Snowflakes hanging from fishing line seem to float over the twinkling Whittier Heights Tiny House Village thanks the work of LIHI employees Theresa Hohman, Kori Arnson, volunteer Jeff Hegenauer and village residents. They are planning to leave the lights up through February to brighten the dark days of winter.
We just weren’t good enough – Seahawks limp away in loss to Cardinals
By: Kevin Manning – Journalist / NW FACTS Sports

Seahawks limp away in loss to Cardinals, left with questions going into division title game against 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks and fans alike were left with more questions than answers after the Seattle dropped their week 16 meeting division rivals Arizona Cardinals, 27-13, last Sunday at CenturyLink Field. If any time the Seahawks could be given a mulligan for such a horrendous loss to a now 5-win Cardinals
team – a team that owned the springs NFL Draft’s top overall pick and a first year coach in Cliff Kingsbury – as Seattle still has games of significance on the horizon with the playoffs looming, while Arizona (5-9-1) is done after next week.
But still, it was a horrendous result for Seattle (11-4) heading into their meeting against San Francisco 49ers (12-3) where the NFC West Division crown decided in the final game of the decade.
“It didn’t matter what phase we were in. We just weren’t good enough today,” a somber Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after the Seahawks loss Sunday afternoon. “Our focus is gone (from) that game. It wasn’t going to be on this game once we got into the locker room anyway with the game coming up next week (because) everything comes down to the final week of the season.”
The mood of the Seahawks after the loss is understandable after the identity of the team has been stripped away piece by piece the last three weeks starting with backup and second year running Rashaad Penny to IR after he tore his ACL two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Rams.
Then Jadeveon Clowney was hurt which has caused the star defensive end to miss the past couple of weeks, and last week against the Carolina Panthers Quandary Diggs and Shaquille Griffen were both hurt during the game which forced the defensive backs out against Arizona. Add that to the defensive unit already being stung with injuries to both defensive end Ziggy Ansah and linebacker Michael Kendricks, the Seahawks defense has seen injuries come at the worst time for them to happen. And that’s not including losing defensive lineman Al Woods for four week to suspension for a PED violation.
“More than anything else we just got to respond. There’s so much to figure out. I can’t answer all those questions here,” Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson said who finished with a season-worst in completions (16-for-31) and passing yards (169) with the team’s only touchdown coming on 3-yard pass to fullback Nick Bellore to finish off the Seahawks first drive of the game.
“But I think ultimately, the good thing is we have a chance to win the NFC West. That’s the reality,” Wilson added. “That’s the truth and the truth is that we got to play better as well. Both of those things are real, and I don’t think there is anyone better than us in figuring out how to answer back.” The truth is the Seahawks defense has been rocked with injuries and suspensions all season, and yet
here they are in the thick of it with a chance to win the division title and earn a bye heading into the playoffs., left with questions going into division title game against 49ers The Seattle Seahawks and fans alike were left with more questions than answers after the Seattle dropped their week 16 meeting division rivals Arizona Cardinals, 27-13, last Sunday at CenturyLink Field.


If any time the Seahawks could be given a mulligan for such a horrendous loss to a now 5-win Cardinals team – a team that owned the springs NFL Draft’s top overall pick and a first year coach in Cliff Kingsbury – as Seattle still has games of significance on the horizon with the playoffs looming, while
Arizona (5-9-1) is done after next week.
But still, it was a horrendous result for Seattle (11-4) heading into their meeting against San Francisco 49ers (12-3) where the NFC West Division crown decided in the final game of the decade.
“It didn’t matter what phase we were in. We just weren’t good enough today,” a somber Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after the Seahawks loss Sunday afternoon. “Our focus is gone (from) that game. It wasn’t going to be on this game once we got into the locker room anyway with the game coming up next week (because) everything comes down to the final week of the season.”
The mood of the Seahawks after the loss is understandable after the identity of the team has been stripped away piece by piece the last three weeks starting with backup and second year running Rashaad Penny to IR after he tore his ACL two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Rams.
Then Jadeveon Clowney was hurt which has caused the star defensive end to miss the past couple of weeks, and last week against the Carolina Panthers Quandary Diggs and Shaquille Griffen were both hurt during the game which forced the defensive backs out against Arizona. Add that to the defensive unit
already being stung with injuries to both defensive end Ziggy Ansah and linebacker Michael Kendricks, the Seahawks defense has seen injuries come at the worst time for them to happen. And that’s not including losing defensive lineman Al Woods for four week to suspension for a PED
violation.
“More than anything else we just got to respond. There’s so much to figure out. I can’t answer all those
questions here,” Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson said who finished with a season-worst in completions (16-for-31) and passing yards (169) with the team’s only touchdown coming on 3-yard pass to fullback Nick Bellore to finish off the Seahawks first drive of the game.
“But I think ultimately, the good thing is we have a chance to win the NFC West. That’s the reality,” Wilson added. “That’s the truth and the truth is that we got to play better as well. Both of those things
are real, and I don’t think there is anyone better than us in figuring out how to answer back.” The truth is the Seahawks defense has been rocked with injuries and suspensions all season, and yet here they are in the thick of it with a chance to win the division title and earn a bye heading into the
playoffs.
Seattle/King County Clinic – Patient Information
“These four days were a haven of humanity and compassion at its best. The message to me was very clear, hope in a hurting world. Thank you for that hope and easing my suffering and the suffering of so many people in need.” – Clinic Patient
Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center. The Clinic welcomes anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.
The next Clinic is scheduled for February 13 – 16, 2020 at Seattle Center.
Chairman Smith Corrects the Record on the FY20 NDAA
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement ahead of the House vote on the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.
“Before my colleagues and I cast our votes on the FY20 NDAA, one thing must be made clear: This is the most progressive defense bill we have passed in decades.
“After months of hard-fought negotiations, our bill is now final, and contains major wins for Democrats and working people and promotes our national security. Despite this sweeping success, some have decried the bill, saying it fails to live up to progressive values. To those detractors I ask one simple question: Which of the provisions that did not make it into our final bill did President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe not hate?
“From the moment we passed our bill through the House without the support of a single Republican vote, it was clear that our counterparts in the Senate and White House fundamentally opposed the Democratic priorities included in the bill.
“Do you know what they also hated? The repeal of the ‘widow’s tax’ and granting paid parental leave for federal employees. But, because of our tireless work, we succeeded in getting these provisions included. Because of this hard work, our bill will have real impacts on Americans leading real lives.
“Throughout the negotiations I failed in one way: I was unable to turn President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe into Democrats and convince them to suddenly accept all of the provisions they despise. Nonetheless, we have accomplished more with this bill than anyone ever thought possible given the realities of a Trump White House and a Republican-controlled Senate, and we should be proud of that.
“To those who say that this bill isn’t enough – I could not disagree more. When I look at the widows, the parents, and families who will benefit from the bill, it is enough. We are delivering more for families across this country than anyone even conceived of going into this year.
“To those who say that we should have ‘fought harder’ or ‘held the line’ – I can assure you we fought the entire time until the very end. President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe would have killed the bill over these provisions. If we kill the bill, we would have gotten nothing. Not a single Democratic priority.
“Leader McConnell and Chairman Inhofe would have been thrilled to pass a ‘skinny NDAA’ with zero Democratic priorities. That alternative bill would have none of the key policies we fought so hard for – no paid parental leave, no “widow’s tax” repeal, and nothing to address PFAS.
“That is why I so am proud of this bill – because of everything that is contained in its 1,249 individual provisions and more than 4,000 pages. I am proud that this bill will change the lives of millions by providing paid parental leave. I am proud that this bill will better provide for the widows and families of those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And I am proud that this bill reflects Democratic priorities and American values.
“And make no mistake about it, I will continue to fight for the provisions we did not get, hopefully at some point with a Senate and President who better reflect the values of our country. I know how important these provisions are.”
Teach For America Washington – WAnderlust Weekend
Hosted by Teach For America Washington, WAnderlust Weekend is an opportunity for current and prospective educators and champions to develop a greater understanding of the unique educational landscape here in Washington. Participants will engage with our theme, “Reimagining Education with 2020 Vision” firsthand by participating in district and charter school visits, networking with educational organizations, non-profits, and schools at a hiring and resource fair, attending dynamic professional development in breakout sessions, hearing from change-makers and thought leaders in the education space, and celebrating all that is possible in Washington at our annual Winter Soiree.
Beyond the Pen and Paper: Gage Academy of Art Hosts Drawing Jam ’19 Seattle Residents Revel in Art, Local Music And Street Food

Strong Support for the Tacoma MLK Village as Tiny Houses Start Arriving
A flatbed truck is delivering tiny houses to Tacoma today as the city’s first micro shelter village prepares to open.
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Debt-Free Degree how parents and students can get through college without racking up thousands in debt
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BATTLE IN SEATTLE: STARBUCKS SHOWS LEADERSHIP ON MEDIAN GENDER/RACIAL PAY EQUITY, WHILE LAGGARD MICROSOFT FIGHTS DISCLOSURE
Microsoft Drags Feet, But Starbucks Joins Citi as 2nd Major U.S. Company to Release Data.
As Microsoft shareholders vote today on a board-opposed shareholder resolution calling for disclosure of the tech giant’s median gender pay gap data, retail giant Starbucks has acceded to shareholder requests for such information and is now providing it to the public. The investment management firm Arjuna Capital, which has spurred nearly two dozen companies to provide gender and racial pay equity disclosure, is the sponsor of the more demanding median gender pay equity resolutions at both Microsoft and Starbucks.
Arjuna Capital Managing Partner Natasha Lamb has provided a video statement for delivery today at the Microsoft virtual meeting. In the statement, she notes: “Disclosure of median pay is now mandated in the United Kingdom. For Microsoft’s UK operations, our company reported a 7.9% hourly median pay gap, and a 13% bonus median pay gap. Yet, notably, our company has notpublished median information for its global operations.”
Arjuna Capital today withdrew its shareholder resolution at Starbucks, following a productive dialogue about its median gender and racial pay equity disclosure, which is now available publicly: “Starbucks shares its median pay gaps by gender globally, and by gender and race in the US. In 2019 the median pay for women globally is 98.3% of the median for men. In the U.S., the median pay ratio is 100% for women and 100% for people of color.”
With the 2020 shareholder season now getting underway, Starbucks is following in the footsteps of Citigroup, which, in January 2019, broke ranks with other financial institutions facing median gender/racial pay equity resolutions and agreed to shareholder demands that it disclose its median pay gap data.
Natasha Lamb, managing partner, Arjuna Capital said: “We want to salute Starbucks for its leadership as it joins ranks with Citigroup as the second U.S. company to produce the hard numbers on median gender and racial pay equity. Starbucks has proven itself both responsive to shareholders and a leader on diversity and inclusion. It is regrettable that Microsoft’s board has chosen to go the other way and fight the call for median gender and racial pay equity. This sends a terrible message to employees, shareholders, the markets, and customers who deserve an honest accounting of pay gaps.
As it did in the 2019 shareholder season, Arjuna Capital intends to file during the 2020 season median gender/racial pay equity resolutions at more than a dozen tech, financial and retail giants. Arjuna’s list of targets for such resolutions will be revealed in the first half of January 2020.
The resolution that Microsoft shareholders will vote on today over board opposition reads in part as follows: “Microsoft reports women earn 99.7 percent of the compensation received by men on a statistically adjusted equal pay basis. Yet, that statistically adjusted number alone fails to consider how discrimination affects differences in opportunity. In contrast, median pay gap disclosures address the structural bias that affects the jobs women hold, particularly when men hold most higher paying jobs. Women account for nearly 28 percent of Microsoft’s employees, but only 22 percent of leadership. Mercer finds actively managing pay equity ‘is associated with higher current female representation at the professional through executive levels and a faster trajectory to improved representation.”
SHAREHOLDER ACTIVISM BACKGROUND
In the last five years, at least 64 companies have faced more than 100 shareholder resolutions on the gender pay gap. In 2015, Arjuna Capital launched the gender pay shareholder campaign when it filed a shareholder proposal with the technology firm eBay.
Arjuna Capital continues to lead this effort and has filed a total of 53 proposals at 23 companies in the tech, financial, and consumer sectors. Of those companies, 22 have committed to disclose and close their pay gaps on an adjusted equal pay for equal work basis, an important first step. In 2019, Arjuna requested more comprehensive reporting from the companies, and filed a new proposal with 12 companies requesting unadjusted global median gender and U.S. minority/racial pay gap data. This evolution is important because while adjusted data shows if there is equal pay for equal work, unadjusted median pay data shows if there is equal opportunity for higher-paying jobs.
A recent op-ed published by Lamb describes the importance of this reporting: https://qz.com/
Navigating the pathway to college graduation successfully requires hard work, sacrifice and resources. It also takes a community.

At Rainier Scholars, we recruit fourth-graders into a cohort, so that students belong to a community of highly motivated students who share a vision of college success. The initial phase of our program is the 14-month Academic Enrichment Phase (AEP), which begins the summer before the start of fifth grade and continues twice weekly during the school year. During this phase, scholars develop the skills needed to thrive in college preparatory settings. We honor the completion of AEP with a Rites of Passage ceremony, celebrating our scholars’ accomplishments and hard work.
Nyomi Bennett (Cohort 18) was this year’s recipient of the Frederick Douglass award, in recognition of her dedication to her own and her classmates’ education, as well her willingness to fight through obstacles with grace, wisdom and maturity. After completing 14 months of academic enrichment, Nyomi is now a sixth-grader at Seattle Girls’ School.
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