Quote of the Day:
"How very little can be done under the spirit of fear." - Florence Nightingale, 1820 - 1910
COVID AND PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES
COVID 19 data updates
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard. The links to the data by demographics and geography are on the same page. Cases are clearly on the rise as are deaths, although hospitalizations are starting to go down following increases during April.
View all County COVID-related Data Dashboards here, including vaccination rates and outcomes according to vaccination status
View the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health (DOH).
 Get vaxxed and receive a $50 gift card: The state Department of Health (DOH) is urging Washingtonians who have not yet received their COVID vaccine to get vaccinated at a Care-a-Van clinic. No insurance is required and $50 gift cards are available to those getting their 1st or 2nd dose. Walk-ins are welcome! For a full list of upcoming Care-a-Van clinics, see this page. Need help? Call the hotline at 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #. Language assistance is available. For more information on vaccines see these pages from King County and from the state DOH.
 Changes coming to King County COVID-19 testing sites: As King County COVID-19 case rates have fallen from the Omicron peak earlier this year, and as the availability of free rapid self-test and community testing options have increased, demand at King County COVID-19 test sites has significantly declined. Public Health will end its operations of its Tukwila, Federal Way and Auburn COVID-19 testing sites. The last day of King County operations for the Federal Way and Tukwila testing sites will be Friday, May 27, and the last day of King County operations for the Auburn site will be Wednesday, June 1. See the link above or see this coverage from KIRO 7 for more information: King County to close three COVID-19 testing sites. I'm not sure this is wise, but...
Proclamations related to in-person drivers licenses and public meetings set to end June 1st: As of June 1, two COVID-related proclamations are set to end, and Gov. Inslee has announced he does not intend to extend them. One proclamation suspended and waived certain statutes related to in-person drivers licensing eye examinations and in-person drivers licenses/identicards renewals. As of June 1st, the state Department of Licensing will be able to provide a full range of services at its 56 offices statewide.
The second proclamation suspended and waived certain provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act that require or allow in-person attendance or transactions. Key provisions in the proclamation ensured public access to public meetings by requiring that remote access be provided to the public. Effective June 1, meetings subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) are no longer required to be held remotely, and agencies will again be required to allow reasonable use of their facilities for copying public records. This has import for our King County Council meetings which will be held in the Council Chamber beginning on June 7 using an in-person/remote hybrid model.
For more information see this article by the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC): OPMA/PRA Emergency Proclamation Will Expire June 1.
Additional COVID-related news
- FEATURE: 1 million U.S. COVID-19 deaths – Stat News
- Biden marks COVID ‘tragic milestone’ in US at global summit – AP News
- Doctors and grief experts on the milestone of 1 million COVID deaths – NPR
- Three ways to get COVID pills, if you've just tested positive – KUOW
- What the current spike in Covid-19 cases could say about the coronavirus' future – Stat News
- COVID cases are up. Most mandates ended months ago. So where does WA stand? – The Seattle Times
- Prepare your company for the next COVID wave – Harvard Business Review
- Pandemic gets tougher to track as COVID testing plunges – AP News
- The ‘five pandemics’ driving 1 million U.S. Covid deaths – Stat News
- Opinion: Why workers who refused vaccines shouldn’t get their jobs back – The Seattle Times
- The lucky few to never get coronavirus could teach us more about it – The Washington Post
- Firearm deaths and disparities both grew in pandemic’s first year – Stat News
- Vaccine-related firings exacerbate King County Sheriff vacancies – KUOW
- The number of Americans who say they won't get a COVID shot hasn't budged in a year – NPR
 Baby formula shortage: Our state DOH tweeted out the following on May 11th: “Parents and caregivers: Do not dilute infant formula and/or make homemade infant formula. It can be dangerous for your baby! If you need food assistance or help finding formula, please visit http://parenthelp123.org/families/food-assistance-family/”
For more on this very serious situation, please see the following articles and resources:
- Information on Lactation, Breastfeeding & Chestfeeding from the state Dept. of Health (DOH).
- Biden to speak to baby formula manufacturers about shortage – AP News
- The national baby formula shortage is getting worse and parents are desperate for it to end – CNN
- Baby Formula Shortage: Parents Taking 'Real Risk' on Homemade Recipes – Newsweek
- Baby formula shortage in WA has caregivers, parents scrambling to feed their infants – The Seattle Times
- What to know if you can’t find baby formula in Seattle-area stores amid nationwide shortage – The Seattle Times
Childhood immunization rates decline during the pandemic: DOH is reporting that "A new report shows routine childhood immunization rates decreased during the pandemic, dropping by 13% in 2021 when compared to pre-pandemic levels. The drop was most noticeable in young children. In response, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), health care providers and other agencies are working with families to catch up and stay current on routine immunizations." Read the full story here.
 Helping families reduce exposure to lead: Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable, non-infectious disease, yet it remains one of the most common childhood health problems worldwide. The Hazardous Waste Management Program (Haz Waste Program) works with local partners to reduce exposures to prevent lead poisoning. It provides in-home environmental assessments to newly arrived refugee families to identify sources of possible lead exposure. It was through this collaborative work with partners, like the Afghan Health Initiative, that the program discovered aluminum cookpots and pressure cookers often brought to the U.S. from Afghanistan can be a source of lead exposure. Read the full story here from the County's Hazardous Waste Management Program.
County Business and Other News and Events
This week at the Council
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, councilmembers received a briefing from the King County Sheriff and staff on the COVID-19 vaccination mandate and its impact on staffing and operations. Members also were also briefed by the County Auditor’s office on the County Assessor’s Exemption Program. See below for more details on this. You can view this very informative meeting here.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the full County Council, Council Chair Claudia Balducci and I introduced a motion which passed with all but one vote affirming the County’s support for the Roe v. Wade decision and proclaiming that even if overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, Roe remains the “law of the land” In King County. Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Dave Upthegrove, Sarah Perry, Girmay Zahilay and Joe McDermott also cosponsored the motion. Councilmember Dembowski also offered an amendment, which I supported, reaffirming the requirement that Crisis Pregnancy Centers disclose the fact that they do not make abortion referrals in their advertising.
The Council also passed proclamations declaring May 10, 2022, as Asian/Asian American Mental Health Awareness Day in King County; May 8-14, 2022, as Affordable Housing Week in King County; and May 15-21, 2022, as Police Week in King County. Members passed several consent items related to hearing examiner recommendations, took action on proposed appointments, and also passed a motion approving a reimagining transit safety and security implementation report. In addition, Councilmembers appointed a new Sammamish City Councilmember.
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, Councilmembers took action on appropriations for the ninth (and potentially the last) COVID budget and on the Council's priorities for the 2023 – 2024 biennial budget. Committee members also discussed an ordinance on sewage treatment rates. Also on Wednesday, the Regional Policy Committee met and was briefed by Chief Presiding Judge Matthew York, King County District Court on District Court operations. Committee members also took action on a motion requesting the executive prepare an assessment report to inform possible renewal of the voter-approved veterans, seniors and human services levy. And members accepted the 2020 annual mental illness and drug dependency evaluation summary report.
Next week at the Council: Note: The County Council is meeting remotely until June 7th at which point we will begin hybrid zoom/in-person meetings.
Full Council: Tuesday, May 17th at 1 p.m.: A briefing from Public Health on the County's COVID status and response. Proclamations of May 2022 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in King County, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Month, and recognition of Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day). Discussion and possible action on an ordinance changing Indigenous Peoples' Day from October 12 of each year to the second Monday in October of each year. Action on motions setting the County's priorities for the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget, approving a reimagining transit safety and security implementation report, and on requesting that the executive prepare an assessment report to inform possible renewal of the voter-approved veterans, seniors and human services levy. The meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment will be available shortly on this page.
Committee of the Whole: Wednesday, May 18th at 9:30 a.m. A briefing from County Budget Director Dively on the County’s COVID response and budget; possible action on confirmation of the Executive's reappointment of Anita Khandelwal, County Public Defender, and on confirmation of the Executive’s appointment of Patti Cole-Tindall as King County Sheriff. The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
Board of Health: Thursday, May 19th at 1 p.m. Discussion and possible action on rules and regulations related to retail food establishments and the membership of the Board of Health; discussion of the Board of Health restructure recruitment planning update. The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
Regional Transit Committee: Wednesday, May 18th at 3 p.m. Discussion and possible action on a motion accepting the Metro Connects implementation report. The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
 Audit report released -- Property tax exemptions: Stronger systems needed to meet demand: The County Auditor has released a report showing that seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans applying for property tax exemptions waited eight months for decisions in 2020—twice as long as in 2019. The report was presented at the Council’s Government Accountability and Oversight Committee on Tuesday.
This resulted from a state-level eligibility expansion in 2020, nearly tripling the number of applications the County Assessor received. The Assessor’s Office increased the number of exemptions decisions it issued in 2021 but not enough to prevent long customer waits. The Auditor's report made 12 recommendations to ensure that exemptions decisions are delivered promptly and accurately, that customer service is responsive, and that the exemptions team is ready to meet increased demand. The Assessor concurred with all the report recommendations.
Note: If you're a Senior, have a disability, or are a disabled veteran you may be eligible for help with your property taxes. See this page for information.
You may also be interested in these articles from The Seattle Times:
- King County Assessor’s Office struggling with monthslong wait times for property tax exemptions, report finds.
- King County property values rise at ‘unprecedented’ rates; tax hikes likely
Apply to serve on the County Board of Health: Are you interested in protecting and promoting the health of King County residents? Bring your valued voice to the Board of Health. The Board is looking for new members to serve beginning in 2023. Applications to join the Board are welcome from King County residents who share a commitment to public health principles and addressing racism as a public health crisis, including public health and health care providers, people with experience with public health programs, those working to address health inequities, and those who have permits with Public Health. Applications are due June 30th. For full details and to apply see this page, which includes information on upcoming online open houses on May 21 and May 24.
Latest report on implementation of recommendations for improvements to the West Point Treatment Plant: On February 9, 2017, a severe flood occurred at the West Point Treatment Plant. The flooding inundated electrical and mechanical equipment resulting in emergency bypasses of sewage into the Salish Sea. It was a catastrophic event, and we are so fortunate that no employees were seriously harmed or killed. Unfortunately, the bypass of untreated waste water from the event lead to closed beaches and undoubtedly harmed marine ecosystems.
In response, I sponsored several ordinances, one of which was the requirement to develop the West Point Independent Assessment Report. The report proposed 98 recommendations to minimize the likelihood of future flooding and performance issues at the plant. Each quarter, an update is released to track the progress of fully implementing the recommended changes. You can download the 2022 Q1 update by clicking this link.
Executive Constantine discusses homelessness, the environment and more
County Executive Dow Constantine was interviewed yesterday on KUOW and discussed the County's approach to homelessness, the role of the Regional Homelessness Authority, public safety and the Sheriff's office, the environment and much more. You can listen to the interview here on KUOW.
 King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders: You are invited to the second annual King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders being convened by Councilmember Reagan Dunn on May 19th, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You’ll hear from experts in the fields of substance use disorder and recovery. You can now view the full agenda online here. Session topics include: The rise of substance use during the pandemic, Fentanyl as a public health crisis, how substance use impacts the family and stories of hope. To register, see this page.
Whether you're in recovery, know someone who has struggled with substance use disorder, or simply want to learn more about a disease that effects 1 in 6 Americans nationwide—this conference has something for everyone, and all are welcome. I'll be joining my colleague, Councilmember Dunn, for a reading of the County's National Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation at the end of the conference. I hope you'll join us!
King County Recorder’s Office — plan ahead and allow extra time for processing: The King County Recorder’s Office (where the public can access records searches, marriage licenses, covenants and other information) has been closed for in-person services since COVID. The office will continue to be closed through the summer while moving to its new office space in King Street Center. While the office is closed for walk-ins, please plan ahead and allow more time for processing. If you need to access documents, those services are available online or via the mail. More information is available on its website and staff are available via phone at 206-477-6620 or email at kcrocust@kingcounty.gov .
 Leave the car, hit the trail: Trailhead Direct returns May 28th: King County’s Trailhead Direct transit service will return for the season beginning on Saturday, May 28. This summer, King County Metro and King County Parks are focusing the transit-to trails service on its most popular route with stops at trailheads near Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si. Riders can take the bus, Sound Transit Link light rail, or bike to easily get to the Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link station, where Trailhead Direct coaches will depart every 30 minutes. The 2022 season will include service on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. See this page for more information. You may also be interested in this article:
- Where and how to hike in WA with a wheelchair, other assistive devices – The Seattle Times
 “Communities Count” data narrative updates: Communities Count, a data service funded by Best Starts for Kids, the King County Department of Community & Human Services, Public Health -- Seattle & King County and The Seattle Foundation has just added updated information on the Communities Count website for these indicators: Free/reduced price meals, high school on-time graduation rate, frequent mental distress, food insecurity, firearms stored in homes, and disability. Check out the updated information on this page.
FUNDING AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
 Youth and Amateur Sports Grant applications are available and due May 20th at 5:00 pm: King County Parks has partnered with the King County Play Equity Coalition to design, develop, and implement our 2022 Youth Sports & Recreation Relief Fund with federal Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery (CLFR) funding to nonprofit organizations providing programs and facilities that support youth access to physical activity.Applications are open for the Fund and must be completed online via the grant management platform. See the links above for full information and read the guidelines before applying.
 Now accepting applications for the Healthy and Safe Environment RFP: Best Starts for Kids (BSK) is seeking proposals from community-based organizations, agencies, and schools/school districts that want to ensure that children, youth, and young adults live, learn, work, play, and experience healthy and safe environments. Babies, kids, and young people grow into happy and healthy adults when they can actively engage in environments that promote wellness, healing and are hazard free. For full details and to apply see this page. Due by June 20th. You can also view the latest recorded info sessions.
The 2023-2025 Building for the Arts grant cycle is now open: ArtsWA (The Washington State Arts Commission) and the state Department of Commerce have announced the opening of the Building for the Arts (BFA) grant cycle. Organizations and projects of all sizes are eligible. BFA is a program that awards state grants to nonprofit community-based organizations to buy, build, or renovate arts and cultural facilities. It is managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce. These capital project grants can cover up to 33% of the total costs for construction. For more information and to apply see the link above. Questions? Contact Annette Roth at ArtsWA, annette.roth@arts.wa.gov
Accepting Applications: Survivor-Centered Mobile Advocacy for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: The King County Department of Community and Human Services is now accepting applications to fund community-based entities and/or tribes to provide survivor-centered mobile advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Funding and guidance provided by the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) and the VSHSL Implementation Plan. For full details on VSHSL funding opportunities see this page.
UW Medicine is seeking participants for a new study focused on training survivors’ friends and family on how to support recovery after sexual assault. Participants will be compensated. See this article from The Seattle Times for more information: UW Medicine looks to teach friends and family of sexual assault survivors how to offer support and find more details at takecareaftertrauma.com.
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Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship: King County is proud to offer an exciting fellowship opportunity for those committed to exploring a career in public service. The Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship is named after the revered community leader Ruth Woo. Not only a mentor to many elected officials, Woo dedicated her life to public service. To honor her many contributions to our communities and state, King County is offering five one-year, paid, full-time positions. Selected fellows will demonstrate their commitment to building on Ruth Woo’s legacy and achievements of empowering and advocating for youth from economically disadvantaged communities that have historically lacked opportunities to further both educational and career aspirations. To learn more about Ruth Woo, visit: Northwest Asian Weekly. Thanks to Councilmember Rod Dembowski for having initiated this program with Council approval.
 Tips from Hazardous Waste for a chemical-free lawn: With a rainy May underway, you may notice your lawn’s beautiful blades of grass morphing into spongy moss patches in places. Although moss isn’t harmful, it doesn’t create the lushest or neatest of lawns. Many home and garden stores jump to chemical solutions for preventing moss. But there are other, less toxic ways to keep moss away. Read the full story here.
"Indian boarding schools" operated here in our state and in King County: In recent months we have heard and read horror stories about discoveries in Canada of unmarked graves adjacent to the "Indian boarding schools" that operated in North America in the 19th century, some of which continued operating as late as the 1960s. The schools forcibly removed children from their parents, forbade speaking of native languages, and there are many reports of physical abuse and neglect, including deaths that occurred at these institutions.
The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has just released the results of an investigative report on the Indian boarding schools in the United States. Fifteen of the schools operated in Washington state, two of them in Federal Way. See the following for more information:
- Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee in response to federal report regarding Native boarding schools
- US finds 500 Native American boarding school deaths so far – AP News
- Interior Department Releases Indian Boarding School Report – Native News Online
 Reminder: New ORCA card system begins Monday, May 16: Starting May 16, hundreds of thousands of ORCA transit customers across the Puget Sound region will have access to a new website, smartphone app, and real-time value loading for their ORCA cards. Customers will also begin to see new card readers and vending machines as technology is updated and rolled out at transit locations throughout the region. Read the full story here on the Metro Matters blog and you may also be interested in this article from The Seattle Times: What you need to know about changes coming to the ORCA fare card system.
Woodland Park Zoo takes precautions to protect birds after avian influenza confirmed in state
Due to confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in western Washington, Woodland Park Zoo is taking immediate measures to protect its birds most at risk from exposure to avian influenza. To date, HPAI cases have not been seen at the zoo. The birds most at risk temporarily moved indoors and out of public view. Read the full story from the Zoo here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
 May 14: Bans Off Our Bodies Day of Action: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates is inviting the public to a nationwide mass mobilization on Saturday, May 14th. BansOffOurBodies.org organizing the actions and will be hosting a Seattle event that day at Cal Anderson Park at 2 p.m. For more information see the link above. You may also be interested in these articles:
- What would overturning Roe mean for birth control? – KUOW
- Opinion: Our bodily autonomy is a human right, and abortion is essential health care - The Seattle Times
Did you know that Menthol makes tobacco easier to start and harder to quit?: Banning mentholated tobacco is a social justice issue for African Americans. Learn more and take action this Sunday, May 15!
You may also be interested in this 2021 article from Public Health: Time for menthol to go: The tobacco industry’s long history of racist marketing and the local youth voices driving for change.
 Volunteer Opportunities for May 15 YMCA Community Baby Shower: The YMCA and Amazon are partnering to provide resources to meet the basic needs of new and expectant families in the Greater Seattle region. On Sunday, May 15 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm community members can pick up a bag of free infant and toddler items. Goody bags will include diapers, baby wipes, bibs, food items, and more! If you don't need a goody bag but would like to help out, volunteers are needed. For details and to RSVP or sign up to volunteer see this page.
 Transit Talk: New Approaches to Fare Enforcement next Tuesday, May 17: Transportation Choices Coalition invites you to "Transit Talk: New Approaches to Fare Enforcement," a webinar that will discuss the reforms at King County Metro and Sound Transit, and their expected impacts on riders. For more information and to register see this page.
 May 21st - UW student discussion: Roe v. Wade: Impact, Solution, & Empowerment: A student-led initiative, co-sponsored by the UW Women’s Center and the Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology at the University of Washington, is open to all community members who are passionate about reproductive justice. The discussion will focus on Roe v Wade and its place within the reproductive justice movement. Join the students on Saturday, May 21st at 10 am – 2:30 pm PST for a safe space of education, dialogue, and empowerment to provide actionable steps and resources to help advocate for reproductive rights. For more information see this page and you can register here.
 Hear from local Black women athletes on the topic of wellness on May 24: Join the YWCA on May 24 at noon for a free, virtual conversation about resilience, mental health, wellness, and fostering the next generation. In addition to the incredible, trailblazing Dominique Dawes, Winning Within will also feature local Black athletes, Tziarra King and Amara Cunningham. For more information and to register see this page.
Did you know?
... that on today's date in 1968 Ester Wilfong became the first African American member of Seattle's all-white College Club? Read more here from HistoryLink.
Today’s moment of inspiration
 USFW salmon release location, Good News Network
This is a hopeful story that potentially is good news for our orcas. As you may know, orcas rely on Chinook (aka "King") salmon as their primary food source. In California, state and federal agencies moved two struggling salmon runs to safer, colder, flowing water after more than a century.
This was one of several emergency actions the agencies have taken following the drought and increasing temperatures of the last two years. It was determined the fish -- whose populations have been devastated -- needed to be moved above the Shasta and Keswick dams in the Sacramento River.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), "State and federal biologists have begun moving endangered adult winter-run Chinook salmon to the upper reaches of Battle Creek and threatened spring-run Chinook salmon to Clear Creek in Northern California, where colder water temperatures will better support spawning and help their eggs survive the continuing drought. "
"Together they will return about 300 adult winter-run Chinook salmon to native habitat above Eagle Canyon Dam on North Fork Battle Creek, about 20 miles east of Cottonwood, in Shasta/Tehama counties for the first time in more than 110 years. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), which operates hydroelectric facilities on Battle Creek, coordinated operations to make the move possible." Read the full story here.
Additional helpful and informative links
- King County Council to consider push to move elections to even-numbered years – The Seattle Times
- A large-scale solar energy project is getting underway at King County’s Vashon Recycling and Transfer Station. – Vashon Beachcomber
- King County Council to welcome Ukrainian refugee family – Q13
- King County Council votes to protect reproductive freedom, declaring it 'law of the land. – KING 5 News
- U.S. overdose deaths hit record 107,000 in 2021, CDC says – AP/Stat News
- As youth overdoses rise, Seattle parents push schools to expand training – KUOW
- What to know about the new federal program for discounted internet service – The Seattle Times
- Seattle fish research could shake up global tire industry – KUOW
- Seattle clears Woodland Park homeless encampment after months of trying to place people into shelter – The Seattle Times
- Climate change to make droughts longer, more common, says UN – AP News
- How climate scientists keep hope alive as damage worsens – AP/Oregon Public Broadcasting
- Seattle's Duwamish Tribe files new lawsuit seeking federal recognition – KUOW
- New Report Confirms Most Working Parents Are Burned Out – The New York Times
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out once a week. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And you can click here to visit the archive page where you can find all of my previous enews updates.
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