Quote of the Week
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
— Mister Rogers
 Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee
At Tuesday’s meeting, the committee was briefed on the Anti Hate and Bias Coalition and Office of Equity and Social Justice Mid-Point Report. The Committee also took action on an Executive appointment. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.
Full Council
 As stated previously, at Tuesday’s meeting, I joined my fellow Councilmembers Reichbauer and Perry in presenting the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Medal of Service Awards to inspiring members in our districts. For District 4, I had the pleasure of presenting this award to Louise Miller, in recognition of the dedication of her life’s work to public service in King County and advocating for access to arts and culture for all County residents. The remaining district awards will be presented on June 13th. During the meeting, we also presented a proclamation of June 2023 as LGBTQ Pride Month in King County.
 Finally, the Council took action to approve a memorandum of agreement negotiated by and between King County and Professional and Technical Employees. My proposed legislation prohibiting retailers in unincorporated King County from refusing to accept payment in cash was discussed and the Council deferred taking action on it until June 20th. I thank all the individuals and organizations that submitted oral or written support. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.
Government Accountability and Overnight Committee
At Wednesday’s special meeting, the committee was briefed on a combined compensation request from the Department of Human Resources. The Committee also took action on ordinances concerning the authorizing of a provision of radio communication services to external agencies and to regional animal care and control services, and on a motion to confirm an Executive appointment. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
At Wednesday’s meeting, the committee heard 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 conducted a monthly review of its 2023 Work Program. For more information on this meeting or to view a recording, click here.
 Labor Summit
Next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., the council will receive a briefing on the annual Labor Summit. The purpose of the summit is to explore opportunities for partnerships between unions and the County around issues like equity, social justice, and training and development. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Full Council
Next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Councilmembers Dembowski, Zahilay, Upthegrove, Balducci, Dunn, and McDermott will present their honorees with the Dr. Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service. The council will take possible action on an ordinance authorizing the provision of radio communication services to external agencies, as well as on an ordinance making a net supplemental appropriation to various general fund agencies, non-general fund agencies, and capital fund budgets. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Flood Control District Committee
At next Tuesday’s meeting directly following the Council meeting, the committee will take possible action on a resolution relating to the operation and finances of the King County Flood Control Zone District. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will receive a briefing on Executive-proposed budget reduction targets. The committee will also take possible action on an ordinance relating to the final maturity date for sewer revenue bonds issued to evidence loans from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program, an ordinance authorizing the King County executive to enter into an agreement with the Washington state Department of Commerce Public Works Board for loan financing for a wastewater capital project, and an ordinance related to contracting with commercial banking institutions to provide financial services to the county. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Regional Policy Committee
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 3:00 p.m., the committee will receive briefings on the King County Regional Homelessness Authority Five-Year Plan, Emergency Management, and Re+ Implementation. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
Board of Health
At next Thursday’s meeting at 1:00 p.m., the committee will receive briefings on Youth Mental Health and on Board of Health membership and recruitment. For more information on this meeting and how to join it, click here.
 Get Naloxone mailed to you for free anywhere in Washington State
 Naloxone (Narcan) is given when an opioid overdose happens or has possibly happened. This life-saving tool can reverse an overdose and provide crucial time for emergency medical responders to arrive to provide aid. Washington State residents can now order Naloxone for free and have it mailed directly to them at no additional cost. Click here to order.
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
Researchers identify most common symptoms of long COVID – UW Medicine Newsroom
Monday is the last day for free COVID-19 vaccinations at Auburn Outlet Mall – Public Health Insider
Learn how to how to respond to an overdose: upcoming trainings in our community – Public Health Insider
Nation's top doctor says social media could pose risk to kids; Seattle Public Schools calls it an edge for their lawsuit – King 5
Virginia Mason hospital confirms 2 more deaths among infected patients – The Seattle Times
Providing support and care for people with substance use disorder: treatment access in King County – Public Health Insider
 Transit service update
King County Metro will suspend peak weekday routes 16, 232, 237, 301, 304 and 320 from June 12th – 16th due to staff and bus availability. Some individual weekday bus trips also are canceled. Riders have alternatives available during these suspensions, which can be found here.
Riders are encouraged to:
Clean Water Healthy Habitat plan
 Polluted stormwater is one of the greatest threats to water quality today in King County. This runoff, which occurs during rainfall, pushes toxics directly into rivers, lakes, and the Puget Sound. Because of the risk to the health of both people and wildlife, King County Executive Dow Constantine has launched the Clean Water Healthy Habitat Initiative, which designed to unify efforts throughout the watershed to yield a better future for people, salmon, and orcas. Watch the full update here.
King County invites public comment on draft Comprehensive Plan updates
 King County has released draft updates to its Comprehensive Plan, which is an important policy document that guides how development and growth will happen in our region over the next 20 years. The plan now proposes significant actions to address social equity, affordable housing, and climate change. Until July 15th, residents of King County have the opportunity to offer input and make changes to the updates proposed in the Comprehensive Plan. Learn more here.
Pet Licensing
 A pet license can provide peace of mind for pet owners in the case that their pet gets lost. License fees also support efforts to help King County find homes for thousands of pets every year. From April 1st – June 30th, you can license your cat or dog, or renew an expired license, and your late fees will be waived. Watch an informative video here and license your pet here.
 Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Summer University
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Summer University program keeps high school students engaged and learning while school is out. This program will take place at Foster High School in Tukwila, and encourages students to get engaged in politics, begin preparing for college and careers, come up with business ideas, and so much more! Space is limited, so sign up now before registration closes on June 16th. Click here to learn more.
 Orca Action Month
 June is Orca Action Month. Events are scheduled throughout the entirety of this month to raise awareness and involve the community. Search for events here.
Free First Thursday at the National Nordic Museum
On the First Thursday of every month, general admission to the National Nordic Museum is free. Though walk-ins are welcome, you can reserve your tickets in advance online – just be sure to stop at the Admissions Desk to check in for First Thursday. Click here to learn more.
‘Tis the season for farmer’s markets
 Community farmer’s markets are up and running! The Magnolia Neighborhood Farmer’s Market reopened last week, and will now regularly run each Saturday until October 14th, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. There are several over Farmer’s Markets in the area as well, which are ripe with produce, artisanal crafts, music, and so much more. The Queen Anne Farmer’s Market is open Thursday’s from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., the Ballard Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Sunday’s from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and the South Lake Union Farmer’s Market is now open through September 30th, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Shore Friendly King County Workshop and Beach Walk
 On Saturday, June 10th, Shore Friendly King County will welcome Jessica Cote and Traci Sanderson from Blue Coast Engineering to host a workshop and beach walk. Attendees can learn about the forces shaping nearshore habitats, particularly how sediments move along the shorelines, beaches, and erosion of bluffs. The workshop will run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., with a 30-minute window for attendees to get to Lincoln Park for the hour-long beach walk. Click here to sign up.
Indigenous People Festival 2023
 On Saturday, June 10th, the Seattle Indian Health Board invites you to the Seattle Center for a celebration of Indigenous arts, culture, and cuisine. Enjoy an opportunity to experience cultural performances and expressions and dance the day away at this exciting event. Click here for more information.
Upcoming shows of local landscape artist, Mary Lou Dickerson
My former colleague in the 36th Legislative District Delegation, Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (Ret.)., is hosting two shows in Seattle which will feature her landscape art. Her work will be on display at the Madrona Wine Merchants on 1127 34th Ave., from May 16th to June 16th. There will be another chance to view her art at the PhinneyWood Art Stroll, located at 719 N. 68th Street, from 12 :00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 18th.
Fremont Neighborhood Council meeting
On Thursday, June 15th at 5:30 p.m. in the Phinney Center room six, join the Fremont Neighborhood Council for discussions of what the Fremont segment of Aurora Ave N should become. Discussions will focus on Segment 2 of the project: N 38th St to Winona Ave N. Community members can share ideas on improving Aurora Ave, gain insight into the different needs along this segment, and network with the City's project team. Learn more here.
Black Arts Legacies Celebration
 On Thursday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m., join Cascade Public Media and Crosscut at Washington Hall in Central District and celebrate the second annual Black Arts Legacies Celebration. This celebration recognizes the local artists featured in Crosscut's Black Arts Legacies project, and will include a performance by singer/songwriter Tiffany Wilson, poetry readings by Jourdan Imani Keith and Quenton Baker. Food will be catered by That Brown Girl Cooks, with beverages, a beer and wine cash bar and a portrait gallery of Black Arts Legacies artists. RSVP for the free event here.
Juneteenth Celebration
 From June 17th – 17th, visit the Northwest African American Museum for three days full of events for the entire community. Each day caters to different members of the community and culminates with a celebration on Juneteenth featuring a skate party, yoga in the park, black vendors, and more. Click here to register for this free event.
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.
 Become a 9/11 Day of Service Champion
The 9/11 Day of Service is on Monday, September 11th. This Day of Service allows participants to come together in service to honor those lost and those whose lives were forever changed after the 9/11 tragedy. Champions commit to promoting 9/11 Day in their marketing channels and to their networks; listing 9/11 Day volunteer opportunities in AmeriCorps Volunteer Search tool; and/or using the AmeriCorps social media toolkit to join the national conversation. Champion projects will range from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities, and more. To join, click here.
2023 Fremont Solstice Parade
The Fremont Solstice Parade is still looking for volunteers to help the parade run smoothly on June 17th. There are several positions available. If you are interested, volunteers will be thrown a “Thank You” party on the evening of Sunday, June 25th, where food and drinks will be served. Click here to learn more and sign up.
If you have any questions, please contact parade@fremontartscouncil.org.
King Conservation District Native Plant Nursery
On Friday, June 23rd at 9:00 a.m., spend the morning helping to maintain trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and aquatic plants for projects at the King Conservation District Plant Nursery in Renton. Volunteers will earn native plants that can be used to landscape their properties or donate to other organizations. Sign up here.
 Best Starts for Kids Youth and Family Homelessness Prevention (YFHPI) RFP
 The purpose of this RFP is to award up to two qualified applicants to implement YFHPI 2.0 by providing direct, culturally competent homelessness Prevention services comprised of Intensive Case Management services coupled with Flexible Funds in alignment with YFHPI 2.0 goals and objectives. The goal in this expansion RFP is to solicit organizations that work directly and intentionally with members of the Alaska Indian/American Native communities, and/or households with member(s) identifying as LGBTQ to support their housing stability by preventing an imminent risk of homelessness in a culturally responsive manner. Applications must be submitted before Friday, June 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Ngo at dchscontracts@kingcounty.gov.
OSS Sewer Rebate Program
This RFP is seeking organizations to develop, administer, and promote an OSS (on-site sewage system) and sewer maintenance rebate program in King County. The goal of the program is to help people take action to keep their wastewater systems functioning properly, which will include developing educational resources. Applications must be submitted before Wednesday, July 28th at 2:00 p.m. Click here for more information and a link to the application.
 One World One Seattle festival
 A new festival will begin this Saturday, June 10th, live music, dance performances, food vendors, dance workshops, and interactive cultural activities are coming to downtown’s Westlake Park for the first ever One World One Seattle festival. One World, co-sponsored by Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, strives to represent the Seattle area’s diversity while also revitalizing the downtown area. Click here to learn more, or read this article from The Seattle Times.
Helpful and informative links
OLEO Office of Law Enforcement Oversight 2022 Annual Report – King County
King County files federal lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers for damage caused by toxic ‘forever chemicals’ – King County
King County Council to vote on bill requiring businesses to accept cash – KUOW
Unhoused and out of sight on King County's Eastside – KUOW
Gun deaths hit their highest level ever in 2021, with 1 person dead every 11 minutes – NPR
The Canada wildfires are exposing the harmful effects — and health inequities — of air pollution – STAT News
One legal challenge to Washington's 'assault weapons' ban fails in court – KUOW
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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