Happy Syttende Mai, (Wednesday), my proposed cashless business ordinance on May 23rd, April Special Election results, and much more.

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May 19, 2023

I celebrated Syttende Mai at the annual parade and rode in a car with Eric Nelson, CEO of the National Nordic Museum. I also enjoyed the Syttende Mai luncheon, where I’m pictured here with the Norwegian Honorary Consul Viggo Forde, Grand Marshal and Consul General Gry Rabe Henriksen, and Eric Nelson.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Wednesday, I joined the Norwegian community in celebrating Syttende Mai at the National Nordic Museum, where I led a toast to His Majesty King Herald V of Norway during the 17^th of May Luncheon. In the evening, I rode in the Syttende Mai Parade through Ballard with Eric Nelson, CEO of the National Nordic Museum. This parade is recognized as the largest Syttende Mai celebration outside of Norway! I feel incredibly honored by my Norwegian heritage, which allows me to feel a deep connection to the annual celebration.

My grandfather, Torger Sinness, was a 13-year-old Norwegian immigrant whose parents sent him off to travel by himself on a ship to New York near the turn of the 20th century, as his family could not afford to support all their children during the potato famine. He created a life in the United States, married my grandmother, Isabel Sheldon, in North Dakota in 1906 and died in Los Angeles in 1960.

My grandfather, Torger Sinness

His strength in his pursuit of a new life at such a young age is an inspiration to me, as is the resilience of all immigrants who leave behind loved ones, familiar places, and comfortability in the search of a better life. I have visited his family home along a fjord northwest of Trondheim, as well as the cemetery where his parents were married and buried – in separate areas of the cemetery as they did not like each other and didn’t want to be buried next to each other. It was a very special experience to have been able to visit a place that was significant to my family’s heritage and history. It also reflects my appreciation of my representing Ballard, the center of Nordic culture in the Northwest, for a long time while serving in the state Senate and currently on the King County Council.

There is much to look forward to in this week’s enews. Here’s a peek at what’s included:

• This Week at the King County Council
  • Syttende Mai in King County
  • Police Week in King County
• Next Week at the King County Council
• Public Health Updates
  • Warm weather, cold water
  • Options for Apple Health clients
• News from King County
  • Proposed cashless business legislation op-ed PDF available
  • Metro’s Pass Sales Office is open
  • Youth Conservation Corps returns this summer
  • Candidate filing week
• Other News of Interest
  • Call for art
• Upcoming Events
  • Bike Everywhere Day
  • Archeology Workshop
  • Wear Orange
• A Moment of Inspiration
  • Cambodian refugee uses P-Patch community garden to grow herbs that remind her of home

As always, I would like to hear from you. You can call me at 206-477-1004 or reach me by email at jeanne.kohl-welles@kingcounty.gov.  

All the best and I hope you are staying safe.

Quote of the Week

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Committee received several briefings, including some concerning information from the Metro General Manager, fare-free transit, green jobs strategy, proposed changes on the Conservation Futures Tax, and the establishment of the Forest Carbon Program. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.

Full Council

The King County Council presented a recognition of Syttende Mai, or Norwegian Constitution Day, to Viggo Forde, Honorary Consul of Norway in the Pacific Northwest; Mari-Ann Kind Jackson, 17th of May Seattle Committee Member & National Nordic Museum Volunteer/Docent; and Sheila Stickel, External Relations Director of the National Nordic Museum.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Council also presented a proclamation led by Councilmember Reagan Dunn of May 14^th – 20^th as Police Week in King County, and I led the recognition of Syttende Mai or 17^th of May, which is Norwegian Constitution Day. The Council also took action on several of the Executive’s reappointments as well as on a motion sponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski and me requesting the Executive to evaluate programs to reduce the average daily population in King County adult secure detention facilities and provide funding recommendations. Finally, the Council passed a seven-month moratorium, led by Councilmember Sarah Perry, on subdivisions in the residential zone of the rural town of Fall City that involves a concurrent work plan and study requirements tied to the current on-going subarea plan. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here

Employment and Administration Committee

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Committee received an update from our Chief of Staff and took action on a motion to approve the job descriptions for positions within the office of public complaints/tax advisor. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.

Committee of the Whole

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Committee, which I chair, received several briefings, including on the King County Sheriff’s Office Gun Buy Back Program and event results; King County’s overdose trends, treatment, and response; as well as an on COVID-related revenue and effects on our economy. The Committee also took action on a motion acknowledging the receipt of the Safe Vehicle Parking Program Report, as well as a on separate motion confirming an appointment to the 4Culture Board. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.

Regional Transportation Committee

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Committee received briefings on Metro’s capital toolkit for partners and on innovative and flexible mobility services. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.

Board of Health

At Thursday’s meeting, the Board received briefings on the state legislative session, on the power of co-creation in addressing racism as a public health crisis, and on a public health approach to regional gun violence. The Board also took action on a resolution recognizing June 2^nd as Regional Community Safety and Wellbeing Day, as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and recognizing the work of Public Health - Seattle & King County and its regional partners in reducing firearm violence and injury in our county. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.

Local Services and Land Use Committee Meeting

Next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., the Committee will receive an Agricultural Commission briefing and may take action on a motion authorizing the King County Executive to accept a donation of $1,080,000 towards the purchase price of a conservation easement on Evans creek in unincorporated King County. The Committee will also deliberate and take possible action on my proposed cashless business ban ordinance, prohibiting retailers in unincorporated King County from refusing to accept cash payments. Lastly, the Committee will likely take action on an ordinance relating to the permit review processes as well as on a motion proposing an honorary road name designation in recognition of Northwood Middle School. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.

Full Council

Next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the Council will present proclamations of May 2023 as both Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and as Treatment Court Month in King County. The Council will likely take action on an ordinance related to translated voting materials, as well as on several ordinances related to collective bargaining. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.

Budget and Fiscal Management Committee

Next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., the Committee will receive a briefing on the University of Washington Wage Study. The Committee will also possibly take action on ordinances authorizing the issuance of limited tax general obligation bonds of the county, making a net supplemental appropriation of $9,164,000 to the wastewater treatment division, and an ordinance relating to rates and charges for sewage treatment and disposal. Lastly, the Committee may take action on an ordinance making supplemental appropriations to various general and non-general fund agencies, as well as an appropriation from various capital fund budgets. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.

We’re ready for warmer weather – but out bodies might not be

Even though we’ve been waiting for warmer weather for weeks, our bodies may be more sensitive to heat when they haven’t had a chance to adjust to warmer temperatures. And much like this past weekend, when it becomes warm in our region, people flock to rivers and lakes. However, it is important to be aware that the shock from unexpectedly cold water can lead to accidental drowning. Click here to learn more in an article from the Public Health Insider. Be sure to enjoy the warm weather safely!

Also, last weekend’s heatwave and maintained high temperatures remind us that many of our region’s homes and businesses are not well equipped more extreme summers. Find places to cool off and ways to stay safe in the hot weather here.

Beginning June 1^st, many King County residents enrolled in Medicaid at risk of losing health insurance

As the COVID pandemic measures have wound down, many Apple Health clients must either confirm eligibility for Apple Health or enroll in alternative insurance options. King County offers free support for those who need assistance with re-enrollment or to enroll in alternative insurance options. Click here to learn about these services and resources.

COVID

Although the national emergency has been closed and several other emergency measures have been wound down, please continue to exercise caution throughout each day to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. To illuminate further safe practices in this new era, see this article from The Seattle Times. 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

Dangerous cookware still for sale despite warnings from King County health experts – KING 5

What most of us think about opioid treatment is wrong, researcher says – The Seattle Times

Public health questions remain as COVID emergency ends – KCTS 9

12,000 people used a national maternal mental health hotline in its first year – AXIOS

Understanding the personal cost of the drug crisis – The Seattle Times

King County leaders discuss rising death toll from drugs and alcohol – KIRO 7

We Must Support People Who Use Substances, Not Punish Them. Here’s How. – PubliCola

Washington to invest $21M in abortion, reproductive health care – Crosscut

How to keep Medicaid Apple Health insurance as policies change – Public Health Insider

New closure and reopening protocols at King County’s lake beaches will better protect public health – Public Health Insider

King County Executive Dow Constantine issues proclamation recognizing May 12^th as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

Executive Constantine issued a proclamation recognizing May 12^th as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, a proclamation which was also issued by the King County Council last week, led by Councilmember Sarah Perry. Child care workers are such necessary actors in the growth, safety, education, and comfort of our kids. As we observed Child Care Provider Appreciation Day on May 12^th, it is important that we continue to express our immense gratitude for the dedication of these patient and passionate workers each day. If you haven’t already, you can read the full proclamation here.

The Best Starts for Kids levy is a major way in which King County has been able to support and thank child care workers. Through the levy, the county has been able to:

• Distribute one-time retention bonus payments to more than 12,000 child care workers across King County.
• Launch the child care subsidy, allowing us to reach more than 1,700 families who otherwise wouldn't be eligible for subsidies.
• Gather information to launch an innovative wage boost project to measure the impact of increasing providers’ wages.

Click here and read the Best Starts’ Blog to learn more.

Youth Conservation Corps returns this summer

This summer, the King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps will run from Monday, July 10^th to Wednesday, August 16^th. This extremely popular program received 190 applications for the 10 available summer positions! The six-week summer internship program is divided into weekly environmental themes, allowing interns to familiarize themselves with the diverse topics and careers in the natural resources and land management fields.

This summer, interns will meet Monday-Wednesday at the TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space at Thurnau Park, and interns will work remotely on independent projects on Thursdays. YCC interns will also work on restoration projects planned at three high-use, urban parks in the Sunset District. And further, King County Parks will partner with guest speakers, and the group will travel together in a passenger van for various projects and field trips. I am quite excited for this program’s return for its third year, as I worked hard to produce and include a proviso in the 2020-2021 budget that helped bring the program back.

Visit the King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps website to learn more about the program.

Metro’s Pass Sales Office

As of Wednesday, Metro’s Pass Sales Office at 201 S Jackson St. is open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you would prefer to get the fare you need remotely, you can visit myORCA.com for Adult, Youth and Senior ORCA cards, Reduced Fare Portal for Regional Reduced Fare Permit, and ORCA LIFT cards. You may also visit myORCA.com to find retail outlets, vending machines and customer service offices. Click here for more information.

Proposed cashless business legislation op-ed PDF available

My proposed cashless business legislation will be before the Local Services and Land Use Committee  next Tuesday, May 23rd at 9:30 a.m. Last week, my op-ed ran in the Seattle Times both online and in print. However, in recognition that not everyone has a Seattle Times subscription, we have made a PDF version available. See it here.

King County Elections and the Seattle Foundation Grant Over $1 Million to Community-Based Organizations

In the 2023-2024 cycle, King County Elections and the Seattle Foundation will provide over $1 million dollars through the Voter Education Fund to 31 community-based organizations. These organizations will use the funding for non-partisan civic engagement and voter education work in historically disenfranchised communities. These funding recipients also receive training and support to build infrastructure around voter registration, education, and get-out-the-vote work in the communities they serve. Click here for more information.

Rider alternatives available for routes suspended

King County Metro recently announced temporary service reductions that will go into effect at the Fall Service Change, on September 2^nd.  These temporary reductions will match Metro’s schedule with current capacity for daily operations, instilling a more reliable schedule for riders, instead of daily cancellation. Information about these rider alternatives can be found on the Metro Matters blog. 

If you are interested, Metro is looking for great candidates who would like to offer top-tier transportation services. Opportunities can be found at kingcounty.gov/MetroCareers.

This week was candidate filing week

This week, all week, has been candidate filing week. Candidates have until 4:00 p.m. (online) and 4:30 p.m. (in-person) today to file for the election. Should candidates decide to withdraw their candidacy, the deadline is Monday, May 22 at 4:30 p.m. As candidate filing week closes, we are looking forward to the next two important dates for this cycle – the primary and general elections, which are on August 1^st and November 7^th, respectively. As a reminder, I am not running for re-election. To learn about candidate filing, resources, important dates, general election information, and more, click here.

Results of the April Special Election

The official election results have been finalized and published by King County Elections. The Crisis Cares Centers Levy was approved by County voters, with 56.66% approval and 43.34% rejection. Out of 54,007 voters in District 4, 38,990 or 72.29% % of voters moved to approve the levy. Thank you, D4 voters! To see the full election results, click here. And click here to try the interactive data set, where you can set filters to find the exact information you’re looking for.

Executive Constantine and Mayor Harrell announce agreement to join national initiative to address homelessness

Yesterday, the Biden-Harris Administration announce the launch of ALL INside, an initiative aimed at addressing homelessness across the country. Through the ALL INside initiative, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness will partner with state and local governments to make local efforts more effective getting unhoused people into homes. The regions involved in the initiative are Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix Metro, Seattle, and the State of California. This initiative is a major component of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, which has set the goal of a 25% decrease in homelessness by 2025. Read the full fact sheet of the new ALL INside initiative here. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and King County Executive Dow Constantine will join the White House's livestream launch event at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday. For more information on the initiative in Seattle, see this article from KOMO News.

Call for Art

There are a few days left to submit your art for Seattle’s Recycled Arts 2023 Juried Art Show. The submission site is open until May 31^st, and all PNW artists are welcome to submit their work. Click here to learn more.

Call for grocery donations

The Queen Anne Helpline, which serves Queen Anne, Magnolia, and South Lake Union, is looking for grocery donations to their food pantry. The pantry’s shelf-stable food is running low, which helps to keep many in the community fed. They are especially in need of protein like peanut butter, canned meat, and beans. QAH is open for donations on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. If those hours are unsuitable to your schedule, contact QAH at elizabethr@queenannehelpline.org to schedule another drop-off time. Sign up here to help stock the pantry.

City Hall Park reopening

Reopen City Hall Park is set to reopen on June 15^th with new programming, safety, and lighting enhancements, 24/7 security, and activities designed to welcome people back to the park, including movie days, jumbo chess board, concerts, food trucks, and more. If you plan to come to the courthouse at any time, be advised that the entrance will shift from 4^th to 3^rd Avenue. Click here to learn more.

Bike Everywhere Day

Today is Bike Everywhere Day. Whether you’re heading to school, work, the grocery store, or your local coffee shop, make the trip on your bike! A bike ride will allow you to create a more direct route, have fun, get your blood flowing and endorphins pumping, and enjoy the great outdoors, all while reducing your carbon footprint. Click here to learn more.

Seattle Bike Bus

Every Wednesday in May, students and families are biking, rolling, and walking to Seattle Public Schools with the Bike Bus! Ride with a group along neighborhood greenways and get free snacks from local Black-owned businesses. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Archeology Workshop at Neely Mansion

Join 4Culture and the Neely Mansion Association for an Archaeology Workshop and learn how archaeologists conduct a dig on the grounds. King County Historic Preservation Program Archaeologist Phil LeTourneau will explain the methods and techniques used in digging for and cataloging found artifacts. To conclude the free event, participants will join a tour of the dig site. If you are interested in this event, you may choose to join any of the three sessions on Friday, May 19, at 12:30 p.m. or Saturday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Space is limited, and reservations are required! To make a reservation, call 253-927-4250.

Family First Community Center Open House

Join the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and other community leaders in attending an open house event for the Family First Community Center. This new resource center aims to provide youth and families in the area with a community center that offers health, wellness, recreational and educational opportunities. The next open house will take place on Tuesday, May 23^rd at 4:00 p.m. Click here for more information on the event and the Family First Community Center. 

Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy open houses

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. Several of these open houses will take place throughout May, in Enumclaw, Auburn, and Seattle – note the one to be held at the Bethaday Community Learning Center on May 24^th and at the Greenwood Senior Center on May 31^st. Click here to view the open house calendar.

Early Support for Infants and Toddlers RFQ

WestEd is requesting applications from professionals, trainers, consultants, community educators, technical assistance providers, ESIT providers, etc. who have a passion for sharing knowledge regarding developmental delays or disabilities impacting infants and toddlers, holding racial equity, disability justice, and family-centered practices as the foundation for learning opportunities, facilitating multidisciplinary spaces, and engaging in deep learning with others in the birth-to-three field. Applications must be submitted before Monday, May 22^nd. Click here for more information and application instructions.

If you have any questions, contact Diana de la Lanza at bsk-wested@wested.org.

Open seat on the Public Defense Advisory Board

Effective July 1^st, there will be an opening for a three-year-term on the Public Defense Advisory Board. The person who fills it is expected to represent an area or issue relevant to public defense and PDAB’s clients, such as mental health, substance use, youth system-involvement, and immigration. For more information on the work of the Public Defense Advisory Board, visit the website. To learn how to submit an application, contact Christina Alburas at calburas@kingcounty.gov.

Cambodian refugee uses P-Patch community garden to grow herbs that remind her of home

Kimli Sieng is a Cambodian refugee who came to Seattle in 1992 after living in refugee camps throughout Thailand and the Phillippines. In Cambodia, her family grew rice and fruit in the countryside in Kompong Thom. Upon arriving in Seattle, Sieng began gardening at Yesler Terrace in 1995 and now grows in her P-Patch community garden at Ho Mai Gardens to cultivate herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and mustard greens that remind her of home. Read more about her story here.

Helpful and informative links

What to know about WA Cares payroll tax as premiums are set to resume – The Seattle Times

The demonization of the homeless has vile consequences – The New York Times 

Gov. Inslee Signs Gun Reform Legislation – South Seattle Emerald

Inslee signs historic bill to address legacy of racist redlining – TAG 24

Regional Homelessness Authority CEO resigns – The Seattle Times

KC Homeless Authority has salaries released after Dones departs – MyNorthwest

Art offers an avenue for healing — the science is clear – 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.