Jonathan Choe

Journalist and Senior Fellow, Center on Wealth and Poverty

Jonathan Choe is a journalist and Senior Fellow with Discovery Institute's Center on Wealth and Poverty, covering homelessness issues for its Fix Homelessness initiative. Prior to joining Discovery, Choe spent several years as one of the lead reporters at KOMO-TV, consistently the top rated television station in Seattle. His in depth stories on crime and deep dive investigations into the homeless crisis led to measurable results in the community, including changes in public policy.

Choe has more than two decades of experience in television news behind the scenes and in front of the camera for ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and Tribune. He has also been been nominated and honored with multiple industry awards including an Emmy. Choe spent several years teaching classes on emerging media and entreprenuership to under privileged youth in inner city Chicago.

As an independent journalist, Choe also contributes regularly to the Mill Creek View and Lynnwood Times and has reported on exclusive stories in the past year for Daily Wire and The Postmillennial.

Choe is a New England native and Boston University journalism school graduate.

Archives

The Horrific Drug Scene in Vancouver, B.C.

Jonathan Choe
October 8, 2024
“I Thought I Saw the Worst in Seattle” Vancouver B.C. has the most horrific drug scene I have ever witnessed in North America. Discovery Institute and We Heart Seattle teamed up to learn more about what’s fueling this hell on earth. So-called “safe consumption sites” and non-profits giving away drug supplies like candy have trapped addicts in a vicious cycle. We did not see a single agency intentionally offering detox or treatment to anyone on the streets. This is failed public policy in action. Who Is Listening? My colleague Chris Rufo sounded the alarm back in 2020. The policy makers failed to heed his warning. The Harm in Vancouver’s “Harm Reduction” approach to drug use …

King County Non-Profit Steps Up for the Homeless Where County Government Fails

Jonathan Choe
October 1, 2024
The More We Love While King County Executive Dow Constantine continues to fail Burien, The More We Love is on the ground right now, quietly placing homeless men and women into detox and housing. “Camp Constantine” remains a cesspool of crime, drugs, and chaos. Pray for these outreach workers. Sarahann, the Director of Survivor Services for The More We Love, gently held the hand of a young woman as they left a homeless encampment. They walked together towards an appointment for an addiction support program. There was a sense of quiet determination in their steps.… pic.twitter.com/G9U4qBOinP— Kristine (@kmmoreland) October 1, 2024 The More We Love Does the Heavy Lifting What’s even more perplexing, King County hired REACH to clear out Camp …

Dave Reichert Tours Seattle Homeless Encampments and Drug Dens

Jonathan Choe
September 27, 2024
Bob Ferguson Declined Invitation Earlier this year, I invited Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert to tour Seattle’s drug dens and encampments. In my experience, the best leaders want to listen to the people on the frontlines in order to find the best solutions. Dave agreed but Bob declined. Actions have consequences, Bob. Fentanyl has destroyed our main streets and taken the lives of thousands of our friends, neighbors, and family members. pic.twitter.com/nUvU9NNZUH— Dave Reichert For Governor (@reichert4gov) September 26, …

Plymouth Housing Leaders Ignore Questions at Annual Gala

Jonathan Choe
September 26, 2024
Exclusive In February I exposed a nightmare of drugs, crime, chaos, and death inside some of Plymouth Housing’s taxpayer funded apartments for the homeless. But their leaders ignored all my questions about accountability. So I confronted them at their annual gala and they ran. Donors Behind Low Barrier Housing Why are Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Delta Dental of Washington, Pagliacci Pizza, AvalonBay Communities, Goodman Real Estate, and Brettler Family Foundation funding meth pipes and drug supplies in Plymouth Housing facilities without any requirements to get addiction treatment? Problems Plague Plymouth I’ve also obtained hundreds of 911 call logs to the newest Plymouth Housing facility in Bellevue that opened at the end of last year. Same problems …

Judge Tosses King County’s Lawsuit Against Burien

Jonathan Choe
September 25, 2024
Breaking An absolutely devastating blow to King County Executive Dow Constantine and Sheriff Patti-Cole Tindall. A judge tossed their lawsuit against the city of Burien that questioned the constitutionality of the city’s public camping ordinance. Right after today’s decision, Mayor Kevin Schilling spoke to me about the implications. Burien’s Suit Against King County Remains Now that King County has been ordered to enforce the camping ban, it’s still unclear when officers will start sweeping encampments. Making matters worse for King County, Burien is still suing for breach of contract and that’s winding its way through the courts. STATEMENT FROM CITY: Legal Challenge to Ordinance 832 Dismissed – City of Burien …

King County Announces Impending Closure of Burien Encampment

Jonathan Choe
September 25, 2024
“Camp Constantine” Shutting Down More good news for Burien residents. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority says “Camp Constantine” is another step closer to shutting down. Still no exact date for an official closure but Dow said it would happen by mid-October. We shall see. VICIOUS ATTACK: Two homeless men violently assaulted me Wednesday afternoon outside King County Executive Dow Constantine's sanctioned homeless encampment in Burien.This blight is being blamed for sex trafficking, thefts, drug OD's, and is home to an accused murder suspect. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/KChAnF6qTI— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) August 8, …

Burien Mayor Pushes Back Against Failed Homelessness Policies

Jonathan Choe
September 25, 2024
Culture Change At this point, there is no doubt the vast majority of Democratic lawmakers in WA support failed “Housing First” policies instead of solutions that address the root causes of homelessness like drug addiction, mental illness, and broken relationships. That’s because they just vote along party lines or are heavily influenced by the homeless industrial complex. But courageous Democratic leaders like Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling are pushing back after realizing these very same progressive policies have destroyed his community. Schilling’s willingness to cross the aisle and find common sense solutions are some of the reasons why he is now winning. Refused to Capitulate Schilling refused to capitulate to King County and Dow. This was the …

The Drug and Homelessness Crisis in Spokane

Jonathan Choe
September 23, 2024
A Tour Through Downtown Spokane’s leaders are denying it’s out of control. Left-wing corporate media members in this city are too compromised or weak to show the truth. That’s why Pete Serrano and I visited some of the worst parts of downtown this past weekend to see for ourselves. This is not just an affordable housing crisis. This chaos is being fueled by drug addiction, mental illness, and broken relationships. The only ones benefitting are people working in the homeless industrial complex who want more taxpayer dollars to maintain their grift. The current plan is not working. Fentanyl Addiction Making matters worse, Tranq fentanyl is all over the streets of Spokane. Housing First Does Not Work Then you have out-of-touch politicians …

Fentanyl Addict Shows Off Amputated Toe and Rotting Leg in Spokane

Jonathan Choe
September 22, 2024
Tranq fentanyl is all over the streets of Spokane, Washington. This is a horror show of human suffering and neglect. Attorney General candidate Pete Serrano and I went into the underbelly of downtown over the weekend and witnessed one of the worst drug scenes in the entire state. Local mainstream media is weak and will never show the human suffering and neglect because it’s not “brand safe.” They can’t sell diaper ads next to someone overdosing on fentanyl. In turn, none of the woke elected officials in this city are being held accountable for their failed public policies. They’re more concerned about prosecuting teens who allegedly scuffed up an LGBTQ Pride crosswalk earlier this year. What’s happening in Eastern Washington is a human …

The Seattle of Eastern Washington: Homelessness in Spokane

Jonathan Choe
September 22, 2024
“Housing First” remains a massive policy failure. Homeless in Spokane are being given free taxpayer subsidized housing, but zero requirements to go into addiction treatment or job training. So they end up back on the streets to get high because they have nothing better to do all day. Rinse and repeat. Listen to this guy describe the scene outside Catholic Charities buildings. Drug dealers are preying on addicts at all hours of the day. When will local politicians address this madness? Spokane is now officially the Seattle of Eastern Washington. Pete Serrano is on a listening tour so he can work with addicts to break this …

Burien Homeless Encampment Causing Harm to Local Businesses Cleared

Jonathan Choe
September 19, 2024
Happening Now Crews are getting ready to sweep the Starbucks drug encampment today on SW 148th St in Burien. Dozens of tents and structures are blocking a city right of way so it’s considered a fire hazard. Outreach teams have been here daily, trying to get people into treatment and shelter. This is just minutes from “Camp Constantine,” another drug and crime infested encampment being allowed to flourish under King County Executive Dow Constantine. Some of the campers being cleared out told me they are planning to make a lateral move. The game of whack a mole continues in Burien. Children Spotted in Encampment The Starbucks camp has been up for most of the summer. Aside from being a revolving door for crime and open air drug use, children have also …

Homeless Refusing Help While Encampment is Cleared

Jonathan Choe
September 19, 2024
The Sweep is On Accompanied by police, crews moved in Thursday morning and dismantled the drug encampment next to the Starbucks in Burien. Numerous campers rejected shelter or services. Some tried to move into “Camp Constantine” down the street, but that one is currently full. I also noticed several homeless men and women who have been on the streets since last year. Again, they are rejecting the help because they are caught up in the unending cycle of drugs and mental illness. It’s time for an intervention and accountability. HAPPENING NOW: Crews are getting ready to sweep the Starbucks drug encampment today on SW 148th St in Burien. Dozens of tents and structures are blocking a city right of way so it's considered a fire hazard. Outreach teams have …

Lost Soul Rejects Opportunity to Get off the Streets

Jonathan Choe
September 19, 2024
Look at this lost soul in Burien. She’s sitting in a pile of trash next to Camp Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office. I tried to connect her with homeless outreach groups like The More We Love. But she told me this is what she wanted and rejected an opportunity to get off the streets. At what point do we say enough is enough and just …

Drug Use Rampant in Seattle’s Little Saigon

Jonathan Choe
September 19, 2024
Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood remains a disaster. Drug use is rampant at all hours of the day and the addicts hate being filmed. One dude chased me today after waking up from his fentanyl induced stupor. I managed to escape on to a King County Metro bus. But the moment I entered, passengers were complaining about addicts smoking fetty on public transportation. Can’t make this stuff up. On Tuesday night, the Seattle City Council passed the “Stay Out of Drug Areas” ordinance also known as SODA zones. It would prevent people from re-entering parts of downtown Seattle including Little Saigon if they’ve been tied to drug crimes. Mayor needs to sign it ASAP so cops can start cracking …

Graffiti Taggers Hit Seattle’s Mobile Police Precinct

Jonathan Choe
September 19, 2024
Victimized Again Graffiti taggers went wild on the old school Mobile Seattle police precinct. It was briefly parked on King St in Chinatown-ID. This city is losing the war on graffiti. Same Mobile Unit Targeted 2 Years Ago A couple years ago, the same mobile unit got hit up by EAGR near 3rd Ave & Pine St in downtown Seattle. Never leave this thing unmanned. #BREAKING: This is a NEW LOW. Well known #Seattle graffiti vandals strike again, tagging @SeattlePD mobile precinct next to McDonalds in Downtown. Frankly everyone knows this sits EMPTY most of time. It's SUPPOSED to function as visual deterrent. @MayorofSeattle @CMAndrewJLewis pic.twitter.com/v99xzBGyxh— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) August 15, …

Drug Addiction Overtakes Street Corners in Seattle’s Chinatown

Jonathan Choe
September 17, 2024
New Parts of downtown Seattle and Chinatown-ID are on life support. Drug addicts and criminals have taken over entire street corners. Look at the situation on the ground right now in Little Saigon. It’s devastating this Asian American community. That’s why today, the Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) and Stay Out of Areas of Prostitution (SOAP) ordinances will be in front of the full Council for a final vote. If enforced properly, these could be game changers. Neighbors and business owners hope common sense prevails. And just to be clear, what you are seeing on the streets is NOT an affordable housing issue. This is ALL being fueled by hard-core drug addiction. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. The current plan is not …

Seattle City Council Passes New Ordinances Combatting Prostitution and Open-Air Drug Use

Jonathan Choe
September 17, 2024
Lining Up One of the longest lines I have ever seen to enter Seattle Council Chambers. Neighbors and biz owners who support the SODA/SOAP bills are here to support laws that could help curb open air drug use and prostitution by creating “no-go zones.” But most of the people here are the usual far-left activists opposed to the legislation. Ground Rules Seattle Council President Sara Nelson just laid down expectations after far-left activists disrupted last week’s Public Safety Committee meeting. Some idiots also chanted “Cathy Moore is a wh*re,” totally disrespecting the lead councilmember behind the SOAP bill. Bingo is Back! Bingo the “disabled survival sex worker” is back and is still opposed to the SODA/SOAP bills. Meet Bingo a …

Man Plows Car into Burien Homeless Encampment

Jonathan Choe
September 14, 2024
Breaking Authorities say a man plowed his car into Dow Constantine’s drug encampment in Burien Saturday morning because he was unhappy it was still up. Campers apparently bear maced the driver and cops came by and arrested him at the scene. This is just the latest problematic incident associated with this camp. VICIOUS ATTACK: Two homeless men violently assaulted me Wednesday afternoon outside King County Executive Dow Constantine's sanctioned homeless encampment in Burien.This blight is being blamed for sex trafficking, thefts, drug OD's, and is home to an accused murder suspect. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/KChAnF6qTI— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) August 8, 2024 Pictures Photos now coming in from eye witnesses who saw the massive police response to Dow …

Shooting in Seattle’s Little Saigon Near Drug-Riddled Park

Jonathan Choe
August 30, 2024
New Another violent incident in Seattle’s Little Saigon hood right in front of Hoa Mai Park. Authorities say two men got into an argument Friday afternoon and one of them pulled out a pistol and fired shots into the air. No one was hit but they both took off running. Councilmember Woo Calls for Action Councilmember Tanya Woo issued a statement about Wednesday’s shooting near the corner of 12th Ave & Jackson St in Little Saigon. She says the open-air drug use and crime are devastating Asian American businesses and disrupting life for neighbors. She’s calling for more action by the city. Drug Addicts Take Over Meanwhile, drug addicts have taken over the brand-new Hoa Mai Park in Seattle’s Little Saigon. Look at this ongoing …