Quote of the Week
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
– Desmond Tutu, 2010
 As this week was the fifth week of the month, no scheduled Council or Committee meetings took place.
 Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will be briefed on the Anti Hate and Bias Coalition and Office of Equity and Social Justice Mid-Point Report. The Committee will also likely take action on an Executive appointment. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 1:30 p.m., I will join my fellow Councilmembers Reichbauer and Perry in presenting the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Medal of Service Awards to hard working members in our districts. The remaining district awards will be presented on June 13th. We also will present a proclamation of June 2023 as LGBTQ Pride Month in King County. The Council will take possible action on several ordinances, concerning a supplemental appropriation to various general fund agencies; the issuance of limited tax general obligation bonds of the county; my proposed legislation prohibiting retailers in unincorporated King County from refusing to accept payment in cash; and the approval of a memorandum of agreement negotiated by and between King County and Professional and Technical Employees. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Government Accountability and Overnight Committee
At next Wednesday’s special meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will be briefed on a combined compensation request from the Department of Human Resources. The Committee will also take possible action on an ordinance relating to the King County office of public complaints, an ordinance concerning the authorizing of a provision of radio communication services to external agencies, an ordinance relating to regional animal care and control services, and on a motion to confirm an Executive appointment. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 3:00 p.m., the committee will hear reports from the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee and the Wastewater Treatment Division, and briefings concerning Wastewater Governance, Long Term Capital Improvement Investments, and Federal Funding Opportunities. Lastly, the Committee will conduct a monthly review of its 2023 Work Program. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
 Mental Health Awareness Month
 May was Mental Health Awareness Month. We know that the tobacco and vaping industries make a great effort to market their products as a “solution” to stress. But did you know that vaping nicotine can increase feelings of stress and anxiety? Quitting vaping is shown to improve stress and anxiety levels. Though quitting can be hard, Public Health has resources to help. Click here to learn more.
COVID
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
How to spot, respond to a fentanyl overdose – The Seattle Times
WA has upped efforts to get naloxone into communities. Is it enough? – The Seattle Times
With Mpox at Risk of Flaring, Health Officials Advise, ‘Get Vaccinated’ – The New York Times
Toxic Chemicals In Washington’s Drinking Water – The Seattle Medium
For COVID long-haulers, the pandemic is far from over – The Washington Post
 Happy Pride Month
 Happy Pride Month to each of our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors. The celebration of this month reflects how our communities and nation have been strengthened by LGBTQIA+ talent, creativity, and conviction. As many of us celebrate PRIDE, strength, and love this month, let us also continue to prioritize the work of making our community a more aware, sensitive, and welcoming place. The Council will present a proclamation recognizing Pride Month at next Tuesday’s Council meeting.
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center Hotline
 Whether you or someone you know needs help now, or just want someone to listen, KCSARC is always available. Experienced advocates are ready to answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with free, confidential support and information to help callers determine next steps. Call 1—888-99-VOICE or click here for more information.
 Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) General Assembly Annual Meeting
 My Council colleague, Claudia Balducci, addressing the Puget Sound Regional Council for the during her last meeting as president.
On Tuesday, I attended the General Assembly annual meeting along with several hundred other local elected officials. It was the last meeting for my colleague Councilmember Claudia Balducci to serve as PSRC’s President which she’s done for the past two years – superbly, of course. I sat with Exec. Dow Constantine and my Council colleague Joe McDermott. I wish the new PSRC President Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson and the new Vice President Snohomish County Executive Dave Sommers a successful term. Learn more about the event here.
Project update: West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions
The Sound Transit Board identified the preferred alternative for the West Seattle Link Extension in July 2022 and the Ballard Link Extension in March 2023. Sound Transit has since continued discussions with its federal partners regarding next steps in the environmental process.
However, while both extensions were initially on the same environmental review timeline, Sound Transit has designated additional environmental review needed for project refinements for Ballard. Thus, environmental review for the two extensions will now proceed on different timelines. WSLE will proceed to a final environmental impact statement, which is anticipated to be published in 2024. A new draft environmental impact statement will be completed for Ballard which will reflect the recent action by the Sound Transit Board. Sound Transit is still working on the details of the Ballard environmental review and engagement timeline and announced it will share an update when more information is concluded. To stay current with the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions projects, click here.
Virtual public meetings for Washington State Ferries Washington State Ferries will host online public meetings before summer sailing begins. These meetings will be focused on route-specific and key topics such as the proposed fare changes and WSF's Service Restoration plan. The meeting concerning the Seattle/Bremerton routes will take place on Tuesday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. Another meeting concerning the Fauntleroy, Vashon, and Southworth routes will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th. Prior registration is required. For more information on these meetings and links to register, click here.
Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park to undergo renovations
 This month, Cal Anderson Park is slated to undergo renovations to improve its playground. The new playground equipment national safety standards and ensure it’s accessible to children of all abilities. Click here to learn more.
 Seattle’s signature summer events
 There are dozens of exciting events coming to Seattle beginning this month. These events include parades, fairs, exhibitions, and more. See this article from The Seattle Times to read more on these upcoming events, though, notably, it does not include Bumbershoot or other Labor Day weekend events.
Seattle Farmer’s Markets
If you’re in the mood for fresh produce, community gathering, live music, and exciting conversation, look no further than any of the Seattle Farmer’s Markets. You can visit a market in your neighborhood or venture out see what’s special about a new area. Click here to review twelve Farmer’s Markets (unfortunately excluding the Queen Anne Farmer’s Market which opened yesterday) around with information on hours, popular features, and parking.
Belltown Wine Share
 The next Wine Share event will take place today at 6:00 p.m. at the Ellington Condominiums, located at 2801 1st Avenue. If you are over 21, bring a friend, a bottle of wine, and some stories to share with your neighbors as you decompress from the week.
Pike Place Market 50th Anniversary
Tomorrow, June 3rd, join the Pike Place Market community as it celebrates the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority’s (PDA's) long history with this market. Market shoppers and visitors are invited to enjoy a day of fun-fill activities at the Market, with immersive Market history activities, kids’ crafts, live music, special shopping offers and chances to win Market prizes. Click here for more details.
Heron Chick Birthday Party
 Tomorrow, June 3rd, join the Heron Habitat Helpers in celebrating the annual Heron Chick Birthday Party. This event will take place at Commodore Park from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Enjoy looking through scopes to observe the colony, educational displays, and discussions with naturalists. Click here to learn more.
Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
 The Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival will take place tomorrow, June 3rd at the Seattle Center Armory building from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and June 4th from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. This free festival is part of the Festál series and will showcase the diverse cultures of the Philippines. View the schedule here.
Belltown Art Walk
The Belltown Art Walk is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this month. Belltown Art Walk is a free, all-ages event that occurs on the second Friday of each month where friends and neighbors can visit galleries and businesses. During this month’s event on June 9th, enjoy live music playing throughout the neighborhood, enter a raffle to win premium local packages, gift certificates to art galleries, glassblowing classes at Seattle Glassblowing, tickets to music events, and much more. Raffle tickets will be sold at Slip Gallery, which is located at 2301 1st Avenue. For more information on the June Art Walk and a map of its path, click here.
Fur Wheel Drive
 There's still time to get your donations in for the annual Fur Wheel Drive to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter. Donations can be dropped off any time before Friday, June 9th at the Animal Medical Center of Seattle’s main building: 17518 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, or any of the following participating pet stores:
- Crown Hill Pet Supply: 9053 Holman Rd NW, Seattle, WA 98117
- Pet Adventure: 22803 44th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Wish list items for the donation drive include:
- Unopened canned and dry cat and dog food
- New or gently used dog and cat toys
- Fleece blankets
- Small/medium cat carriers
- Dye and Scent-free Carefresh bedding for critters
- Cat litter (no pellet litter or scented)
- 8-foot dog leashes
- Dog coats (for rainy, cold days)
All items will be donated to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation during the Furry 5k event on Sunday, June 11th at Seward Park. To learn more and sign up for the Furry 5k, click here.
Summer Cinema returns
 Mark your calendars for Summer Cinema by BECU Movies which is returning to Marymoor Park on July 6th. Enjoy the outdoor movie experience, the laughter, food trucks, and so much more while lounging on a blanket.
- July 6th Grease
- July 12th Everything Everywhere All at Once
- July 19th Monsters, Inc.
- July 26th Top Gun: Maverick and more in August!
Click here to learn more.
If you know of any events that you would like to see highlighted in my enews, feel free to share them at lilli.deleon@kingcounty.gov.
 Public Health Reserve Corps
 The Public Health Reserve Corps (PHRC) is a nationally recognized Medical Reserve Corps donating thousands of hours of services each year to promote the health and wellbeing of King County residents. The PHRC bridges gaps in access to care by delivering compassionate care to King County's most vulnerable residents, usually non-traditional settings like tiny home villages, shelters, health fairs, and community centers. Membership is open to medical and non-medical volunteers with specific credentials and skills which support the PHRC’s mission. Click here to learn how to join.
 Paid Internship with King County Elections
 The Department of Elections has an opportunity for Civic Engagement Intern(s) that will support the ongoing outreach by working across teams to develop and implement a civic education program, and conducting outreach to young voters, specifically within high schools in King County. Interns will also develop public speaking and professional written communications skills, gain experience working in both office and field environments, prioritize independent professional work and time management, and work with diverse peers in small groups. Apply before June 16th. For more information and a link to the application, click here.
Deputy Executive Director
The Flood Control District is looking for a Deputy Executive Director who can work in strategic partnership with the Executive Director while also serving as a project manager, strategist, advisor, and communications liaison responsible for policy development and integration of all forms of outreach and communication. Apply before June 16th. For more information and a link to the application, click here.
If you have any questions, please contact Deandra Stanley at deandra.stanley@kingcounty.gov.
Urban Forester
 Urban forests provide wildlife habitat, reduce stormwater impacts, mitigate against climate change, and improve human health and there is need to increase resources focused on protection, restoration and management of trees and forest canopy in urban landscapes. The Urban Forester will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the environment of King County and the lives of King County residents. This is a new position, and the successful candidate will have an opportunity to create a program that will result in retaining and expanding forest cover and improving forest health in unincorporated urban King County. Apply before June 6th. For more information and a link to the application, click here.
 Mary’s Place
 Since 1999, Mary’s Place has done the important work of moving women and families out of homelessness both in my district and throughout King County. Mary’s Place utilizes five emergency family shelters across King County to keep families together, inside, and safe while also providing resources, housing and employment services, and community. The Mary’s Place team of mobile outreach specialists also works with unhoused families where they are, bringing supplies and resources. To learn more about Mary’s Place, its services, or how you can get involved, click here.
 Washington Earns Second-Place Finish at NCAA Championships
 After a hard-fought season, the Washington women's rowing team finished second at the 2023 NCAA Championships Sunday in New Jersey over the weekend, marking the Huskies' highest team placing since winning the 2019 national title. The Huskies have now finished in the top-four at NCAA championship races 15 times in 26 years – this includes five titles and five runner-up finishes. Under head coach Yasmin Farooq, the Washington women’s rowing team has made the podium all six times and has never finished below the top-10 in the history of NCAA Rowing Championships. Congratulations on an excellent season, Huskies! To learn more details about the team’s championship race, click here.
Helpful and informative links
Cash passed (I’m mentioned) | Drugs pushed | Health care imperiled | Housey's satisfied – Real Change News
Why Sex Trafficking Persists on Aurora – The Seattle Medium
Hopes for a downtown Seattle streetcar find new life in Mayor Harrell – The Seattle Times
How the Regional Homelessness Authority plans to get millions in new funding – The Seattle Times
Can a new bike path on Seattle’s waterfront work for cyclists and cruise ships? – The Seattle Times
WA woman launches home schools for Afghan girls kept out of class – Crosscut
A new WA law may not cure hospital staff shortages, nurses say – Crosscut
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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