Quote of the Week
“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
— John Wooden, longtime UCLA Men’s Basketball coach
 The King County Council held several committee meetings this month, taking action on important measures to improve our region. Here are some highlights:
 Iam Tongi, winner of “American Idol,” received a recognition for his talent during the meeting of the King County Council on Tuesday.
- The Transportation, Environment, and Economy Committee receive three Metro briefings, which included information from Metro’s general manager; strengthening data, communication, and continuous improvement processes to reduce project delays; and Metro service statistics.
- During the Full Council meeting, Executive Constantine presented County Service Awards, Councilmember Balducci presented a proclamation of the week of July 18th, 2023, as Taylor Swift Week in King County, and Councilmember von Reichbauer presented a recognition to Iam Tongi for winning “American Idol.” The council also took action on an ordinance concerning the organization of the executive branch and assignment of administrative duties and responsibilities.
 Taylor Swift fans joined the King County Council as we presented a recognition of the week of July 18th, 2023, as Taylor Swift Week in King County.
- The Employment and Administration Committee received several briefings from the Chief of Staff, Human Resources, the Citizens' Elections Oversight Committee, and the Hearing Examiner Pro Tem. The committee also took action on a motion confirming the reappointment of Julie Kang to the citizens' elections oversight committee as a representative of the Korean-speaking community.
- The Committee of the Whole, which I chair, received an Executive COVID briefing as well as briefings on the Harborview Medical Center Oversight Work Group and the Harborview Medical Center Annual Report, and a briefing on legislation pertaining to rehiring employees who’d left service due to not getting Covid vaccines.
- The Regional Transit Committee received a general manager’s report and was briefed on bus operations and electrification.
- The Board of Health received a public health budget update as well as a briefing on Board of Health membership and recruitment. The Board also took action on a regulation relating to hazardous waste management.
If you missed any of these meetings, you can watch a video recording by choosing the meeting on this page.
 Local Services and Land Use Committee
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will receive a briefing from the King Conservation District and will take possible action on ordinances adopting and ratifying amendments to the 2021 King County Countywide Planning Policies, making an honorary road name designation in recognition of Northwood Middle School, and changing the name of South King Fire and Rescue to South King Fire. Meeting materials will be available prior to the meeting on the committee website here.
Full Council
At next Tuesday’s meeting at 1:30 p.m., the council will present a recognition of the six 2022-23 Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellows and a proclamation of July 2023 as Disability Pride Month in King County. The council will take possible action on an ordinance relating to the King County office of public complaints. Also on the agenda will be my motions acknowledging receipt of a final report with an analysis and recommendation on whether to establish a capacity charge exemption or reduced rate for King County residents and on transfer of retired vanpool vans to nonprofit organizations and local governments. Meeting materials will be available prior to the meeting on the committee website here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 9:30 a.m., the committee will take possible action on an ordinance related to COVID-19, making a net supplemental appropriation to several general fund agencies, non-general fund agencies, several capital improvement funds, and amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget Ordinance. Meeting materials will be available prior to the meeting on the committee website here.
Forecast Council
At next Wednesday’s meeting at 1:30 p.m., the council will take possible action on a resolution adopting the 2024 economic forecast for King County. Meeting materials will be available prior to the meeting here.
 King County to distribute bleeding control kits, starting with schools
Emergency management agencies across the Puget Sound region will distribute over 1,700 bleeding control kits, prioritizing schools and equipping educators and students with medical supplies such as tourniquets and gauze that can be potentially lifesaving in emergency events while first responders are on the way. After schools have been stocked, officials will consider placing bleeding control kits in high-traffic areas such as transit stations, malls, and stadiums. Learn more in this article from The Seattle Times.
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
WA loses $2.5 million in federal money for vaccine programs – The Seattle Times
It’s summer! Let’s swim, safely – Public Health Insider
Amid an alarming increase in traffic fatalities, King County forms new Felony Traffic Unit – King 5
As pandemic raged, the global south lacked vaccines – The Washington Post
Early indicators hint at US COVID-19 uptick – University of Minnesota
CDC facing major funding cuts, with direct impact on state and local health departments – CNN Health
New drug to protect babies and toddlers from RSV gets FDA approval ahead of cold season – AP News
Washington health experts agree COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere – Crosscut
Washington enacts new rules to protect outdoor workers from heat-related deaths – Seattle Weekly
Ending the HIV Pandemic: King County’s New Heroes Award – Public Health Insider
 Getting “forever chemicals” out of King County wastewater discharges
 In light of the recent report that found an increasing number of “forever chemicals” in King County’s wastewater effluent being discharged into Puget Sound, my council colleague Claudia Balducci and I introduced legislation yesterday aiming to curtail those chemicals now shown to impact the region’s entire marine food chain, including chinook salmon, the main prey of endangered southern resident orcas. Click here to learn more or see this article from The Seattle Times.
Transit service update: Peak weekday routes 16, 232, 237, 301, 304 and 320 will be suspended until August 4th
King County Metro will continue to suspend peak weekday routes 16, 232, 237, 301, 304 and 320 from June 26th until August 4th due to staff and bus availability. Some individual weekday bus trips also are canceled. Riders have alternatives available, which will be posted on the Metro Matters blog and via Metro’s multiple rider information channels below. During these suspensions, Metro will provide regular updates to keep riders informed about transit service and options, which are most easily accessible when riders sign up to receive transit alerts.
Before traveling, riders are encouraged to:
Real-time information on the road
- Use “Text for Departures” by texting your bus stop number to 62550. You will receive a text with the next departure times and/or canceled trips at that stop.
- Use the Next Departures tool on Metro’s Trip Planner to see what trips are operating at your bus stop.
- On Twitter, follow @KingCountyMetro for general information.
- Call Metro’s customer service office, which is open on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at 206-553-3000.
Avoid traffic with extra transit service this weekend for the Eras Tour
Click the image to enlarge the map.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to Seattle this weekend which, in addition to the Capitol Hill Block Party, WNBA game, Bite of Seattle, and other large events in the area, is certain to bring extra traffic to the city. King County Metro and Sound Transit are adding bus, train, and water taxi service to help fans travel to and from events this weekend. Learn more here.
Bullfrogs in King County Parks
 American bullfrogs were originally released in California to control insects but have since spread throughout the west coast, including King County. These frogs are intense predators that bring great imbalance to native wildlife populations. Learn more about the American bullfrog monitoring effort in King County and how you can get involved here.
Suicide Prevention Week of Action is September 10th – 16th
 You can join the pursuit of growth and change during King County’s Suicide Prevention Week of Action, a grassroots movement to end youth suicide in King County and make a positive impact in our community. To learn how to become an event host, click here to learn more and subscribe for information in an upcoming webinar.
 Sound Transit: July webinar on South Lake Union stations
 If you live, work, or spend time in South Lake Union, Sound Transit would like your feedback on potential South Lake Union stations. Sound Transit will a live webinar on July 25th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to share project updates for the Denny and South Lake Union stations, answer questions, and collect input from transit riders. Feedback from these webinars will be shared with the Sound Transit Board of Directors and inform the status report and potential action on July 27th.
For more information about the upcoming webinar and how to attend, visit Sound Transit’s online open house. Stay current with the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions projects here.
Watch out for smishing
 What is it?
Many companies, products, and services have started offering text message alerts to keep you up to date. Scammers are aware of these alerts and they’re taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. They send a text with dangerous links, or prompt you to respond with personal information by posing as your bank, an online account, or other service–to name a few examples. This text-based phishing scam is called Smishing.
How it works
- “Use this Link”: Scammers pose as a familiar company or service and send shocking alerts such as –“Your account has been locked due to multiple failed logins.”–accompanied by a link to supposedly resolve the issue. Smishing links can contain malware that instantly installs if you made the mistaking of clicking. This malware can contain keystroke-logging software or permit access to your applications and files–making it easy to steal your identity or hold your files for ransom.
- “Call this Phone Number”: Smishing attacks often try to persuade you into calling a number by telling you there’s been an issue with your account or that suspicious activity has been detected. A scammer will be ready to take your call and persuade you into providing personal information or making a payment.
If you receive this kind of messaging, think before you tap. Remember:
- Government agencies, banks, or any other legitimate business will never request sensitive information over a text message.
- Take your time. Much like email phishing, texting scammers will often use the social engineering tactic of creating a false sense of urgency in their message.
- Never click on any links or call any phone numbers in unexpected texts. Contact the company directly if you’d like to verify the text message.
Congratulations to Eric Nelson
 Congratulations to Eric Nelson, National Nordic Museum Executive Director and CEO, for receiving the highly distinguished order or merit of Norway this week. The honor was presented by the Anniken R. Krutnes, Ambassador of Norway, on behalf of King Harald V. It was a pleasure to hear from the Honorary Consul of Norway Viggo Forde, National Nordic Museum Board President Hans Aarhus, Martha Kongsgaard, and Governor Jay Inslee, who each spoke at the event.
 The event concluded with the Nordic Barbecue held at the eclectic and historic Pacific Fisherman Shipyard – truly an unforgettable experience!
 Big Backyard Movie Night - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
King County Parks is back for 2023 hosting a FREE Big Backyard Outdoor Movie night at Ravensdale Park on Saturday, July 22nd. With plenty of space for hundreds of families, come out to the park with blankets and low beach chairs and enjoy a movie on 40’ inflatable screen under the stars. The featured film, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” will begin after sunset at 9:20 p.m., but show up early to grab concession snacks, dinner from a food truck, or play lawn games with the King County Parks Mobile Engagement Team. Click here to learn more.
Archaeology in the Park
 Do you know the history of King County's parks? How long have people been using the land and how? Join an archaeologist for Archaeology in the Park to learn about our region’s past and even see some artifacts! See the image above for the schedule of Archaeology in the Park events. No need to sign up — just drop by & follow the signs.
Partners in Change online meeting
 Join Partners in Change for an online meeting on Tuesday, July 25th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for important updates and discussions. Alice Fong, Executive Director of the Center for Ethical Leadership, will illustrate her organization’s work and what they offer. Mayor of Burien and Executive Director of Washington Center for Nursing, Sofia Aragon, will share information about how her organization is preparing Washington Nurses for the next pandemic, what they are doing with workforce development, and plans for increasing nurses of color in Washington state. Finally, Knight Sor from the United States Department of Justice will share updates on national and local hate crimes. Click here to join the zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 816 6538 0945
Passcode: 698138
Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive
On Thursday, July 27th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., visit the Downtown Cornerstone Church for a blood drive hosted by Bloodworks Northwest. Blood donations are a critical part of our community’s physical safety net, and donating blood is a simple and easy way to help others. A pint of blood goes a long way - even to save a life! Whole Blood donations are quick and can help those recovering from medical emergencies, ongoing treatments, and a host of medical conditions. Blood of every type is needed in our region – register here today.
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.
 Volunteer at City Soil Farm
Located on a previously unused 1.5-acre plot, City Soil has transformed the vacant space into urban agriculture that is dedicated to environmental education and sustainable farming. Through this teaching farm, King County and its nonprofit partners hope to see a future where environmental education can lead to an increase in community participation and sustainable food systems. City Soil’s environmental education and demonstration have long served to increase public awareness of garden and agricultural uses of recycled water and biosolids. Click here to learn and volunteer at the farm.
Volunteer at a local park
King County Parks leads an average of 10,000 volunteers a year performing restoration, park improvement, and building and maintaining trails. Each program weaves environmental education into the event – you can find a park program that interests you here.
Learn how to be Rainwise
You can learn more about rain gardens and cisterns and how they help control polluted stormwater runoff that leads to our region’s rivers through engaging webinars, workshops, and events. Grow your knowledge as you help the efforts to maintain our environment to an array by hearing from a variety of experts on rain gardens, sustainability, and yard design. Learn how you can join here.
 Ducklings rescued by Good Samaritans
 Ducklings that fell into a storm drain were rescued by employees at King County International Airport-Boeing Field. Employees Ryan, Brian, and Jadyn are to be commended for the gentle kindness in reuniting all of them safely with their mother.
Helpful and informative links
These are Seattle’s best beaches, according to readers – The Seattle Times
Nearly 300 people were moved out of collapsed homeless shelter hotel program – The Seattle Times
REPORT: King County Board of Health Staff Report – King County Clerk’s Office
King County bolsters election security amid intimidation to workers nationwide – KOMO News
King County parks projects receive $24M in grant funding – Seattle Weekly
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.
|
