I’m praying for peace.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

After a few trips to the ER this past year, I’ve come to realize nurses truly are angels here on Earth. During my hospitalization last February for pancreatitis, the nurses at the in Seattle worked tirelessly to manage my horrendous pain while juggling many other patients who also needed their undivided attention. As tired and stretched as they were, the nurses were compassionate and never made me feel like I was a bother if I asked them for help.

That’s why it breaks my heart to hear about so many nurses who feel burned out, overworked, underpaid and unsafe. Many are leaving the profession, and, tragically, in some cases, they’re taking their own lives.

Tristin Kate Smith, 28, was an emergency department nurse from Dayton, Ohio, who took her own life last August. After her death, her parents found a note she had written in March, titled “A Letter to My Abuser.” In it, she described how she dreamed of becoming a nurse because she wanted to make a difference and help people. But she said the joy and love she had for her profession had been sucked out of her by a hostile work environment that puts profit above all else.

‘The reality is, drugs are a problem’: Turning soul-crushing grief over fentanyl into fuel for change

She wrote nurses were making mistakes because of poor staffing, overwork and exhaustion and they were often blamed for things that were out of their control.

“Each day, you ask me to do more with less,” Smith wrote. “You beat me to the point that my body and mind are black, bruised, and bleeding out.”

She added an apology, but only to a certain group of people.

“I’m only sorry to my patients and colleagues,” Smith added. “You deserve so much better, but my abusive partner is relentless. If I stay, I will lose my sanity 鈥� and possibly my life 鈥� forever.”

Her father, Ron Smith, shared her letter with the local newspaper, saying Tristin’s story needs to be told. He worries many other nurses around the country are also at their breaking point, like his daughter was, and he is calling for action.

Tristin’s letter has been shared hundreds of thousands of times on Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram, many times by nurses who say she is speaking for them and is accurately describing the nightmarish conditions at hospitals today.

And it’s only going to get worse.

by the found at least 100,000 registered nurses left the workforce in the last two years because of high stress, burnout and retirements. Another 600,000 said they intend to leave in the next five years. “With a quarter of the population contemplating leaving the profession, the impact of the (COVID-19) pandemic may still be felt in the future,” .

More form Ursula Reutin: Does everyone deserve a second chance? It’s complicated.

We count on nurses to be there at our worst moments; to help us in our time of need; and to do whatever they can to keep us healthy and alive. WHAT ARE WE DOING TO HELP THEM? It’s time to join them in their fight to get safer workplaces, better nurse-to-patient ratios, and higher wages and call out the overpaid hospital administrators and insurance executives who are putting profits over people.

Editors’ note: You can read Tristin Kate Smith’s note called, “A letter to My Abuser” .

In this age of texting, so many people have given up on punctuation and capitalization. I’ve actually had a young person (one of my sons) laugh at me because I still use commas and capital letters in my text messages. But I’m not ready to give up on proper grammar! I believe it does matter and should still be emphasized in our schools.

More from The Gee and Ursula Show: Accused chef Edouardo Jordan ‘wants to be accountable,’ reopens restaurant

But not everyone seems to agree. Jake Harper, a 19-year-old (UW) student, joined The Gee and Ursula Show Thursday to discuss what he found when he created a website that can help students get into some of UW’s most competitive academic majors. You can listen to the full interview here:

“As we all know, the stress of applying into your major is all too familiar,” Harper wrote on his website. “I can remember so many times where I wished I could teleport into the decision room and grab their grading rubric to see for myself what they were really looking for. So, that’s exactly what I asked for. To my surprise, they actually gave me all of the closed-capacity rubrics. With that, I decided to make this website to share them with you.”

Harper found that UW’s informatics department doesn’t grade on grammar in students’ applications. That stood out to me because I think it’s something that should be considered in any application or admissions process. If I’m in charge of hiring for a company and you give me a resume that is riddled with spelling and punctuation errors, you probably won’t be hired.

More from Ursula Reutin: More work needs to be done to transform Seattle Police Department

There’s a difference between “there” versus ” their” versus “they’re.” Knowing when to use “your” versus “you’re” shows that you pay attention to details. Those types of mistakes hurt your credibility and people are going to make judgments on your competence.

Do you agree? Does grammar still matter?

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Jordan opened three restaurants in the Ravenna neighborhood and JuneBaby the best Southern restaurant in the country. But in the summer of 2021, everything came crashing down.聽 dropped a bombshell investigation after 15 women accused Jordan of sexual misconduct and unwanted groping.

A few days after the story broke, staff members quit en masse, and Jordan closed his restaurants. Seven months later, after posting an apology on Instagram, he reopened .

But the lines that I used to see snake out the door were no longer there. Even though I drive by the restaurant on Northeast 65th Street each day, I made a conscious decision not to support his business because of the allegations. Going into this interview, I was skeptical anything he could say would change my mind.

More from the interview: Accused chef Edouardo Jordan ‘wants to be accountable,’ reopens restaurant

But after our in-studio interview and hearing what he’s done over the past two years to make amends, I’ve had a change of heart.

Why I’ve had a change of heart

Why? Unlike many others who’ve faced similar accusations, Jordan takes full responsibility for his egregious behavior. He doesn’t use the “toxic restaurant culture” as an excuse. He has privately apologized to the women who made the allegations and understands the pain that he has caused. He has undergone mental health counseling, taken classes, and admits he had a lot of growing up to do.

Although he is a small business owner, he is putting systems in place that would be more typical of bigger corporations. He鈥檚 created what he describes as a robust HR program and has empowered staff to speak up when there鈥檚 conflict through a “Brave Conversations” program.

Although he’s never been criminally charged or sued in civil court, the court of public opinion has spoken and his business has suffered. Instead of three restaurants, JuneBaby is his remaining business. But Jordan told us that he鈥檚 not giving up on being successful in Seattle and will continue to work on repairing the damage he’s done by his past actions.

To me, Jordan sounded sincere in his apology and I believe it when he says he will continue to do the hard work to ensure that his employees are working in a safe and welcoming environment. As I mentioned to him on the air, I will try out his restaurant for the first time. But I also understand that for some people, he doesn’t deserve a second chance and that opinion is valid too.

For foodies: Seattle chef featured as one of 11 ‘best new chefs’ in nation

As you can see from some of the messages on our text line, it’s complicated.

Rachel: Kudos to him for exposing his weakness publicly. We rarely see this. Good for him no matter the response.

425: Fifteen people came forward. And you guys gave it a pass by arguing it was industry standard, and basically because he’s a Black man locally. If this was anybody else, a CEO slapping a secretary on the butt or some other misconduct at the office, he’d be a misogynist that doesn’t deserve to be in the position.

706: As a woman who spent 20 years in the industry, I will tell you firsthand that the girls are just as bad as the boys. I think Edouardo was made a scapegoat, and the people above him played a huge role in promoting a toxic work environment and did nothing to share the blame that everyone was guilty of. I’m not excusing inappropriate behavior, and I’m not denying these women’s truth, but I also know that he is not the villain that the media made him out to be, and he didn’t deserve to lose everything he worked so hard work.

Nikki: I’m conflicted with this interview. I’m totally supportive of those who take accountability for their actions and try to amend their wrongs, but at the same time, usually the victims of such toxic environment, don’t get the same platforms to be on as well. Society is quick to blame both the perpetrator and the victim even with out the facts.

Ernie in Kent: I could feel how difficult and painful that interview was. As painful as that was, I do feel like he’s grown tremendously from that experience. It’s a tough lesson, but sometimes those are the best teachers. I’ve been to JuneBaby, and I would definitely go back. We enjoyed our time there. We all deserve a second chance as long as we appreciate having one.

Robin in the 206: I am a female and worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years, I can confirm whether male or female, everyone was on a wild ride of partying and mingling, not an easy life, you learn hard lessons and grow along the way. Good for Edouardo!

Julie B: I worked at a Hilton hotel in Ohio, in the kitchen/restaurant. The men who worked there thought it was okay to smack me on the a** and touch me. I complained. Nothing changed. I left.

J in Sultan: He justified the culture and working long hours for his sick behavior. Sounds like a bunch of excuses to me.

Janice: I can hear the authenticity in his voice. Sometimes you’re in an environment that is toxic and don’t know it’s wrong or not normal until you’re called out. I hope he is able to comeback and glad he is taking accountability and not cowering behind a PR firm.

Listen to The Gee & Ursula Show with Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-noon on 成人X站 Newsradio 97.3.

In a hearing this week, the judge praised SPD for making considerable progress in its use of force, crisis intervention, supervision and stops and seizures.

Judge Robart’s order is a big milestone for the city and the police department, which has been under extra scrutiny since 2012, after the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) found officers used excessive force and biased policing.

More from Ursula Reutin: Stop giving criminals a free pass

It’s important to recognize where the improvements have been made and there is evidence rank-and-file officers have put in hard work to address these issues. I think that’s commendable and should be celebrated!

But let’s keep it real. It’s hard to throw a party when it’s also clear that much more work needs to be done.

Things still are off at SPD

Culturally, something is not right within SPD and its leadership.

The Seattle Police Department is still woefully understaffed. Over the last few years, about 500 officers have left. Staffing is at its lowest level in 30 years. Even with big financial incentives to join the department, efforts to recruit new officers are nowhere close to the goal of hiring more than 100 cops each year. At the same time, we’re seeing an increase in violent crimes in the city.

Seemingly, each day, we hear of more disgruntled officers, some of them veterans, just counting the days until they can retire or jump ship. A Seattle lieutenant recently resigned and, on her way out, she released a scathing 15-page letter addressed to . In it, Lt. Jessica Taylor blamed his failed leadership for the chaos and toxicity that are driving good officers out of the department. Even before her letter, I would hear regularly from SPD sources who told me that Chief Diaz did not have a lot of support, especially among officers who have been with the department for many years.

Jason Rantz interview: Seattle cop says ‘criminals are running this city’ in brutal resignation letter

There are also unconfirmed rumors involving Diaz that have been swirling around for months. I’m not going to mention them specifically but at least one news organization (KUOW) has written about the allegations because they have taken up so much energy and added to the distrust and discontent with Diaz.

All of this does not bode well for a department that is finally coming out of more than 11 years of federal oversight. This should be a time of celebration but this important milestone is being overshadowed by the turmoil and questions about SPD leadership and the inability to bring new blood into a department that is tired and depleted.

Earlier coverage: SPD should apologize for protest violence, panel says

Now that most of the requirements of the consent decree have been met, the focus must be on improving the climate within the department to make it a desirable place to work. It doesn’t help that rank and file union officers haven鈥檛 had a contract in over two years. Until these issues are addressed, it’s hard to convince anyone that SPD is truly a transformed organization.

Listen to Ursula Reutin with her co-host on Gee Scott on the Gee & Ursula Show, weekday mornings from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

On Monday, an undercover deputy noticed a suspicious-looking car in a grocery store parking lot. The Kia had a broken window and a temporary license plate. The deputy ran background on the plate and found out that it actually belonged to a different car. He also discovered that the Kia had been stolen, at gunpoint, by a female suspect earlier this month. Digging even further, he found out the woman driving that stolen car had escaped from Lakewood police officers who couldn’t pursue her under that limits police vehicular pursuits.

The undercover officer decided to follow the woman in the stolen car and called for marked patrol cars to join him. But the suspect once again sped off and eventually pulled into an RV storage lot. At that moment, an innocent bystander pulled into the lot and got out of his car. As the deputies tried to arrest her, they say she jumped into the bystander鈥檚 car and tried to drive off.聽 When the deputies opened the car doors to stop her, she allegedly put the car in reverse, injuring them. But now, sheriff’s deputies had probable cause for assault and, under the pursuit bill, they could chase her without fear of breaking the law. They eventually caught up with her after she rolled herself out of the vehicle and let it crash into a tree.

More from Ursula Reutin: Northeast Seattle Little Leaguers win her heart

If you’re like me, you’re having a hard time keeping track of how many crimes this woman committed. Pierce County Prosecutors charged the 27-year-old suspect with two counts of assault, theft of a motor vehicle, attempting to elude a police vehicle and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.

I failed to mention that deputies also found a gun in the stolen Kia. So why on earth would not only put this woman back out on the streets, but not even set bail for her? Beyond car theft and eluding police, the suspect’s actions could have resulted in the deaths of the deputies who tried to stop her.

It’s already bad enough that the police pursuit bill that was recently passed in Olympia is inadequate and favors the criminals, but here’s an opportunity to keep a dangerous person in custody and Commissioner McInvaille allows her to walk.

From The Jason Rantz Show: Seattle cop says ‘criminals are running this city’ in brutal resignation letter

This is a prime example of why we need a complete overhaul of our justice system, starting with changes to our pursuit bill in Olympia. We also need sentencing reform. We need full staffing in our jails. We need more police. We also need to support criminal diversion programs that have PROVEN track records. We need to stop wasting money on those that don’t. And, finally, we need judges and commissioners to stop releasing criminals who could pose even more danger to the public.

As it stands now, the message to criminals is that you can do whatever the hell you want and no one is going to stop you.

I initially chalked it up to the fact that my boys also played baseball for the same league and they represent the neighborhood I live in. But upon further reflection, that鈥檚 not it. No, I believe these 12-year-olds represent much more than that. And I know I鈥檓 not alone. So many of our Gee & Ursula Show listeners let us know they were also watching the games with great interest.

It makes sense to me.

At a time when there’s so much negativity and division in this country, this team of 12-year-olds was a much-needed reprieve and a symbol of hope and unity.

At a time when more young kids around the country are committing violent crimes, the Northeast Seattle boys were out there, showing their pure love of the game, their teammates, and even their opponents.

At a time when so many young people were quick to resolve conflicts with violence, these boys were out on the field, overcoming challenges by working hard, not giving up, and supporting each other.

Heartbreaker: Seattle’s run in the Little League World Series ends

But it’s also not lost on me that these players from Northeast Seattle probably come from families that are intact and are not struggling financially. They have a lot of support and opportunities that so many kids today don’t have.

When we brought up the topic Friday about the surge in violent crimes committed by kids, one of our listeners named Bobby texted in and said that he works with troubled young adults from 18-to-24. He says COVID-19 sent them back years, mentally, and many don’t see paths to anything other than meaningless jobs. In his words, “These kids don’t see hope and the level of trauma they’ve experienced is unbelievable.”

So what can we do, individually, and as a society, to change this trajectory for young people who are struggling? It’s a question with no easy answers unless you want to have nothing to do with the solution. At this juncture, we can鈥檛 afford not to care. So I’m challenging myself and all of you to think about it, and more importantly, do something to be part of that change.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

My heart breaks for the little girl and her family, those who tried to save her life, and those who witnessed her last breaths. I also shuddered as I read about the incident because it brought me back to the night of my youngest son’s 23rd birthday on June 16th.

Earlier in the week, my father had a massive stroke so we decided to just have a low-key dinner at an Irish pub in Seattle.聽My son was eating his corned beef and hash when he suddenly started gasping for air and had a concerned look on his face.聽He tried to gulp down some water but it ended up coming out of his nose. He continued to try to swallow or cough up his food, to no avail.

All I heard was a squeaky sound. As his eyes began watering, it was clear he was in trouble. My husband and our older son were in disbelief, almost paralyzed with shock. I yelled out that he was choking and jumped out of the booth and got behind him. I had never done the before but I instinctually started giving him abdominal thrusts with my fists between his belly button and his rib cage.

More Ursula: A personal story on how drug addiction affects us all

My mama bear strength took over me and with each thrust, I was practically lifting him off the ground.聽The entire restaurant was quiet. I could see other diners, watching in shock. The wait staff wasn’t moving.聽It felt surreal, but in my mind, I thought there was no way I was going to lose my son, on his birthday, on the same week I was likely going to lose my dad. Luckily, after about six abdominal thrusts, that corned beef finally came up and he could breathe again.

We were very fortunate that my son’s situation didn’t turn tragic.聽My older son and husband were upset with themselves that they initially went into shock. But I think a lot of people would react the same way. Would you know what to do if someone you’re dining with starts choking on food?聽If it isn’t a family member, would you step in and help? If you are eating by yourself and you start choking, would you know what actions to take to save yourself?

According to the if the person is able to cough forcefully, let them keep coughing because that could help the food come loose.聽But if the person can’t cough or talk, your quick action could be the difference between life and death.聽The Red Cross recommends giving five back blows first, by bending the person over at the waist to face the ground.聽While supporting them, you need to strike between their shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand.聽If that doesn’t work, then give five abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver.

Some other medical sources ONLY teach the abdominal thrust and the American Red Cross says it’s ok to go straight to the Heimlich if you haven’t properly learned the back blow technique.聽If you’re the only one there to help the person choking, do these things before you call 911. But if there are others around you, ask them to call 911 immediately.聽If YOU are the one who’s choking, you can give yourself abdominal thrusts by placing your own fist above your navel, grasping that fist with the other hand, bending over a hard surface like a chair, and shoving your fist inward and upward.

When I talked about my family’s scary incident on the Monday, many of our listeners shared their own harrowing stories about when they or their loved ones nearly choked to death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, at least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the United States. Bottom line, it’s important to think about and practice these techniques before you have to use them in real life.

Listen to Ursula Reutin with her co-host on Gee Scott on the Gee & Ursula Show, weekday mornings from 9 a.m. 鈥� 12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

The story of the two Northshore Elementary School principals, who are on leave for their alleged cocaine use, is a sad reminder that drug addiction knows no boundaries. So often, we talk about the addicts on the streets of downtown Seattle or in homeless encampments next to freeways.

But the reality is, each and every one of us is affected by addiction. If not personally, then through a family member, a friend, or a colleague.

Two Northshore elementary principals on leave after alleged cocaine use

In my case, it was my oldest brother George. After years of drug use, he died by suicide in 2001. He was only 41 years old.

George was brilliant. He was tested when he was a young boy and had a genius IQ. Growing up, I would marvel at his musical skills. I remember attending piano recitals where our very demanding piano teacher would gush over his masterful piano playing and would reward him with the top prize. George was also an incredible chess player and was invited to play (for fun) with several world chess champions who were in the Philippines for a tournament. George didn鈥檛 lack friends either. He had a quick wit, a self-deprecating sense of humor, and was kind and sensitive. But later on in life, he told me he struggled with depression, which played a big role in his addiction.

Facing Fentanyl: Hear the voices of people hurting

When he was 13, George started smoking marijuana. By the time he graduated from high school in 1978, he had also graduated from pot onto much heavier drugs. By that point, our family had already tried to get him into treatment, but the brief hospitalizations did little to slow down his escalating addiction. On our last day in the Philippines, we were worried that George wouldn鈥檛 make it to the airport for our permanent move to the United States because he had been partying all night and barely made it back home on time.

Over the years, George tried repeatedly to get on the right path and we tried to help him with emotional and financial support, compassion, and even tough love. But with each start and stop, it just got harder and harder and, in April of 2001, our worst fears were realized. After filling in for the early morning anchor shift, I was awakened by a phone call from my dad. He gave me the horrible news that George died by suicide while they were in Eugene, Ore. for a surgery my brother was supposed to have that morning.

He didn鈥檛 leave a note but he had talked about wanting to end his life in the weeks prior. We had tried, in vain, to get him into counseling again but his heart and mind were not up for it.

More from Ursula: Turning soul-crushing grief over fentanyl into fuel for change

My beautiful, brilliant, kind, sensitive brother George is the reason why I take such a hard stance on drugs. There is no way I could, in good conscience, support efforts to make it easier to get hooked. I voted against legalizing marijuana in Washington. I am not in favor of decriminalizing hard drugs. But I wholeheartedly support making drug and mental health treatment much more accessible and affordable. Even for middle-class families like ours, the cost of drug treatment was a barrier in continuing to get care for him after the first couple of tries failed. Thankfully, my brother never went to jail for drugs, but his addiction stole many potentially happy years away from him and his family.

It kept him from reaching his potential, which would have been endless. It kept him from seeing his equally brilliant son grow up to become an incredible father of a baby boy named George. If my brother George were alive today, I think he would probably agree with me.

The can be reached at 800-273-8255 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

will operate the , which has a total of 112 studio apartments for homeless seniors and veterans. will run 250 apartments for families making 60% or less of the area’s median income. Rents will range from about $1,000 to nearly $1,800 a month.

The apartment tower is gorgeous, with killer views. Tenants will be able to enjoy amenities, including a fitness center and an outside play structure.

But here鈥檚 the rub.聽The price tag for this high rise was a whopping $134 million!聽As desperate as we are to see an end to our homelessness crisis, this doesn鈥檛 sound like a reasonable solution.

Officials say it was funded with tax-exempt bonds, money from the city, county, and state, and from philanthropists and private investors. Sound Transit 鈥渄onated鈥� the property that it had acquired for a light rail station that was never built.

Ross: New Seattle low-income housing costs over $134M to address homelessness

First of all, that鈥檚 NOT free! And if you do the math, as my colleague Dave Ross from Seattle鈥檚 Morning News did, this amounts to nearly $500,000 for each apartment.聽If 13,000 people in Seattle are experiencing homelessness, it would cost $6.4 billion to build enough high rises, just to house them. That鈥檚 assuming construction costs wouldn鈥檛 change over the next decade, which is laughable.

But here鈥檚 another headscratcher. When the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) recently released its original five-year, $11 billion plan, it called for 18,000 units of temporary housing.聽But there was no money and no plan for tiny home villages.聽In fact, the first version suggested King County had too many tiny homes. That was a big point of disagreement between former CEO Marc Dones and other advocates for the homeless, including local leaders who think more tiny house villages make sense. I agree with the latter!

If we want to get people off the streets, and into shelters, and help them get on a path to independence, it shouldn’t require a half-million-dollar apartment to achieve that goal.

The price tag of a tiny home is closer to $50,000 and a lot of them can be built in a short amount of time. While a tiny home wouldn鈥檛 work for every situation, it could be a first step in getting many of our unhoused neighbors out of tents and their cars.

After Dones鈥� announced their resignation, the KCRHA scaled down its five-year plan and revised its stance, saying they believe increasing ALL types of temporary housing is necessary to meet the need. Instead of ending unsheltered homelessness in five years, the new goal is to reduce it as much as possible.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m. 鈥� 12 p.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the聽podcast here.

Editor’s Note: The original article said the building cost was $177 million, this has been corrected to be $134 million