Crossing Division

Crossing Division episodes:

• 04.14.2024

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma, April 12, 2024

  After a hiatus to clear our heads and figure out what we want to still talk about, Evelyn and Joe Lopez are back in the studio to talk about local developments in Tacoma with the...

  
• 11.15.2023

  Let’s Talk About the Results–Election 2023 (Nov. 13, 2023)

  Well, there are still some ballots left to count, but most races have been called. Tacoma City Council Position 7 will remain with incumbent Councilmember Olgy Diaz, and Tacoma will welcome new District 3 Councilmember...

  
• 10.28.2023

  Let’s Talk More About “No on Tacoma 1” Campaign Finance Issues (Oct. 27, 2023)

  Last week, hosts Evelyn and Joe Lopez talked about local Tacoma elections, and noted that the “No on Tacoma Measure 1” PAC (political action committee) may not have been timely or adequately reporting campaign contributions....

  
• 10.21.2023

  Let’s Talk About Local Election 2023 with Joe Lopez (Oct. 20, 2023)

  Local elections are never overlooked at Crossing Division. And this year we have several critical races for Tacoma. What direction will our City take? You have a chance to decide just that. Hosts Evelyn and...

  
• 08.12.2023

  Let’s Talk About More Trump Crimes! With Joe Lopez (August 11, 2023)

  Can’t keep up with the indictments? We’re here to help! Joe and Evelyn Lopez go over the four current indictments (and that’s not even counting the E. Jean Carroll case). What are the charges, what...

  
• 06.27.2023

  More About Black Justice with Carol Mitchell, Part 2 (June 26, 2023)

  After Carol Mitchell was dismissed from her key executive position with the Pierce County Executive, and while suing the County for wrongful discharge, Carol put her heart and soul into a new endeavor–the Institute for...

  
• 05.25.2023

  Let’s Talk About Black Justice with Carol Mitchell, Part 1 (May 24, 2023)

  Carol Mitchell has worked at just about every government office and agency in Tacoma. As a well-respected attorney and government leader, she has a deep background in human resources and equal opportunity laws, and organizational...

  
• 04.19.2023

  Let’s Talk About the Trials of Donald Trump with Joe Lopez (April 17, 2023)

  Perhaps you have heard that there are 34 criminal charges filed against Donald Trump in New York. Perhaps you have heard that the case involves business records, payments to a porn star, and billings by...

  
• 03.04.2023

  Let’s Talk About a BIG Housing Plan with Governor Jay Inslee (March 2, 2023)

  We’ve been talking about housing and homelessness regularly on Crossing Division, and in this episode, we have the chance to talk about a really big idea—a game changing big idea. Governor Jay Inslee is proposing...

  
• 10.08.2022

  Let’s Talk with Tacoma City Councilmember John Hines About More Camping Ban Plans (Oct. 6, 2022)

  Next week, the Tacoma City Council will take up the issue of whether to make living on the streets illegal around temporary shelters and waterways. We’ve talked about bans before, and making it a crime...

  
• 07.08.2022

  The State Strikes Back–Let’s Talk Abortion Rights with Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (Dobbs, Part 2)(July 6, 2022)

  And with one decision, the US Supreme Court destroys the right to abortion in this country, deciding that the availability of these vital, personal, health decisions should be decided by the states. While other states...

  
• 07.08.2022

  Let’s Talk About the End of Abortion Rights and Dobbs with Shannon McMinimee (Dobbs, Part 1)(July 5, 2022)

  Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, issued by the US Supreme Court on June 24, 2022, sweeps away 50 years of legal precedent and healthcare protections to decide: “The Constitution does no confer a right to...

  
• 05.13.2022

  Let’s Talk About Running for PCO with Justin Camarata and Anna Nepomuceno (May 11, 2022)

  What is a Precinct Committee Officer, and why should you consider running for the position? Filing week is next week (May16-20), and you could run for this most local of elected positions! Chair and Vice...

  
• 04.26.2022

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma Creates in South and East Tacoma! (April 25, 2022)

  If you live in the 98404 or 98409 zip codes you can VOTE on creative arts and science projects for your community! Voting is open through May 13. Go to www.tacomacreates.org to vote, or look...

  
• 04.01.2022

  Let’s Talk About Pierce County’s Plan to End Homelessness with Councilmember Ryan Mello (March 30, 2022)

  The Pierce County Council recently passed an ambitious comprehensive plan to end homelessness. Councilmember Ryan Miller sits down with host Evelyn Lopez to talk about what makes this plan different, and what will be needed...

  
• 02.17.2022

  Let’s Talk About Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness (Feb 16, 2022)

  Currently, there are at least 3,300 of our neighbors living unhoused in Pierce County — realistically, that number is much higher. The situation involves a complicated set of problems: high housing prices, lack of affordable...

  
• 01.23.2022

  Let’s Talk with Sharlett Mena About the 29th Legislative District (Jan. 22, 2022)

  Sharlett Mena is running for State Representative for the 29th Legislative District. She sat down with host Evelyn Lopez to talk about running for office, what she’s been working on since 2020, and her vision...

  
• 12.22.2021

  Let’s Talk About Becoming a Political Influencer on Social Media with Aaron T. Sherman (Dec. 20, 2021)

  This is such an interesting conversation! Aaron Sherman joins host Evelyn Lopez to explore how candidates can use social media to engage with voters, elected leaders can connect with constituents, and public agencies can share...

  
• 12.15.2021

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma’s Hidden Homelessness with Wellspring Family Services (Dec. 13, 2021)

  Host Evelyn Lopez talks with Peter Drury and Marquay Seamster about Wellspring Family Services and the organization’s partnership with Tacoma Housing Authority, Tacoma Public Schools, and Pierce County to identify and assist families and students...

  
• 11.11.2021

  Let’s Talk with Girmay Zahilay about Building the Bench (Nov. 10, 2021)

  King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay wants to demystify running for political office. He is bringing his Build the Bench program to Tacoma on November 20, 2021 (link below). The Tacoma program will feature 28th LD...

  
• 10.28.2021

  Let’s Talk About the Problems of Sheriff Ed Troyer (Oct. 27, 2021)

  Well, it’s been a busy 10 days in Pierce County! The Attorney General filed criminal charges against Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer, and then the County’s investigative report on the Sheriff’s conduct was issued. While...

  
• 10.28.2021

  Let’s Talk About the 27th LD Senate Seat, Part 3: LaMont Green (Oct. 27, 2021)

  There are three nominees to fill the 27th Legislative District Senate seat vacancy, and this is the third of three interviews with the nominees. Senator Jeannie Darneille is taking a position with the Department of...

  
• 10.28.2021

  Let’s Talk About the 27th LD Senate Seat, Part 2: Yasmin Trudeau (Oct. 25, 2021)

  There are three nominees to fill the 27th Legislative District Senate seat vacancy, and this is the second of three interviews with the nominees. Senator Jeannie Darneille is taking a position with the Department of...

  
• 10.28.2021

  Let’s Talk About the 27th LD Senate Seat, Part 1: Desiree Wilkins Finch (Oct. 25, 2021)

  There are three nominees to fill the 27th Legislative District Senate seat vacancy, and this is the first of three interviews with the nominees. Senator Jeannie Darneille is taking a position with the Department of...

  
• 09.30.2021

  Let’s Talk About Redistricting! Part 2: Maps and Bargains with Phil Gardner and Marty Campbell (Sept. 29, 2021)

  GET YOUR COMMENTS TO THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION BY OCT 4:  https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/ Redistricting Part 2: Evelyn Lopez returns to the studio with Phil Gardner and Marty Campbell to discuss Washington’s redistricting process. The maps are out!...

  
• 09.16.2021

  Let’s Talk About Redistricting! Part 1: The Basics with Phil Gardner and Marty Campbell (Sept. 15, 2021)

  What do you know about redistricting? It happens every ten years, and it’s based on the population data developed through the census, and it’s the building block of our democracy. Redistricting is the process for...

  
• 08.22.2021

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma Arts Live and Theater Management with David Fischer (Aug. 18, 2021)

  Perhaps you’ve read the stories in the News Tribune. Perhaps you’ve seen the concerns on social media. It’s true. After four decades, Tacoma’s historic theaters will no longer be managed by local non-profit Tacoma Arts...

  
• 07.14.2021

  Let’s Talk About CRT in Local School Board Campaigns with Chase Hutchinson (July 13, 2021)

  “Critical Race Theory.” Do you know what it is? Do you know why it has become an issue in local school board races? Perhaps you should. News Tribune reporter Chase Hutchinson has been following the...

  
• 07.07.2021

  Let’s Talk About Pierce County Pride with Ryan Mello and Evan Koepfler (July 7, 2021)

  It’s Pride Month in Tacoma! And now also in Pierce County! Did you know that Pierce County had not previously recognized local Pride celebrations? Well, that just changed with the County Council’s proclamation! https://online.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/council/iview/proposal.cfm?proposal_num=R2021-110 County...

  
• 05.28.2021

  Let’s Talk About Criminally Charging TPD Officers for the Death of Manny Ellis (May 28, 2021)

  Content Warning: violence This Crossing Division episode is simply a reading of the probable cause declaration and criminal charges against three Tacoma Police Department officers for the death in custody of Manuel (Manny) Ellis on...

  
• 05.15.2021

  Let’s Talk About Women’s Health & Planned Parenthood with Chris Charbonneau (May 14, 2021)

  Christine (Chris) Charbonneau, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, and Kentucky, joins host Evelyn Lopez to talk about the current status of providing contraception, women’s healthcare, and protecting choice in...

  
• 05.12.2021

  Let’s Talk About Our Sheriff’s Accountability to the Community (May 10, 2021)

  Local activists Halley Knigge and Nathe Lawver join host Evelyn Lopez for a discussion of recent events involving our Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer. From calling out more than 40 police units from across the...

  
• 04.30.2021

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma’s Tideflats & Port Regulations with Melissa Malott (April 28, 2021)

  Melissa Malott, Executive Director of Citizens for a Health Bay, joins host Evelyn Lopez to discuss the current state of land use in the Tacoma tideflats and port area. This part of Tacoma has been...

  
• 04.16.2021

  Let’s Talk About Food Rescue and Sharing with David Thompson of Food is Free WA (April 14, 2021)

  Last year we talked with David Thompson about the Food is Free program in Tacoma. The program’s focus was home gardens around Tacoma and tables for sharing produce with neighbors. The program has evolved and...

  
• 04.06.2021

  Let’s Talk About Zoning in Tacoma with Chris Karnes! (April 5, 2021)

  According to The Urbanist: Tacoma has embarked on a sweeping plan to reform residential zoning in the city. The Home in Tacoma project could transform single-family and multifamily zones by allowing more Missing Middle Housing....

  
• 04.03.2021

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma’s Project Peace with Corwin Scott & Capt. Shawn Stringer (April 2, 2021)

  In 2015, in response to police killings and protests around the country, Mayor Victoria Woodards (at the time a Tacoma City Councilmember) and Police Chief Ramsdell developed Project Peace as a program to promote trust,...

  
• 03.28.2021

  Let’s Talk About Why It Is So Hard to Make Change! (March 26, 2021)

  Channel 253 continues its partnership with Tacoma’s Downtown on the Go Friday Forums in 2021. This year the forums focus on racism, urban design and transportation. After each forum, we will have a Crossing Division...

  
• 03.28.2021

  DOTG Friday Forum – Breaking the Urban Bubble: Race & Transportation Policy in Pierce County and Tacoma (March 26, 2021)

  In the final Friday Forum of 2021, the discussion focuses on project and government decision making. How do infrastructure ideas become reality? How do problems like faulty sidewalks and inadequate bus stops get fixed? Policy...

  
• 03.25.2021

  Let’s Talk About Stopping Anti-Asian Hate (March 24, 2021)

  Over the last year there has been a rise in hate incidents and hate crimes directed at Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) neighbors in our communities. Recently the hate became more deadly. Last week a...

  
• 03.20.2021

  Let’s Talk About Health Equity, Vaccines & Hate with Dr. Anthony Chen (March 19, 2021)

  The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has been working on health equity issues for several years. In 2015, TPCHD published a comprehensive health equity report, focusing on increasing the quality of health and life for Pierce...

  
• 03.04.2021

  Part 2: Harm Reduction: Decisions and Consequences with Shannon McMinimee (March 3, 2021)

  Part 2 of our discussion about Harm Reduction – Decisions and Consequences, our tie in to the February 26 DOTG Friday Forum: Can Street Safety Be Anti-Racist, and How? Once again, Shannon McMinimee, partner at...

  
• 02.27.2021

  Let’s Talk About Harm Reduction: Decisions and Consequences with Shannon McMinimee (February 26, 2021)

  Channel 253 continues its partnership with Tacoma’s Downtown on the Go Friday Forums in 2021. This year the forums focus on racism, urban design and transportation. After each forum, we will have a Crossing Division...

  
• 02.27.2021

  DOTG Friday Forum – Can Street Safety be Anti-Racist? And How? (February 26, 2021)

  Channel 253 continues its partnership with Tacoma’s Downtown on the Go! In this second DOTG Friday Forum of 2021, the Panel discusses street safety and  how safety rules and laws can set up negative interactions...

  
• 02.20.2021

  Let’s Talk About Pierce County with Councilmember Ryan Mello! (February 19, 2021)

  Ryan Mello has loads of experience with politics and governance in the City of Tacoma, but now he’s moved to a bigger, more partisan, arena in the County. Ryan was sworn in as a Pierce...

  
• 02.15.2021

  IWL Crossing: Follow Up On Returning to School (Really TPS???) (February 15, 2021)

  Tacoma Public Schools plans to return all grades to some in-person classroom teaching next month. Frankly, the “plans” sound more like “wishes,” “hopes,” “fingers crossed,” “it sure would be nice…” So, what do teachers think...

  
• 02.13.2021

  Let’s Talk About the County with Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen! (February 12, 2021)

  You’re going to enjoy this conversation! Jani Hitchens was a teacher for a long time before she decided to run for Pierce County Council, and that background in collaborative problem solving comes through loud and...

  
• 02.05.2021

  Let’s Talk About Statewide Broadband Internet with Rep. Drew Hansen (February 4, 2021)

  Imagine if every city, town, county, port district and utility district could offer broadband internet service to their communities! Imagine what a game changer that could be! Internet coverage is essential. Especially now with remote...

  
• 01.30.2021

  Let’s Talk About Tacoma Housing and Homelessness with John Hines & Erica Azcueta (January 29, 2021)

  Tacoma City Councilmember John Hines and Erica Azcueta, Homelessness and Household Stability Manager for the City of Tacoma, join host Evelyn Lopez for a discussion about Tacoma’s housing and homelessness challenges. This is an excellent...

  
• 01.26.2021

  IWL Crossing: Tacoma School Schedules and Teacher Respect; WTF TPS?! (January 26, 2021)

  Over the last week Tacoma social media has been abuzz with concerns about a “new” classroom schedule for Tacoma Public Schools that is to go into effect on February 8. The schedule shows “in person”...

  
• 01.24.2021

  Nerd Crossing: WTF Tacoma! Who’s in Charge Here? (January 24, 2021)

  Sometime around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 23, 2021, a crowd gathered at 9th and Pacific in Downtown Tacoma, watching one or more cars spin and burn circles in the intersection. A Tacoma Police Department...