Quote of the week
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
― Aristotle
 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As the days get shorter and the sky begins to darken, some people may experience a kind of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is more than just the winter blues. See the infographic below to guide you on when someone should seek professional help. For help finding treatment, click here.
COVID resources
King County’s community level of COVID remains currently classified as low, although there are still about 167 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 485 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
What to do if your kids get sick with RSV as hospitals reach capacity – KOMO News
RSV cases soar across Washington, hospitals inundated – My Northwest
Pediatric hospitals in crisis mode amid ‘respiratory season’ with more patients, less staffing – KIRO7
 Full Council
 King County Councilmembers’ deliberating on the biennial budget.
The King County Council met on Tuesday and unanimously approved the biennial budget, providing $16.2 billion in county funds over the next two years. See The Seattle Times’ report on the county’s investments here and read Executive Constantine’s statement here!
The Council enhanced the Executive’s strong proposal, adding additional funding for supportive housing, homelessness support, behavioral health and economic recovery, safeguards against inflation, increases for human services providers, more efficient transit, improved rider experience and safety, increased police accountability through the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, environmental protection for people, fish, and wildlife, and a variety of restorative youth programs in detention centers. Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director Christie True expressed her support of these environmental investments in this release.
I secured an increased response to gender-based violence, gun safety initiatives, bike safety and helmet distribution, improved jury diversity in King County, a meatcutter inspection program, and improvements at the newly expanded Office of Inquest around transparency. All these investments will impact District Four and the entire county in a myriad of important ways.
I also secured new capital investments, including for the ASUW Shell House, the Pike Place Market’s ADA elevator, and the Indians of All Tribes Foundation Canoe House. The latter will serve as an important, Indigenous-led community space to be located in District Four but important regionally. I also secured funding for local organizations to continue critical operations, including Path with Art, SightLife, Seattle Compassion Services, Immanuel Community Services, Skate Like a Girl, and Outdoors for All. And, importantly, to improve safety at bus stops along Third Avenue in Belltown.
I commend our Budget Chair Joe McDermott and his budget leadership team comprised of Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Dave Upthegrove and Girmay Zahilay for their work in preparing a very thoughtful budget in difficult times. For more information on the budget decisions and full budget documents, click here. For a recording of the meeting, click here.
A high-five with Budget Chair Joe McDermott.
Regional Transit Committee
At the Regional Transit Committee meeting on Wednesday, the committee discussed a motion concerning the 10-year King County Metro Transit Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, King County Metro Transit Service Guidelines, and the King County Metro Transit 2022 System Evaluation. For more information on this meeting, click here.
King County Board of Health
At the Board of Health meeting today, the Board received a briefing on syphilis from Dr. Matthew Golden, Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington. Board members also discussed our Work Plan for 2023 and took action on a resolution identifying an alternate nonelected member of the King County Board of Health to represent community stakeholders for a one-year term. For more information on this meeting, click here.
 Because of a shortened week with the Thanksgiving holiday, the Council’s meeting schedule for the week is limited. And as such we will sent out an abbreviated enews on Wednesday.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet on Monday, November 21st at 1:30 p.m. The committee will receive a briefing concerning a Board of Health nonelected member candidate selection, as well as discuss county policy for the procurement of compost; amendments to the 2021 King County Countywide Planning Policies; and the Siler Ridge Water Annexation, for the purpose of water service. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, November 22nd at 1:00 p.m. During this meeting, the Council will provide our recognition of the 60th Anniversary of the Pacific Science Center which I am introducing. The Council will also take action on proposed ordinances concerning a one-year moratorium prohibiting the acceptance of applications for the establishment of new or expansion of existing wineries, breweries, distilleries and remote tasting rooms. The Council will also discuss proposed ordinances concerning authorizing the King County Executive to execute an interlocal agreement with Pierce County, and another with Seattle and Tukwila and the Port of Seattle. In addition, the Council will take action on the Comprehensive Plan and our state legislative agenda. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
 King County Community Ride brings the bus to you
Community Ride differs from regular buses that travel along a fixed route by offering on-demand, point-to-point transportation within the Sammamish and Juanita areas. A Community Ride can begin and end anywhere within a designated service area during operating hours. This service is one of many piloted on-demand services designed to help King County learn how to better serve riders’ transit needs. For more information on Community Ride, service hours and a map, how to ride, and more, click here.
Larry Gossett Service Award
The Larry Gossett 2023 Service Award recognizes an individual or organization who has made significant contributions in the areas of racial equity, social justice, or human rights. The King County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee and the King County African American Affinity Group are currently soliciting nominations for this new award. Anyone can make a nomination – nominees must be either a King County resident or have worked in King County for at least one year, as well as be personally or part of a community-based organization involved in contributions to the advancement of equity and justice. For more information on this award, the nominee criteria, and to submit a nomination, click here. Nominations must be submitted by November 28th.
 Alan M. Painter Grant Program
 The Alan M. Painter Grant Program funds community projects that allow unincorporated area residents to participate in, and be more connected to, their communities and King County. Funded projects must demonstrate how they are accessible to all residents regardless of race, income, or language spoken. Click here for more information and how to apply. Proposals are due by December 2nd. Alan was a friend of mine, and I am very appreciative that this program is named after him.
Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grant
The Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grant Program aims to provide legal services grants to public or non-profit private entities that provide legal services to eligible Veterans who are unhoused or at risk for becoming unhoused. This grant will assist the unhoused and at-risk Veterans who have unaddressed needs for legal services that may create barriers to housing stability. Click here for more information and how to apply. Applications are due by Friday, December 30th.
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families pay for child care. When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. The subsidy helps pay for child care while the parent, or parents in a two-parent household, participate in an approved activity of employment or education. Click here for more information and how to apply.
 New collaboration between Washington DOH and Amazon brings greater access to fruits and vegetables
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Amazon have worked together to provide Washington with better access to fruits and vegetables through the SNAP Produce Match program. Through this initiative, people who qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Pandemic EBT benefits in the state of Washington may now use SNAP Produce Match for purchases at Amazon Fresh. When SNAP/EBT shoppers buy at least $10 of fruits and vegetables with their SNAP/EBT card, they get a $5 SNAP Produce Match promotion that can be used toward future eligible purchases. SNAP Produce Match is available at 184 grocery stores across 30 counties in Washington as well as participating online retailers. Learn more about SNAP and see if you are eligible.
Fire-damaged land poses new threat from winter weather
Land that has been damaged by fires leaves the landscape weakened, leaving the area susceptible to flash flooding – even after just 0.25 inches of rain in 15 minutes. King County’s Office of Emergency Management urges residents – especially in the vicinity of the Bolt Creek fire – to begin preparing themselves and their families, and ensuring they know how to stay alert and ready heading into the winter. You can sign up for Alert King County stay aware of any evacuation orders or warnings throughout the winter. For more information on flooding risk, see the National Weather Service Website.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
The National Fire Protection Association has issued a helpful guide on household use of lithium-ion batteries. See informational flyer below to learn more about the danger of these batteries, tips on safety, when to stop using the batteries, and safe disposal.
 NACo county leaders urge congressional leaders to support key behavioral and mental health policies
I joined my fellow Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Reagan Dunn, and Sarah Perry, as well as other county leaders across the nation, in signing a letter calling on Congressional leaders requesting they work toward the passage of a bipartisan behavioral health package that would enhance our ability to provide comprehensive behavioral health services in all settings, strengthen the behavioral health workforce and increase resident access to services. These investments would direct resources to community-based treatment and services, thereby allowing counties to better serve residents with behavioral health conditions, reduce reliance on the criminal legal system, and direct valuable resources towards improving stability and health. For more information on NACo and its mission toward reformed behavioral health policy and funding, click here.
Residents can save on prescriptions with Live Healthy and NACo
The Live Healthy Prescription Discount Program, made possible through the National Association of Counties (NACo), allows King County residents to save and lower out-of-pocket costs on medication. This discount card helps residents without insurance, with high-deductible plans, or when the Live Healthy card offers a better price than insurance. Sign up today to order discount cards and other materials at no cost.
Seattle Center Winterfest
Winterfest, presented by Symetra, will take place November 25th – December 31st. This world of holiday entertainment will be open virtually on the Seattle Center website as well as in-person at Seattle Center. Those in attendance can expect delightful performances, Winterfest’s Winter Train & Village, firepits and food vendors, the annual campus lighting display, a New Year's Eve Celebration, and so much more. For more information on the event, click here.
A moment of inspiration
On Veterans Day, Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063 partnered with Urban ArtWorks to host a community paint day which brought a mural of Air Force veteran Chris Kent to life. This project was funded by the Vets Engaged program, which provides grants for community-building events that strengthen social connection for veterans, military service members, their families, and others in King County. Click here to view the full photo-article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
How the 1918 pandemic changed America, from women’s rights to germaphobia – The Washington Post
At rally, Seattle students demand more mental health resources, gun safety measures – The Seattle Times
King County utilizing 'Shots Fired' data to help curb gun violence – KOMO News
What prosecutors say happened at Ingraham High before the fatal shooting – The Seattle Times
Keeping pedestrians safe at bus stops isn’t easy, as Uptown crash shows – The Seattle Times
Seattle landlords accused of conspiring to raise apartment rents – The Seattle Times
Honoring the deaths of 289 homeless King County residents – Crosscut
Updated Dashboard Shows Continued Devastation Caused by Fentanyl and Disparities In Overdose Deaths – Public Health Insider
Did a grant program save your favorite Chinese place? It’s entirely possible – Real Change News
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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