Issue 62 Volume 11
Jenny Durkan, Seattle Mayor
July, 2017
Nikkita Oliver, Seattle Mayor
New Faces of Candidates!
Zak Idan, Tukwila City Council
Abshir Omar, Des Moines City Council, Iowa
ESFNA Tournament Finally Back in
Seattle!
Somali Health Board, A Needed Educational Forum!
Seattle Drivers Have Helped Make Uber What it is Today! By Brooke Steger
Today, in and around Seattle, there are more than 600,000 riders and more than 10,000 drivers who use Uber. Having started as the GM of Seattle four years ago, and now overseeing the entire Pacific Northwest, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with many of the drivers who provide safe, reliable rides to people throughout the region each and every day. The rapid growth of Uber has brought benefits to riders and drivers. For riders, especially those in historically underserved neighborhoods, drivers have brought a real increase in access to more affordable and reliable transportation options. For drivers, using Uber means the ability to easily turn on work and flexibly make money on one’s own schedule. Uber driver partners reflect the diversity of our great city. They are young and old, men and women, from all walks of life, and from all over the world. Through efforts like the Peer Advisor program, we have worked to develop a close working relationship with all Seattle drivers.
Engagement in the East African Community
I’m particularly proud of our special relationship with drivers from Seattle’s East African community, as they are some of our earliest and longest-standing partners here. We have supported the East African community through involvement with organiza-
tions like the International Rescue Committee Seattle, Somali Community Services of Seattle, Ethiopian Community in Seattle, and Eritrean Community in Seattle and Vicinity. We’ve also awarded scholarships to drivers and their family members though the College Success Foundation, and customer service training for drivers in partnership with Seattle Goodwill. While Uber serves as a way for many drivers--especially those among our city’s newest residents--to gain a foothold in our region’s robust economy, we as a company also make it a priority to engage and support communities beyond simply making sure we’re a source of economic opportunity. When the president initially announced his travel ban, Uber’s legal and operations teams quickly came together to extend support to drivers and their families across the country who were impacted. Here in Seattle, I am extremely proud of the work our team did to help Somali driver Elias Abdi reconnect with his wife and son
who were stuck in limbo at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Through the assistance of attorneys at Uber and thirdparty counselors from a number of the top immigration law firms in the country, Elias and other drivers were given renewed hope, and eventually reunited with their families. We are also so proud to be the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America’s Soccer Tournament and Cultural Festival. Like Seattle’s Somali community, the Ethiopian community here is an important part of the cultural fabric of this great city. Seattle is lucky to host this terrific event and all the Ethiopian players and their families who traveled here to attend it. In addition, the PNW Uber team has partnered with Juma Ventures to ensure lowincome summer interns participating in their summer youth employment program are able to get to and from their job sites; with Mary’s Place to provide funding for their Empower U internship program and reliable transportation for their shelter guests; and with the International Rescue Committee Seattle to help refugees with professional backgrounds find their way back onto a career track and get rides to job interviews and career coaching. These partnerships and others leverage Uber’s unique ability to address barriers to mobility and economic opportunity.
Engagement with the broader community and drivers We’re also working with Tabor 100 and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to
increase access to economic opportunity for residents of all backgrounds throughout the city, and we’ve provided financial assistance to Hope Academic Enrichment Center and Seattle Junior Seahawks to help both organizations positively impact the lives of youth in our communities. To learn more about how Uber in the PNW is giving back, visit http://t. uber.com/communityimpact. Seattle is also at the forefront when it comes to drivers working directly with local Uber staff to develop ways to make our company better. The Peer Advisor program is now more than a year old with thousands of members, and driver feedback has played a central role in many decisions that have led to improvements for both riders and drivers, like the recent addition of the option to leave tips. We know there’s still more work to do, so we look forward to ongoing engagement with drivers, which will help us to continually improve. Like many of the Uber drivers I’ve talked to from other parts of the world--whether it’s East Africa, Eastern Europe, or South America--I’m extremely proud to call Seattle home. We are lucky to share this city. The nearby mountains, the Puget Sound and lakes, as well as our inclusive and accepting values, all contribute to making this part of the world a beautiful place. I’m committed to a meaningful, direct, twoway relationship with drivers in Seattle for many years to come. It is what will help us all keep Uber successful and growing. Brooke Steger is Uber’s General Manager for the Pacific Northwest
August 13, 2017 • 12pm-6pm Othello Park • 4351 S Othello St
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I DRIVE FOR INDEPENDENCE As independent drivers, we keep Seattle in motion. We’re a strong community that supports each other’s success and we deserve a say in our future. Learn more about how Drive Forward is expanding Advertisement economic opportunity for independent drivers at DriveForwardSeattle.org
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The Ethiopian Soccer Tournament Coming to Seattle! By Kellen Colman
The Ethiopian Soccer Federation in North America (ESFNA) is hosting a soccer tournament in Seattle from July 2nd– 8th. The event is being held at Renton Memorial Stadium. The Seattle organizing committee led by Daniel Tezazu Kore, Tadiwos Melashu, Habtamu Abdi, Mulumebet Retta, Abiye Nurelegne, and others played a critical role in bringing the tournament back to Seattle, working tirelessly to achieve that goal. We recently spoke with Daniel Kore who led this effort about the history of the tournament being held here in Seattle. Daniel informed us that after 13 years in hiatus, the ESFNA tournament is finally back in Seattle. He fondly remembers attending the last tournament held here in 2004. He reports that the Ethiopian community in Seattle has missed the event tremendously. Kore reports that one of the main reasons for the delay in bringing the tournament back to Seattle was the high-priced hotels in the Emerald city. As an Ethiopian-American who has been a resident of Seattle for the past 18 years, Kore is especially thrilled to have the tournament back in Seattle which has one of largest Ethiopian communities in the United States. The ESFNA tournament requires heavy sponsorship given that they are responsible for the expenses of 32 teams which include food, transportation and lodging. Kore reports contacting multiple local companies asking for financial support to make the tournament a reality. Although many companies were unable to contribute, Uber which has close ties to
Team Barro of the host city, Seattle, at one of their practicing games in George Town Field. Photo by Runta!
the African community in Seattle wrote a check of $100,000. Local African busi-
ness owners also contributed $10,000 in support of this event. Although many local
companies were unable to contribute for this year’s tournament the hope is, with the support garnered from the transportation giant the success of this year’s event will help secure funding for future events. Uber’s support of the ESFNA tournament helps dispel the thought that “diversity” and “inclusion” are just buzzwords which companies regurgitate as an attempt to placate the minority communities who may work for them or whom they serve as their customers. The ESFNA tournament is expected to draw 32,000 spectators to the Emerald city which in return will bring extra revenue to local business specifically Ethiopian owned businesses. The ticket prices are affordable with average $20 per ticket for adults, discounted rates for children while kids under the age of 5 get free admission. This event promises to be fun for young people as well as for families in the area. Seattle Barro and Dashen are not just Ethiopian teams here in Seattle, they welcome players of non-Ethiopian descent to join their teams as well as other communities no matter of race, culture or religious background. Tryouts are held once a year, the Seattle Barro team practices at Ingraham high school while Seattle Dashen holds their training at the Nathan Hale High School in North Seattle. Seattle will be getting a treat on July 2nd -8th thanks to the tournament which promises not only electrifying plays on the pitch but also will provide vast varieties of the delicious Ethiopian food, culture, and entertainment which Seattleites have grown so fond of. Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at http://www.esfna.net/seattle2017.
Profile: Player Habte Michael Ready to Keep the Cup in Seattle! the truth
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By Kellen Colman
The Seattle Barro which is one of the Ethiopian Sports Federation of North America (ESFNA) premier soccer team is excited and thrilled to have Habte Michael Alemayehu back in their ranks. Alemayehu who has been a resident of Seattle for the past 5 years is eager to be pack on the pitch after missing last year’s tournament in Canada due to an injury. He is especially happy he gets a chance to represent the city of Seattle given his passion for this mecca of diversity. Alemayehu chose to move to Seattle directly from Ethiopia. He strongly considered moving to Dallas, Texas but he was eventually won over by the climate, cultural and economic mélange that is so uniquely associated with Seattle. Since relocating to
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Seattle, he currently works as an employee of Uber as one of the numerous East African drivers for the company. He loves the flexibility that comes with as a driver with Uber and is happy about the progress that Uber has made in the treatment of its
employees. Alemayehu stated, “I am so thankful for the chance to play where my friends and family can watch. I appreciate Uber for sponsoring the event and doing everything in their power to make this happen”. Alemayehu attends the Ethiothe truth
pian Orthodox church with his family and enjoys the multiple cultural dance festivals frequently held at the Seattle center. He is not only passionate about playing soccer, he is also passionate about community service and mentoring. Currently, he plans to
get involved in coaching soccer in the Seattle community and plans to do some work with the homeless community in Seattle. The Ethiopian soccer tournament will be held in Seattle on July 2nd -8th with over 32,000 spectators from all over North America expected to be in attendance. Alemayehu and his Seattle Baro teammates are ready to electrify the Seattle crowds and keep the trophy right here at home. The soccer tournament will take place at Renton Memorial Stadium. Tickets are $20 for adults. Children five and under can attend for free. Buy your tickets now while they last at http:// www.esfna.net/seattle2017/
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Meet Your Somali Doula! Suad Farole and Hawa Egal are both beloved members of the Somali community. As active members of their community, they saw an opportunity to engage in an impactful way: by becoming doulas with Open Arms Perinatal Services. Doulas are trained community health workers who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant women before, during and after childbirth. Outreach doulas offered by Open Arms, have a unique ability to reach and work with communities affected by inequity. As trusted members of the communities they serve, doulas are intermediaries between the health care and social services systems and community members, while helping to ensure that services are provided in a culturally-appropriate way. As Somali Outreach Doulas, not only do Suad and Hawa provide support during birth, they meet with the family at their home during pregnancy, and after the baby arrives home – until the baby is 2 years old! Suad Farole is an Outreach Doula at Open Arms, a mother of three, and a wife. This position allows her to work with the Somali women in her community. She says, “being a doula is a one
of my passions, especially working at Open Arms where women are being empowered every single day.” Each day she shows up at her job, she sees it as a blessing, and something she enjoys with deep gratitude. Suad remembers that her client was happy to see a Somali doula who understands her culture, language and religion. “I show women that they can have a doula who understands them, who will stand by them when things get hard, and sometimes help them find their voice,” exclaims Suad. “As a doula, I am their friend and I build confidence as they share the most intimate time in their life. I value showing up for them in these times,” she adds. Through this transformative relationship between the doulas and their Somali clients, the Outreach Doulas support parent-child attachment that ensures that child will thrive in his/her learning and readiness for kindergarten and beyond. Hawa Egal is also a Communitybased Outreach Doula, and a mother of three. At Open Arms, she met her true passion of both advocacy and empowerment. As a mother, Hawa shares what she’s learned through her experiences with her community, and notices how this work improves herself as well. She “became a doula for the ex-
citement of making a difference in the Somali community.” Noticing that there was a high cesarean rate that needed to be addressed, she acknowledges that her profession helps lower those statistics drastically, in addition to post-partum depression, and are much more likely to breastfeed. In short, she loves what she does. Both Hawa and Suad deeply understands that often, Somali women are misunderstood, especially in light of the rise of Islamophobia. As advocates, they hear the voices of their clients, and see how their clients’ needs are not being met. When trust has been violated with a provider, Hawa and Suad support a woman in having a smooth transition during her stay at the hospital or birth center, and help to close the gap between the patient and doctors. The Somali Outreach Doulas support the moms in increasing their self-awareness and personal advocacy skills, so the new moms can be strong and confident advocates for their children and families. Through new funding from THRIVE, Suad and Hawa are able to deepen their impact on healthy and thriving children and moms in the Somali community. Do you know someone who may be interested in being supported in this
Suad Farole (left) and Hawa Egal have been serving the Somali community in Seattle more than 20 years! transformative way that supports healthy pregnancy, labor AND early childhood development? Both Suad and Hawa have the capacity to work with more women in the Somali community who are eligible for TANF/Workfirst. Open Arms is
happy to support clients in connecting to TANF/Workfirst – and building a relationship with Suad and Hawa! Please contact them at: suad@openarmsps.org or hawa@ openarmsps.org.
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More Black and Latino Parents See Racial Inequities in School Funding African American and Latino parents see a lack of funding as the biggest cause of racial disparities in education, according to a newly released poll by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR). While the poll’s findings are not new, they also speak to the high aspirations that black and Latino parents have for their children. The poll, which was commissioned by The Leadership Conference Education Fund (LCEF), is significant as states have been preparing their education plans to comply with the Every Student Succeeds ACT (ESSA), the successor to the No Child Left Behind Act. Developed through extensive bipartisan efforts during the Obama administration and passed in 2015, ESSA allows states greater flexibility to tailor education delivery strategies to fit their populations’ unique needs. Wade Henderson, the president and CEO of the LCCHR and LCEF, concedes that “much of what the poll reveals really isn’t a surprise for us.” However, Henderson says the poll also reveals the attitudes and aspirations of the parents of black and Latino children, as well as how these parents measure success. Importantly, he notes, these are the parents of the children who, when combined, make up the majority of students in America’s public schools. For Liz King, LCEF’s director of educa-
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Ahmed Ali, PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) Somali Health Board(SHB) Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, violence, injury, or opportunities to achieve optimal health, often times experienced by socially and economically disadvantaged populations. New immigrants and refugees experience far greater health disparities due to language, culture, religious barriers and now geographical location due to gentrification. Despite the health systems’ attempts to address these challenges, in a vast, complex, and ever changing healthcare
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could become amplified. Yet, Henderson believes that ESSA offers an opportunity for parents and activists “to organize themselves to have real impact on how the local school system addresses the overall federal obligation to educate every student with meaningful equal educational opportunity.”
tion policy, the poll’s findings are relevant given that under ESSA provisions, states must report on how education money is spent, and on whom, in compliance with federal regulations. Matt Hogan, a partner with Anzalone Liszt Grove Research, which conducted the poll for LCEF, said very few of the parents polled were familiar with ESSA. But he notes that there’s been an increase since last year in the number of black and Latino parents who believe that racism in the education system is affecting their children negatively. The poll also found that black and Latino
parents whose children’s teachers are predominantly white are more likely to believe that their schools are “not really trying” to educate students of color. Henderson says that achieving equity in education is still an unrealized goal, despite the recent celebration of the 63rd anniversary of the Brown v. the Board of Education Supreme Court decision that desegregated America’s schools. ESSA is imperfect in Henderson’s view because in giving individual states more control over education, existing discriminatory patterns against black and Latino students
While emphasizing the need for coalition building to achieve goals in education, Henderson said the poll’s findings will inform the demand for better policies and more equitable allocation of resources. “We are not going to accept inferior education as the result of changes in the law,” he says. “It doesn’t matter, quite frankly, whether it’s Betsy DeVos in the Secretary of Education’s position, or someone else. The standard of accountability for federal involvement remains the same and we expect this administration to live up to its obligations.”
Op-ed: Health Disparities – Addressing at Grassroots Level through the truth Somali Health Board system, these disparities will remain inadequately addressed unless those communities that are directly affected are empowered and take the leading role in finding appropriate solutions. As a founding member and the current executive director of Somali Health Board (SHB), a grassroots organization with ambitious goals of addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Somali immigrants and refugees, our work is convincing enough that community-led solutions are pivotal to addressing those aforementioned health issues. The SHB, a coalition of health professionals (doctors, nurses, public health and social workers) in collaboration with the health systems, has brought the solutions to our own community and have come up with creative ways to get the community engaged in various health activities. Over the past few years, the SHB and its vast pool of volunteers (high schoolers, college students and health professionals) have served the community through peer to peer health classes addressing chronic diseases, centering pregnancy, health insurance enrollment, mental health focus group sessions, as well as the annual health fairs, attended by more than 215 community members each year. the truth
When you live within the boundaries of a culture such as SHB members, you’re far more likely to find solutions, rather than using evidence based or data driven solutions. It’s also worth noting, in some newer immigrant/refugee communities, there’s no evidence based practices. We’ve worked hard to address certain health misconceptions and have created a platform to which the community can approach it’s own healthcare professionals easily. I strongly believe in this model for all ethnic communities, coupled with the appropriate support from the health system. While we still have a long way to go, as certain health habits are often hard to break, however, our dedication and continued work to address these issues through system and policy advocacy will ensure that our community’s health needs are adequately addressed. I’m a strong proponent of community owned solutions, therefore, an advocate for finding solutions through community empowerment and allocating appropriate resources to address those challenges. When these solutions are addressed at grassroot levels, by the community, the community prospers and the health system will see significant health positive outcomes. PAGE: 7
Student Empowers Seattle Somali Community to Fight Climate Change, Pollution By Ahlaam Ibraahim Editor’s Note: Runta News aims to highlight the stories of young Somalis who are making a difference in their community. For this Q&A interview, reporter Ahlaam Ibraahim spoke with her fellow University of Washington student Nazmah Hasaan about Hasaan’s work educating Somalis about climate change and environmental issues in Seattle. Hassan is a community liaison with the Duwamish Valley Action Team at the City of Seattle, as well as an environmental health major at UW. Can you tell me a little about yourself and about your path to working on climate change issues? I’m an environmental studies major at the University of Washington, and I’ve always had an interest in environmental issues. Climate change is without doubt one of the most pressing issues of our time and we need to address it. Not just as a city, but on the national and global level. I think everyone should be well versed in climate change and how to re-
important. For example, investing in clean and efficient public transportation not only reduces carbon emissions, but also gives people a more affordable way to get around.
Nazmah Hasaan duce our [carbon] footprints. What is City of Seattle environmental office mission? How to do you work to connect climate change to other issues important to Seattle communities, like housing or jobs? I think that the City of Seattle’s mission is to create a sustainable city and protect the environment. The city’s “Equity and Environment Agenda” prioritizes a holistic look at the environment. It’s not just about ecology, it’s about other things like housing or jobs too. Creating policies that are more sustainable and improve people’s quality of life is very
What are some of the climate change and/or environmental issues facing the Somali community here in greater Seattle? I live in and do environmental justice work in Lower Duwamish, which is disproportionately affected by local [air and water] pollution. My neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods are home to many low income communities of color, including Somalis. I think the biggest issue is not only pollution in these areas, but the lack of advocacy on behalf of these communities. There has been recent improvement especially with the Equity and Environment Agenda but we definitely need more organizing and inclusion around environmental issues in our community. What work have you been doing to educate and empower the Somali community on cli-
mate change? In your experience, how do Somalis view climate change? I work with Duwamish River Clean Up Coalition and the City’s Duwamish Valley Action Team to make sure that the needs of the Somalis in my neighborhood regarding environmental issues are addressed. I’ve been conducting community meetings since last spring. These meeting are mainly dialogue, they are the city trying to get the perspectives of the Somali community and put those perspectives into action. One thing that stands out to me at the meeting is how receptive Somalis are to learning about environmental issues. Whether it’s climate change, or any other issue. I’ve never met a Somali climate change denier, but I have met people who don’t know much about climate change and want to know more. We need more people in our community to go into the environmental field so we can raise awareness about these issues. Right now we have a president who has called climate change
Future of Africa’s Youth Does Not Lie in Migration to Europe, Adesina tells G7
a “hoax” and is working to undo climate action made during the Obama administration. Given this, in your view what is the role of local organizing on environmental issues? I think local organizing is important now more than ever. Seattle is one of the most progressive cities in the country and will not blindly follow the current presidential administration. With the defunding of EPA and blatant denial of climate change, there’s no doubt the next four years will be difficult. However we don’t have any other choice but to keep working on climate change issues so we can preserve our environment. How to get involved: A full list of upcoming Environment and Climate Change community meetings is online at: http:// www.seattle.gov/environment. Ahlaam Ibraahim wrote this story with support from New America Media’s Climate Change Fellowship Program.
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Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, May, 2017 – The future of Africa’s youth does not lie in migration to Europe, but in a prosperous Africa, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has said. Adesina, who spoke at the G7 Summit in Taormina, Italy, at the weekend, stressed the need for African countries to create greater economic opportunities for its youth to stay home and live a meaningful life. “We must turn rural areas from zones of economic misery to zones of economic prosperity. This requires new agricultural innovations and transforming agriculture into a sector for creating wealth. We must make agriculture a really cool choice for young people. The future millionaires and billionaires of Africa will come initially from agriculture,” Adesina said. The G7 nations – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – used the opportunity of the Summit to draw attention to the need for
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more investment in Africa to check the massive transit of its youth through the Mediterranean. The AfDB Chief stressed the need for a more prosperous Africa and its role in keeping young people productive and engaged. “Even insects migrate from where it is dark to where there is light,” Adesina said. “No wonder Africa’s youth – our assets – take huge risks migrating to Europe, looking for a better life.” According to Adesina, by 2050, Africa will have the same population as India and China’s combined populations today. Consumer spending in Africa is projected to reach US $1.4 trillion in the next three years and business-to-business spending to reach $3.5 trillion in the next eight years. “And Africa is reforming, making itself open for business: it accounted for 30% of global business and regulatory reforms in 2016.” He called on the G7 to think seriously
about Africa as a huge investment opportunity. He announced that AfDB and its partners would launch the Africa Investment Forum next year as a deliberate strategy to attract massive private investments to the continent. “So, Africa’s huge investment opportuni-
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ties and innovations beckon you – from agriculture and agribusiness, to energy, health, ICT, infrastructure and financial services. And the African Development Bank will be there to help advance private-sector investments from G7 countries in Africa. Together with the G7, let’s innovate. Let’s give Africa a High 5,” he said.
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Interview with Roda Siad, Director of “19 Days” Documentary! “19 Days” was Celebrated in an Event that Brought the Communities Together!
The goal was to give Canadians an inside look at the resettlement Roda Siad and her sister Asha Siad are Somali-Canadian docu- and integration experiences of refugee families. Unless they are a mentary filmmakers based in Calgary, Alberta. Their documentary service provider, most Canadians do not know about the work “19 Days” has travelled throughout continents before finally involved in resettlement. arrived in Seattle on May 12 as the first American city to host. The How long it took you to produce and what kind of chalfilm was celebrated with an event that communities together. The film has won three Alberta Film and Television Awards in April lenges you faced during the filming? It took us almost a year and half to complete the film. With any 2017 (Best Documentary under 30 minutes, Best Screenwriter for non-fiction under 30 minutes and Best Editor for non-fiction project, gaining access is key to successfully capturing your story. under 30 minutes). The film received an award for Best Initially, we spent a few months just doing research and creating a relationship with the MCRC staff. The fact that we took an observaSocial/Political Documentary attime, the Yorkton Film Festival as well Roda Siad and her sister Asha Siad the we had finished a project in Howaslong tional it tookapproach you to produce to the film was a bit challenging as well. We would Kathleen Shannon Award. Ourthat Runta teamthehas conducted are the Somali-Canadian documentary Europe examined asylum pro- andan what kind of challenges you filmthefor up to 10 hours each day and because the families did not filmmakers based with in Calgary, cess into Italy eyes of Afrifaced during filming? interview RodaAlberta. who came thethrough film the screening in Seattle. speak wehalf were not sure what was beingthe said. There were Their documentary “19 Days” has can asylum seekers. After that experiIt took us almostEnglish, a year and truth The event was jointly cohosted by UBER and the Seattle Times travelled throughout continents be- ence we wanted to explore what that to completealso the film. With any projup to 10 different languages being spoken in the house, so helpSeattle of Runta Newssettlement in the organizing efforts. We gladly fore with finallythe arriving on May process was like in Canada. ect, gainingwe access is key to successdid not find out what was being said until the editing phase chance to RodaisSiad. 12 ashad the the first American cityinterview to host. There little opportunity for the gen- fully capturing your story. Initially, Advertisement began. Having The film was celebrated with an event eral public to gain an understanding we spent a few months just said doingthis, there are many rewards that come from How did you come up with the idea of making this film? that brought communities together. of the realities faced by refugees once research and thecreating observational approach. Our patience led to many beautiful a relationship (co-director) a news piece on the Margaret The My film sister won three Alberta Film was and filming they arrive to the new country. with the MCRC staff. The fact that and genuine moments in the film. Chisholm Centre the oftitle 2014. It waswethe Television AwardsResettlement in April 2017 (Best Whyinyou didspring choose the 19 Days took an observational approach to the filmaswas Documentary under minutes, what it stand for? the we film wasIasee bit challenging well. attributed to NFB. What role did they first time she30 had beenBest insideand the reception house. At the time, Screenwriter for non-fiction under 19 Days is the length of time gov- We would film for up 10 hours each intothe filming? had finished a project in Europe that examined the asylum play 30 minutes and Best Editor for non- ernment-assisted refugees stay at the day and because the families did not The NFB produced the film and we directed and wrote the screenprocess inminutes). Italy through the Margaret eyes ofChisholm AfricanResettlement asylum seekers. AfterEnglish, fiction under 30 The film Cen- speak we were not sure what play.There were also up to received award for Best just happens to bethat the numthatanexperience weSocial/ wantedtre.toThis explore what settlement was being said. Political Documentary at in theCanada. Yorkton There ber of is days the opportunity Calgary Catholicfor Im-the10 differentBeing languages spoken by yourself, what kind of impact do a being refugee process was like little genFilm Festival as well as the Kathleen migration Society (the NGO running in the house, so we did not find out eral public to gain an understanding of the realities faced by refu- you hope the film will have on policymakers, especially Shannon Award. Our Runta team has the centre) has been contracted by the what was being said until the editing gees once they arrive to the federal new country. conducted an interview with Roda government to temporarily phase began. said this, thereof the west? in Having host countries who Why came toyou the film screening the in Se-title host19 refugees. the what 19 days it arestands are many rewards that come from the choose DaysOnce and The film is a great educational tool for schools, service providers attle. The event was jointly cohosted up, families are moved to permanent observational approach. Our patience policymakers. the with length time government-assisted refugees for? by Uber and19 theDays SeattleisTimes the ofaccommodation and receive support led to manyand beautiful and genuine mo- Presently, countries around the world the US and Canada) are having discussions around help stay of Runta News in the organizing forResettlement up to a year. at the Margaret Chisholm Centre. This justments hap-in the(including film. efforts. We to gladly had the chance of to days Thethe filmCalgary is a window into theImmigration lives refugees and resettlement. As the number of displaced people pens be the number Catholic interview Roda Siad. of refugee families during their first see theworldwide film was attributed to it is important to really think about how we increases, Society (the NGO running the centre) has been contracted byI the few weeks in Canada. The goal was to NFB. What role did they play in temporarily hostanrefugees. 19 receive refugees and what that integration process really looks give Canadians inside lookOnce at the the Howfederal did yougovernment come up withtothe the filming? resettlement and integration experi- The NFB produced like. 19the Days shows the human side of the resettlement process. It are up, are moved to permanent accommodation ideadays of making this families film? film and we diences of refugee families. Unless they Myand sisterreceive (co-director) was filming a rected and wrote thelight screenplay. sheds on the complex realities faced by these families during support for up to a year. news piece on the Margaret Chisholm are a service provider, most Canadians their first few weeks in Canada. Once we are aware if this process, The film is a window into the lives of refugee families during their Resettlement Centre in the spring of do not know about the work involved Being a refugee by yourself, what we can work towards creating inclusive and supportive fewthe weeks in Canada. 2014.first It was first time she had in resettlement. kind of impact do you hope the been inside the reception house. At
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environments for vulnerable populations. how they could support newcomers in their film will have on policymakers, especommunities. It wasAmerican also great to city learn cially in host of the west? How youcountries feel about Seattle being the first
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mainstream news media). For us, it was important to explore the multiple narratives of the refugee crisis and go beyond depicting refugees as mere statistics. The role that artist can play is to put a human face to these issues so that it connects to all audiences. We can shed light on under-reported issues in mainstream media. This is particularly why we are interested in documentary filmmaking as it allows yes it explore issues from many perspectives.
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Terfera Girma Brings Traditional Ethiopian Dishes to Central District at Agelgil By Charles Koh—Runta News
Owner Terfera Girma and his wife are living the dream one day at a time. The couple, born and raised in Ethiopia moved to the city of Seattle in 1987 with the dream of one day opening up a restaurant. During his early years in Seattle, he joined Shoreline Community College to further his education but soon realized his passion was to become an owner and operator. He dropped out to start his fund to open up a restaurant. In 1994, he was able to purchase his first home and shortly after welcomed a beautiful daughter in 1996. In 2015, Terfera saw an opportunity to take over the Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant located between Martin Luther King Jr Way & 28th Ave which had recently closed after running since 1998. After gaining ownership of the restaurant, Terfera spent several months remodeling it to create an authentic, community driven, Ethiopian restaurant that served dishes you’d find back home. The first is called “injera,” an East African sourdough-risen flatbread, slightly spongy texture made of teff flour, and naturally vegan and gluten-free serves as a spoon for lentil, bean, meat, and vegetable sauces. The ingredients to prepare the injera bread are shipped directly from Ethiopia to main-
tain the traditional flavors. Due to popular demand, Terfera plans to package the injera and supply it to at large scale in the near future. One of his neighboring restaurants buying the injera and producing custom sauces to pair with it for their customers. The second dish is called “Shiro,” a chickpea powder-based dish that is served bubbling hot with a stuffed jalapeño pepper and tender lamb chunks slow-cooked with Ethiopia’s popular and spicy red berbere sauce, a spicy mixture whose constituent elements usually include chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, korarima, rue, ajwain or radhuni, nigella, and fenugreek. Another local favorite is the “Meat Agelgil Special” which consists of Kitfo, minced raw beef, marinated in mitmita (a chili powder-based spice blend) and niter kibbeh (a clarified butter infused with herbs and spices), tibs, kei wot, alicha, gomen besiga, and some veggies. For those that are looking to get something outside of the traditional mix, you can order a hamburger, wings, or even a salmon sandwich. As a way to reach even more locals around Seattle, Terfera has adopted UberEATS into his delivery system to offset slower times of the day. He said it has been convenient for both ownership and the customers looking to get their Ethiopian fix without having to drive.
At Central District’s Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant, authentic Ethiopian injera, a fermented sourdough flatbread is an exclusive offering for neighborhood guests. We asked what admired Terfera into his delivery system to offset slower times of the day. He said it has been convenient for both ownership and the customers looking to get their Ethiopian fix without having to drive. We asked what admired Terfera most about Seattle and he said, “Seattle is home,
I lived in this city for a long time, love the scenery, love the people, very friendly, good opportunity for life to change. Seattle is like my kids.” Agelegle Ethiopia Restaurant 2800 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 324-6402
JADEECO WA CUDUR AAD U DARAN!
Jadeecadu waa cudur aad u daran oo keena finan iyo qandho. Jadeecadu waa cudur aad u faafa. Waxay ku faafta marka qof qaba jadeeco qaba uu ku neefsado, qufaco ama uu hindhiso. Qof walba oon talaalneeyn wuxuu halis badan ugu jiraa ineey ku dhacdo jadeeco. Jadeecadu waxay noqon kartaa halis, gaar ahaan dhallaanka iyo carruurta yaryar. Maraar an aad u badneen, waxay sababi kartaa dhimasho.
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KA DIFAAC QOYSKAAGA JADEECADA Sida uga wanaagsan aad jadeecada kaga Advertisement
difaaci karto qoyskaaga waa tallaalka. Dhakhatiirta waxaay kutaliyan ay ciyaalka oo dhan qaatan tallaalka MMR. Tallaalka MMR waa ammaan wuu na kufiicanyahay hortagga jadeecada. Wuxuu kale uu difaac u yahay qanjo bararka iyo qaamo qashiir. Qaadashada tallaalka MMR (ka) wuxuu ka Qatar yaryahay halista xanuunka jadeecada. Ciyaalka badankooda dhib kama soo gaarto tallaalka. Saameynta inta badan ka soo gaarta weey yartahay mana sii daba dheeraato, sida qandho finan kooban iyo dhuun xanuun. TALLAALKA MMR MA KEENO DHAKAAKAHA "AUSTISM" Majiran daraasaddo muujinaya inuu xiriirka dhaxeeyo dhakaakaha "autism" iyo tallaalka MMR(ka). Arintan waxaa si taxadar leh u darsay(baaray) dhakhatiir iyo sayniisteyaal badan dunidda oo dhan. Sayniisteyaasha waxaay darasseeyeen wixii ay ciyaalka ka qaadan dhakaakaha "autism". Sayniisteyaasha badankooda waxaay isku raacen in laga yaabo inuu hido-raac ama dhaxal yahay dhakaakaha "autism". Waxaa sidoo kale ay daraasseeyeen xiriirada ka daxeeya cudurka dhakaakaha autism iyo degaanka u qof deganyahay. MAXAA SAMEYN KARTAA HADDII AAD U MALEYSO IN AY JADEECO KUGU DHACDAY? Calaamadaha jadeecada iyo sida ay u faafto Jadeecadu waxaay inta badan ku bilaabataa qandho aad u sareysa, qufac, diif, iyo indho casaan, ilin. Kadib 3-5 maalmod, finan ayaa inta badan ku bilaawda wajiga oona ku faafa qeybaha kale ee jirka. Dadka kale ayaa ka qaadi karo jadeeco haddii aad leedahay calaamadaha. Waxaad tahay cudur-faafiye ilaa ay finanka ka dhamaadan. Waxaad jadeeco ka qaadi karta haddii aad qol la gasho oo qof jadeeco qabo. Fayriska jadeecada wuxuu ku haraa hawada muddo dhan ila labo sacaadood kadib marki qofku ka tago qolka. Soo wac dhakhtarkaada ama rugta caafimaad haddii aad aragtid calaamadaha.
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Dhakhtarkaada ama rugta caafimaadka ayaa kuu sheegi doona haddii aad u baahan tahay in aad timaatid. Jadeecadu waa cudur u faafa si aad ah waxaadna ku daaran kartaa qofka jooga qolka sugidda. Waa muhiim in aad dhakhtarkaada ama rugta caafimaad usheegtid haddii aad isku aragtid calaamadaha jadeeco inta aad tagin kahore. Waxaay ku siin donaan tilmaamaha ku saabsan wixii laga raba si aadan u faafinin jadeecada. Guriga joog haddii aad qabto jadeeco Waa muhim in aadan ku faafinin jadeecada dad kale. Guriga jog haddii aad qabto jadeeco. Ha aadin dugsiga(iskoolka), shaqada, dukaanka, ama guriga dad kale. Marti yeeysan kuugu imman gurigaaga haddii aad adi ama ciyaalkada qabo qandho mise finan.
Dhakhtarkaada weydii haddii aad su'ala ka qabtid wax kusaabsan jadeeco, tallaalka MMR ama Wixii Macluumaad dhereead ah: http://kingcounty.gov/health/measles
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Book Reviews: Somali Novelist and Poet, Shirin Ramzanali Fazel Shirin Ramzanali Fazel’s Far from Mogadishu was published twenty years ago, in 1994, and reprinted once, in 1999. The current republication is an expanded version in English that revisits that text. Although it was distributed by a small publisher, Far from Mogadishu is crucial in the contemporary literary panorama. Far from Mogadishu was one of the first texts to present from the point of view of the colonized Italian colonial history, a period about which a guilty amnesia is in force. Somalia was an Italian protectorate from 1885 to 1905. It later became a colony, included in the empire from 1936 until the end of the Second World War. From 1950 to 1960, the United Nations entrusted the former colonizers with the administration of Somalia (AFIS). The AFIS was a sort of colonialism with a time limit, where Italy left administrators already present in the territory, mostly fascists, in the ex-colony. Shirin was born in this period, to be precise in 1953; she had a Somali mother and a Pakistani father, and studied “in middle schools and high schools which were run directly from Rome by the Minister of State Education in the same way as any state school operating in Italian territory”. In Far from Mogadishu, Shirin says that “[she] studied Italian language at school” in Somalia as
well as “Garibaldi, Mazzini. Italy and Somalia’s histories do not simply intertwine during the period of the AFIS. For example, the dictatorship of Siad Barre (1969-1991) was supported by Italy, and Somalia was also the primary destination for Italian resources in the post-war cooperation. The publication of Far from Mogadishu corresponds to another important episode in the relationship between Italy and Somalia, that is to say the murder of the television news journalist Ilaria Alpi and the cameraman Miran Hrovatin in Mogadishu. As recent inquiries seem to demonstrate, they were both investigating the traffic of arms coming from Italy and sold in Somalia in exchange for the removal of illicit waste. That investigation tried to clarify the role of Italian producers in the arms used in the Somali civil war, which started in 1991 with the deposition of
Siad Barre and continued until a few months ago, when the process of the reconstruction of the new Somali state began. Far from Mogadishu bears witness to the relationship between Italy and Somalia, also showing that “this proximity is rarely reciprocal [as] Somalia is largely an unknown reality in contemporary Italy”. Shirin Ramzanali Fazel’s Clouds over the Equator provides a powerful description of meticcio literary characters during the AFIS administration, and makes readers view this period from the perspective of two women: that of Amina, a Somali woman, and her daughter, Giulia. Clouds over the Equator contributes to re-imagine national spaces, and provides a powerful representation of the condition of those who straddle different cultures. Because of her ability to raise critical questions about the nature, the role, and the legacy of ‘scientific’ racism, Shirin’s voice feels necessary and relevant not only to grasp the legacy of AFIS administration, but the resistance to the pervasive white privilege that was institutionalized in the colonies and shapes the contemporary world. Clouds over the Equator is a wonderfully detailed, graceful and thought-provoking novel, which builds on those reflections, by providing a unique depiction of the AFIS administration in Somalia and its legacy. Although the novel is not narrated through the voices of the main characters, we follow closely their stories. Amina gains selfawareness and independence thanks to three elements: female solidarity, cinema and the
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ability of movies to show Amina distant worlds, and her exploration of the social spaces which gives her the strength to assert her subjecthood in the domestic space. Amina’s daughter, Giulia, is abandoned by her father during the AFIS period, grows up in a Catholic orphanage, and is rejected by both the communities to which she feels a part of. In Clouds over the Equator, Giulia has two ‘mothers’, her nanny Dada and her mother Amina. The novel describes ‘female solidarity and friendship independent of kinship’ that go far beyond the nuclear family. These poems are about people - persecuted, uprooted and dispossessed - who have had to leave their native lands, their families and their friends: how are they to integrate? Should they integrate? How can they hold on to their own culture, their own language and history, their own sense of themselves? Nowaday, migrants and migration are the main topics of the international media. Thousands of helpless and forgotten human beings are dying following their dreams of a better life for themself and their children. Those are people with no voice at all, people with no identities, people that only their families will remember: for the Western world they are just numbers good for statistics.
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Ubah for Tukwila School Board By Abdi Mahad
Ubah Warsame has children who are growing up and attending schools in Tukwila. But that’s not the only reason she’s running for school board. She’s also running because she’s been involved in other students’ academics, performing arts, athletics and other activities that give students a better future. Her professional career and volunteer service has prepared her well for the Tukwila School board. Ubah has been serving the Tukwila school budget committee for some years now. Her work with the local schools has so far helped bridge the gap between teachers and the new immigrant and refugee families who have limited or no English skills. She is making these efforts because she understands the need to encourage civic involvement among younger adults in our community and help recent arriving families get involved in their children’s education and the school system. Her goal is to ensure our students are prepared for success in school and after school, and for employment and participation in
the future economic development of Tukwila and the region. Ubah is aware that the school board truly makes a difference in the lives of every single one of our citizens as well as the children that attend our schools. She also knows the benefits of rigorous classes begining early. It’s now time that the Tukwila School Board, our teachers and community members foster a strong and cohesive relationship to better children’s education. Ubah identifies the greatest incentive for being involved in education as the satisfaction that she influences children’s lives, that she encourages them to do better, and makes sure they succeed in school, graduate, and pursue higher education. When our children succeed in school, they will be productive members of our society tomorrow. To make sure these happen, Ubah believes education is the best economic stimulus. With a proper guidance and encouragement at school and the right people on the school board, our children can become who they want to be. They have a clear path that helps them be doctors, lawyers, engineers,
scientists, and innovators. They will lift families out of poverty and bring more progress to all of our community in Tukwila in particular and to the State in general. Community in Tukwila knows Ubah’s public education service and how she has been greatly involved in many education awareness events and community meetings aimed to inspire the school district, our dedicated teachers and community members to have robust trusting relationships, significant outreach programs, and professional development initiatives. More than anything, Ubah loves her children and wants to make Tukwila a city in which every kid can do well. She’s passionate about making sure education attainment and graduation gap of students from community of color bridged, putting working families first, creating a dynamic public school system that helps all of our children learn, grow, and realize their dream. Ubah will fight to ensure we have excellent teachers and leaders in every class and school. She will guarantee that parents and neighborhoods are fully engaged in their
school. She will continue to strive within our community and help raise the voices of young students, the most hard-working teachers, and parents to make sure they are valued and heard. If the city of Tukwila is ready to continue working with the community effectively, electing Ubah will definitely provide sustained opportunities for student achievement and retention regardless of their socioeconomic levels, race, color and creed in all aspects of school life. Ubah is keenly poised to serve all students. I think we ought to have
new faces and minds on our school Board. It’s up to us to decide the path we want for our children’s education. Ubah’s running for school board because every kid deserves the chance to succeed. Investing in our children’s future starts today. It is time we honor and reward Ubah’s contributions to our schools, our community, as well as her time and energy in public service to our community. Abdi Mahad Research analyst Vice president of Filsan Consulting
Seattle Somali Mother of Three Goes Back to School to Earn Her Masters! By All Things Somali
“I FELT THE ONLY WAY I COULD MAKE MY CHILDREN RESPECT, VALUE, Advertisement AND STAY OUT OF HARMS WAY WAS TO GO THE EXTRA MILE WITH THEM AND PURSUE AN EDUCATION WITH THE FOCUS OF – ‘IF I COULD DO IT SO CAN THEY.’”
extra mile with them and pursue an education with the focus of – ‘if I could do it so can they.’
Why Social Work? This is something Somali people often do not understand the benefit of. Because we don’t have social workers in the community, our young men and girls suffer. Social workers do more than just take children from families who neglect them. Social workers Tell us a little bit about yourself? understand and evaluate social issues, such My name is Saida Alim. My story is not as what our community is dealing with right really incredibly amazing or undoable now. As community, we do not actively parin any shape or form. I am just another ticipate in changes that impact our children. ordinary Somali person whom Allah For example, we left our country because of Subhanawata’allah has given an opportucivil war but we continue to behave like we nity to be where I am today. I came to this country in 2001 with my children. I worked are still living in Somalia. This will not help us raise vibrant, active, resilient, and talin retail for several years and realized that ented boys or girls because they are disconmost people who were working in these lines of work were mostly immigrants with nected from their parents who are still living in the old Somalia. All the children who basically nothing; or very little power to advocate for themselves. I knew then, even are either brought or born here in America have a confused sense of not belonging or though I have always loved education that this was not something I wanted for myself identity crisis. This gap creates issues of not or for my children, so I went back to school. being able to communicate with each other. Therefore, our boys are being processed through the prison industrial complex unlike What inspired you to pursue your maswith any other immigrant community. ters? I felt the only way I could make my children Was it challenging to pursue this as a respect themselves, value themselves, and mother? stay out of harm’s way was to go to the
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Being a mother of two boys and a girl I did not want my children to only experience life through that narrative of stay-at-home mom. On the contrary, as a Somali mother, it pained me to see our children get killed, jailed, and our community being talked about in every discussion. Yet, no one is doing anything to change the vision. The plight of boys gets worse and things are not happening any differently. I love and live for my children and I know every Somali parent feels the same way. However, we as Somali community members are living in this country and need to take part in these policies. Our children need to see active parents that work hard and live balanced lives. We need to engage them in the family discussion and decision-making process to close the general gap of miscommunication. We know how to make babies but we as community failed to prepare our children for this country because we ourselves are ill prepared for this country. What advice do you have for Somali mothers who also want to pursue education? We as Muslims and Somali community members need to believe in our strength, resiliency and motivate the youth to fellow in our footsteps. There is nothing inspirational about fathers who are not engaged
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and mothers who are busy everyday cooking and cleaning while the fathers are missing from the picture. Think about your children. Be the role model they don’t get from the mainstream society. Children are impressionable and need positive images of their own people. By getting an education, parents will uniquely inspire their own children rather than copying other people who may not believe what they believe in or value what we as a community value. To all my family around the world who were not there as I graduated from the University of Washington School of Social Work, I would not be where I am without your prayers and patience. I know I am not the best person to stay in touch with families. I have been working hard to make something of myself that everyone can be proud of. I pray that you all can find in your hearts to forgive me for being late to everything.
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DRIVE FORWARD By Yohannes K. Sium
It was my family’s taxicab business that sent me to Seattle University, George Washington Law School and helped me start my own law firm. It’s an industry where recent East African who needs to make enough money to raise his family immediately can work hard and be independent.
BACKGROUND
Over the last five years, the industry has undergone seismic shifts. When I opened my law firm in 2012, nobody had heard of Uber or Lyft. My first few clients were nearly a dozen cab drivers suing a taxi company. Since then, I’ve made a career out of representing taxi drivers, so I’ve closely followed the changes taking place within the industry. I’ve been struck by the infighting among
the East African communities over the future of the transportation business in Seattle. These communities, who in other circumstances have so much in common, often seem to have no interest in compromise or reasonably discussing disagreements. Taxis fought against for-hires. Taxi drivers have fought against taxi owners. Taxi owners have fought against dispatch companies (i.e. Yellow Cab, Farwest, Orange Cab, STITA). Dispatch companies have fought each-other or ignored the process entirely. Taxis owners and dispatch companies have fought against Uber and Lyft. The union did not unite our community, but instead poured gas on the fire. The City Council has mostly been confused about what to do. No meaningful discussion to unite our transportation community has succeeded. What we’ve instead gotten is each player jockeying against the others trying to gain advantage. And when this happens, it is drivers who usually end up at a loss.
CURRENT ENVIRONMENT
Today, there are more Uber and Lyft
MOVING OUR COMMUNITIES, TAXICABS AND UBER TOWARD THE FUTURE drivers in our communities than taxi drivers. But Uber and Lyft, like the taxicab companies before them, are having trouble navigating the complicated transportation environment and all the interests involved. So are Uber and Lyft drivers. Some complain of being disrespected, deactivated and misunderstood. There is a cultural gap and often a language gap. This is especially troubling given how important this business is for our survival. Another surprising development is how the industry seems to be coming together. The for-hire companies, cabs and Uber all appear to be under the same umbrella. After Yellow Cab lost the Sea-Tac airport contract last year, hundreds of cabs from Yellow Cab moved to Eastside For-Hire (ESFH) to create E-Cab. E-Cab and Flat Rate not only operates at the airport, but they are also dispatched by Uber.
DRIVE FORWARD – THE FUTURE For the first time, many actors in the industry have been brought under the same umbrella. The For-hires, E-Cab, Eastside For-Hire and Uber all came together to create one organization to resolve the old conflicts and establish better channels of communication throughout the industry.
Drive Forward is a nonprofit designed to help alleviate the divisions between Uber, ESFH, the drivers and their communities. Some have expressed concern that an organization supported by the companies would be used to undermine drivers. This type of thinking is reminiscent of the suspicion and divisions that have kept the industry dysfunctional for years. Business does not have to be a zero-sum game. If drivers and the companies can resolve conflicts reasonably without wasting unnecessary time and effort, then everyone benefits; everyone makes more money. The taxi companies have failed to work with our communities successfully. So has the union. Drive Forward plans to work closely with our communities to resolve conflicts between our members and the companies. Drive Forward also plans to work with communities as a way of supporting drivers and acknowledging the important role they play in the East African Diaspora. Drive Forward’s holistic approach offers a glimmer of hope for unity and is the only direction to move in the future. Yohannes K. Sium is an attorney who practices business and car accident cases in the Seattle area.
Campaign Launched to Educate Washington Residents about 100 Percent Renewable Energy! Seattle -- Environment Washpromote clean, efficient, renewington Research & Policy Center able energy sources. Here in our is deploying dozens of doorWashington, Governor Inslee knockers this summer in a major has joined with other Governors effort to educate Washingtonians in announcing the United State about the prospects for shifting Climate Alliance, a bi-partisan to 100 percent clean, renewable coalition that will convene U.S. Advertisement energy. states committed to upholding Part of a national campaign the Paris Climate Agreement to reach more than 1.5 million and taking aggressive action on Americans, outreach staff from climate change. our office in Seattle will disContrary to actions by the tribute literature to more than Trump Administration and 136,000 Washington households, Congress, dozens of major reinforcing that America can, and corporations ranging from Apple, must, transition from dirty fuels to clean sources such as wind and solar. “For years, we’ve been told that pollution from dirty fuels we’ve used to meet our energy needs was the price we had to pay for progress,” said Bruce Speight, Environment Washington Director. “Those days are over. Now, we can forge ahead, emboldened by the growing numbers of people who know that 100 percent renewable energy is as feasible as it is necessary.” The effort comes as the Trump Administration has proposed rolling back or eliminating programs to reduce pollution and
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to Coca Cola, to Walmart are moving forward with plans to shift to 100 percent renewable energy. Thirty cities; including, San Diego, CA; Georgetown, TX; and St. Petersburg FL have made similar commitments. “Relying on fossil fuels is polluting our air, water and land and harming our health and it’s changing our climate even faster than scientists predicted,” said Speight. “What’s needed is a total transformation in how and where we get our energy.”
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Last year, Environment America Research & Policy Center reviewed seven studies on clean energy systems conducted to date -- by academics, government agencies and nonprofit organizations – suggesting there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to tapping the country’s vast potential to achieve 100 percent renewable energy. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we could meet our current electric-
ity needs 100 times over with just solar energy and another 10 times over with just wind energy. Our buildings could use 50% less the truth energy if we made them more efficient. And, every day technologies advance in ways that makes the job even easier. “With virtually unlimited reserves of renewable energy, getting to 100 percent renewable energy is 100 percent necessary and 100 percent possible,” said Speight. “The time to act is now.”
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Runta Interviews Seattle Mayoral Candidate Jenny Durkan! By Henry Yates
Last Friday, Runta News had the privilege of interviewing leading Seattle Mayoral Candidate Jenny Durkan. We asked her questions important to our readers. RUNTA NEWS: What do you think of the stance Mayor Murray has taken against the administration on the issue of sanctuary cities? Do you support the lawsuit filed by the city challenging the administration? I strongly believe that Seattle should be a sanctuary city and would continue the lawsuit. I’m ready and able to take on Attorney General Sessions and the Trump administration at every legal turn if they are hurting our city. A lot of candidates will tell you they too will stand up to Trump, but the difference in my case is that as a former U.S. Attorney in the Obama Justice Department, I have the experience and understand how to take on Trump and win. In fact, I already have. The day the travel ban was announced I was at SeaTac airport, part of the legal team that got the first federal court order blocking people from being illegally deported from our country. Many of our readers live in Southeast Seattle. This is an area that is undergoing significant changes. How will you as Mayor ensure Southeast Seattle residents will prosper? I feel the city has a greater obligation to southeast Seattle. This community does not get the infrastructure so many other communities in the city does, it has a disproportionate number of residents with less economic opportunities and working in lower wage jobs. I will address these issues holistically because I understand that it is important to provide opportunities in many different areas like business assistance, housing and employment. What’s your opinion of the president’s socalled “Muslim ban?” Advertisement
Unconstitutional. Hateful. Discriminatory. I was at SeaTac airport on the day Trump’s illegal Muslim immigration ban went into effect, and we successfully got a federal court order that blocked an effort to deport individuals. The plane on which they were being “sent back” actually had to return to the gate, so they could complete their journey to our country. I am proud that our state and our federal court blocked this ban. How will you ensure that Seattle continues to be a welcoming city to immigrants and refugees from around the world? Especially with Donald Trump as presidEspecially with Donald Trump as president, I want all immigrants and refugees from around the world to know that they are welcome in our city, and I will fight attempts to restrict the rights of immigrants. I value the work of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and I have longtime relationships with organizations like the ACLU and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. I would continue to work to expand publicprivate partnerships to help immigrants and refugees have access to education as well as legal representation.
What would you do differently than the current mayor to address the homelessness crisis in Seattle? I am committed to smartly directing city reI am committed to smartly directing city resources while working with service providers, caring philanthropists, communities, individuals and businesses dedicated to finding solutions. I recently laid out some immediate steps we should take to get people off the streets and into safe housing: https://medium. com/@JennyforSeattle/three-immediatesteps-to-address-homelessness-in-seattle2b7c1889ab08. I don’t think there is one “magic bullet” or one-size-fits all solution to this complex, multifaceted problem and we should continue to seek new, innovative solutions and to do so in better collaboration and coordination with
Any plan for equitable development must address long term impacts related to housing, education, transportation, jobs and infrastructure, and must incorporate racial and economic equity with all of these areas. These factors will play heavily into Seattle’s future growth and livability. Finally, we need to increase the availability of apprenticeship programs to provide meaningful training and opportunities for family wage jobs. One such program is PACE, which I had the opportunity to observe and see the difference it can make in people’s lives. We need to expand these types of programs, in part by forming strong public private partnerships with the vibrant business and labor community in our city.
the County and other partners. How would you create more economic opportunity for recent immigrants and their children and help them integrate into the robust Seattle economy? As a city experiencing unprecedented economic and population growth — growth that is creating significant affordability challenges — we must collectively make a commitment to invest in communities of different races, ethnic backgrounds, and incomes. It is part of what adds to the richness of our social fabric. Growth is inevitable; let’s rise to the opportunities (and the challenges) it presents. Public and private partnerships in neighborhoods are a way to create vibrant, healthy communities where the private market alone has not done enough. To ensure equitable development, I will work to foster participation among low-income communities and communities of color as true stakeholders in the decisions that impact their communities. I would use the resources available to the city through the Community Cornerstones Program and partner with the Office of Economic Development, Department of Planning and Development, and the Department of Neighborhoods to achieve our goals of equitable development.
Can you share your thoughts on the police reform process? Do you think it’s going well? What could be done better? As U.S. Attorney, I worked closely on police reform efforts and to negotiate the consent decree. Because of these reforms, police all have been trained in national leading crisis intervention and de-escalation practices, while also fundamentally changing policies, training, reporting and oversight of uses of force and stops. While this has saved lives and has improved the relations between the community and the officers that serve them, we still have work to do. The hard fought police reforms demand closely monitored and more transparent investigations of police shootings in Seattle. The recent shooting of Charleena Lyles is a tragic reminder that we must continue to ensure officers are trained and that they have the proper equipment. As importantly, we must recognize that we failed Ms. Lyles before the police ever came to her door. She struggled with mental health issues, domestic violence and all that goes with trying to raise children in poverty. We need to do more to provide real services support for people the and truth in these situations and ensure there are real pathways out of poverty, particularly for communities of color.
Zak Idan - Candidate for Tukwila City Council! By Henry Yates Zak Idan came to Tukwila when he was 11, fresh from Somalia and Kenya, seeking a new life in a country he’d only read about. After being in Tukwila for only two days, he answered a knock on the door of a relative’s apartment he lived in with his mother. It was a neighbor. She stood there, middle-aged, white and smiling. Her first words after asking where his mother was, were “Welcome to Tukwila.” The woman could not speak with his mother without an interpreter. The new refugee family, that neighbor and others, soon developed relationships that would carry Zak through his years growing up in the Seattle-area and eventually attending the University of Washington, becoming a skilled Engineer, moving back to Tukwila and making the decision to create a life
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for himself in Tukwila, the place that so graciously embraced him at age 11. Zak chose to live in Tukwila and now wants to serve the Tukwila community as a member of the City Council. “I am running because I want to help Tukwila be a place where you raise your family, work and be a part of the fabric of a city that has been so welcoming to me. Tukwila is unique and I want to ensure that it has leadership that represents the diversity of its population,” said Zak. Zak has spent many years preparing for his role as a City Councilman. He attended the University of Washington and has degrees in Construction and Urban Planning and now works for King County government, helping create and improve local communities. “There is $40 million in construction coming to Tukwila. I can leverage my background in construction and my per-
sonal experience to create a better future for our city,” Zak said. Being visible and listening to every citizen in Tukwila is important for Zak as he has already knocked on the doors of thousands of Tukwila residents. “I will put my focus on the community, working with community leaders and getting opportunities in front of those who live and work here will be a very high priority for me as a Councilmember,” explained Zak. Citizens should expect Councilmembers to come to them and build relationships. I will work hard to educate and help our residents understand the new Americans living next to them.” Having come to this country as a refugee, Zak has a unique understanding of the challenges immigrants and refugees face. He vows to protect everyone and to not spend dollars challenging people about their immigration status. “Eighty-five different
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languages are spoken in our community. I want to set an example and convince our residents no matter who they are or where they are from, this is their home and through me, they will see themselves.” Zak is active in the community, promoting small, minority-owned businesses, serving on several Boards and Commissions including those of the Tukwila Policy Advisory Board, OneAmerica and the Matt Griffin YMCA. He also volunteers for Action Tukwila and is a youth soccer coach.
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SOMALI HEALTH BOARD ANNUAL FAIR The Somali Health Board (SHB) is an organization that consist of Somali health professionals, with ambitious goals of reducing health disparities in King County’s Somali community through:
7050 32nd Ave S Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 823-1077 www.somalihealthboard.org We invite all community members to the following events, throughout the summer: 1. Health Insurance Enrollment: An In-Person Assister (IPA) that speaks Somali, Arabic, English will provide an impartial information to help you sign up either private or Washington’s Apple health coverage. Contact: Sundus Ali (206) 679-3218 Amal Saleh (206) 861-6992 2. Fresh Bucks Program: In partnership with the City of Seattle This is a fun-filled nutrition and healthy food choice (fresh fruits and vegetables) with an opportunity to tour and participate in field trips to Pike Place Market and other farmers markets. the truth
Systems Change:
Advertisement Establish and maintain partnerships with health systems and allied community organizations to advocate for system and policy change. Advise healthcare and governmental systems in communicating key health and safety information in a culturally appropriate and selective manner that serves the Somali community.
Community Empowerment: Prioritize and address identified gaps in health outcomes. Provide health education to Somali community members. Maintain a network for Somali health professionals to collaborate, share knowledge and mentor Somali youth to pursue health related careers.
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3. Peer to Peer health education sessions: On-going monthly peer to peer chronic disease and nutrition education. A unique program that promotes health education awareness and access to resources. 4. CPR Training: Provide by-stander CPR training for anyone in the community to respond to emergency situations, such as stroke, fainting, heart attack, etc Contact: Somali Health Board (206) 823-1077 5. Annual Health Fair: Date: November 4th 2017 Location: NewHolly Gathering Hall Contact: Somalihealthboard@gmail.com
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Abshir Omar, Somali Refugee, Announces Campaign for Des Moines City Council Ward 3 Abshir Omar, Des Moines resident and small business owner is officially announcing his candidacy for Des Moines City Council Ward 3. Abshir has been a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and a card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialist of America. Abshir has been a Des Moines resident since 2012. Abshir Omar was born in the midst of a civil war in Mogadishu, Somalia. Fleeing sectarian violence and genocide, Abshir’s family fled to the United Nations Dadaab Refugee Camp in the northern Kenyan desert where his family lived for several years. After years of settling, the family’s refugee visa was approved. Abshir and his family, with help from International Organization for Migration and a Lutheran Charity, found themselves bound for the United States, where his family would eventually be resettled to Seattle. Abshir’s family was lucky to move to the
United States during a time when refugees and Muslim immigrants were welcomed and not subject to xenophobic attacks and discriminative executive orders. Abshir’s family was able to thrive, build a new life, and live the American Dream, a reality quickly slipping from millions of Americans. Abshir attended Iowa State University and stayed in Iowa, setting up a small business in Des Moines. He currently serves as the President of the Iowa chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations. Abshir has also served as a Board Member of the United States Student Association, the largest student advocacy group in the nation and as the Vice-president and Founder of the Renton Teacher Academy Foundation. Des Moines needs strong leaders who come to the table with ideas. I look forward to being the people’s voice on the council, and will represent our entire city, including
our youth, our seniors, our diverse communities and neighborhoods. I want to ensure that the city of Des Moines is prioritizing the needs of all its residents and not just the corporate establishment. “I care deeply about my community; I consider serving on the council not as politics, but as public service. I want to do all I can to contribute to preserving all that’s great about Des Moines and to making it an even better place to live, work and raise a family in the future. To help build a brighter future for people whether they are fleeing persecution or poverty” says Omar. The issues that face the city of Des Moines are many and complex, but far too often the solutions pushed and affirmed by the city council have favored developers and business interests over the taxing base of the city. Abshir believes that the focus of the council should be improving the lives
UBER Partners with Minority Business Group By Henry Yates
Tabor 100 and Uber in Seattle have partnered to promote minority businesses, including those owned and operated by members of the refugee and immigrant community. In an effort to promote minority businesses, including firms owned by Uber drivers and other partners, Uber has worked closely with Tabor 100. The two organizations have partnered on a variety of initiatives to promote economic empowerment for the minority business community with a special focus on blackowned businesses. Last Fall, Uber was the marquee sponsor
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of Tabor 100’s 17th annual Gala, where various firms were recognized, along with government agencies and individuals, for their commitment to minority business success and educational excellence. More recently, Uber worked with Tabor to present a free half-day workshop for women focused on entrepreneurship, financial independence and making the sharing economy work for them. “We are pleased to be working with Tabor 100 in an effort to provide more opportunities for our partners,” said Sarah Freed, Uber’s regional manager of community partnerships. “We recognize that some of our partners are engaged in other business pursuits and we want to support
Houses in Seattle Area! By Henry Yates
One of the hottest topics in The greater Seattle area is houses! I’ve had the pleasure of helping many families from this area get their dream home, but let me tell you, this market is hot! Tech companies, foreign investment (especially now that Canada has imposed additional taxes on real estate investors), and many people moving to the state, are the reason for increased housing demand in and around Seattle. I have personally seen the market go up in many areas. I remember when Renton was an affordable area, people then started moving to Kent, now Covington, Auburn, and Puyallup. Prices will continue to rise, Seattle is following in Silicon Valley’s footsteps, and will soon reach San Francisco’s price points. My advice is as follows:
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them not only in what they do for Uber, but in other ways as well. Tabor 100 is a great vehicle for helping our partners reach the next level with their businesses.” Longtime Tabor 100 President, Ollie Garrett, helped secure the Uber partnership. “Working with Uber has been rewarding for our members and we look forward to a continued partnership. It is important that Tabor 100 embraces the ‘sharing economy,’ which represents one of the main areas for minority entrepreneurship today.” Tabor 100 has promoted minority business growth since 1998, and many of the successful African American businesses in the Seattle-area began their journey as part
3-One piece of advice I give my clients, is to buy un-finished homes. In today’s
of the organization. Recently, Tabor 100 conducted a study of small business barriers in Seattle with a special emphasis on refugee and immigrant-owned firms, making recommendations on ways to improve the creation and growth of these firms. “Uber is committed to the success of minority businesses in the region and views its partnership with Tabor 100 as a critical component of that effort,” added Freed. “We will continue to work with Tabor 100 to offer opportunities for our partners and others in the community to become successful in traditional businesses and those the truth that are rapidly being created to support the sharing economy.”
If you buy a house at 300K, with 15% appreciation, this means in 3 years, your home will sell for 456K in 3 years. You just made 156K, without lifting a finger (hiring certain property management companies will take care of finding a tenant, and their headaches).
1-If you can afford a house now, you should buy now. I know this sounds “salesy”, but this is the single best investment you can make in this market. By leveraging your purchase power as an owner occupant, you can make use of some awesome programs, like the state bond program (down payment assistance up to 4%, which covers your down payment). 2-Seattle is building and expanding its public transportation system. Soon (5-7 years) the light rail will go all the way south to Tacoma, and pass through Federal Way, Des Moines, Issaquah, and Everett. It is a great idea to buy in those areas, as prices will be drastically higher once the Department of Transportation is done with their planning and construction.
of the taxpayers and not the enrichment of the politically connected. He plans to fight to ensure that the unbridled hands of the establishment and business interests are no longer given unchecked access over the city coffers. Stay tuned for the campaign kickoff party announcement and various town halls where you will be able to meet Abshir and have conversations about the issues most dear to you.
market, people will over pay for modern, turn-key homes. If you have some extra cash, go to the auction (you only need 20% down for auction with specific programs), or buy something that needs some love, then invest some liquid cash and renovate the property to your personal taste. This will give you instant equity! 4-Buy investment property. If you already have a home, I would encourage purchasing a home in certain cities that have high appreciation. I’ll give you a little example:
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5-Always use a real estate agent you can trust. Using a real estate agent when buying a house is free! But, having a trusted agent with local expertise can truly maximize your benefits with your purchase. Connecting with verified title companies, property inspectors, lenders, and also guiding you towards what makes a good investment. I hope you have benefited from this article. As a real estate agent, and investor, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge. Till we meet on my next article, have a great day! Hussein “Sonny” Madkour HMadkour@CaliberRE.com Mobile: 609.408.3062
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Candidate Oliver: A First Timer Who is Already Making Huge Impact on Seattle Politics! By Cliff Cawthon—Runta News
The 2017 Seattle Mayoral election has been packed and competitive. One of the most popular and unique candidates in the race is Nikkita Oliver. Oliver, an educator and a lawyer in Seattle, launched her campaign with the brand-new Peoples Party of Seattle, a third party, that, as its website says “is a community-centered grassroots political party led by and accountable to the people most requiring access and equity in the City of Seattle.” Oliver has been a prominent member of Seattle’s ‘new left’ for some time. Before her Mayoral run, she was known as being an outspoken educator and activist. She is nationally known for her poetry, Black Lives Matter activism and collaborations with musicians, such as, Macklemore. Though, if you were to be in the same room with her, she does project the attitude of a superstar. Instead, Nikkita, despite her prominence is usually comfortable with being among the crowd. Third-parties usually have a stigma in bigmoney races outside of a few unique cases, for example, Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s victory over Developer Richard Colin was characterized as an upset and the emergence of socialism in U.S. politics; however, her fellow Socialist Alternative Party member, Jess Spear failed her race against the House Majority Leader, Frank Chopp. In a similar fashion, however, Oliver’s grassroots campaign is coming at a time that has the potential to be a similar lightning-in-a-bottle moment as her ally, Councilmember Kshama Sawant. This past weekend, we spoke on the phone after she was finished working on projects relating to her full-time job as a lawyer and educator about her campaign. Advertisement CC: What do you think about strengthening Sanctuary cities? Do you think the Welcoming Cities resolution and subsequent actions by the city are strong enough to protect our residents? Oliver: I think it’s a good start. The law isn’t [really] going to protect people, it challenges the federal administration but the protections have to be put in place to protect people. CC: What has the city done right in implementing the Sanctuary City model? Do you see them playing a role in Seattle as a nationally known rising city? Oliver: Yes, I think having an office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is incredibly important and I want to acknowledge that it is an office that was hard fought for by immigrant and refugee communities. While it’s an important office, and what I’ve heard at our listening posts in the Eritrean and Ethiopian communities is that it hasn’t been fully funded and fully resourced. As a result, they are not able to get the services that are really needed to
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[fight] a whole system that is designed to hurt immigrants and refugees. They can partner with non-profits and community organizations but, without funding for those services that people need, it is hard for them to provide those services. The office in place is important, and so is funding as problematic as it can be, given the climate that we face. Another thing I’ve observed about this office is that it tends to be led by the status-quo now, instead what the office needs to do is listen to the community, not the dictates of the Mayors’ office. When we talk about a sanctuary city, it’s important to listen to the experiences and the examples of the community. For example, the community told us that ICE was waiting for people and Homeland Security was waiting for people at the light rail stations, or that they were waiting at the jails to pick people up, we wouldn’t have known it. It shows where the gaps are in policy and implementation. I think that Councilor Lorena Gonzalez’s Welcoming City ordinance is really important, while we figure out what we want to do as a sanctuary city. One thing that I think is really important is that we provide families with legal support in dealing with immigration and deportation proceedings. We need to make sure that people have representation. I think that’s an important aspect of [the Welcoming City resolution]. Another thing I would emphasize is that we have to work very closely with immigrant and refugee communities. I think that the gaps can be filled by their experiences, how we can protect them and that’s where Seattle falls short. We don’t work well with the most impacted. There are always advocates at the table but, where are the most impacted? Why do these communities not get to share their brilliance about their own lived experiences? That’s really the only way we’re going to build a successful department and make successful policy.
CC: What are your thoughts on efforts to hold the police accountable in Seattle and reform the system? Do you think the recent police reforms are sufficient, could it be done better? Oliver: No. it’s not sufficient yet. I think the CPC needs more resources and requires more enforcement-type powers and more bandwidth to address impacted communities. The Office of Professional Accountability as it stands now, I believe is still very tied to the police force itself. I think that we need civilian investigators, a 3-1 [ratio] in the office and we need an Inspector General to make sure that each office is fulfilling the role that it’s supposed to. When the OPA makes a recommendation on discipline then they should have to publicly account for that. And [the Seattle Police Department]
should have to account publicly for the decision, especially when it is different [from the OPA]. While I respect the collective bargaining aspect of discipline, I also believe that we have to find an innovative way to find a collective way to address community concerns, and when procedures are not followed. We also need to figure out how to make that transparent. There will have to be changes in how we access that information. CC: How could we as a city play a national role in politics? Oliver: That’s a large question and it’s been a long day. CC: Okay, on a more local level, when it comes to homelessness, what do you think that Mayor Ed Murray could do better? Are his policies creating a welcoming city? Oliver: I can definitely speak on this question. I think that the state of emergency on homelessness has not made the city take the kind of immediate action that an emergency requires. I think that the [homeless] sweeps are a waste of resources and those resources could be invested in affordable housing... and there are so many better ways to invest that money. If it is a state of emergency, why are we just talking about investing money now? There are still many places in the budget that we could move money around. I know that we want a beautiful city but, at what cost? My thought around this is how do we transition to the immediate things we need to address, the lack of beds in shelters, the lack of transitional shelters, the lack of affordable housing, and there are so many factors in making a homelessness policy effective.
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If you also look at the affordable housing crisis, there’s a regressive tax code that’s actually pushing people out of housing too. Many of these issues bleed together. CC: Excellent. Well, not excellent. There’s a lot of work to do and you sound tired, thank you for your time. Oliver: Thank you for having me. Oliver, according to her website and previous interviews pledges a community-oriented, grassroots campaign. One question that the truth many observers have had is, how can such a far-left candidate build a coalition to not just govern, but to win. One clue lies in her grassroots appeal. According to PDC records, Oliver’s campaign is receiving donations almost exclusively from individuals in the community. This reflects her third-party’s intent on building a grassroots coalition, “to partner with the communities of Seattle to develop equitable political strategies and solutions which place people over profits and corporations.” In a recent poll run by Kiro5/ KUOW, Oliver was almost neck to neck with Senator Bob Hasegawa in the race as a tie for third place. According to their polling, the majority of correspondents- forty percentare unsure of their choice. A majority of those who’ve had decided on whom they were going to vote for in the race had either opted for former Mayor Mike McGinn, who garnered nineteen percent and U.S. District Attorney, Jenny Durkan who garnered fourteen percent. The primary for the Mayoral election is on August 1st and ballots will be arriving at Seattle residents’ around mid-July.
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Uber driver-partners in the Seattle area are getting connected through the Peer Advisor Program Why Join the Peer Advisor Program? • Be part of a diverse network of Uber driver-partners in the Seattle area striving to build a stronger driver community
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• Connect directly with your Peer Advisor who can offer tips for success based on their own driving experience • Get your feedback to the right teams at the Seattle Uber operations office through your Peer Advisor
Join the Peer Advisor network or apply to be a Peer Advisor today at t.uber.com/PaprogramSeattle
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