Quote of the week
"We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained."
– Marie Curie, 1937
It’s Flu Season!
Everyone ages 6 months and older are eligible and should get a flu shot to protect themselves and others during this flu season. Visit kingcounty.gov/findaclinic to find a Flu vaccine location near you. And we also have RSV infections and hospitalizations on the rise – particularly for children. See below for some media coverage.
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID remains currently classified as low, although there are still about 170 daily new cases, according to the most recent reports. Please continue to exercise caution throughout each day to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid for important updates or see the COVID-19 Resources Guide on the Office of Equity and Social Justice webpage.
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. And you can also view the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health (DOH).
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has created a blog at dchsblog.com to share various important insights and stories. Subscribe to stay up to date.
If you’ve waited to get your COVID-19 booster, now is the time to get it! It’s the single most important way for everyone to avoid serious COVID infections and long COVID, and especially for people over age 50 or those who have a weakened immune system or health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are FREE. No health insurance or proof of citizenship is needed. Check your local pharmacy or contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the updated booster shots. For more information and locations: kingcounty.gov/vaccine
Medicare covers up to eight over the counter COVID-19 tests each month, at no cost to you. See this page for more information on and to request your at-home tests today.
Monkeypox resources
New monkeypox cases in King County seem to have peaked in July and August. As of Wednesday, there have been a total of 482 cases in King County. For the most up-to-date data and advice from Public Health – Seattle and King County, visit this page.
The King County Department of Health has launched an interactive monkeypox virus (MPV) data dashboard. More information is available on the Washington State Department of Health MPV information page. Visit the new dashboard here.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
So far, this flu season is more severe than it has been in 13 years – The Washington Post
Why our third COVID winter could be a ‘variant soup’ — but also less severe – The Seattle Times
Only 15% of Washingtonians have gotten the updated omicron booster – KUOW
King County expands monkeypox vaccine eligibility – The Seattle Times
WA and Seattle ended their COVID states of emergency. What's next? – Crosscut
Emergency Covid orders are ending. Where does that leave renters and landlords? – KUOW
WA’s COVID-19 state of emergency ended but a winter of infections on the way. So what does it all mean? – The Seattle Times
Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, given during pregnancy, protects infants from severe illness – The Washington Post
RSV is on the rise. Here’s how to recognize it and treat the symptoms – The Seattle Times
As the King County Council continues to do the important work of finalizing the 2022-2023 Biennial Budget, most committee meetings continue to “stand down” during the budget process.
Full Council
The King County Council met on Tuesday, at which we discussed and took action on several ordinances, including the adoption of a memorandum of agreement with employees of the King County Juvenile Detention Guild, King County Police Officers Guild, and the Puget Sound Police Managers Association. The Council also discussed and approved several job descriptions for King County positions, as well as confirmed the appointment of Christopher Hayes to the Citizens' Elections Oversight Committee and approved the extension of the Executive's appointment of Quanetta West as Acting Director of the Juvenile Division. Click here for more information on this meeting.
Flood Control District
The King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday immediately following the conclusion of the King County Council meeting. The committee discussed resolutions relating to the acquisition policy, operation, and finances of the King County Flood Control Zone District, as well as a resolution authorizing a property tax levy to implement the District’s 2023 budget. Click here for more information on this meeting and its agenda.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, will meet on Monday, November 7th, at 1:30 p.m. The committee will receive an executive COVID-19 briefing from Dwight Dively, Director of King County Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget. And the committee expects to take action on an ordinance concerning the authorization of the King County Executive to sign an interlocal agreement between King County and Pierce County for a financial contribution from Pierce County; an ordinance concerning a franchise renewal agreement with the city of Seattle; and a motion to authorize the King County Executive to accept a donation from the Foothills Trail Coalition to aid the King County parks and recreation division. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 8th and Thursday, November 10th at 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, the committee will discuss several ordinances necessary to implement the biennial budget, including the Harborview Medical Center 2023 Capital Improvement Program Annual Budget; school impact fees and comprehensive planning; public transportation and parking; the King County noxious weed control program assessments; surface water management; acknowledging receipt of the Body‑Worn Camera and In‑Car Camera System Pilot Report; and the county property tax levies for collection in 2023. On Thursday, the committee will adopt the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget, as well as an ordinance authorizing the issuance of a series of limited tax general obligation bonds of the county. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
As so much work is going into our biennial budget work, the King County Council’s meeting for next Tuesday, November 8th meeting has been cancelled.
Flood Board
Despite the cancellation of the Full Council meeting, the Flood Control District Board of Supervisors will still meet on Tuesday, November 8th at 1 p.m. The primary agenda item will be the Flood Control District Board annual budget. For information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee will meet next Wednesday, November 9th at 3:00 p.m. During this meeting, the committee will discuss an ordinance concerning a property tax levy to establish a regional network of behavioral health crisis care centers, to maintain residential treatment facilities, and to provide behavioral health workforce supports. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
King County gun violence surpasses 2021
According to data from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a part of its Shots Fired Project, gun violence in King County has outpaced 2021 numbers. A shocking 256 people have survived gunshot wounds in King County, while another 70 people died in shooting homicides in the first three quarters of the year. We cannot let gun violence continue to destroy our communities. Fortunately, the proposed biennial budget includes funding for a gun violence special emphasis team, continues funding for a gun violence prevention initiative started in 2021 and 2022, and continues the planned level of effort for the Regional Gun Violence program. I am working diligently to add even more provisions and funding to the proposed budget, including additional funding for the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit, funding a gun buyback and trigger lock giveaway program, funding to extend and expand the Public Health’s Lock-it-Up program, and much more.
People experiencing homelessness are helping King County restore Green River habitat
People experiencing homelessness are learning job skills and taking steps toward potential careers in conservation as they work to restore ecological functions along the green river. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks launched the Green Start crew through King County’s Jobs and Housing Program which pays crew members between $20 and $22 per hour. This crew experience assists people to work to better their lives and learn valuable trades. The Green River restoration challenges crew members to fill the maintenance gap at completed project sites, protect forest health and critical habitat, and reduce the impact of invasive plants on protected open space. Click here for more information on this program and its successes.
Awardees have been selected for the Best Starts for Kids Community Led Data Grant
The Best Starts for Kids Community Led Data Grant allocated $500,000 for community organizations to collect data from 2023-2025, using data gathering processes chosen by the community. These data proposals focused on 1) gathering culturally specific knowledge, experiences and expertise that represent pregnant people and families with children elementary school-age or younger in King County, and 2) on building community partners’ skills to collect, analyze, and share data. The awardees of these grants are United Communities of Laos, Indian American Community Services, and Community Café Collaborative.
Best Starts for Kids announces 22 Community-Based Parenting Supports (CBPS) awardees
Best Starts for Kids has awarded 22 CBPS providers, who offer a wide variety of supports to parents and caregivers throughout King County. CBPS partners were selected based on their services as either “Basic Needs Resource Brokers,” building on networks of community organizations to provide food, diapers, and other basic needs to families of young children; “Caregiver Peer Supports,” providing families with resources and information to strengthen health, safety, brain development, and social-emotional well-being; and “Perinatal and Lactation Support Services,” providing culturally relevant perinatal and lactation support services for marginalized communities. For more information and a list of the awardees, click here.
Best Starts for Kids is now accepting applications for the Help Me Grow opportunity
The Help Me Grow King County strategy is rooted in the values of self-determination, strength, and resilience, aiming to work with local community organizations to learn how to better connect families to services. Applicants for this opportunity should implement family and community informed programs providing pregnant people, parents, and caregivers connections to services. For more information on this opportunity and to access its application, click here. Submit your application before it closes on Thursday, December 15th at 2:00 p.m.
10-Year Anniversary of I-502 Passage on Nov. 6, 2022
Sunday, November 6th marks the 10-year anniversary of voter approval of Initiative-502 passage in Washington State. On this day, 10 years ago, Washington joined Colorado in instituting some of the nation’s first systems in legally producing, processing, and retailing cannabis. In recognition of this milestone, the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board has begun hosting conversations throughout the month of November, featuring both the Board and individuals who led in the creation of Washington’s system. More information on these meetings can be found on the November Board Schedule.
Diversity Mental Health Fair on November 18th
 The Diversity Mental Health Fair is an event focused on closing the gaps in funding for underserved populations, inclusive of the BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Black Communities. If you would like to spotlight your organization in a short presentation at this fair, hurry to reserve your space as a provider as there are only 10 slots available. Come to Pacific Hospital on Friday, November 18th at 12:00 p.m. to share your thoughts. See this link for more information and register here.
Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive
Save the date for Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive on Wednesday, December 7th at Downtown Cornerstone Church from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Just a pint of blood can save a life and can go a long way toward helping those recovering from medical emergencies and conditions. Register here to make your donation!
POCAAN receives passenger van
 I was delighted to join staff members at People of Color Against Aids Network (POCAAN) with their new passenger van on Friday.
Each year, King County Councilmembers are each allotted four retired passenger vans from King County Metro to be awarded to organizations that could utilize a van in providing services to children/youth, people with disabilities, and seniors On Friday, I met with staff of People of Color Against Aids Network (POCAAN), one of the organizations that I selected to receive the donation. POCAAN works to support marginalized communities and provide social services with programs that encompass education, outreach, HIV prevention/awareness, criminal justice, and health advocacy.
Spotlight on Ballard
The Ballard Alliance has announced the start of two of Ballard’s favorite events – the Tomte Trail and the Harvest Food Drive! To participate in the Harvest Food Drive, drop off non-perishable food items for the Ballard Food Bank at over 30 Ballard businesses. To participate in the Tomte Trail, print a Tomte Trail Passport and find the sneaky fellow inside 26 Ballard businesses to gain a stamp, gathering as many stamps as possible. Then, bring your passport to Ballard HolidayFest on Saturday, December 3rd, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Marvin's Garden Park for a prize! Find more information among the broader Ballard community at the Ballard Alliance Facebook Page.
A moment of inspiration
As a senior at Bellevue’s Interlake High School, Diane Sun has accomplished a great deal. As a National Student Poet and a member of the USA Debate Team, Sun is traveling frequently during this fall season, covering ground from D.C. to Mexico City. Notably, Sun read her poem, “a recipe for steaming almost-dragon” at the White House National Student Poets reading and pinning ceremony on September 27th attended by First Lady Jill Biden and the nation’s poet laureate, Ada Limón. The teenage wordsmith has been applauded by many, not only for distinction in her field, but also the unique insight into Chinese and Chinese American experiences which she employs through her writing and language. To read more about this driven student’s accomplishments and continuing journey, see this article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
Election 2022 voter guide: What to know before casting your ballot – The Seattle Times
When does daylight saving time end? – King 5
Bats are everywhere, but they get special attention around Halloween – UW News
Now, More Than Ever: Seattle women speak on Roe vs. Wade and reproductive rights – Seattle Magazine
Seattle residents aren't prepping for "the big one," poll says – AXIOS
Seattle redistricting panel rejects late changes, advances Magnolia split – The Seattle Times
SDOT, King County Metro collaborate to expand Interbay’s bus route – My Northwest
WA needs to expand mental health care. What happens when neighbors object? – The Seattle Times
King Co. homelessness authority offers incentive package for landlords, housing providers – KOMO News
Seattle Rents Fell Third Fastest in the Country Last Month – Seattle Met
King County Jail resumes use of tap water after month of discoloration – The Seattle Times
America Can Have Democracy or Political Violence. Not Both. – The New York Times
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates. 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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