Quote of the Day
“To deny political equality is to rob the ostracised of all self-respect; of credit in the market place; of recompense in the world of work; of a voice among those who make and administer the law; a choice in the jury before whom they are tried, and in the judge who decides their punishment.” - Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1892
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 rising, and hospitalizations in particular have risen substantially in the last week. Deaths were rising steadily throughout the month, but may be dropping a bit now.
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).
 What’s the deal with boosters (and why it’s a good time for a boost): Public Health answers your questions about booster shots in this article from the Public Health Insider blog. “Booster shots prevent the most serious health threats from COVID: long-lasting symptoms, hospitalization, and death. But many people in King County who are eligible haven’t gotten their booster shot yet.” If that includes you, Public Health has answers to common questions about booster shots that explain why it makes sense to get boosted now. You may also find the following articles of interest:
- COVID vaccine booster approved for kids. Here’s where to find them in WA – The Seattle Times
- Fourth dose of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine significantly increases protection in age 60+ - News-Medical.net
- As COVID cases rise, U.S. health officials mull widening additional booster eligibility – Reuters
Expiration dates on at-home tests extended: According to the state Dept. of Health (DOH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an amended Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for several tests to extend expiration dating based on additional data from stability studies. If you ordered from http://sayyescovidhometest.org, then, as long as the box and contents have been stored safely and intact, add three months to the “Use by” date on the box. More information is available at the link above.
- Biden offering additional 8 free COVID-19 tests to public – The Associated Press/The Seattle Times
Masks still recommended: Even though masks are no longer required in many places, they're still an important tool to slow the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings and confined spaces is still recommended for people 5+. For mask information, see this page from the DOH and you may also be interested in this article: A third of US should be considering masks, officials say – AP News
Additional COVID-related links
- FDA authorizes first Covid booster for children ages 5 to 11 – KUOW
- C.D.C. advisers recommend Pfizer boosters for children 5 to 11 – The New York Times
- Q&A: A parents’ guide to COVID booster shots for kids 5-11 – The Mercury-News
- Doctors say COVID re-infections stem from waning immunity – KOMO News
- COVID cases, hospitalizations rising in western Washington – KIRO 7 News
- Omitting long Covid from pandemic messaging is harmful for public health – Stat News
- Is it COVID or flu? New at-home test can tell you – Bloomberg News/The Seattle Times
- A COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time? New strategy for this fall gains traction – The Seattle Times
- Traveling this summer? CDC recommends everyone test for COVID in days before flying – McClatchy DC
- Opinion: Does Paxlovid help people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19? Show us the data! – Stat News
- A Silver Lining for Those Who’ve Been Infected by Omicron – Bloomberg News
- Large U.K. study links vaccination after Covid infection to lower odds of long Covid symptoms – Stat News
- King County to close 3 COVID testing sites – The Seattle Times
- This is how many lives could have been saved with COVID vaccinations in each state – NPR
- Detainees at Northwest immigration detention center on hunger strike over COVID concerns – The Seattle Times
- For two years, this Washington island has grappled with the long reach of COVID – NPR
- ‘Whole new crisis’ for WA long-term care facilities, 2 years into COVID – The Seattle Times
- Your Dog Is Not Ready for You to Return to the Office – The New York Times
 Infant Formula Shortage: In response to the nationwide infant formula shortage, DOH has compiled resources to assist families trying to find nutritionally appropriate food for their babies, including answers to your most common questions. The information comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Washington WIC program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Also, see the following news coverage for more information.
- Biden invokes Defense Production Act for formula shortage – AP News
- Amid baby formula shortage, American Academy of Pediatrics shares new guidance. Here’s what to know – The Seattle Times
- Moms seeking formula tire of those who say, just breastfeed – AP News
Also see this press release from the DOH: Infant formula shortages: What to do if you’re impacted.
 King County Awards funding to 11 school districts to extend critical program addressing youth mental health: Washington youth are experiencing a mental health crisis. COVID-19 has exacerbated underlying issues felt by young people, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. In King County, we saw an increase among 10 to 13-year-olds for emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts. Before the pandemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report noting that “mental health disorders have surpassed physical conditions.” Pediatric offices are swamped with youth in distress. We are in a nationwide emergency. Our children and youth need us to act. Read the full story here.
Public Health will fund 28 local groups to improve public health communications: HealthierHere and Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) announced that 28 local organizations will receive a total of $2 million in funding as part of the King County Health Literacy Project. The partnership between HealthierHere and Public Health aims to improve public health messaging developed by and for communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For details, read the full story here.
County Business and Other News and Events
 Showing my Syttende Mai pin during the Council proclamation, with Sheila Stickel from the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.
This week at the Council: At Tuesday’s Council meeting, members received a briefing from Public Health on the County's COVID status and response. The Council also adopted proclamations of May 2022 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in King County, and of May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Month. And we adopted a recognition of Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day). Councilmembers changed Indigenous Peoples' Day from October 12 of each year to the second Monday in October of each year and passed our COVID-9 budget and 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.
At Tuesday’s Council meeting we also approved another supplemental COVID-19 funding package. This is the ninth supplemental budget since the start of the global pandemic that spends federally designated funding on programs and services to help fight the virus, provide relief to struggling communities and boost economic recovery. Like the other eight iterations, this supplemental budget added funds for community supports, rental assistance, vaccination efforts, public health response, COVID-19 related county operations and more. I was pleased to have ushered the previous eight COVID-19 funding packages through the legislative process over the past two years as previous chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee.
At the same meeting, we also approved the King County Council budget priorities for the 2023-2024 biennial budget. This is an important document that outlines what the Council would like to see included in the biennial budget the Executive will transmit to the Council this fall. The biennial budget is the most important and critical spending plan on which the Council deliberates every two years. This year’s priorities emphasize the need to address issues impacting our region including behavioral health, housing, homelessness, public safety, and the need for a robust economy. You can read our list of priorities in more detail by clicking this link. You can watch the full Council meeting here.
 The Council also approved creation of Cannabis Safety Taskforce: Legislation to create a Cannabis Safety Taskforce, sponsored by Councilmember Reagan Dunn and me, was passed on Tuesday by the County Council. During and since my time in the state Legislature, I have been a staunch supporter of the legalization and regulation of the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis. However, the federal banking regulations that force businesses to operate as all-cash businesses have ended up endangering employees, customers and communities. This motion serves to explore how local jurisdictions can better support these businesses, while efforts to reform banking laws at the federal level remain underway. Thank you, Councilmember Dunn, for introducing this motion and bringing attention to this issue. See the following articles in which I’m quoted for more information.
- King County Council approves creation of Cannabis Safety Taskforce amid rash of dispensary robberies – The Kent Reporter
- Council approves Cannabis Safety Taskforce in King County to prevent pot shop robberies – KIRO 7 News
In Wednesday’s meeting of the Committee of the Whole, which I chair, committee members were briefed by County Budget Director Dwight Dively on the County’s COVID response and budget. Members voted to recommend confirmation by the Council of the appointment of Patti Cole-Tindall as the new King County Sheriff. Members discussed the reappointment of Anita Khandelwal as County Public Defender which we’ll take up at an upcoming meeting of the Committee. You can view video of the meeting here. The briefing from Budget Director Dively is here and the discussion regarding the appointments of Sheriff and Public Defender can be seen here.
In Wednesday’s meeting of the Regional Transit Committee, members discussed and formally accepted the Metro Connects implementation report. You can watch the video of the meeting here.
In yesterday’s meeting of the Board of Health, members approved revised rules and regulations related to retail food establishments and the discussed the expansion of the membership of the Board and were updated on restructuring recruitment. They also heard a report from Director Dennis Worsham of Public Health – Seattle & King County. Video of yesterday’s Board of Health meeting will be available soon on this page.
Next week at the Council: Note: The County Council is meeting remotely until June 7th at which point we expect to begin hybrid zoom/in-person meetings.
Local Services and Land Use Committee: Tuesday, May 24th at 9:30 a.m. Discussion and possible action on proposals for an interlocal agreement with the City of Kent, the scope of work for the 2024 update to the County Comprehensive Plan, and ordinances related to winery, brewery and distillery uses. The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
Full Council: Tuesday, May 24th at 1 p.m. Next Tuesday, Executive Constantine will deliver his State of the County Address at the full Council meeting. Discussion and possible action on a memorandum of agreement between King County and the County Corrections Guild. Formal confirmation of Patti Cole-Tindall as the chief officer of the department of public safety (Sheriff). The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
Employment and Administration Committee: Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m (following the Council meeting). Discussion and possible action on appointments to the Citizen’s Election Oversight Committee. Briefings from the Council Chief of Staff and the Human Resources Manager. Briefing on hybrid meeting logistics from the station manager of KCTV, the Council’s Chief Policy Officer and the Council Clerk. The agenda and meeting materials are available on this page.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee: Wednesday, May 25th at 9:30 a.m. Discussion and possible action on an ordinance relating to rates and charges for sewage treatment and disposal. Discussion of the proposal from Executive Constantine to restore King County's conservation futures property tax levy to pay for the acquisition and preservation of urban green spaces, natural areas, wildlife and salmon habitat, trails, river corridors, farmlands and forests. The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
 Executive Constantine announces plan to rapidly accelerate protection of the last, best 65,000 acres of urban greenspace, forests, farmland, trails, river corridors, and natural areas: County Executive Constantine has proposed a measure for the November ballot that would fully restore the local Conservation Futures Program to its original rate, rapidly accelerating open space preservation for less than $2 more per month for owners of median-valued homes. If approved by the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, the full Council will vote this summer on whether to put the proposal on the November ballot. Watch a video on this proposal here, or read the full story (and view photos) here. You may also be interested in this article from The Seattle Times: Dow Constantine proposes raising King County property taxes to preserve rivers, forests, natural spaces.
Update on Interbay sewer and odor control upgrade: Major construction to begin in mid-2023: King County plans to begin work to upgrade one mile of aging sewer pipe in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood in mid-2023. Previously, construction was estimated to begin in mid-2022. The County pushed construction back to allow more time for acquiring permits necessary to complete the work.
King County expects to hire a contractor as early as fall 2022. The contractor may begin preparing for construction in winter 2022. This early work will occur in and around the Interbay Pump Station. Neighbors can expect increased truck traffic and noise. Major construction, including excavation, pipe installation, and pipe relining, will not begin until mid-2023. After the County hires a contractor, we will be in touch with more information on what you can expect during pre-construction and major construction. View the project updatehere for more information. See this page for the full project description.
 Elections update, filing week ends: The period for candidates to file for elections will end today, Friday May 20. To view a list of everyone who has filed see this page. This year King County’s Elections department plans to update the filing list hourly and has also added a data visualization tool for candidate filing statistics so you can see current data on the number of candidates who have filed, the method they used to file, and more.
Additional resources are available for candidates on this page. For general information on voter registration, ballots, and other election questions, see the Elections department webpage here.
Board of Health expanding – Public meetings tomorrow and Tuesday: The Board is expanding from 8 elected officials and 3 health professionals to 8 elected officials and 8 non-elected people who represent the public, health care, and other community stakeholders. One non-elected Board Member must have expertise in environmental health. To learn more, you can attend one of the online open houses via Zoom, Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2 - 3:30 p.m. or Tuesday May 24, 2022 at 6 - 7:30 p.m. See this page for details.
Funding and Internship Opportunities
Closes May 24th: Positive Family Connections funding available: Best Starts Positive Family Connections help strengthen and build positive relationships between parents, caregivers and youth. Positive Family Connections funds programs designed to strengthen parent-to-parent engagement, kinship care relationships, intergenerational and cultural heritage bonds, restorative practices, personal development for young people and parents/caregivers, and the connections among these family members. For details and application information see this page.
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New funding opportunity for County early learning facilities: May 25th info session: Enterprise (a national non-profit focused on affordable housing and community development) is launching a new $15 million investment in early learning facilities with resources from King County's Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA). Over the next five years, this investment will support the expansion and creation of early learning centers throughout King County with a focus on underserved communities.
Join Enterprise on May 25th at noon for an overview of funding priorities and our timeline for delivering services and supports. This webinar is designed for local early learning providers, community based organizations, and other housing and early learning partners. For more information and to register see this page.
Reminder – Due May 31st: 4Culture and County Parks seek artist for regional parks and trails public art plan: An artist, curator or artist team will work with 4Culture and King County Parks to develop an art plan for King County Parks’ extensive network of parks, regional and backcountry trails, and open spaces in collaboration with the unique communities they connect to throughout King County. For full details see this page.
Due May 31st: Request for Applications (RFA) -- 2022-2027 Clinical Services for Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program: Public Health seeks applications from clinical service providers interested in providing screening and/or treatment services as needed to BCCHP eligible clients to receive screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, living in King, Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap counties. Visit this page to access the full RFA document and application materials.
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Closes June 1st: Liberation and Healing from Systemic & Internalized Racism RFP: Best Starts' Liberation and Healing from Systemic & Internalized Racism (LHSIR) request for proposal (RFP) is seeking partners who opt into a collective methodology designed to show evidence of collective impact. Best Starts for Kids' goal for the LHSIR strategy is to address the educational gaps rooted in racism that have impacted black and brown scholars and work together towards community-centered solutions for transformative systemic change. Those eligible to apply are BIPOC-led grassroot organizations, community-based and small for-profit organizations, community members and leaders, coaches, faith-based organizations, parent-led groups and home-school providers. The LHSIR strategy was formally known as Trauma-Informed & Restorative Practices. For details and application information see this page.
Legal interns sought by County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: The Criminal Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is looking for highly motivated 2L law students to join its office as Rule 9 Interns in the Summer of 2023. This is a 13-week program for students during the summer between their second and third year of law school. The legal intern program is permitted under Rule 9-A limited license to practice in Washington State. Rule 9 interns assigned to the District Court Unit practice in the King County District Courts, which are located throughout the County. Interns are paid $950.00 per week (2022 rates) with no benefits. For details see the link above.
OTHER NEWS AND EVENTS
 Orcas in Puget Sound. Photo by NOAA Fisheries.
State launches orca website : Southern Resident killer whales, or orcas, are a beloved icon of the Pacific Northwest but sadly they are going extinct. The state’s new website contains information on the progress implementing each of the 49 recommendations from the Governor’s Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force, as well as general information about orcas, ideas about how people can help save the orcas and resources including school curriculum.
Despite federal and state endangered species protections, the Southern Residents population has dropped to 73 whales—the lowest number in more than 40 years. These orcas face many challenges but the most important are the lack of food (in particular, Chinook – aka “King” salmon), noise and vessel traffic, toxic contaminants, climate change and habitat destruction due to human encroachment. For more information see the press release here.
 Preparing for “The Big One”: If you’ve lived in Seattle or the Puget Sound area any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase, “It’s not a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’” We live on the Cascadia Subduction Zone and may experience an earthquake on or over magnitude 9.0 anytime in the next fifty years. Based on historical evidence and records, our last major quake occurred in the year 1700. King County will be participating in the Cascadia Rising 2022 earthquake exercise in June.
For a very informative – if somewhat frightening - video of what a magnitude 9.1 earthquake could look like in King County (and how to prepare), see the video on the County’s Emergency Management page. Also, see the following links and resources:
- For resources on emergency preparedness, see this King County webpage.
- For more on earthquakes in King County, including resources and information on preparation, see this page.
- Prepare for natural disasters with this checklist | Provided by 1st Security Bank – The Seattle Times
- Rehearsing for ‘The Big One’ on a room-sized chess board – KUOW
 BFF volunteers, Photo via Beacon Food Forest
This Saturday: Beacon Food Forest work party: Beacon Food Forest is a volunteer-run forest of edible plants on North Beacon Hill. Food forests can play an important role in Executive Constantine’s Local Food Initiative, which works to strengthen King County’s local food system and increase access to healthy, affordable food. You can help out this Saturday, May 21 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Beacon Food Forest, South Dakota Street in Seattle. For details on what to bring and to sign up, see this page.
 Northwest Folklife Festival seeking volunteers: The Northwest Folklife Festival is a four-day, multicultural, intergenerational Festival held on Seattle Center grounds. Once again, this event will bring together performances, workshops, and families from all over the world for four days full of community celebration, cultural learning, sharing, hands-on discovery, and family fun!
Volunteers are the heart (and hands!) of Northwest Folklife. Northwest Folklife is seeking volunteers from May 23rd - June 3rd. It takes hundreds of volunteers to staff the festival and ensure its sustainability. For more information see this page. If you have questions regarding volunteering, please email volunteers@nwfolklife.org
Big Backyard 5K is Sunday, June 5: Founded in 2010, the Big Backyard 5K (also known as the BBY5K), is a community run/walk showcasing and benefitting King County Parks. Proceeds support maintenance and operations of Parks facilities and recreational resources. Over the past 12 years, more than 12,000 runners and walkers have gathered to raise more than $75,000 for King County Parks. This year’s event is on Sunday, June 5, and celebrates our ability to gather again with a simple approach to fun and fitness. Click here to find out more and register.
 Video highlights struggles, triumphs of cultural community over last two years: ArtsFund’s new video, Reunite with the Arts, is now on available on YouTube. Featuring content from over 30 of ArtsFund’s Cultural Partners Network organizations, the 15-minute captioned and ASL-interpreted video explores the role that art has played throughout the pandemic and in its recovery. Hear from local arts leaders and be inspired by ArtsFund’s Cultural Partners from across the Central Puget Sound region.
Greenwood: A Century of Resilience at Benaroya Hall: Coming up this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday is a National Georgraphic Live speaker series event at Benaroya Hall. A century ago, “Black Wall Street” was attacked in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. Archaeologist Alicia Odewale is uncovering stories of resilience in the 100 years since the attack on Black Wall Street in the city’s vibrant Greenwood district. Ticket prices start at $30. For more information see this page.
Did you know?
… that, according to HistoryLink, on today’s date in 1980, “…two days after the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18th, some 2,500 motorists -- more than Ritzville's own population – were stuck in Ritzville. They were jammed into school gyms, hospital corridors, churches and restaurants. By May 20, hundreds of them are so tired and impatient that they defy police orders and attempt to drive out of Ritzville despite the fact that Interstate 90 and other roads are officially closed.”
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Marcena Day, Juris Doctorate and Ron Vered, B.S.: Biology (Physiology) and B.A.: Biochemistry Data Science; Bioethics.
Today’s “Moment” honors two UW students from County District 4 – my district. Both received degrees this year and were recognized as members of “The Husky 100” for 2022.
Nominated by their peers, faculty, staff and mentors, the Husky 100 is comprised of juniors, seniors and graduate students who have shown true passion, leadership, and dedication as a Husky. These students actively apply what they are learning inside and outside the classroom to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future.
Marcena Day hopes to create a society where public education is amply funded and supported from all angles. Ron Vered envisions becoming a physician-scientist who empowers patients in underserved communities through trust and education.
Congratulations to Marcena, Ron and the other 98 exceptional UW students! We’re proud of you.
Additional helpful and informative links
- U.S. monkeypox case reported, as Spain, Portugal report infections in growing outbreak – Stat News
- ‘All the hurt and the rage’: Elders recall trauma of Native boarding schools – The Seattle Times
- Podcast: Gov. Jay Inslee on Roe v. Wade, COVID-19 and climate policy – Crosscut
- Lifted by Boeing hiring blitz, WA outpaces nation in job growth – The Seattle Times
- Air quality impacts of PNW wildfires reach as far as New York – Crosscut
- Our local seaweed is disappearing. Could farming help conserve it? – KUOW
- World’s oceans at most acidic level in 26,000 years, climate report warns – Reuters
- With Roe in doubt, some fear tech surveillance of pregnancy – AP News
- Benjamin Franklin gave instructions on at-home abortions in a book in the 1700s – NPR
- Oklahoma Legislature Passes Bill Banning Almost All Abortions – The New York Times
- New ‘disinformation’ board paused amid free speech questions – AP News
- King County failed to comply with new law as jail deaths spiked (A briefing on this will be held in the Council’s next Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee) – The Seattle Times
- Almost 5,000 felony cases await resolution in King County Superior Court, thanks to COVID, other factors– The Seattle Times
- King County Regional Homelessness Authority is slow to ink contracts — nonprofits feel the pinch – The Seattle Times
- Federal homelessness director says pandemic exacerbated crisis, provided lessons for Seattle, U.S. – The Seattle Times
- WA food banks test innovations as food insecurity grows – Crosscut
- Ballot tracking can improve rejection-rate disparities – The Seattle Times
- Breaking the U.S. military’s glass ceiling – The Seattle Times
- America’s addiction nightmare comes home – The Seattle Times
- See how the Syttende Mai parade returned in style in Ballard – The Seattle Times
- Seattle's Alki Beach, Golden Gardens will have reduced hours this summer – KING 5 News
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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