Quote of the Week
“We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational and so disciplined they can be free.”
– Kavita Ramdas, 2015
 Local Services and Land Use Committee
At its meeting Tuesday, the Local Services and Land Use Committee received an Emergency Management briefing and took action on ordinances on emergency management and the Northeast Sammamish Sewer and Water District General Sewer Plan and action on an Executive appointment. Lastly, the Committee discussed my proposed ordinance prohibiting retailers in unincorporated King County to accept cash (but with many exemptions). Read some recent coverage of this proposed ordinance in these articles from MyNorthwest and Fox13. For more information, click here.
Full Council
 At Tuesday’s King County Council meeting we discussed an ordinance concerning the County’s entering into an agreement to transfer some detainees transferred to a jail (SCORE) owned by several cities in South King County because of severe staff shortages in our downtown King County Jail. Action was deferred to next Tuesday’s Council meeting. The Council adopted our 2023 Federal Legislative Agenda as well as an ordinance establishing a no shooting area within Crow voting precinct.
Lastly, the Council took action on an ordinance concerning the use of the Oxford comma in King County ordinances and motions. When writing legislation in King County, using the Oxford comma would place a comma after the next-to-last item in a series of three or more items when the next-to-last and last items are separated by a conjunction. Read this story from The Seattle Times for more details on the Council vote and examples of how this comma is used.
For more information on this meeting, its agenda, and to view a recording, click here.
Employment and Administration Committee
At yesterday’s Employment and Administration Committee we received briefings from our chief of staff update and our human resources manager. We also took action on motions on the organization of the council and the job description for a new community engagement specialist within the office of law enforcement oversight. For more information, click here.
 Regional Policy Committee
At Monday’s 3 p.m. special meeting of the Regional Policy Committee, votes will be taken on amendments for the VSHSL renewal ordinance for the August 1st ballot. For more information, click here.
Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
The Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 4th at 9:30 a.m. For more information, click here.
Full Council
The King County Council will meet on Tuesday, April 4th at 1:30 p.m. at which the SCORE jail contract will again be considered. For more information, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
The Regional Water Quality Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 5th at 3:00 p.m. For more information, click here.
 Regional health care facilities’ masking requirement
 Regional health care facilities across the Puget Sound issued a statement fully supporting the decision by many health care organizations in our region to require masking in their facilities to decrease the ongoing risk of COVID-19. Click here to read the statement and for further details.
Free rapid COVID-19 self-tests are still available
If you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to get tested right away, even if you're vaccinated. Now is a good time to stock up on free at-home rapid tests, while supplies are still available and covered by insurance.
You can still request tests from:
- Washington State Department of Health: www.sayyescovidhometest.org. Be mindful that this program will end on May 11th.
- Insurance providers are required to cover the cost of eight at-home tests per covered member per month, through May 11th.
COVID-19
People are still getting ill with COVID strains so 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.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
World TB Day 2023 is a reminder that TB is a global and local problem – Public Health Insider
Should You Get Another Covid Booster? – The New York Times
UW study investigates how ‘vaccine shopping’ impacts rollout during pandemic – UW News
End of COVID emergency will usher in changes across the US health system – The Seattle Times
Women were already unequal in the world of global health. The pandemic made it worse – NPR
COVID’s still out there. Here’s what to do if you get it now – The Seattle Times
Pushback grows over mental health impacts of social media – AXIOS
Yes, a drug-resistant fungus is spreading in U.S. health care facilities – King 5
Millions of People Living with HIV Are Alive, Thanks to a 20-Year Public Health Effort – Scientific American
Some Washington hospitals will continue to require masks after state mandate drops in April – KUOW
WHO Vaccine Advisory Group Endorses Another COVID-19 Booster Shot at 6 Months for Some – US News
Rising Rate of Drug Shortages Is Framed as a National Security Threat – The New York Times
 Transgender Day of Visibility
 We recognize today as Transgender Day of Visibility. To celebrate this holiday, we focus our intentions on honoring the resiliency of the transgender community through decades of activism, courage, and hardship. It is because of the trailblazing work of so many transgender activists that transgender individuals have the bravery to live their lives authentically. Click here to read a proclamation on today as Transgender Day of Visibility from the White House and read a statement from President Joe Biden here. In light of recent action in the legislatures of several states across the country banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth and forcing transgender youth to de-transition, recognition and activism remain of paramount importance as the right of transgender individuals to live freely and peacefully continues to be challenged by the intolerant.
A new look for King County’s website
Tomorrow, King County will begin the launch of its new public website, kingcounty.gov. When visitors view the website, they will be greeted by an all-new homepage and department webpages will have a more modern aesthetic. The new site is intended to be more navigable and user-friendly and will be supported by a much-needed platform update. The launch process should be complete by April 3rd, and while the launch isunderway, site visitors may experience occasional errors and certain features may be unavailable. Your patience with these changes will be greatly appreciated.
My interview with KCTV
 In celebration of Women’s History Month, I was interviewed by King County TV. I discussed why more women should be involved in elected positions and how women can shape public policy. Click here to watch the short interview.
King County Elections’ 2022 report
 King County Elections has published a report for 2022’s elections and its many accomplishments. KCE worked to improve education and communication about signatures and voting, created and published signature challenge data dashboard and interactive maps, implemented anti- bias training for signature verification staff, mailed nearly 250,000 signature update forms to voters to help avoid future challenges, launched text and email ballot alerts, advocated for language access, helped incarcerated voters make their voices heard, and much more. Click here to view the report.
Participate on an international survey on King County Metro’s bus service
 Sixteen transit agencies from around the world, including King County Metro, are conducting a customer survey. These agencies will compare the results of the surveys to learn from each other and work toward providing the best possible service. The survey is open through Sunday, April 30th – take the survey here.
An update on emergency response services
King County 911 has been working hard to deliver seamless updates to our emergency response systems as we know it. 911’s first-of-its-kind implementation of real-time text-to-911 services have been installed in 911 call centers, configuration meetings have been held, and King County 911 is continuing to work through integration issues with the State 911 provider. 911 is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to aid the call taker in recognizing and diagnosing caller emergencies and states of mind more quickly and efficiently. Click here to read more on these updates.
KCLS named finalist for 2023 National Medal for Library Service
 The King County Library System has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. This honor is bestowed by the Institute for Museum and Library Services in Washington DC. The winners of the award will be announced in May. Click here to read KCLS’ full announcement.
Pet of the Week
 JC is 6-year-old Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd who is gentle, loving, and likes to take things slow. She is looking for a family who understands she might take some time to warm up, and when she does, she will be the most devoted friend! Click here to meet her, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes!
 Sound Transit Board identified preferred alternative for Ballard Link Extension
 At last week’s Sound Transit Board of Directors meeting, the Board identified a preferred alternative for the Ballard Link Extension. During the meeting, the Board weighed community priorities, regional needs, input from agencies and the City of Seattle. This preferred alternative is not a final decision but rather shows a preference among all presented alternatives. Read more about the Board’s action in this press release.
Sound Transit Board votes against light rail stop in Seattle's CID
 With a majority vote, the Sound Transit Board adopted a proposal from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and King County Executive Dow Constantine to build stations north and south of the Chinatown-International District, as opposed to Fourth Avenue. A final decision on the station’s location is still far off as Sound Transit staff will conduct an analysis of each proposed site before the Board votes on the final location. Click here to read more details.
ICHS receives King County funds to expand youth led behavioral health services
International Community Health Services has been awarded funds by King County and Ballmer Group to expand ICHS’ school-based health centers’ culturally responsive mental health services. With these funds, ICHS plans to implement a new youth program to dispel stigma around mental health and engage student leaders in promoting healthy behaviors. Click here to read more about ICHS and its new planned program.
University of Washington to assess air quality on King County Metro
 The University of Washington will be conducting a study on Metro, Sound Transit and other area transit agencies to assess air quality on transit. Drug incidents on Metro are not common, but Metro’s goal continues to be zero across all figures. The study aims to gather data on air flow and whether substances linger when an incident does happen. The information found in this study will help inform cleaning protocols, filters, improvements to air flow, all in support of employee and rider health. Click here to learn more about this study and read coverage from The Seattle Times here.
Comment on PSRC Public Participation Plan
 The Puget Sound Regional Council is looking for public comment on its draft Public Participation Plan. The draft focuses on enhancing equity, updated goals, desired outcomes, guiding principles, as well as new techniques and tools for engagement. Click here for more information and instructions on how to comment – the comment period will run through May 8th.
 Gift Cards for Guns
 Our hearts are with the families of the students and teachers who lost their lives tragically and senselessly in the violent shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville earlier this week. With a seemingly infinite cycle of gun-related stories of violence within the news, it is a sickening shame that our communities have become so desensitized to the violence which continues to tear apart families and communities. For decades, it has been high time that measures to combat gun violence were instituted. I strongly believe our state and federal government must make it a priority to mitigate these instances of violence and ban assault rifles. Hopefully our Legislature is poised to pass legislation to do so. Click here to read more on banning assault weapons in Washington in this article from The Seattle Times.
I am pleased that the King County Sheriff’s Office is taking steps toward having fewer guns in our communities. Tomorrow, April 1st, the King County Sheriff’s Office will host its first Gift Cards for Guns event, where you may anonymously trade in your firearms for up to $300 per firearm. The program aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation and promote public health and safety. The drive-thru event will occur at the King County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Precinct, located in Burien. Click here to learn more.
Day of Remembrance
 On Tuesday, April 4th at 5:30 p.m., join the Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee at Holgate Street Church of Christ for a “Day of Remembrance,” recognizing the 55th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. This event will include entertainment, a social hour, and a keynote address from Bishop Reginald Witherspoon Sr.
Community Health and Resource Fair
 In partnership with the Northwest African American Museum, Public Health - Seattle and King County, will host a Community Health and Resource Fair at the Northwest African American Museum on Saturday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends for an informational and fun day at the Northwest African American Museum.
Save the date: 3rd Annual MMIWP & Families March
On Saturday, May 6th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., march from Westlake Park to Seattle Center to bring continued awareness to the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people and the perpetuation of colonial, gender-based violence across the United States and Canada. Join the grassroots organization MMIWP Families in voicing their mission of raising consciousness, uniting, and demanding action for Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, LGBTQQIA people, men, and boys who have been murdered or gone missing, tortured, raped, trafficked, and assaulted. Click here for more information on the event.
Please email roxanne@mmiwpfamilies.org with any questions or if you are an MMIWP family planning to attend the event.
King County’s Conference on Substance Use Disorders
 Public Health – Seattle & King County will co-host King County’s 3rd Annual Conference on Substance Use Disorders in person on May 11th, along with the King County Recovery Coalition, the King County Council, and the King County Department of Community and Human Services. Spearheaded by Councilmember Reagan Dunn, this event will provide for the community to come together to better understand how to meet people where they are at on their journey to recovery.
The event is free to the public and will take place at Bellevue College. Although you are encouraged to attend and participate safely in person, the conference will be conducted in a hybrid manner. Click here to reserve your spot!
Waterfront Park events
 With the sun shining and flowers blooming in the springtime, Waterfront Park is preparing to host tons of free events, live music, fitness classes, and more, beginning in May. Mark your calendars for the events listed on the flyer above and visit this website to learn more.
 Work Party at Ballard Corners Park
 Tomorrow, April 1st from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., join Groundswell Northwest at Ballard Corners Park (17th Ave NW & NW 63rd St.) for volunteer landscaping. Get your hands dirty with weeding, grooming plants, cleaning up debris, and spreading wood chip mulch. Some tools will be provided, but bring gloves, a weeding tool, a pair of pruners, and a bucket if you have them. I am quite pleased that Groundswell Northwest has taken on this project and is working with the community to maintain the beautiful landscape. This beautifying project is of special importance to me, as I secured funding to create Ballard Corners Park in the State Capital budget nearly 20 years ago.
If you have any questions, please contact David Folweiler at david@folweiler.com
 Community representative and influencer for farmers markets’ promotion
Public Health — Seattle & King County is recruiting community representatives to promote the awareness and use of SNAP and SNAP Market Match at farmers markets in South King County. The community representatives will work with PHSKC to share digital information among their communities about using SNAP and SNAP Market Match at farmers markets. Up to 10 community representatives will be recruited. Click hereto learn more and apply before April 5th.
SOPARC Observation Tool Pilot Request for Applications
Public Health — Seattle & King County is piloting the use of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities observation tool to gather information about how selected parks are used by the public. Results from this pilot will provide valuable information about park use that can inform more equitable programmatic and policy decisions. Furthermore, this pilot will help to better understand how the SOPARC observation tool can be used to assess various types of recreational spaces and facilities in King County. Click here to learn more and apply before April 14th.
Bicycle Safety Mini Grants Request for Applications
Public Health — Seattle & King County aims to increase bicycle safety among residents of King County. Coalitions, non-profits, schools, businesses, and other groups are encouraged to apply for three $10,000 mini grants to foster bicycle safety among typically underrepresented and underserved communities that may also have financial or other barriers to biking or safe biking. The priority is to fund education or outreach projects or programs. Click here to learn more and apply before April 17th.
 Strangers sent Redmond man hundreds of cards for his 90th birthday
 In January, Lynn Colwell posted a request in a Redmond community Facebook group that her husband Steve Colwell’s 90th birthday was approaching, and she wished to gift him with as many cards as possible from around the world. Without Steve’s knowledge, Redmond residents had made plans to send cards under Lynn’s Facebook posts. Dozens upon dozens of cards flooded the couple’s mailbox, and although the couple contracted COVID-19 just before Steve’s birthday on February 15thand could not host his birthday party, he is still opening up cards to this day. Click here to read more about Steve’s birthday surprise in an article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
WA’s homeless population is increasing, new HUD report shows – The Seattle Times
WA jails have among the highest death rates in the U.S. A new law to explain why isn’t working. – The Seattle Times
One year later, where do Seattle, King County homelessness promises stand? – The Seattle Times
Washington Supreme Court rules capital gains tax is constitutional – Crosscut
Crisis Care Centers Levy: $1.25 billion of good medicine or bad policy? – The Seattle Times
REPORT - King County Solid Waste Division 2022 Annual Report – King County Clerk’s Office
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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