Quote of the Week
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
 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. Research shows that fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid stronger than morphine, is the cause of the recent overdose death surge. The most recent data and resources for providers and patients can be found here.
Getting naloxone into our communities is necessary to help keep people alive. Resources for purchasing naloxone are below.
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.
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 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
Extensive review affirms covid booster is safe after system flagged risk – The Washington Post
Routine vaccinations drop among U.S. kindergartners for the third year in a row – STAT News
We made it through the holidays. What do WA flu and COVID trends look like now? – The Seattle Times
 As I have shared in earlier releases and enews letters, I recently introduced legislation that would ban cashless retail business policies in Unincorporated King County only, as cashless businesses most impact the houseless, communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, undocumented residents, refugee and immigrant and communities and low-income and poor individuals and families. For more information on this legislation, see this article from The Urbanist.
Full Council
A meeting of the full Council did not occur this week. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 24that 1:00 p.m.
Employment and Administration Committee
The Employment and Administration Committee met remotely on Tuesday. I am serving as its Vice Chair this year. The Committee took action on a motion relating to the organization of the Council. The Committee also received several briefings, including a Chief of Staff update, a Human Resources update, the Legislative Branch Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and Hearing Examiner Pro Tem assignments. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Committee of the Whole
 The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, met on Wednesday. The Committee took action on a reappointment as well as on a motion making a recommendation to the full Council on an appointment to fill a judicial vacancy in the Shoreline electoral district. We have recommended Raul Martinez, one of the four outstanding applicants, for the appointment which will be taken up at next Tuesday’s Council meeting. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Regional Transit Committee
The Regional Transit Committee met on Wednesday, and received two briefings, including the 2023 Regional Transit Committee Work Plan and the overview of the Committee operations and selection of Vice Chair. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
Board of Health
 The Board of Health met on Thursday and elected a Chair and Vice Chairs, as well as took action on a resolution designating the order in which the vice-chairs of the King County Board of Health may act in the absence of the Chair in 2023. The Board also received a briefing from Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County concerning the key issues facing public health in 2023. It was an extremely informative presentation on the current state of public health in our county. The main takeaway is that we are very fortunate to live in a region with such a capable public health department. But many issues that Public Health is trying to address are only becoming worse, including the fentanyl crisis that is leading to more overdoses and deaths – especially in our vulnerable populations suffering homelessness. Another especially urgent issue for all of us is the worsening effects of climate change. I encourage you to watch to get a better understanding of what our public health system is having to deal with. For more information and to view a recording of the meeting, click here.
 Local Services and Land Use Committee
The Local Services and Land Use Committee will meet on January 24th at 9:30 a.m. The Committee will discuss and take possible action on several of the Executive’s appointments as well as a motion requesting that the Executive complete a code study related to expanded multifamily housing types in low‑ and medium‑density urban residential zones. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, January 24th at 1:00 p.m. During this meeting, I will be joining Councilmember Dunn in proclaiming January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We also will take up a series of appointments and reappointments, including voting on the confirmation of Raul Martinez as a judge for the Shoreline District Court. We voted to advance the appointment of Mr. Martinez last week in the Committee of the Whole. The agenda for Tuesday is quite long, as members will be reintroducing a wide variety of ordinances and motions that were not voted on by the full Council in 2022. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 25th at 9:30 a.m. The Committee will discuss and take possible action on a proposed property tax levy for regional behavioral health services and capital facilities, as well as on an ordinance concerning the 2022 levy of property taxes in King County for collection in the year 2023. The Committee will also discuss two ordinances authorizing the Executive to execute an amendment to the agreement with the Washington state Department of Ecology for loan financing for a wastewater capital project. For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and how to join it, click here.
 Pet of the week
This week’s Pet of the Week is Dallas, a 9-month-old male American Bulldog mix. Dallas is very food and toy motivated! He’s energetic and is looking for a family that can keep him moving and his mind busy. To learn how to meet Dallas or other adoptable animals, visit the Regional Animal Services of King County here. Your new best friend is waiting to meet you!
Lynnwood Link Connections: Metro hosts virtual open houses on proposed bus improvements for future light rail stations
 King County Metro is hosting several online open houses to hear community feedback as it develops bus route improvements to support new light rail stations that open beginning in 2024 in north King and south Snohomish counties. Click here to learn more and to register for one of the open houses available on Tuesday, January 24th; Saturday, February 4th; and Monday, February 27th.
Best Starts is Seeking Community Members to join Home-Based Services RFP Review Panel
Best Starts for Kids recently launched a Home-Based Services Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP will support new and expecting families, help caregivers feel more knowledgeable and confident, and strengthen the attachment of children and caregivers. Best Starts for Kids is looking for community members, King County staff, system partners, and external subject matter experts to join this Home-Based Services RFP review panel. Review panel members should expect to work between 20 to 25 hours from February 14 to March 17. If you are interested, complete an interest form before Thursday, February 9th. Click here to access the form and more information.
New 572-foot-long Foothills Trail bridge will connect cities along the King-Pierce County line
 Artist rendering of the Foothills Trail bridge
This week, crews broke ground on the Foothills Trail bridge that will cross the White River, connecting two segments of the Foothills Trail at the King-Pierce County line. Funding for this project includes funding generated by the King County Parks Levy as well as with contributions from the City of Buckley and Pierce County. The bridge will be completed in 2024 and will connect 238,000 residents, schools, business districts, and civic centers. Click here to read more information and click here to watch a video from King County TV on the new development.
 Reconnecting with Native heritage
I was joined by several government leaders earlier this month at the groundbreaking event of the Canoe Carving House coming soon to the shore of South Lake Union. For more information, see this article on the front page of Queen Anne and Magnolia News.
Washington 211 Annual Report 2022
Washington 211 has released its annual report for 2022, showcasing data and highlights from another successful year of helping to keep Washingtonians connected. Click here to view the full report.
King County Regional Homelessness Authority has released its draft five-year plan
The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has published its draft five-year plan, which will serve as a guide for the Authority as they continue to work to end homelessness in King County. You have the opportunity to review and comment on the plan by taking the survey here or sharing your comments at the Implementation Board Meeting which will take place on Wednesday, January 25th.
Women of the Civil Rights Movement
In celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the YWCA has highlighted a several important BIPOC women who have played an important and often overlooked role in the Civil Rights Movement. Click here to read more.
Mental Health Roundtable with U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Councilmember Dembowski
 On Tuesday, Senator Patty Murray hosted a roundtable discussion on how the mental health and substance use disorder package, passed last month, will help Seattle and communities across Washington state better respond to such crises. My fellow Councilmember Rod Dembowski took part in this discussion and made some excellent remarks. Click here to watch a recording of the discussion.
Ballard Historical Society was awarded funding
I’m pictured with Ballard Historical Society President Mary Shile at the launch event for Peggy Sturdivant’s book, Preserving Ballard.
The Ballard Historical Society received $1,500 in one-time funding from King County’s Adult Services. This funding will help the BHS to add more priceless archives. Here, I’m pictured with Ballard Historical Society President Mary Shile at the Secret Garden Bookshop in Ballard, where a launch event was held for Peggy Sturdivant’s book, Preserving Ballard. Fun fact – Preserving Ballard is #2 on the best-selling list for all of 2022 at Secret Garden Bookshop!
Peggy Sturdivant speaking last year at the Secret Garden Bookstore speaking on her book, Preserving Ballard.
Help improve the nation’s broadband investments
The Federal Communications Commission published a new National Broadband Map, which attempts to show where internet service is available. The map will guide how the Federal government spends $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the nation.
Look up your address to make sure the map is accurate in terms of internet service availability and speed for your home or business. If you spot a problem with the map, you can submit a formal challenge through the Washington State Broadband Office. For more information, visit the Washington State Broadband Office webpage.
The White House’s efforts to protect reproductive health care since the Dobbs decision
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report entitled: “Marking the 50th Anniversary of Roe: Biden-Harris Administration Efforts to Protect Reproductive Health Care,” which outlines the actions which the HHS has taken in the face of the health crisis precipitated by the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Read the full report here.
Woodland Park Zoo mourns death of snow leopard euthanized at 17
The loss of Dhirin, a male snow leopard, is an emotional one for the Woodland Park Zoo and its community. Dhirin was euthanized after experiencing significant health issues at the age of 17. The snow leopard was known to be calm and sweet, and “very cat-like.” I am an ex officio member of the board at Woodland Park Zoo representing the King County Council, and I am certain that Dhirin’s presence will be missed around the zoo grounds. Read more about Dhirin in this article from The Seattle Times.
 Seattle Day of Service
Join Together Washington, along with Seattle Chamber, DSA, Urban League and the City of Seattle, for Seattle Day of Service beautifying, cleaning up, and building community in Downtown Seattle this Saturday, January 21st, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This opportunity will unite community members in working to remove graffiti, planting tulip bulbs, picking up litter, and getting our city cleaned. Check-in for the event will be at the Seattle Convention Center’s Arch Building Lobby welcome center, where snacks and coffee will be provided. Click here to register and to read more.
Art from Ashes
Music of Remembrance will host its annual Art From Ashes concert to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 78th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. This year’s concert, which can be streamed for free from Sunday, January 22nd – Sunday, January 29th, offers a remastered video of selected works from a special event where Music of Remembrance’s core ensemble performed on a quartet of historic instruments from the Violins of Hope collection. Read more information on this event here.
Volunteering and Civic Life during the Pandemic: The Path Forward
 On Wednesday, January 25th at 3:00 p.m., AmeriCorps is hosting a virtual event to hear from national nonprofit, civic, and education leaders about how Americans positively impacted their communities during the pandemic and how to move forward together to meet our current challenges. To register for this online event, click here.
Queen Anne’s Corner Grocery Stores
Throughout Queen Anne’s streets are sites of historic grocery stores with tremendous community memories. Join historian Alicia Arter for a free public virtual lecture on Thursday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m., and see Queen Anne’s history in a new light. Click here to register for this event.
Summit Public Open House
On Friday, January 27th at 1:00 p.m., explore the newest addition to the Seattle Convention Center, the Summit building. The new building has utilized sustainably sourced, recycled materials throughout the building, such as plant-based acoustic ceiling tiles and bio-based fabric panels. The rooftop incorporates solar panels that will improve the building’s energy performance and a rainwater harvesting system will reduce irrigation usage. Click here to register for the self-guided tour – food will be provided!
Lunar New Year on the Pier
On Sunday, January 22nd from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., celebrate the Year of the Rabbit on Pier 62 in Waterfront Park! The celebration will include a visual arts experience, lion dancing by the Mak Fai Kung Fu Club, and delicious food. Click here for more information.
PhinneyWood Lunar New Year Celebration
 On Sunday, February 5th at 2:00 p.m., the Phinney Neighborhood Association will host a new event for North Seattle that honors the traditions of the Asian cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year and supports local Asian-led businesses and organizations. The celebration will include lantern making, lion dancing, and taiko. Click here for more information.
Designing Motherhood: Things That Make and Break Our Births
 On Sunday, February 5th at 5:00 p.m., the Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery will host a new exhibition called Designing Motherhood: Things that Make and Break Our Births, which explores the arc of human reproduction through the lens of art and design. This event is free to attend and is appropriate for all ages. Visit this opening celebration and check out the exhibition, join a tour, listen to live music, participate in take-action activities led by local organizations, and enjoy refreshments. If you cannot attend the opening event, you will still be able to visit the exhibition through December 30th, 2023. Click here to RSVP for the opening event.
 2023-2024 Community Driven Grants RFP
The Department of Community and Human Services’ Behavioral Health and Recovery Division has announced the 2023-2024 Community Driven Grants funding, funded by the MIDD Behavioral Health Sales Tax Fund. This RFP focuses on supporting organizations closely connected to BIPOC communities to provide community driven behavioral health services that support the behavioral needs within their own communities. Click herefor more information and how to apply.
Community Accelerator Grant
 The Community Accelerator Grant, administered by ArtsFund, is now open. This program is open to all WA based cultural nonprofits with a 3-year average budget of $25,000 or greater and is offering unrestricted grants up to $25,000. Applications must be submitted by January 31st. Click here for more information and how to apply.
 Clinical Case Manager - Aurora Supportive Housing
Support, Advocacy, Growth and Employment (SAGE) is DESC's comprehensive outpatient mental health program. SAGE intake specialists, case managers, psychiatrists and nurses assist adults with severe and persistent mental illness in their journey towards recovery. Long-term case management services are provided including help with obtaining and maintaining housing, improving clinical and social stability, and enriching their level of independence and self-sufficiency. Click here for more information and how to apply.
Mobile Crisis Team Case Manager
DESC's Mobile Crisis Team Case Managers are mobilized to respond quickly to requests for crisis intervention from police, fire, medics, DMHP's, and the Crisis Clinic in order to connect individuals in a mental health or substance use crisis to more therapeutic treatment options, other than jail or the emergency room. Click herefor more information and how to apply.
Housing Case Manager – Renton Veterans Center
The Housing Case Manager provides trauma-informed services to individual program participants, many of whom have multiple barriers, so that secure, stable, and permanent housing may be achieved and/or maintained. The Case Manager assists and empowers participants to make necessary connection with the community and providers to stabilize and improve the quality of their lives. Click here for more information and how to apply.
Security Screener
The Security Screener position is a great opportunity to become part of the King County Sheriff's Office team! If you have a passion for customer service, public service, public safety, and working in a team environment, where every day brings new challenges, this may be the job for you. Security Screeners are tasked with the important role of keeping the building occupants safe while establishing the tone of everyone's visit. Click herefor more information and how to apply.
A moment of inspiration
Modest Family Solutions is a nonprofit organization that grows, collects, and distributes free meals in King and Snohomish counties. The organization strives to meet the needs of refugees, Indigenous communities, and people of color, while limiting food waste and providing access to culturally relevant foods and comfortable spaces. Even further, the organization focuses on self-sustainability by providing access to education on hydroponic indoor farming and food processing. Read more about this organization, its work and dedication to the community, and its plans to join other organizations at the 40,000-square-foot South Seattle warehouse which was recently announced to converted into community food hub, here.
Helpful and informative links
More homeless people died in King County in 2022 than ever recorded before – The Seattle Times
Facing a crisis, the state should ensure equal access to behavioral health care – The Seattle Times
What to do if a rat comes up your toilet – Public Health Insider
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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