Quote of the Week
“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living, 1960
 Regional Policy Committee
During Monday’s special meeting, votes were taken on amendments for the VSHSL (Veterans, Seniors, Human Services) levy renewal ordinance for the August 1st ballot. My amendment was adopted to broaden the levy to assist seniors in need who may have to reside in a place other than their own home, such as long-term care facilities. The amendment would also provide the option to create a no-interest loan for non-profit organizations to install HVAC systems to assist low-income seniors during extreme temperatures. The ordinance will next be taken up by the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee on April 17th. For more information on this meeting and to watch a recording, click here.
Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
During its Tuesday meeting, the committee received a briefing on reimagining public safety and took action to approve several of the Executive’s appointments. For more information on this meeting and to watch a recording, click here.
Full Council
At its Tuesday meeting, the Council presented a recognition to the Garfield High School boys and girls basketball teams for excellence in winning the WIAA 3A State Championships.
The Council also voted to approve a contract through proposed substitute ordinance 2023-0439 with South Correctional Entity (SCORE), a multi-jurisdictional jail in Des Moines, to relieve pressure from significant staffing shortages in the downtown King County Jail and Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
I worked with Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Girmay Zahilay through amendments to improve oversight mechanisms, transparency through regular reports and stakeholder engagement, and areas in which SCORE must be aligned with DAJD practices and policies. Thankfully, those amendments were adopted.
But even with those amendments improving the contract, I still voted no because I do not think that it’s a good use of resources to invest in solutions that don’t get to the heart of the issue. The Executive Office let us know that moving 60 people to SCORE will not fix our staffing challenges, so while this may be a short relief for the department, the real work is still before us.
Councilmember Dembowski and I introduced a motion, 2023-0160, as well that requests the Executive to review the pilots and programs we’ve tried over the years and suggest a plan that includes financial information to reduce our jail population. That’s the work that stands before us now – how to build a system of public safety that works for the community as well as provides safety and needed services for those incarcerated. Read more about this vote here.
Lastly, the Council took action on an ordinance concerning an agreement with the Public Safety Employees Union representing Communications Specialists Supervisors employees in the King County Sheriff's Office. For more information on this meeting and to watch a recording, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
At Wednesday’s meeting, a briefing was provided on the proposed 2024 sewer rate and capacity charge. The committee also took action on a resolution concerning the Regional Water Quality Committee work program for 2023 and on a motion acknowledging the receipt of a report evaluating the presence of toxics in the effluent of treatment plants. For more information on this meeting and to watch a recording, click here.
 Public Health Week 2023
 King County Executive Dow Constantine issued a proclamation of April 3rd – 9th as Public Health Week in King County. This proclamation recognizes the several public health challenges in King County, the dedication of public health professionals in preventing illness and spreading information and education, and the importance of public health activities in improving quality of life. Click here to learn more about how King County is celebrating this week.
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.
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.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
Crisis centers would alleviate overcrowding, shorten wait for those in a mental health crisis – King 5
Washington's final mask mandate ends Monday. But guidance has been fuzzy – KUOW
Latinos in Washington Likely Suffering Silently from Long COVID – South Seattle Emerald
King County announces opening of new school-based health center in Burien – Westside Seattle
Millions on Medicaid May Soon Lose Coverage as Pandemic Protections Expire – The New York Times
L.A. County ends COVID-19 emergency, a milestone as case rate falls to 20-month low – The Seattle Times
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Tied to Eyedrops Can Spread Person to Person – The New York Times
FDA to okay second omicron-targeting booster for some, officials say – The Washington Post
J&J offers $8.9 billion to settle talc cancer claims – Axios
Public Health's WIC & First Steps teams at Greenbridge – Public Health – Seattle & King County
Free health care clinic to aid Washingtonians who can’t afford healthcare – My Northwest
Reproductive & sexual health services for teens – Public Health – Seattle & King County
Public Health-Seattle and King County and Black Providers Network Address “Racism As A Public Health Crisis – The Seattle Medium
 King County’s new website rollout
Unfortunately, the King County, Washington - Government website update experienced some unexpected issues during its rollout over the weekend. To ensure that resources and information from King County are still accessible, the previous version of the website has been restored temporarily. IT is working diligently to address the issues!
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service
 This year, as in all my years on the Council, I will have the pleasure of awarding the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service to a member of our community in June. This medal is awarded to an individual or organization whose work answers the question famously asked by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “What are you doing for others?”
Recipients of this award act selflessly, guide and provide for those who are in need, take initiative in solving problems that affect those around them, and exemplify what it means to be a leader in the community. If you believe that an individual or organization preferably in District 4 (roughly Belltown northwest to 145th and I-5 to the Sound) is deserving of this award, please complete this form. Nominees must either live or work in King County. Click here to submit a nomination by Friday, April 21st at 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact District 4 Chief of Staff, Adam Cooper at Adam.cooper@kingcounty.gov.
Metro receives national recognition for ‘first of its kind’ battery-bus software
 Foundry’s CIO, a national publication that focuses on the use of technology in business, is recognizing King County Metro’s ZE (zero-emissions) Change Management Technology, which is the first of its kind in North America. This technology combines public transit operations data with EV charging and battery-use data, as well as external variables that can impact performance. This novel program is able to track where errors originate and overall fleet performance. Click here to read more.
King County Elections to Host Virtual Workshops for Candidates on How to Run for Office
 If you are interested in running for elected office but would like help on where to get started, King County Elections can help. King County Elections will host four virtual workshops during April for those interested in running for office. The workshops will cover how to file for office, key deadlines, submitting the local voters’ pamphlet statement, voter lists, and much more. Please see the dates below for available workshops.
To find other resources available for candidates, visit the KCE website.
King County Prosecuting Attorney creates two new divisions on economic crimes and wage theft and on gender-based violence and prevention and a specialized unit for gun violence protection
In January, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion announced some of the first policy and practice changes of her administration, which included the creation of a specialized unit dedicated to gun violence prevention and the creation of two new divisions: an Economic Crimes and Wage Theft Division and a division focused on gender-based violence and prevention, including rape cases, sexual assaults and domestic violence. On March 24th, Manion announced Patrick Hinds as the Chief of the Economic Crimes and Wage Theft Division. I am looking forward to his contributions within his new position and look forward to the success of these new divisions as they grow. If you missed the Prosecuting Attorney’s announcement about the new divisions and other positions, click here to read more.
A successful Gift Cards for Guns event
 Over the weekend, the King County Sheriff’s office held its inaugural Gift Cards for Guns event. In total, KCSO received 287 firearms, approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and distributed over $36,000 in gift cards to community members. This is very pleasant news as a first step in minimizing firearms in our community. I was pleased to have cosponsored the enabling legislation for this program last summer with Councilmember Rod Dembowski. Click here to learn more.
Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Open House
The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy has begun hosting a series of in-person Open Houses across King County for community members to learn more about VSHSL-funded services for their community. The first open house took place yesterday, April 5th, but the open house events will continue throughout June. Click here to view the open house calendar. If you cannot attend any of the in-person open houses, a single virtual open house will take place on Thursday, May 4th. The Council will be voting soon to place the renewal ordinance on the August ballot.
Limited Edition, Artist Designed ORCA Cards Now Available
 Limited edition ORCA cards in celebration of the RapidRide Expansion Program will soon be distributed at community events and made available at the King Street Center Pass Sales Office throughout 2023. The designs were created by emerging artists, Jovita Mercado, Yasiman Ahsani, and Rey Daoed, each of whom tied together the diverse histories, peoples and cultures defining the new RapidRide H Line into their work. Click here to learn more about these limited edition cards and the exceptional artists who designed them.
Pet of the Week
 Dzec is one year old Siberian Husky who is gentle, loving, and does well with other dogs. He independent and shy and is looking for a family who will be consistent with him and socialize him with people and other animals! Click here to meet him, and to see tons of other animals looking for their forever homes!
 Remembering Elijah Lewis, a community activist
On Saturday, Elijah Lewis was taking his nephew to a monster truck rally at Lumen Field to celebrate his birthday when they were both injured in a shooting in Capitol Hill. Lewis later died at Harborview Medical Center from his injuries. He was 23. Lewis was an entrepreneur, community activist, and was deeply devoted to Seattle’s Central District and the South End. Lewis had a gift for inspiring those around him with his words and actions, speaking eloquently and passionately in front of thousands from the age of 18. Elijah Lewis was a bright and determined young man with so much wisdom and passion to share. We join his family and our community in mourning his tragic passing. Read more about Elijah Lewis’ life and legacy in this story from The Seattle Times. Once again, I am urging our state legislature to take a stand and set measures to combat gun violence and regulate firearms. We cannot afford to lose beautiful and bright people like Elijah to the seemingly infinite cycle of gun-related crime and violence.
Congratulations to Councilmember Balducci
In 2017, Councilmember Balducci created a regional task force to help King County research our housing crisis. Since then, she has worked effectively to advocate for the policy changes and investments at the state and local levels to preserve affordable housing units.
In light of all of her efforts and determination, I am very pleased that last week, members of the Housing Development Consortium named her the Public Sector Champion Awardee for 2023, in recognition of her diligence as a leader in creating more affordable housing in the Puget Sound region. Click here to read more.
Animal care stories from the Seattle Aquarium
 The Seattle Aquarium’s Animal Care Center will be the future home for the aquarium’s work in recovering endangered marine species, research microplastics pollution and help rehabilitate stranded sea turtles. The aquarium has prepared a new video series, Animal Care Stories, that will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the future residents of the Animal Care Center. Click here to watch the series.
 The power of pets: How animals affect human health
 On Monday, April 10th at 1:00 p.m., the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will host a free public event on the effects of animal companions on human’s physical and mental well-being. Speakers will include Harvard University professor Beth Frates and Tufts University professor Megan Mueller. For those unable to attend, an on-demand video will be posted after the event. Click here to register for free and submit your questions.
April events at the Northwest African American Museum
 There are several free events that will be hosted by the Northwest African American Museum this month, which can be viewed here. Among the events is a moderated discussion with artist Vincent Keele, a community health resource fair, an interactive story time, and a discussion with #1 New York Time Bestselling author, Clint Smith about his latest book Above Ground. To kick off National Poetry Month, The Seattle Times interviewed Smith about poetry, love, parenthood, and more. Click here to read the interview.
Seattle/King County Clinic
 The Seattle/King County Clinic is returning to Seattle Center April 27th – 30th. After years of unmet need, about 3,000 patients are expected to attend to seek free medical, dental, and vision care from across the state. All are welcome regardless of income, insurance, housing or immigration status, and interpreters will be available. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. See the flyer above or click here for more information.
To meet the demand of servicing so many patients in need, volunteers are needed to perform dental, medical, vision, and general support. See the flyer below or click here for more information and a link to sign up.
 PhinneyWood Garage Sale Day & Recycling Event
 Mark your calendars for the PhinneyWood Garage Sale Day & Recycling Event on Saturday, May 20th from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Explore vendors and connect with your neighbors during this fun community event. Also on May 20th, you are invited to visit the Phinney Center to drop off recyclables for its free recycling and paper shredding services. Click here to learn more.
 Career Pathways for Youth Affected by Gun Violence
 This opportunity is funded with $1 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to support a gun violence prevention grant program in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, as violent crime and gun violence are both public health challenges which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. King County seeks to fund community-focused violence deterrence/intervention programs for youth ages 12-28 who have been directly or indirectly affected by gun violence. Click here for more information and apply before Friday, April 21st.
If you have any further questions, please contact Andrew Larson at alarson@kingcounty.gov.
Cannabis, Tobacco, and Vaping Prevention Community Grants
This grant opportunity will fund organizations that work with youth or with the adults who influence and care about them. Funded organizations will work directly with youth and/or influential adults to assess, plan, and implement projects that address the factors that affect youth cannabis, tobacco, and vapor use in their communities. Click here for more information and apply before Friday, April 28th.
If you have any further questions, please contact Phil Thompson at PhiThompson@kingcounty.gov.
 The legacy of Remo Borracchini, owner of beloved Seattle bakery Borracchini’s
 Remo Borracchini, of Borracchini’s Bakery in Seattle’s Rainier Valley, died last month at the age of 92. The bakery was founded by his parents in 1921 and stayed open for a remarkable 99 years before closing during the pandemic.
Remo’s entire life was lived between Borracchini’s Bakery and where he was born, eight blocks away. Remo began working at the bakery at the age of eight and was known to skip school often to bake bread with his parents. In an interview in 2002, Remo expressed how much he enjoyed the area and how much he loved the life he lived. According to his daughter, he wanted nothing more in life than to keep the bakery running in honor of his parents. Today, Remo is remembered not only for serving Seattle with the finest Italian fluffy-cream-frosted sheet cakes, but as a figure of the Seattle community, a generous businessman. Click here to read more about Remo’s story.
Helpful and informative links
Annual Report on King County Metro Fare Enforcement & Fare Violation Programs – King County Clerk’s Office
Report: Impact of Redlining and Racist Real Estate Practices on King County Residents - Wastewater Capacity – King County Clerk’s Office
King County Commits Millions to Make Jail Slightly Less Crowded – The Stranger
100+ Women Who Care raise $100,000 for South King County nonprofits – The Courier-Herald
King County prosecutors to tackle sexual assault backlog, economic crimes – The Seattle Times
Third Avenue Project seeks to quell disorder downtown – 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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