Quote of the Week
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
— George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) (1819-1880)
 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. You can also view the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health.
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
Free, rapid, at-home COVID tests are still available from Say YES and from the USPS. Please continue to use best practices before gathering without masks and take an at-home test to reduce risk of exposing others to COVID.
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
Three years on, the pandemic — and our response — have been jolting. Here’s what even the experts didn’t see coming – STAT News
Opinion: Covid Isn’t the Only Reason Children’s Vaccination Rates Are Falling – The New York Times
The Case for Wearing Masks Forever – The New Yorker
The uncounted: People of color are dying at much higher rates than what COVID data suggests – USA Today
King County measure would put $1.25 billion over a decade toward behavioral health crises – Real Change News
As COVID-19 continues to spread, so does misinformation about it – The Seattle Times
We can’t afford to carry on without a national public health system – The Seattle Times
King, Pierce, Snohomish counties now all recommending masks indoors amid concerns over ‘tripledemic’ – KIRO 7
Help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by improving indoor air this fall and winter – Public Health Insider
STUDY: Infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections and reinfections during the Omicron wave – Nature Medicine
King County selected to participate in CDC National Health Survey – My Northwest
What We Know About the ‘Kraken’ Covid Variant XBB.1.5 and Why It’s Causing Concern – Bloomberg
Hamlin’s collapse spurs new wave of vaccine misinformation – AP News
New King County Health Director settles in as pandemic lingers – KNKX
 Full Council
 The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, January 10th at 1:00 p.m. During this meeting, new Council Chair Dave Upthegrove and Executive Dow Constantine will present a proclamation of January 2023 as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Month in King County. The Council will discuss motions concerning several of the Executive’s reappointments, as well as a motion related to council adoption of the King County Auditor's Office Work Program 2023-2024. The meeting agenda and materials can be found here. For more information on how to join this meeting, click here.
Today, I introduced legislation that proposes a ban on cashless business policies in Unincorporated King County. It's vital that cash-reliant community members are able to access important goods and services equitably. During and even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses in the Seattle area and beyond began shifting to cashless operation, leaving people who rely on cash with fewer options to purchase goods and services. Research, however, shows that cashless businesses most impact communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, undocumented residents, refugee and immigrant and communities and low-income communities. This proposal will be introduced at the upcoming Council meeting and will be referred to the Local Services Committee. For more information, click here.
Regional Policy Committee
The Regional Policy Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 11th at 3:00 p.m. The Committee will select a Vice Chair and receive a briefing on public health from Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. The Committee will also discuss and take possible action on an ordinance providing for the submission of a tax levy for regional behavioral health services and capital facilities that may be placed on the ballot in April for voter approval. The meeting agenda and materials can be found here. For more information on how to join this meeting, click here.
 Celebrating our county’s namesake
 On Thursday, January 12th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., King County will host an online event viewing in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Livestreaming links and the virtual program will be available here.
Candidates Announced for 2023 Election for King Conservation District
The King Conservation District, which is not a part of King County government, is holding its annual Board Supervisor election January 24th - February 14th, 2023. Three candidates – April Brown, Csenka Favorini-Csorba, and Chris L. Porter – have been announced as finalists for the position. Candidate statements can be found at kingcd.org/elections. For the fourth year, the King Conservation District election will primarily rely on electronic ballot access. Ballots will be available to eligible voters online from January 24th, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. through February 14th, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. Voters may return ballots electronically through the online ballot access system or reach out to KCD for assistance. Online ballots are accessible here.
KCRHA 2022 Year in Review Report and 2023 Budget Plan
 The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has released its 2022 Year in Review Report. This past year, more than 4,500 individuals, couples, youth, and families who have experienced homelessness have moved into housing. KCRHA has also implemented several new programs which have been instrumental to the success of these accomplishments, including Emergency Housing Couches, Partnership for Zero, and the State Right of Way Safety Initiative, which combined have moved nearly 1,400 people into housing. Read more about these programs and the work that the KCRHA has accomplished throughout the year here. In other exciting news, the KCRHA has also rolled out its $253 million 2023 budget and a five-year plan to shelter and house 62,000 people. To learn more, click here.
JustCARE Program Efficacy Evaluation Dashboard
 A dashboard evaluating the efficacy of the JustCARE program has been published in the King County website of the Department of Community and Human Services. This new dashboard includes an evaluation of the efficacy of the JustCARE program in securing supportive interim housing for previously unhoused people; connecting participants in need of behavioral health treatment services with appropriate treatment services; engaging participants through other supportive services such as employment, case management, health care and financial assistance; and decreasing participant involvement in the criminal legal and crisis behavioral health systems. Click here to view the new dashboard.
King County Shares Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan Highlights
The Office of Equity and Social Justice has created the “ESJ Strategic Plan Highlights” - an online, interactive approach to presenting some of the County’s significant initiatives, efforts, and investments towards becoming anti-racist and pro-equity. Click here to view the full report and click here for a video overview of the highlights.
King County CSEC Task Force’s new resource
The King County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) has shared a new NCMEC resource called Take it Down. Take It Down is a free service that can help remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken of you when you were under 18 years old. Take It Down will work on public or unencrypted online platforms that have agreed to participate, which currently include Facebook, Instagram, OnlyFans and Yubo. For more information on Take it Down here.
Fresh produce for all
 With Public Health Seattle & King County’s support of the King County Farmers Share, run by Harvest Against Hunger, and Growing for Good, run by Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, local farmers are growing fresh produce to sell to local food assistance organizations. The partnerships of these local farmers and food assistance organizations are changing the expectations of “emergency food,” allowing high quality food to be provided to those who need it most. Click here to read more.
The Evergreen: Progress from the foothills of the Cascades to the shorelines of Puget Sound in 2022
 The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has proudly announced its successes at the Green Duwamish Watershed which have contributed to a health habitat and clean water. The DNRP has made farmland that King County protected more accessible to immigrant and refugee farmers, offering more equitable access to open space and reducing stormwater pollution; removed a derelict dock and nearly 2,000 toxic-coating pilings from the Harbor Island shoreline; completed a major floodplain restoration that improves salmon habitat and protects homes, farms, and roads from flooding; and so much more. Click here to read more about the exceptional work that the DNRP has done for the Evergreen.
New year, new opportunities for sustainable living
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has put together an interesting list of small changes that you can make in your life for long-lasting eco-friendly resolutions. Click here to learn more.
A look at 2022 from King County Parks
King County Parks has released a video recap of 2022, which was filled with new projects, programs, repairs, and improvements. Click here to watch the video.
 Top priorities for the upcoming state legislative session
State lawmakers are getting ready for the new legislative session, beginning on January 9th. The members of the Washington State Legislature will hash out Governor Inslee’s two-year budget as well as a number of other agenda items. Concerning transportation, the top priority will be traffic safety as in 2022 alone, more than 700 likely died on Washington’s roads. Another subject that will likely get attention is equity, as advocacy organizations like the are pressuring lawmakers to decriminalize low-level traffic violations, like jaywalking and other non-moving violations. Read more about these focuses for the upcoming legislative session in this article from The Seattle Times. The lawmakers also will consider a number of measures concerning climate and the environment, including a major measure to reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling, and a House bill that seeks to ban toxics from cosmetics sold in Washington. However, the focus of the state remains a great effort to shift away from fossil fuels. Read more in this article from The Seattle Times.
How to get rid of your Christmas tree in Seattle and King County
As the new year rushes in, it’s time to pack up ornaments, re-roll cords of lights, and to get rid of of Christmas trees. King County and the city of Seattle offer several options to dispose of Christmas trees or have them picked up with regular trash and compost collection. For details, see this article from The Seattle Times. Also, check out this cute video, showing how a rescue beaver used its human rehabilitator family’s Christmas tree to build a dam in the house – no need for King County’s trash and compost collection here!
 Return of the Belltown First Friday Wine Share
 The Belltown Community Council will host the Belltown First Friday Wine Share tomorrow evening on January 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the New Labor Temple (located at 2800 1st Avenue). Bring a bottle and a friend! Food will be provided. I hope to see you there! Find more information here.
Unpacking the New Climate Law: Attending to Environmental Justice
 On January 6th at 12:00 p.m., the University of Washington’s Dean’s Forum on Race and Public Policy will host a virtual event on “Unpacking the New Climate Law: Attending to Environmental Justice.” A panel will discuss how new federal climate laws are attempting to address environmental inequity in marginalized communities, especially communities of color. If you are interested, register for this virtual event here.
Canoe Center coming to South Lake Union this year
 I am pleased to have secured the final $1.1 million in funding from King County for the new Canoe Center dedicated to Coast Salish canoe culture and appreciate the tireless work of United Indians of all Tribes Foundation in preserving and sharing indigenous culture. The UIATF will hold a ceremony tomorrow, January 6th, at 1 p.m. at which I will be speaking to bless the construction of this facility. I can’t wait to celebrate this opening with the community! Read more here.
Project update: West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions
 On January 11th at 6:00 p.m., join Sound Transit for the second part of its engagement series Additional information and discussions will be shared on what has been learned through further studies. For Interbay, this includes more information on the three potential alignment concepts presented at the open house in December. For Ballard, this includes sharing information and findings on potential cost savings and access improvements related to Tunnel 14th Ave and Tunnel 15th Ave Station. This workshop will take place at Seattle Pacific University. Find more information here.
Explore the Outdoors Family Fair
 On Saturday, January 28th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Crosscut and KCTS9 will host the Explore the Outdoors Family Fair at the Rainier Arts Center. Visit this event to learn more about getting active outdoors and hear from Crosscut’s Alison Mariella Désir. There will be interactive tables, adventure gear giveaways and mini-workshops for people of all ages to find out about the opportunities to engage with nature and the organizations advocating for BIPOC reclamation of outdoor spaces. RSVP here.
 Human Resources Manager job opportunity
4Culture is hiring a Human Resources Manager to oversee services for the agency with a focus on employee success, racial equity and social justice, strategy, and cultivating strong relationships. The HR Manager performs strategic, technical, and administrative duties as a department of one for an organization of thirty leaders and staff, ensuring the effective operation of the Human Resources department. Applications are due by January 20th, click here for more information.
Community Advocate Specialist job opportunity
Friends of Youth has opened a position for a Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Community Advocate. This individual will provide outreach, advocacy, and case management to young adults who are survivors of sexual exploitation. Primary responsibilities include outreach and engagement, risk assessment, safety planning, implementation of harm reduction strategies, emotional support, convening and managing multidisciplinary teams, and providing clients with guidance in navigating complex systems and institutions. For more information, click here.
Legal Administrative Professional II job opportunity
The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is looking for two highly motivated individuals to join the team as a Protection Order Resource Navigator - Legal Administrative Professional II. Legal Administrative Professionals handle a variety of legal office support tasks performed under general supervision, requiring an ability to exercise sound independent judgment. Click here for more information.
Internship announcement for Winter/Spring
The World Affairs Council has opened internship positions for its Global Classroom and Global Leadership Exchange teams. This opportunity is perfect for anyone who is interested in international relations – click here to learn more.
 Request for Proposals: Health Equity and Capacity Building
The Health Equity Capacity Building grant RFP will fund activities that enable organizations to continue their efforts and to build additional capacity for future work to address persistent health disparities and inequities. Applications must be submitted by January 27th. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
2023 WaterWorks Grant
 The WaterWorks Grant Program is now accepting applications and will be accepted through March 18th. WaterWorks funds projects that improve water quality within the King County Wastewater Treatment Division Service Area. The WaterWorks Grant Program is hosting free online information sessions on Thursday, January 19th and Monday, January 23rd for anyone interested in applying or learning more. To register, click here.
$33.6 million in King County Parks funding for 2023
 King County Parks Levy Grants open this month, including the Aquatic Facilities Grant, Parks Capital and Open Space Grant, Open Space – River Corridors Grant, and the Health Communities and Parks Fund. More information on funding, eligibility, applying and the evaluation process can be found here. King County Parks will also host a series of webinars from January 31st – February 3rd to share details about these grant programs, procedures, and policies with prospective applicants and community partners. If you would like to join these webinars, sign up here.
Language Access Program: Community Language Services
The Language Access program RFA will develop a pool of contracted community language access service Contractors. These experienced Contractors will use lived experience and connection to their local communities to provide language access services. Fluent speakers of Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Russian, Korean, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Arabic, Amharic, Dari, Punjabi, Tigrinya, Japanese, and Marshallese are welcome to apply. Find more information here.
 Department of Natural Resources and Parks hands-on volunteering
Are you ready to get your hands dirty? The Department of Natural Resources and Parks has several hands-on outdoor volunteer opportunities available, including Weed Watchers, Master Recycler Composter Program, City Soil Farm, Salmon counts and habitat restoration, and much more. View all of the outdoor volunteer activities here.
Learn Sustainable Landscaping and Yard care
 King County Wastewater Treatment Division is partnering with the Snohomish Conservation District to offer both in-person and online classes all about creating a healthy, low-maintenance landscape. Click here for more information on these free classes.
A moment of inspiration
 Lincoln, a five-year-old retriever, and owner/handler Jon Izant volunteer for the King County Search Dogs. This unit of King County Search and Rescue helps King County Sheriff’s Office in finding missing people. Through his work doing air scent search and rescue work, Lincoln successfully located two at-risk missing people with dementia in the last 18 months. Because of his success, the American Kennel Club Humane Fund awarded Lincoln with the 2022 Search & Rescue Award for Canine Excellence. Read more about this special furry volunteer in this article from the Queen Anne and Magnolia News.
Helpful and informative links
Three Seattle stats I’ll be watching in 2023 – The Seattle Times
Jail diversion programs need more accountability – The Seattle Times
'Miraculous' assistance helps a Seattle-area mom keep her family in stable housing – The Seattle Times
In 2023, WA lawmakers will decide the legal future of drug possession – Crosscut
In wake of devastating flooding, South Park residents worried about water quality – KIRO 7
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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