We Want to Hear from You!
August 2023
Dear Friend,
Addressing our behavioral health needs across District 3 is very important to me, which is why I am excited to share that the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers Initiative is beginning its program planning phase now! The goal is to establish a national model of a countywide network of five crisis care centers, restore and expand mental health residential treatment beds, and grow the community behavioral health workforce and we want to hear from YOU!
The nine-year levy begins in 2024 and will strengthen our community’s behavioral health system. Your input is critical to the overall success of the approach so you are being invited to virtual planning meetings so the CCC Implementation Team can listen to your feedback. Below are five ways to get involved now:
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CRISIS CARE CENTER OVERVIEW & UPDATE – Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 1-2pm (next meeting 9/19). Hear an overview and update on the CCC planning process. Register here.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER CLINICAL DESIGN OVERVIEW & UPDATE – Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 11am-12:30pm (next meeting 9/14). Hear about the CCC clinical design, service, and system integrations. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER SUBSTANCE USE COMPONENTS UPDATE – Monthly, 4th Tuesday, 3-4pm (next meeting 9/26). Hear about the CCC substance use components. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER YOUTH-SPECIFIC COMPONENTS – Monthly, 4th Wednesday, 1-2pm (next meeting 9/27). Hear an overview on the youth-specific components of the Levy. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER OLDER ADULT-SPECIFIC COMPONENTS – Wednesday, 10/4, 2-3:30pm. Hear an overview on the older adult-specific components of the Levy. Register here.
If you’re unable to attend any of the community feedback sessions, you can help guide the CCC implementation by taking this online survey. To learn more, please visit the Implementation website here.
As always, if you’d like to meet or talk about anything, please reach out by email, sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov, or phone at 206-477-1003, and we’ll find some time to connect!
All the best,
Council Briefings & Actions!
The Council has been working hard this month – here’s the work that matters most to District 3:
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In our Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services (LJHHS) meeting, we heard a briefing from Dae Shogren, King County Council's Equity & Social Justice Director, and Kelly Mangiaracina, King County Superior Court's CSEC Policy and Program Manager, on the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Task Force and Labor Exploited Children. They did a deeper dive on HB 1775 from the WA State Legislature in 2019-20, a Safe Harbor bill aimed at protecting our children. You can watch the briefing here.
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At our August Local Services and Land Use (LSLU) committee meeting, we took action on an ordinance that I introduced to declare a fifteen-month interim zoning ordinance regulating residentially zoned land in the rural town of Fall City. This follows a vote in May to adopt a seven-month emergency moratorium on new subdivisions in the residential area of Fall City.
- At our Local Services and Land Use (LSLU) committee meeting, we also had a discussion on battery energy storage systems. I am looking forward to working on opportunities that move us towards green energy solutions and allow us to meet our climate action goals, while doing it in the best way possible to support the public safety needs of County residents!
If you are interested in joining us for a meeting to make a comment or just listen in, click on any of the following links: Full Council Meeting; Budget and Fiscal Management; Committee of the Whole; Government Accountability and Oversight; Employment and Administration; Labor Policy; Law, Justice, Health and Human Services; Local Services and Land Use; Transportation, Economy, and Environment; Regional Transit
Out in the Community!
(Left): We joined many regional stakeholders at the third anniversary celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act investments in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area; (Right): We visited the Woodinville Heritage Society at the DeYoung House, a classic Dutch colonial home built by John & Ellen DeYoung in 1931 in Woodinville!
 Earlier this week, we joined Twin Falls Middle School in the Snoqualmie Valley School District to welcome the incoming sixth, seventh, and eighth graders back to their first day!
 (Left): We drove in Snoqualmie's annual Snoqualmie Days and had a chance to visit with the American Legion Post 79; (Right) Joined the Sno-Valley Senior Center and Sound Generations at the groundbreaking of 15-units of affordable senior housing right next to the Center in Carnation!
On the Issues!
Our District 3 team has three main priority areas that we have been focusing on this year: Behavioral Health, Creative Economies, and the Environment. We've been hard at work convening weekly meetings with local organizations in these areas and are looking forward to all of the positive change we can create together!
On the Topic of Behavioral Health
Our King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) hired an amazing planning team for the Crisis Care Center Initiative highlighted above. They are eager to hear from the community, so please reach out:
- Kate Baber, Crisis Care Centers Planning Director (kbaber@kingcounty.gov, 206-848-0426)
- Jennifer Winslow, Crisis Care Centers Deputy Planning Director (jewinslow@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-0599)
- Dr. Matt Goldman, MD, MS, Crisis Care Centers Medical Director (mgoldman@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-0375)
Additionally, twenty-two counties, including King County, filed a lawsuit against the State for refusal to provide behavioral health treatment under state law. We have called to the state to hold itself accountable to fulfill its obligation to treat patients with behavioral health conditions. Without providing treatment, we are failing our neighbors and community members, and are further straining the behavioral health system that the state and local governments are actively working to restore.
On the Topic of Creative Economies
We have been working closely with our new King County Office of Economic Opportunity & Creative Economy and Director Kate Becker (kate.becker@kingcounty.gov) on ways we can promote our creative organizations and businesses. We have heard of a need for more resources, which is why we are bringing together leaders across D3 to help us identify a best path forward toward achieving 'Creative District' status! The award-winning Creative District program helps communities turn cultural activities into economic growth, and we hope to bring it to each of our cities and towns!
On the Topic of the Environment
Over the next 10 years, we are investing more than $9 billion to protect water quality and habitat throughout King County. This will benefit the people, salmon, and orcas that call our region home. Clean Water Healthy Habitat is a commitment to ensure that each investment produces the best outcomes.
About half of the $9 billion will be put toward maintaining our existing infrastructure. Before we decide how to invest the remaining amount, we're working with partners to create a resilient system. These partners include: Tribes, Regulatory Agencies, Cities, Environmental Advocates, and Community-Based Organizations. Stay tuned for more information about the Clean Water Health Habitat initiative from our Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) and upcoming funding!
Town Halls across District 3!
North Bend Town Hall: Thursday, September 14th
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 North Bend Town Hall on Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 PM at the North Bend Railroad Depot (205 E McClellan Street, North Bend, WA 98045)! Join us as we get to know each other and work together to ensure that North Bend communities are best positioned to thrive! We will have a chance to hear from Mayor Rob McFarland, KC Economic Vitality Director Ashton Allison, KC Behavioral Health Director Leo Flor, and KC Environmental Director Josh Baldi. Space is limited, so click "Going" on the Facebook event and sign up for the event here so that we have all the needed seats (kiddos welcome)! Questions? Call: 206-507-9860.
Previous Town Hall: Carnation
At our most recent Town Hall it was wonderful to hear from our Carnation residents at Miller's in Carnation. Our guest speakers joined us to talk about creative economies, environmental preservation, and behavioral health initiatives in Carnation and our region. You can watch a recap of that Town Hall here!
More Support Coming for Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Providers
In the August Primary Election, King County voters voted to renew the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). In fact, over 63% of District 3 voters approved the VSHSL levy! Your vote will allow our region to help people and families transition to affordable housing, get job training, find employment, access emergency financial assistance, obtain domestic violence advocacy, receive behavioral health treatment, and provide other resources and services. Renewing this existing levy for six more years will allow King County to:
- Reduce veteran homelessness (we’ve contributed to a 40% reduction in veteran homelessness since 2018)
- Keep seniors in the communities they helped build (the levy keeps tens of thousands of seniors using 39 levy-funded senior centers every year)
- Fund services for survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault (8,000+ survivors have received levy-funded assistance)
- Fund legal aid for immigrants and refugees and people fighting to keep housing
We've also been working closely with our D3 human service providers, especially our senior centers, to talk about VSHSL and what needs they would like to see considered in the plan. The VSHSL team is also looking for more feedback on the implementation of the levy, particularly in District 3. If you have any thoughts or input, please reach out to VSHSL@kingcounty.gov.
Visit a Local Farmers Market Before Summer Ends!
With King County’s abundant greenspace and farmland, you are never far from farm fresh, local food. And now Farmers Markets are back! 38 farmers markets are open across King County right now, including several in District 3.
King County Farmers Markets offer a variety of local produce and artisan foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, cheeses, milk, jams and jellies, wines, sauces, breads, seafood, and plants and flowers. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to visit!
Find a Farmers Market near you today!
Grant Opportunities this Quarter!
Do you know of an impactful organization that's looking for funding? Our District 3 Team has resources for you! Every month we share a Grants Newsletter that highlights upcoming grant opportunities over the next few months, and there are several grant opportunities that are available now! Investing in our local non-profit organizations and supporting innovative ideas through funding is critical to ensure that each of our communities can thrive, now and into the future!
Redmond Spotlight!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on a Redmond business, non-profit, and civic engagement opportunity this month! We hope you have a chance to visit these fantastic community contributors – and remember to Go Local!
Victor's Celtic Coffee Company is an iconic coffee shop in the Redmond community. Established in the 80's in a historic building, Victor's Celtic Coffee is the place to go for freshly roasted coffee, tea, delicious freshly baked pastries, breakfast, lunch sandwiches, and more! Over the past 20 years Victors has grown to nearly quadruple the original size and offers an unparalleled ambiance. Make sure to visit them at 7993 Gilman Street, Redmond, WA 98052. For any questions, you can visit their website, send an email to victorscelticcoffeeco@gmail.com, or call 425-881-6451.
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The Socially Conscious Artists Foundation (SCARF) has a mission to use the artistic voice of passionate artists for the greater good of the community. Through their performances and productions, they aim to shine a light on social issues that may otherwise be glossed over and forgotten as mere statistics, especially amongst communities that have often been marginalized. Make sure to visit their website, and for any questions, send an email to scarf.global@gmail.com, or give them a call at 425-435-4027.
City Spotlight: Redmond
The city of Redmond has been doing some fantastic work through the leadership of Mayor Angela Birney and the City Council. As the city prepares for the new Light Rail stations opening on the Eastside in 2024, they are making sure that the community's input is heard! Two areas where they are seeking feedback and participation now is the plan for the Southeast Redmond Park -- an undeveloped, 3.2-acre neighborhood park that needs fresh community ideas -- along with seeking applicants for Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commissioners and Youth Advocates, who are volunteers that will help guide the future of Redmond’s parks, trails, and recreation. If you have any questions, make sure to stop by Redmond City Hall at 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond, WA 98052 or visit their website. For any questions, send an email to info@redmond.gov, or give them a call at 425-556-2900.
About Town!
With so much going on across our District 3 cities and towns, we want to ensure that you know about any upcoming major events, parades, festivals, and activities. Below is a short list of some upcoming events!
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Saturday, September 2nd, 12:00 - 5:00 PM: artists/performers, LGBTQ+ owned businesses and organizations, and more!
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Saturday, September 9th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: local merchants and vendors, food, beer garden, live music, performers, and more!
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Saturday, September 9th, 4:00 - 7:00 PM: street market with 25+ local vendors, wine and beer garden, live music, food trucks, face painting, and more!
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Saturday, September 23rd, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: artist showcases, music, food, fun experiences centered around the rail line, and more!
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Saturday, September 30th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: food trucks, free games, balloon artists, face painting, and more
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Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM): live music, local vendors, food, arts and crafts, kids' activities, parade, and more!
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Saturday, October 14th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM: trick-or-treating opportunities, crafts, food, family fun entertainment, and more!
If you know of any upcoming events that you’d like us to highlight in next month’s newsletter, please share them at osman.salahuddin@kingcounty.gov.
Stay Connected!
Please forward this email and invite others to sign up to receive email updates. Also, make sure that you follow our Facebook account and Twitter page to stay up-to-date on everything we are working on together!
Finally... a reminder that I’d love to grab a cup of coffee and talk. Just reach out to our team member Robby at Robby.paige@kingcounty.gov or at 206-477-1003 and Robby will set us up!
 Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
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