Quote of the Week
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
– Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)
 COVID resources
Due to the end of the COVID-19 emergency order and decreased web traffic on the website, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) decommissioned the Washington State Coronavirus Response website on Dec. 1, 2022. As of that date, site visitors will be redirected to the DOH COVID-19 landing page. All previous public health content on the site will move to the DOH website. For more information and to stay up to date on COVID-19 information, see the DOH website.
King County’s community level of COVID remains currently classified as low, although there are still about 229 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.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in young children. RSV can be serious, though, especially for infants and older adults. It is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory (lung) infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in children under 1 year of age. Public Health – Seattle & King County has provided a fact sheet for parents to see assess their child’s symptoms, learn risk factors and treatments, and instructions on how to reduce its spread. For more information on the virus, symptoms, and care can be found on the CDC website.
For the latest RSV research and surveillance, click here.
Updated Dashboard Shows Continued Devastation Caused by Fentanyl and Disparities in Overdose Deaths
Since 2019, the number of overdose deaths in King County has grown exponentially, jumping by 20% between 2019 and 2020 and 39% between 2020 and 2021. By October 15, 2022, 710 overdose deaths had occurred in King County, surpassing the total number of deaths in 2021.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid 50-100 times stronger than morphine, is the cause of the recent overdose death surge. Fentanyl is now involved in 70% of all confirmed overdose deaths to date in 2022, up from under 10% before 2018. Updated data and resources for providers and patients can be found here.
Narcan into our communities is one of the most important interventions we can engage in to keep people alive. Access naloxone for yourself or your agency at the links below.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
Free COVID at-home testing to continue through end of year – The Seattle Times
A long COVID patient in Hendersonville shows just how little is known about treatment – WLPN News
A Year After the Omicron Surge, Officials See a Reduced Covid Threat This Winter – The New York Times
Real-world data show updated Covid-19 boosters increase protection against infection – STAT News
WA confirms first pediatric flu death of season as ERs enter ‘crisis mode’ – The Seattle Times
CDC Awards $60M To Washington Health Departments – Patch
Washington is shutting down its Covid response website – KUOW
One Step Closer to a Universal Flu Vaccine? – The New York Times
WA confirms first pediatric flu death of season as ERs enter ‘crisis mode’ – The Seattle Times
Tri-Demic? Time to increase protections against respiratory viruses – Public Health Insider
Ask Miss Rona: Updated COVID-19 Boosters – Public Health Insider
CDC launches initiative to test wastewater for polioviruses in some communities – STAT News
Long Covid may be ‘the next public health disaster’ — with a $3.7 trillion economic impact rivaling the Great Recession – CNBC
Department of Health offering free classroom resources based on state data – My Edmonds News
Seniors deserve all the protection available in fight against COVID – The Seattle Times
COVID hospitalization rates in babies as bad as for seniors amid Omicron wave, study shows – The Los Angeles Times
On World AIDS Day, Biden administration releases new global strategy to end HIV/AIDS by 2030 – CNN
7 die from flu in Washington state, activity is now 'very high' – King 5
Follow Public Health – Seattle & King County
Stay up to date on public health news by following Public Health – Seattle & King County on several platforms!
 Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will hold a special all-remote meeting next Monday, December 5th at 1:00 p.m. The committee will discuss the third of three reports on progress addressing the civil and criminal case backlog that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an ordinance relating to the 2022 levy of property taxes in King County for collection in the year 2023. The committee will also take possible action on the supplemental appropriation of $8.8M to general fund agencies, $7.1M to non-general fund agencies, and $8.9M from various capital fund budgets. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet next Tuesday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m. When available, the meeting agenda and materials will be found here.
Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee
The Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee will meet next Tuesday, December 6th at 9:30 a.m. The committee will take action on motions concerning the confirmation of several of the Executive’s appointments to the King County Public Defense Advisory Board, including Oloth Insyxiengmay, Sara Rankin, and Andrés Muñoz. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole which I chair will meet next Wednesday, December 7th at 9:30 a.m. The committee will receive two briefings: one on COVID, and the second on Harborview Medical Center’s request to waive its fees owed to the County. A motion will be taken up if it is referred to the Committee on this issue at the Tuesday Council meeting. The committee will take possible action on proposed ordinances adopting the King County 2022‑2025 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan and the sale of environmental attributes held by the county, and a motion confirming the Executive's appointment of Saloni Mavani to the King County Board of Ethics. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee will meet next Wednesday, December 7th at 3:00 p.m. The committee will discuss a proposed ordinance concerning a property tax levy for regional behavioral health services and capital facilities to establish and operate a regional network of behavioral health crisis care centers; to preserve, expand and maintain residential treatment facilities; to provide behavioral health workforce supports; to provide mobile crisis care and post-discharge stabilization; and for administration, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of levy activities. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
 Terry White retiring from King County Metro, replacement named
After more than 35 years, Terry White is retiring from King County Metro as General Manager. King County Executive Dow Constantine plans to nominate Metro Deputy General Manager Michelle Allison to the General Manager position after White’s retirement at the end of the year. This news is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to Terry White, an incredibly dedicated leader of so many years, and welcome the appointment of Michelle Allison and her vision to continue strengthening the relationship between Metro, its riders, and our community. To learn more, click here.
King County Bicycle Helmet and Safety Project
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In 2021, we took a deep dive in the Board of Health on the bike helmet law in King County. Ultimately, early this year, the law was repealed (I was the lone “no” vote). But as Budget Chair, I was able to secure funding for a full-time staff position in Public Health for a helmet safety plan and distribution of free helmets to those in need. That funding will be continued over the next two years.
I am pleased to share the work which the project’s Violence and Injury Prevention (VIP) team put together. First, the VIP team distributed 1,875 free bicycle helmets to King County residents, prioritizing low-income, BIPOC, and unhoused communities. The VIP team also contracted with Almeida’s Training and Consulting to observe bicycle riders at over 50 sites throughout the county during September and October. Study teams observed over 2,000 cyclists and noted an 85% overall helmet use rate. Last, VIP updated its Free and Low-Cost Bicycle Helmet Resources on King County webpage and used social media to promote helmet use. Additionally, the team used its funds to supplement the cost of translating two informational handouts into 13 different languages. These are very exciting successes for this team. I am also pleased the Council included funding in our 2023-2024 biennial budget at my request to continue the program for the next two years.
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King County’s Behavioral Health Legislative Forum
King County’s Behavioral and Recovery Division (BHRD) will be hosting its 2022 Behavioral Health Legislative Forum on Wednesday, December 14th, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. This free event open to the public will include:
- Virtual table discussions for community members to connect directly with legislators.
- Remarks from King County Executive Dow Constantine.
- Presentation of King County's behavioral health legislative priorities for 2023.
- Compelling stories from people in recovery from behavioral health challenges.
- Opportunities for legislators and county councilmembers to share their perspectives and priorities.
For more information, click here. I hope to see you there virtually!
King County moves against the state for mental health failures in jails
The King County Prosecutor’s Office is filing several civil contempt orders against the Department of Social and Health Services, pushing the state to provide timely mental health services to people in jail. This move comes as a result of hundreds of people waiting to be moved to state psychiatric hospitals, their cases blocked as they wait in jail. There are an estimated 350 felony cases in need of mental health services. For more information, see The Seattle Times’ article here.
2023 State Legislative Agenda
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King County Councilmembers took action on our 2023 State Legislative Agenda during last week’s Full Council meeting. The top priorities for the upcoming 2023 State Legislative Agenda include strengthening access to behavioral health care as well as local government funding and tax reform. The agenda also focuses on housing issues, public safety, pro-equity and anti-racist policies, climate change, and access to health care. See the image below for more details.
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King County Elections’ 2023 Legislative Priorities
On Tuesday, King County Elections officially certified the 2022 General Election. Final results, summary, and reconciliation reports can be found here. As a busy legislative session nears at the state capitol, King County Elections has released its 2023 Legislative Priorities which focus on gaining secure electronic return for all, minimizing ballot verification challenges, moving candidate filing, reforming special purpose district elections, modernizing the way we reach voters, and eliminating advisory votes. See the details of these legislative priorities below!
King County Creative announces priorities for upcoming years
When the King County Council passed the biennial budget, we identified film and music production as County priorities, and funded the establishment of the Office of Economic Opportunity and Creative Economy. The council also allocated $2.2 million in additional funding for capital improvements at Harbor Island Studios, which will allow many necessary improvements to be made in the coming year. King County Creative Economy Director Kate Becker announced that the Office of Economic Opportunity and Creative Economy’s upcoming priorities will include:
- Activating Harbor Island Studios fully
- Workforce development in the film, music and production industries
- Resource development for the creative sector
- Networking and professional development opportunities
- Raising the profile of working creatives and creative industry small businesses in King County
- Refining the film permitting process throughout King County
- Collaborating and partnering to maximize impact
For more information, see the note from director Kate Becker here.
 Ending the HIV Epidemic Community-Based Services
Public Health - Seattle & King County's Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Program is requesting proposals for innovative, community-based services that achieve the following goals:
- Increase testing and diagnosis of HIV infection ("HIV case-finding") among persons previously undiagnosed with HIV.
- Increase PrEP initiation and adherence among persons at risk for HIV.
- Increase linkage to care for persons newly diagnosed with HIV.
- Increase re-linkage in care for persons with previously diagnosed HIV who have fallen out of care.
- Increase retention in care for persons with previously diagnosed HIV who are at high risk of falling out of care or becoming virally unsuppressed.
- Increase STI testing and treatment persons at risk for or living with HIV.
Applications are due by December 9th, 2022. For more information and how to submit the application, click here.
Isolation and Quarantine (I&Q) Patient Transportation Services
Public Health - Seattle & King County is requesting proposals for well-qualified, private ambulance companies to assist the department with safely transporting patients who have tested or who are awaiting results for communicable diseases such as but not limited to COVID-19, Monkeypox, Shigella, Hepatitis A to and from residences, homeless shelters and hospitals within King County and a County Detention Facility or a County COVID-19 Quarantine site. Applications are due by December 23rd, 2022. For more information and how to submit the application, click here.
Pediatric Immunization Clinics (Routine Vaccines + COVID)
Public Health - Seattle & King County will fund the delivery of pediatric vaccinations through community-based clinics. Applicants must serve children through age 18 and must offer COVID vaccines as well as all vaccines required for school entry and flu vaccine. Applicants should specifically serve underinsured and uninsured community members, low-income communities, Black and Indigenous communities, communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities, and/or communities unable to access immunizations and other healthcare services due to structural and institutional barriers, including fear of deportation. For more information and how to submit an application, click here.
King County PSTAA General Child Care Facilities Funds
Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) utilizing King County PSTAA General Child Care Facilities Funds. These funds aim to expand and strengthen the early learning system in King County by providing predevelopment, renovation, and construction grants to center-based early learning providers and organizations. Funding is available to support the construction of new childcare facilities or the expansion of existing childcare facilities. Applicants may apply for predevelopment funding, renovation funds of existing facilities, or construction funding for new facilities. Applications are due by December 7th. For more information and how to submit an application, click here.
 2022 Pathway of Lights
The Green Lake Pathway of Lights is an annual celebration where lights line the pathway around the lake. There will be three stages around the lake with bands providing entertainment and a huge holiday food drive will be underway and FamilyWorks is the beneficiary. There will be three stations to collect the food donations: Community Center, Small Craft Center/Aqua Theater, and Bathhouse Theater. Volunteers are needed for this event on Saturday, December 10th from 4:15-7:45 p.m., in two shifts. Click here to sign up.
Give to FamilyWorks Food Bank
FamilyWorks will be collecting donations toys and household items to provide families with a holiday shopping experience through December 14th. You can shop directly from the Amazon Wishlist, or use it as inspiration to help you choose your own gifts! Please include your name so FamilyWorks can properly track and acknowledge your donation.
We ask that all gifts be shipped to:
FamilyWorksATTN: Liala Cooney1501 N. 45th St.Seattle, WA 98103
Or, dropped off during our donation hours:
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pmWednesday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pmThursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Volunteer with United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign team
You will join your neighbors to break down that paywall and help people maximize refunds through accurate filing and tax credits. With your help, people will have money for food, rent, childcare, and other essentials. Find details about volunteering here.
Prepare lunch or dinner, or sort and organize in-kind donations at either of the Sophia Way shelters
Help serve meals and clean up at Helen’s Place and Sophia’s Place. Find information about volunteering here.
Food delivery drivers for YWCA
The YWCA Central Area food bank needs drivers to deliver food from the food bank to clients experiencing food insecurity. Find information about volunteering here.
WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee seeks members
The King County WaterWorks Ranking Committee is looking for eight new volunteer members. This is a great way to get involved as the WaterWorks Grant Program gets ready for its next grant cycle. The program seeks diverse applicants who reflect and represent the spectrum of community interests in protecting and improving water quality in the region. The committee has eight open positions and is seeking applicants who represent King County Council districts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The volunteer advisory group reviews, ranks, and recommends grant proposals for funding. Please send your completed application, or any questions, to Elizabeth Loudon, WaterWorks Grant Manager at elizabeth.loudon@kingcounty.gov. For more information, see this page.
King Conservation District (KCD) Seeks Board of Supervisor Candidates
KCD Board Supervisors help steer KCD and the important conservation work they do. Board applicants should reflect the diversity of King County and its conservation needs, and should have a passion for building clean water, healthy forests, and strong local food systems. The candidate filing period for the Seat #3 election is December 5, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. through December 9th at 5:00 p.m.
The King Conservation District will also have position #5 up for appointment by the Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC). This is an appointed position selected by the WSCC. Applications for the appointed seat will be accepted by the WSCC January through March of 2023.
Find more information and apply here.
 Project update: West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions
Join Sound Transit is in attending a two-part engagement series in December where attendees can learn the latest on the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension project and provide feedback on new concepts under study in Interbay and Ballard. The Interbay/Ballard Open House will be on Monday, December 12th, at 6:30 p.m. The second part of the engagement series will take place on January 11th, 2023, with more information to come. To learn more about the Interbay/Ballard Open House, click here.
On Wednesday, December 14th at 11:30 a.m., Sound Transit will be holding CID Workshop #3, where they will build on the feedback and questions received at Workshops #1 and #2. This upcoming workshop will continue the discussion with a focus on key issues, sharing share the latest about the options for further study, problem solving around key issues for each option, and exploring potential mitigation measures. More information about this workshop will be available on the Sound Transit website soon.
Homeless Persons' Memorial Day is Dec. 21
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On December 21st, honor Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day at the Women in Black Candlelight Vigil. The National Health Care for the Homeless Council has a social media toolkit, organizing manual, and other resources to facilitate a meaningful experience in your community on their website.
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Presidential Memorandum to Promote Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
For each rape reported in connection with a conflict, the United Nations estimates that 10 to 20 cases remain unreported. On Monday, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum on Promoting Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence to strengthen the U.S. government’s efforts to combat conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). In an effort to address the root causes of conflict and advancing security, this memorandum aims to:
- Leveraging sanctions authorities, assistance restrictions, and other tools to promote accountability for perpetrators of CRSV;
- Ensuring acts of CRSV are given equal consideration alongside other serious human rights abuses in developing designations under existing sanctions authorities; and
- Continuing to build a coalition of like-minded nations and international organizations to prevent and promote accountability for acts of CRSV.
To read the full memorandum, click here.
Seattle Launches New ‘Climate Portal’ to Track and Visualize Climate Emissions Using Updated Neighborhood-Level Data
The City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment has introduced the first components of a new map-based website, featuring dashboards that track building and transportation greenhouse gas emissions across Seattle neighborhoods. Experience this exciting new portal here.
Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive - Wednesday, December 7th
Bloodworks has called for blood donations due to a critical shortage. Whole Blood donations can save lives! They are quick and can help those recovering from medical emergencies, ongoing treatments, and a host of medical conditions. Blood of every type is needed in our region. If you are able, take the time Wednesday, December 7th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to donate blood at Downtown Cornerstone Church. Register here!
The Belltown Art Walk
Take a stroll through the Belltown Art Walk on Friday, December 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Belltown Art Walk is a free, all-ages event, (except for a few bars that are 21+) and an array of galleries, restaurants, bars, and other businesses participate. The map for the Art Walk can be found here!
Career Wardrobe Pop-Up
Dress for Success is hosting a Career Wardrobe Pop-Up December 8th at the Career Center. During the event, clients are going to be able to take 10 pieces of clothing plus some jewelry and bonus items of their choosing. Click here to sign up.
Holiday Events
Ballard HolidayFest
Visit Ballard HolidayFest this Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for live music, treats, hot cocoa and cider, free photos with Santa, and family-friendly merrymaking. This event was made possible through support from the Seattle Office of Economic Development, Ballard Alliance, and volunteers from the Ballard business community. Click here for more information!
Seattle Center Winterfest
Winterfest, presented by Symetra, is taking 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.
Figgy Pudding Caroling
Today at 6:00 p.m., visit Pike Place Market for Figgy Pudding Caroling. During this free event, caroling teams will fill the market with holiday songs and raise money for the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank. Find more information here.
Ice Skating Rink in Occidental Square
The Occidental Square ice-skating rink will be open beginning December 9th at 11:00 a.m. and will close on December 11th at 5:00 p.m. Skaters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. For more information, click here.
Bell Street Park
The holiday season has arrived, and in addition to Occidental Park and Westlake Park, Bell Street Park will be laden with lights on the trees and wreaths adorning the area. Take a walk and breathe in the cool air and holiday cheer! For many more holiday events and excursions, click here.
 Crown Clean Up Day at Boys & Girls Club
 I presented a “big check” to Jayme Hommer and Caitlin Relyea, reflecting the $50,000 in Unmet Needs Grant which I helped obtain for the club. Also with me was my staffer Clara Manahan.
I was pleased to stop by the Ballard Boys and Girls Club last week while the local branch of Crown Castle was engaged in its day of service. I chatted with volunteers as they picked up leaves, assembled a fun play kitchen for the kids, and painted! Overall, they were able to accomplish tons of projects to help support the Boys and Girls Club and helped to ensure that these young people have clean and safe places to explore and play. Jayme Hommer with the Boys and Girls Club spoke to me about the resilience and creativity of both young people and the staff, and even shared that they’ve begun integrating some virtual reality programming in addition to their normal after-school activities – helping students to dream even bigger. Thanks, all, for supporting our local Boy’s and Girl’s Club!
I spoke to volunteers as they assembled a fun play kitchen for the young people at the Boys and Girls Club.
Small Business Spotlight
Papá Changó is a local café in Ballard serving age-old recipes which showcase Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. Papá Changó brings the vibrance and culture of Miami to Seattle with premier coffee and bites. The café is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit their website here.
A moment of inspiration
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $75 million over the next four years to help Washington kids get to college. Between spring 2020 and spring 2022, enrollment in Washington’s colleges, universities and trade programs fell 10.7%. The foundation plans to use the $75 million to bring local organizations together to come up with their own regional solutions and then help fund those ideas. Read the full Seattle Times story here.
Additional helpful and informative links
King County keeps eye on Penn Cove – Whidbey News Times
What’s next for Washington’s drug possession law? – The Seattle Times
A Snapshot of Homelessness Policies Around the U.S. and the World – The New York Times
Substance use is a health issue, not a legal one – The Seattle Times
Study: U.S. gun death rates hit highest levels in decades – AP News
Heavy snow, wind knocks out power to thousands across the Puget Sound region – KOMO News
Breaking down Seattle's $7.4B final budget – Crosscut
WA Supreme Court clears way for state to collect capital-gains tax – The Seattle Times
19K Seattle-area patients could face steep bills or be forced to find a new doctor – KUOW
To address wealth gap, WA to consider $4,000 ‘baby bonds’ – The Seattle Times
Suicide prevention awareness sticker now on sale for WA license plates – KUOW
Seasonal Surge in Respiratory Illnesses Hits Mostly Children – South Seattle Emerald
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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