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JANUARY 21, 2026
VOL. 107, NO. 3
Mayor Wilson Orders Shelter Expansion and Improved Transit
Volunteers Needed for Seattle/King County Clinic
Staff Report
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eattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced two executive orders during a transition team meeting this week, outlining immediate actions aimed at expanding emergency shelter and affordable housing while improving transit reliability along Denny Way. The mayor said the orders are intended to address two urgent and ongoing challenges facing the city: homelessness and mobility along one of Seattle’s most congested transit corridors. “Today I am taking immediate action to address our homelessness crisis and improve mobility on a key transit corridor,” Wilson said. “First, I am ordering immediate steps to expand emergency shelter and expedite the construction of affordable housing so we can bring more people inside. I am also directing the Department of Transportation to immediately take steps to implement a bus lane and other transit improvements on Denny Way.”
Seattle/King County Clinic
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egistration is now open for volunteers to support Seattle/King County Clinic, a four-day free health clinic returning to Seattle Center April 23–26, 2026. The state’s largest free clinic provides essential healthcare to uninsured and underinsured individuals across Washington. Organizers are calling for dental, vision, medical, and social work professionals, along with interpreters and general support volunteers, to join this remarkable effort.
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When Abuse of Power Turns Deadly: A Bothell Case and What Domestic Violence Really Looks Like Staff Report
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early two years after the death of 20-year-old Liliya Guyvoronsky, a former elected official in Bothell has pleaded guilty to charges connected to her killing, renewing difficult conversations about power, accountability, and the realities of domestic violence. James McNeal Jr., a former Bothell City Councilmember, entered guilty pleas earlier this month to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault, both domestic violence charges. Under the plea agreement, he is expected to serve approximately seven to eight years in prison when sentenced later this winter. The sentence has drawn strong reactions from those who knew Guyvoronsky, including her close friend Madison Darner, who has spoken publicly about her frustration with the outcome and what it signals about accountability in domestic violence cases. “It is sad and unfortunate that the state would give such a minimal sentence for killing a whole person and destroying a whole life,” Darner told KIRO 7 following the plea. McNeal was initially charged with second-degree murder before the case was resolved through a plea agreement. Darner criticized the reduction in charges and the resulting sentence.
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“Each year, I am inspired by the commitment of our community to ensure people who are underserved receive essential care,” said Julia Colson, Seattle/King County Clinic Project Executive. “From dental extractions and diagnostic medical services to eye exams and prescription eyeglasses, the impact of this work is profound, improving lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.” “In the early days of the Clinic, it was widely assumed that the demand for this event would be temporary. That was more than 12 years ago. Today, deep cuts to the healthcare safety net threaten even those who are stably housed and employed,” explained Christine Lindquist, Executive Director of the Washington Healthcare Access Alliance. “We expect a dramatic increase in the need for free healthcare in 2026, and Seattle/King County Clinic will be a beacon of care for thousands of patients who have no other option. This is an opportunity not only for patients, but for everyone who wants to contribute to accessible healthcare. Helping make this event possible is a powerful way to connect across barriers and show care for your community.” “It provides not only healthcare but also a safe space where patients, many of whom face language barriers or financial struggles, feel supported and heard. The staff and volunteers genuinely care about the well-being of patients, fostering trust and making people feel comfortable.” said 2025 Clinic volunteer Hayat M. Volunteer registration is now open at seattlecenter. org/volunteers. The Clinic’s capacity to serve patients depends on volunteer participation, with a particular need for volunteers to sign up for morning shifts as well as shifts at any time on Thursday and Sunday. For more information, visit seattlecenter.org/skcclinic or call 206-684-7200. Help change lives by joining Seattle/King County Clinic - where care, compassion, and community come together.
“Strangled her to death, full stop,” Darner said. “The defense is a plea bargain now, resulting in a lesser charge and lighter sentence. And I feel it’s a bit disgusting, but not surprising.” Darner has emphasized that Guyvoronsky’s death should be understood not as an isolated act of violence, but as the result of domestic abuse. “She’s a victim, Liliya, of domestic violence,” Darner said. “She was strangled and killed. Lily was silenced - so many women are.” She also rejected narratives that attempt to shift responsibility away from the person who caused her death.
“Lily wasn’t broken. She wasn’t sick or mentally ill. She wasn’t lost and she didn’t need to be saved from herself,” Darner said. “She was courageous and fearless and had tremendous strength of character at her young age.” ABUSE OF POWER AND THE REALITY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE While this case represents an extreme and fatal outcome, advocates stress that most domestic violence does not end in homicide. What makes this case important is not just its severity, but
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