Quote of the Week
“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.”
– Leo Burnett (1891-1971)
 Mask up indoors this holiday season
Public Health - Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin has joined other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures as King County hospitals, as well as hospitals around the nation, are overwhelmed by a surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19. Compared to hospitalization data from the past three years, Washington state flu hospitalizations are nearly three times higher. Ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy a special holiday together by taking the necessary safety precautions against these respiratory illnesses. If haven’t yet received your COVID vaccination, use this link to find a pharmacy or clinic near you.
COVID resources
Please continue to exercise caution throughout each day to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. 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).
If you’ve waited to get your COVID-19 booster, now is the time to get it! 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
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in young children. 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 the latest RSV research and surveillance, click here.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
WA public health leaders again urge masking indoors amid ‘tripledemic’ – The Seattle Times
With 73% of the population behind on COVID-19 vaccination, Seattle-King County health officials recommend indoor masking – Capitol Hill Seattle
Local health officials join letter asking for mask-wearing when appropriate to tamp-down on respiratory illness– KXRO
King County Health Recommends Indoor Masking; Council to Hear Appointment of Permanent Police Chief – South Seattle Emerald
Long Covid Has Played Role in More Than 3,500 Deaths in U.S., C.D.C. Says – The New York Times
US deaths fell this year, but not to pre-COVID levels – AP News
Hospitalizations signal rising COVID-19 risk for US seniors – AP News
Long COVID: a ‘massive disabling event’ – The Seattle Times
Health Officials Encourage Blacks, Especially Black Men, Over the Age Of 45 To Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer – Seattle Medium
 Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee met on Tuesday and received several briefings from the King County Auditor’s Office regarding alternatives to incarceration, courthouse security screenings, and contingent workers. The committee was also briefed on information concerning combined compensation adjustments from the King County Department of Human Resources. The committee then took action on a motion confirming an Executive appointment to the King County Library System Board of Trustees and a motion related to council adoption of the King County Auditor's Office Work Program 2023‑2024. For more information and a recording of this meeting, click here.
Full Council
 I joined my fellow Councilmembers virtually as we presented PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal and PNB Executive Director Ellen Walker with a recognition of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s 50th anniversary. As having presented the proclamation with Councilmember Sarah Perry, I spoke on the PNB but also recognized its longstanding former Executive Director D. David Brown who also spoke remotely.
The Council met on Tuesday, where it presented two recognitions, the first to the Pacific Northwest Ballet upon its 50th anniversary season, and the second to Iranian women in their quest for freedom. Click here to view the KCTV recording of the PNB recognition. The Council also acted on a large number of ordinances and motions, as well as approved the Council’s annual leadership reorganization before adjourning for Winter Recess. For more information and a recording of this meeting, click here.
I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to CM Dave Upthegrove upon being selected as the new Chair of the King County Council for 2023. I am looking forward to the upcoming year and anticipate he’ll be an outstanding leader. I'm also quite pleased to be serving as Policy Vice Chair of the Council, continuing to chair the Committee of the Whole, and serving on several other committees.
And I'd like to express an immense amount of gratitude to CM Claudia Balducci for her tremendous leadership as Council Chair for the past three years through COVID. She rose to great challenges with grace, exemplary skills and tenacity. The exceptional team at KCTV has put together a short video, memorializing the novelty of these past three years. Click here to watch the video! For more information on new committee assignments for the new year, click here.
 Flood Control District
The Flood Control District Board of Supervisors also met on Tuesday. The Board took action on a resolution authorizing the Chair to enter into two professional services agreements and approved its reorganization for 2023 with Councilmember Reagan Dunn taking over as Chair. For more information and a recording of this meeting, click here.
 This week’s council and committee meetings were the last scheduled meetings of the year. As of yesterday, December 14th, Council Recess began, which will last throughout December. I look forward to time spent with my family and friends over the holidays, and hope that you are able to enjoy a safe and restful holiday. Council meetings will resume after the two-week recess with our Council and Committee meetings scheduled the second week of January.
 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) Legal Services RFP awardees
After a diligent review process, the Department of Community and Human Services’ Adult Services Division has chosen three agencies to award $480,000 of ARPA funds. Congratulations to Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, Eastside Legal Assistance Program, and Sacred Community Connections. These agencies will use this funding to provide support people experiencing domestic and sexual violence through DVPO assistance, legal services, and education.
Operating Support, Rental Assistance and Supportive Services (ORS) awardees
The Department of Community and Human Services Homeless Housing Programs opened a competitive Request for Proposals Process in 2022 for Operating Support, Rental Assistance and Supportive Services (ORS) to support permanent housing and services for persons experiencing homelessness. Funding was just recently awarded to several existing homeless housing projects seeking to renew funding and to new, anticipated, homeless housing capital projects not previously eligible. Congratulations to Catholic Community Services, Downtown Emergency Service Center, Solid Ground, Evergreen Treatment Services, Compass Housing Alliance, Plymouth Housing Group, Muslim Housing Services, and Valley Cities Counseling & Consultation on receiving these grants and on the hard work they do to help our unhoused population.
First residents moving into new Health Through Housing building in Pioneer Square
Salmonberry Lofts, a Health Through Housing building in Pioneer Square, will begin housing residents this month. Salmonberry Lofts will provide permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness and will foster community, while also taking steps to reduce racial and ethnic disproportionality among people experiencing chronic homelessness. Executive Constantine and Chief Seattle Club announced yesterday that this 76-unit building, as well as the other buildings included in the Health Through Housing initiative, creates housing that is dignified, protective, and service enriched. Click here for more information.
Job announcement for King County Ombuds Director
King County has just posted a rare opportunity to direct the Office of Ombuds, an office established to promote public confidence in government by investigating complaints, solve problems for the public, and make recommendations for action.
The Ombuds Director is a leader responsible for all activity in the Office of the Ombuds, setting the vision for the office, managing staff and their workload, engaging with community members, and working with other County leaders and managers to resolve complaints. The Ombuds Director reports to the Chair of the Council but is responsive to all nine Councilmembers and serves an initial five-year term which is subject to successive five. For more information on this opportunity and a link to the application, click here.
Recruitment for newly established King County Sheriff’s Office Community Advisory Board
Executive Constantine and Sheriff Cole-Tindall have announced the institution of the Community Advisory Board for the King County Sheriff’s Office. This board will bring together public safety experts, community members, and advocates to support and advise in the creation of a just, dynamic, and responsive public safety system. The board is seeking between 10-15 members, as well as youth and individuals with prior justice system involvement. If you are interested in joining this advisory board, you may submit a letter of interest, explaining your desire and qualifications. More information about the board and details on the application process can be found here. Applications will be accepted until January 31st, 2023.
Preparing for outdoor activities during cold weather
It's a beautiful time to visit King County’s trails and parks. Please be safe in low temperatures and inclement weather by dressing warmly, bringing the 10 essentials on hikes, and checking the King County Parks Alerts and Closures page for the latest information before heading out on your trip. And if your adventures take you through mountain passes near Seattle, please be sure to use these tips for winter driving on mountain passes.
A new bridge for Black Diamond Open Space (BDOS)
King County Parks done the diligent work of replacing a bridge that crosses Ravensdale Creek in the western portion of BDOS, a park that is located two miles north of Black Diamond and six miles south of Maple Valley.
The design of the new bridge allows for elevated views of the creek and improves habitat by providing more clearance for large, woody debris to move downstream. It also can be used by multiple user groups, including equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers. For more information on the project and how it was executed, click here.
 Governor Inslee announced his 2023-2025 budget proposals yesterday
Yesterday, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee discussed his proposed 2023-2025 biennial budget during a media availability at the State Capitol. The governor’s proposal would include $70 billion spent over the two-year period, beginning in July 2023. The proposal would focus on affordable housing and other pressing issues, such as the environment and public safety. To read more on the governor’s proposed budget, click here. To view a recording of the governor’s budget presentation, click here.
Seattle man sentenced to 10 years for sex trafficking
In February of 2022, Isaac Shorack was arrested for attempted trafficking of a minor and has now received a 10-year sentence for trafficking underage girls into prostitution on Aurora Avenue. According to court records, Shorack deposited more than $360,000 into his account in proceeds from prostitution. A federal judge ordered he pay $50,000 in restitution to the three known minor victims. Read the full story here.
Combatting human and sex trafficking has been a key focus of my work over the past 20 years, which I’ve done through sponsoring legislation in the State Senate, as well as serving as an expert witness in Title IX/sexual harassment lawsuits and as a Humanities Washington Speaker on human trafficking and women as political change agents. During my time in the State Senate, I introduced many bills that were successfully signed into law, including one outlawing recruiting, transporting and using people for forced labor, involuntary servitude and commercial sex, and another which would outlaw advertising minors for sex. Much of this work was done in partnership with former Rep. Velma Veloria and community-based organizations working to combat trafficking.
More recently, I have collaborated with Councilmember Dunn to pass legislation reaffirming King County Council’s commitment to combatting human trafficking, which includes raising awareness about the nature of human trafficking and how to prevent it, enabling victims and survivors of trafficking to self-identify and get connected with services, and promoting the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Seattle lands major league cricket team
Major League Cricket recently announced the launch of its inaugural season, which will take place in July 2023. The Seattle area was confirmed as one of the six founding cities of the league, securing Seattle’s status as one of the cricket capitals of the United States. This is very exciting news, as a world-class cricket venue will not only provide the community with a way to support Major and Minor League home teams, but also provide the local cricket-playing community the opportunity to play at one of the International Cricket Council-grade venues in the United States. Read more information here.
Belltown Community Council Holiday Party
Join the Belltown Community Council for a holiday celebration today, December 15th, at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Rendezvous Jewelbox Theater. This easy-going celebration is an opportunity for neighbors to gather, share a drink, and decompress. Click here for directions.
Annual Seattle Christmas Boat Parade
The annual Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Union will take place this Saturday, December 17th. Dozens of boats will be lit and decorated and will cruise around Lake Union. The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Fremont Tug and will go clockwise around Lake Union, finishing at Morrison Fuel Dock. Your best opportunity to view will likely be at Gas Works Park. Click here for more information.
Magic in the Market
Visit the MarketFront Pavilion from December 19th – 23rd for holiday music, free demos and fun for kids of all ages. Click here for more information on all of the available activities.
Holiday Live Music at Factoria
Live Holiday Music will be performed at the Factoria shopping center until Wednesday, December 28th, from 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. Click here for the list of performers this weekend!
 Donate while preparing for the holidays
It’s the giving season! Donate to organizations that help houseless people this holiday season. Review this list of organizations and see how you can help today.
Today’s moment of inspiration
Decorated Vietnam veteran Margarethe Cammermeyer married her long-time partner Diane Divelbess on December 9th, 2012. Now, on the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in Washington, Cammermeyer shares her experiences as a recipient of the Bronze Star as a combat-hospital nurse, a mother of four, and the highest-ranking officer to challenge the Pentagon’s position that homosexuality was “incompatible” with military service. Cammermeyer quickly became “one of the most famous lesbians in America,” engaged in her role as an activist, and helped repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which declared that LGBTQ service members could stay in the trenches if they didn’t reveal their sexual orientation. The publishing of this story is especially timely, as just on Tuesday, President Biden officially signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, thus granting federal protections to same-sex and interracial marriages. Read her full story of leadership and courage in this article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
King County Auditor’s Office Report: Incarceration Alternative and Diversion Programs – King County
Inslee, Ferguson join efforts to ban semiautomatic rifles in WA – Crosscut
A record number of unhoused people have died in King County in 2022 – KUOW
HUD deputy secretary talks homelessness in Seattle and where she’s seeing progress – The Seattle Times
Tips for winter driving on mountain passes near Seattle – AXIOS
Five Seattle suburbs added new landlord-renter laws this year. Here’s what they do. – The Seattle 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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