In the Community
Dear Neighbor,
We have officially entered summer in the Pacific Northwest – a time of year when we all spend more time outdoors.
Our ability to enjoy the outdoors and all our region has to offer is only possible through the environmental stewardship undertaken by so many in our community. That’s why it is only fitting that much of my work in South King County lately has revolved around just that – environmental stewardship.
It was an incredible privilege to speak at the Green Globe Awards on June 7, sharing the stage with our County’s true trailblazers of environmental stewardship. From a college program – the WSU Forestry Extension program - providing education and training for private forest landowners in the County, to environmental heroes such as Muckleshoot Tribe member Warren King George, who collects and records oral history from Tribal and community members - all the award winners are making a tangible difference in protecting and preserving our environment for future generations.
To read about the inspiring work of this year’s awardees, visit King County’s website.
Celebrating the great work of Green Globe Environmentalist Awardee, Terry Lavender.
Stormfest 2023
My team and I had a great time volunteering at StormFest 2023 at Des Moines Beach Park!
Imagine hundreds of 6th graders exploring our local beach (it was low tide!), running relay races while sorting recycling materials from garbage and learning about the impact of pollution on our local creeks and streams. This fun and interactive approach to learning keeps kids engaged and it was great to see what they had learned about stormwater, pollution, and protecting our local waters as they made their way from station to station.
StormFest was developed to serve the highly diverse Highline school district, and was intentionally designed as an equitable education opportunity for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or English language learning status.
The event is a great example of local partnerships as City of Burien, City of Des Moines, City of SeaTac, City of Normandy Park, King County, EnviroIssues, Environmental Science Center, and Highline Public Schools all helped to put on the event. Kudos to all the partners and volunteers that made this three-day event possible.
I look forward to next year’s event!
Mauricio Ayon Rodriguez Awarded Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award
I had the honor of presenting the Martin Luther King Jr Distinguished Service Award to my dear friend, Mauricio Ayon Rodríguez. Mauricio's journey from Guadalajara, Mexico, to becoming a tireless advocate for the Latino community in South King County is exemplary of the spirit of this award.
From his work in education, leadership development, and advocacy, Mauricio's impact has been profound. He co-founded organizations like Para Los Niños and Casa Latina, empowering Latino children, immigrants, and families through education, economic opportunities, and civic engagement.
Mauricio's personal experience has fueled his passion and deep understanding of the challenges faced by many in our immigrant communities. We celebrate Mauricio's unwavering dedication, his invaluable contributions, and the positive change he has brought to countless lives. Congratulations, Mauricio, on receiving this well-deserved honor!
Celebrating Pride Month
I am thrilled that the King County Council officially proclaimed June 2023 as Pride Month.
As a proud sponsor of this year’s proclamation, I want to celebrate and honor our community's rich history, accomplishments, and ongoing fight for equality.
This annual recognition is a testament to our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accepting county for all. Let's come together to support and uplift our LGBTQ+ neighbors, friends, and family members not just this Pride Month, but every month.
As always, I value your thoughts, ideas, and input. Please feel welcome to contact me via email at Dave.Upthegrove@kingcounty.gov.
You can watch Council meetings via livestream on the Council's website or on KCTV channel 22. We take general public comment on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
To learn more about testifying before Council go to: https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/committees/full_council.aspx
Sincerely,
Dave Upthegrove
King County Councilmember
District 5
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