Quote of the Week
“One learns from books and example only that certain things can be done. Actual learning requires that you do those things.”
— Frank Herbert (Author of Dune)
 Local Services and Land Use Committee Meeting
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Committee received an Agricultural Commission briefing and took 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 also engaged in discussion and took action on my proposed cashless business ban ordinance, prohibiting retailers in unincorporated King County from refusing to accept cash payments. The striker, which sets an effective date six months after adoption and clarifies some points, was adopted without recommendation pending some potential amendments. The Council will hopefully take action on it at our June 6th meeting. Lastly, the Committee took 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 or to watch a recording, click here.
Full Council
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Council presented a proclamation of May 2023 as Treatment Court Month in King County. The Council also adopted ordinances related to translated voting materials, as well as collective bargaining.
Additionally, I was pleased to have participated via Zoom as the King County Council had the honor of presenting a proclamation of May 2023 as AANHPI Heritage Month, in celebration of the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders toward our nation’s growth, prosperity, and diversity.
 At its conception, this month was chosen in the U.S. to celebrate AA and NHPI heritage for several reasons, including the recognition of the bravery and resilience of the first Japanese immigrants to settle in the United States in May of 1843, including in our state with their tragic and wrongful incarceration, as well as the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May of 1869, which would not have been possible without the labor of Chinese immigrants – who were both grossly underpaid and given the most difficult and dangerous work on the project.
However, in 2023, we celebrate so much more than these snapshots in history. Each of these communities and their leaders have made and continue to make expansive and indelible contributions to all sectors of our society, including education, professional fields, culture, and heritage, medicine and science, entertainment, and sports within our region, the nation, and across the globe. Our collective experience as a county has been vibrantly enriched by the culture, art, traditions, and values of East, Southeast, and South Asia, the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, and of Native Hawaiian peoples who have served as stewards to the land and custom. During this month and throughout each month to come, let us denounce and resist the persistent racism, harassment, and hate crimes against these communities, including during the Pandemic.
For more information on this meeting or to watch a recording, click here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
At Wednesday’s meeting, the Committee received a briefing on a University of Washington Wage Study. The Committee also took action on several 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, another relating to rates and charges for sewage treatment and disposal, and on 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 or to watch a recording, click here.
 As next week is the fifth week of the month, no formal Council or Committee meetings are scheduled.
 New case of measles in King County
Public Health – Seattle & King County is investigating a confirmed measles case in a child. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. If you don’t have immunity, you can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been.
 Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the public is low. However, anyone who was in the above locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:
- Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up-to-date with the recommended number of measles vaccinations.
- Call a health care provider promptly if you develop an illness with fever or with an unexplained rash. To avoid possibly spreading measles to others, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.
Check with your health care provider for vaccination or medication after exposure in some cases to prevent illness.
For more information about measles and measles vaccination, including where to get measles vaccinations: www.kingcounty.gov/measles
Department of Health unveils free ‘Walk with Ease’ program
 The Washington State Department of Health has released a free walking program called Walk with Ease, available now in both English and Spanish. This self-directed program is designed to help people manage and prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis. Program users can learn to exercise safely with respect to their current circumstances and conditions, stay motivated and accountable, and track their progress.
After registering, participants will begin walking three times per week using their own Walk with Ease guidebook and walking journal. Participants can also use the online portal to sign up for email alerts, access video resources, and log their progress. Learn more about the program and register here.
COVID
The most recent data show the COVID virus still causes one death every four minutes and vaccination rates are continuing to fall. Please continue to exercise caution throughout each day to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. See this article from The Seattle Times to learn more of the latest information and how to stay 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
Fentanyl has devastated King County’s homeless population, and the toll is getting worse – The Seattle Times
Mpox shows risk of a summer return – The Washington Post
The F.D.A.’s Birth Control Decision and Breaking the Medical Monopoly Over Health – The New York Times
New nasal spray to reverse fentanyl and other opioid overdoses gets FDA approval – AP News
King County health officials investigating measles case involving a child – The Seattle Times
King County Public Health changes beach closure, reopening protocols prior to swim season – KOMO News
US study finds 1 in 10 get long COVID after omicron, starts identifying key symptoms – AP News
COVID pill Paxlovid gets full FDA approval after more than a year of emergency use – AP News
How the end of the COVID health emergency affects your Medicare – The Washington Post
 Free Youth Transit Pass
 Washington is the first state in the country where everyone 18 and younger can ride transit completely free. Youth can explore the Sound with all the ease and none of the cost – just simply tap the Youth ORCA card, show a school ID, and board! Visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com to learn more
South King County recycling and transfer station
 On Monday, King County broke ground on a state-of-the-art recycling and transfer station in South King County. The new Algona station will make it easier to recycle, compost yard waste, and dispose of hazardous materials. The station’s green design will include solar panels that will provide nearly half of the energy needed to operate the station, charging stations for electric vehicles, and habitat enhancements. Click here to learn more about the development.
 Happy Memorial Day
 I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend coming up. Please be advised that the King County government offices will be closed on Monday to observe the holiday, and most Metro buses will operate on Sunday schedules. As we head into the long weekend, I hope that you take a moment to be reminded of the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and our safety. Their courage is not forgotten and is beyond revered. Thank you to those who have served, currently serve, and the families of the brave soldiers who we have lost.
Launch of the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action
Yesterday, the White House Gender Policy Council hosted an online launch event which included two roundtable discussions. During the first roundtable, leaders from key federal agencies discussed the role of their agencies in contributing to federal action to advance the goals of the National Plan. During the second roundtable, survivors, advocates, and other leaders, including community-based organizations and private sector organizations, highlighted the importance of mobilizing a whole of society approach to prevent and address gender-based violence. Read more on some of the topics discussed during the event in the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action.
50 Years at CAWP
 The Center for American Women and Politics celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this month with a reception hosted by the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. Officeholders both past and present, scholars, journalists, students, activists, advocacy organizations, and CAWP scholars and staff united to commemorate CAWP’s mission to expand women’s political representation and influence in the United States. Learn more about the event here.
Thanks to the Kraken, the Seattle Center Monorail experiences high levels of ridership
Since the Kraken began to play and quickly turned Seattle into a hockey city, the Seattle Center Monorail has seen better ridership in the first quarter of this year than it has since at least 2009. The monorail is now being celebrated after taking its place as a link between Sound Transit, Metro, and Climate Pledge Arena. Click here to read more.
Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Vets Engaged Program
Awardees have been identified for the VSHSL Vets Engaged Program, which supports community-building networks through social engagement opportunities for veterans and non-veterans living in King County with the intention of reducing isolation while helping bridge the military-civilian divide. Among the awardees was Win with Warriors, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee, Seattle Central College, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and Anthropolicy Culture Brokers LLC. Congratulations to the awardees!
Share your opinions and lived experience on internet access and digital inclusion.
 The State Broadband Office is launching its Internet for All in Washington public involvement plan with listening sessions throughout the state. These events will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about efforts to expand affordable and reliable Internet access, to exchange opinions and lived experiences. This will help inform statewide digital equity plans and future federal investment. Find a listening session here.
Small Budget Production Initiative
 Washington Filmworks has opened the Small Budget Production Initiative, which aims to support emerging Washington filmmakers with early-stage funding commitments and funding assistance. Applications will be accepted through June 1st. Learn more and apply here.
 Summer calendar of community events at Waterfront Park
 Waterfront Park is now hosting “Spotlight on the Waterfront,” where Pier 62 visitors can experience music, dance, art, and cultural performances every Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. May – July. For the calendar of events, click here.
Early Psychosis Awareness for Community Members
 The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle is partnering with Family Peer Navigator and the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine to host presentations with Q&A to engage the community in a conversation about the symptoms of psychosis in the Black community. The next presentation will take place today at 6:00 p.m. and will cover symptoms and early signs of psychosis and what resources are available in your community. Use the QR code on the flyer above to join the meeting.
Post 3063 Day of Service
 On Saturday, May 27th, join Post 3063 at Golden Gardens at 2:00 p.m. for a Day of Service. Pick up litter with the community and then settle in for a barbecue. Sign up here.
Washington Low Income Housing Alliance online presentation
The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance invites you to join a free event on Wednesday, May 31st and celebrate the Alliance’s housing accomplishments during the 2023 legislative session as well as all of the advocacy which made it possible. Click here to learn more and register.
Phinney Neighborhood Market
Join the Phinney neighborhood on Friday afternoons from June 2nd to September 30th at the Phinney Farmers Market. Enjoy in delicious treats, live music, farm-fresh favorites. Click here to learn more.
Wear Orange is June 2nd – 4th
 Every year on the first Friday in June, members of the Wear Orange movement come together to honor survivors of gun violence and demand a future free from firearms.
Wear Orange honors the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed one week after performing at President Obama's 2nd inaugural parade in 2013. Join communities around the country who are calling for an end to gun violence and support National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend from June 2nd – 4th. Find an event near you and share it with your friends and family.
Overdose prevention and response training
 Join Public Health – Seattle & King County on Wednesday, June 7th for a free, online, one-hour training concerning updates on drug trends and including a training in overdose prevention. All are welcome to join the training event – click here to register.
Washington State 9-1-1
 Washington State 9-1-1 Jobs is hosting live recruiting events on Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, June 27th at 10:00 a.m. These sessions begin with an overview of the work, followed by breakout sessions for you to talk directly with recruiters. Join the online event here.
West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails
 On each third Saturday, hike up to three miles with a guide through the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails. These guided hikes are free! The next hike will take place on Saturday, June 17th at 9:30 a.m. Click here to learn more.
Harbor Island Studios open house
 The date for the Harbor Island Studio tour has been moved. Now, on Thursday, June 29th, join King County Executive Dow Constantine, the Executive’s Film Advisory Board, and the Seattle 48 Hour Film Project for a tour of Harbor Island Studios. During the open house, see the new improvements, socialize with filmmakers, and enjoy a screening of three short films and one documentary produced entirely at Harbor Island Studios. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
 KCICN Youth Behavioral Health Summer Program The KCICN Youth Behavioral Health Summer Program RFP focuses on supporting King County Integrated Care Network Behavioral Health providers who serve youth to implement summer activities for youth and families. Many of these activities have costs associated that are not billable to Medicaid, and this program will allow providers to stand up these beneficial activities. The purpose of these funds and the activities they will support is to engage, or keep engaged, youth in mental health and substance use disorder outpatient services. Applications must be submitted before June 5th. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
If you have any questions, please contact DCHScontracts@kingcounty.gov.
Housing and Recovery through Peer Services
This program was developed to reduce homelessness, to support the recovery and resiliency of individuals with behavioral health conditions, and to support the transition from institutional settings, in particular inpatient behavioral healthcare settings, into housing. Through HARPS, Certified Peer Counselors provide housing support services and Housing Bridge Subsidy as participants transition from inpatient behavioral health care settings into housing. Applications must be submitted before June 16th. Click here for more information and a link to the application. If you have any questions, please contact DCHScontracts@kingcounty.gov.
 Community Engagement Specialist
The Office of Law Enforcement Oversight is looking for a community connecter that has a heart to see their community voices be recognized. Desired applicants will have strong experience in supporting and participating in inclusive engagement planning processes and collaboration with culturally diverse King County audiences on complex topics. Applications must be submitted before June 9th. For more information and a link to the application, click here.
If you have any questions, please contact Arlecier West at Arlecier.west@kingcounty.gov.
Crisis Solutions Center – Project Manager
The Downtown Emergency Service Center is looking for a Project Manager who will be responsible for overseeing the establishment of collaborative and engaging connections with Police, Fire/Medics, DCRs, Emergency Room staff, and the Crisis Connections. The Project Manager will at times be responsible for providing clinical and psychosocial assessments in the field and mental health evaluations to determine least restrictive alternatives to ITA. This position will remain open until filled. For more information and a link to the application, click here.
If you have any questions, please contact info@desc.org.
 Seattle-area scuba diving groups clean up seafloor beneath Edmonds Pier
 An annual spring cleanup, started by the Emerald Sea Dive Club almost 20 years ago, is now a group effort with the collaboration of several scuba diving organizations. Earlier this month, scuba divers ventured into the cold water below Edmonds Pier to remove debris from a set of artificial reefs which fish use for shelter, collecting plastics, fishing line, and other small items. The cleanup includes a morning dive where 12 divers clean debris beneath the southern half of the pier, and an afternoon dive where six divers cover the northern half. Altogether, more than 100 pounds of waste has been collected from the cleanup, with much of it being reclaimed by local fishers. Read more about this project in this article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
Storm co-owner's Interbay property to host region's first safe parking lot for RVs – Puget Sound Business Journal
A cashless society: what are the pros and cons? – Unbiased
As cashless stores grow, so does the backlash – The Seattle Times
What's your 2 cents on DECC going cashless? – Duluth News Tribune
White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and California – AP News
King County earns national Achievement Award for Council-backed ‘Don’t Count Us Out’ substance use disorder, recovery stigma reduction campaign (I am quoted) – King County
Renew regional commitment to preventing homelessness – 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.
|
