August 18, 2023
 YCC interns engaging in a Q&A with the audience.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Tuesday, the third cohort of students completed their internships with King County’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Their final presentations included a very creative approach and greatly impressed the audience, which included my chief of staff.
The YCC is for individuals interested in learning about parks and the environment, and prior experience or previous involvement with parks, environmental activities, or similar programs is not required.
I am very gratified to have played a role via my amendment to the Parks Levy in 2019 in the reestablishment of this highly successful program that had gone by the wayside. The YCC is open to King County high school students entering Grades 10-12 who can commit to attending the entire 6-week summer program at TAF Bethaday Learning Center at Dick Thurneau Memorial Park. Program participants must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program. Those from populations historically underrepresented in environmental leadership and land management roles are especially encouraged to apply which will be open later in the upcoming school year for the summer of 2024.
 In other important news, the University of Washington is now ranked among the top 20 in the world, and number three in U.S. public universities, according to the 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Only the University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Los Angeles rank higher than the UW, at numbers five and 13, respectively, among U.S. publics. Harvard, Stanford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology top the list. Congratulations, UW, on continued dedication to top-notch education. Learn more here.
There is much to look forward to in this week’s enews. Here’s a peek at what’s included:
As always, I would like to hear from you. You can call me at 206-477-1004 or reach me by email at jeanne.kohl-welles@kingcounty.gov.
All the best and I hope you are staying safe.
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Quote of the Week
“Always be a little kinder than necessary.”
— James M. Barrie
 The King County Council held several committee meetings this week, taking action on important measures to improve our region. Here are some highlights:
- During Tuesday’s Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee meeting, the committee received a briefing from Metro’s general manager and moved to establish do-pass consent for motions concerning the approval of the grant funding allocation for projects funded through the 2020-2025 parks, recreation, trails, and open space levy grant program, as well as on a motion requesting the Wastewater Treatment Division research and identify methodologies to forecast the long-term costs of its capital improvement need.
- At Tuesday’s Full Council meeting, the council took action on ordinances relating to the adoption of the Harborview Medical Center 2024 Capital Improvement Program Annual Budget, our COVID 10 budget, and the adoption and ratification of amendments to the 2021 King County Countywide Planning Policies.
- During Tuesday’s Employment and Administration Committee meeting, the committee received updates from our Equity and Social Justice Coordinator, Human Resources Director, and Chief of Staff.
- At Wednesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, which I chair, we received an executive COVID briefing and took action with Do Pass Recommendations to confirm several executive appointments.
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
Next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., the committee will take possible action on ordinances to approve the Lake Meridian Water District Water Comprehensive Plan and to declare a fifteen-month interim zoning ordinance regulating residentially zoned land in the rural town of Fall City. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Full Council
Next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the council will take possible action on ordinances determining the King County Fire Protection District No. 24 and the Shoreline Park and Recreation District to be inactive under state law, as well as on an ordinance relating to the King County office of public complaints. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
Next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., the committee will discuss and take possible action on ordinances related to the 2023 King County Real Property Asset Management Plan Report, easements for public right of way purposes in District 6, and on adopting the schedule for King County's move to annual budgeting. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
Next Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., the committee will be briefed on updates to federal advocacy related to long-term wastewater needs and will take possible action on motions requesting that WTD research and identify methodologies to forecast the long-term costs of its capital improvement needs. Additionally, the committee may take action on motions related to developing a long-term financial forecast of revenue requirements needed for the operating and capital investment needs of the regional wastewater system and a long-term sewer rate forecast, as well as Councilmember Balducci’s and my legislation concerning contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater effluent and directing next steps to limit their impact. Lastly, the committee will conduct the monthly review of the 2023 Work Program. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Law, Justice, Health, and Human Services Committee
Next Thursday at 9:30 a.m., the committee will hold a special meeting to receive briefings on the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Task Force and Labor Exploited Children as well as on the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight Annual Report. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
 $1.2 million in narcotics blocked by Shoreline Police and King County Sheriff’s Office - keeping nearly 300,000 fentanyl pills off the street.
Shoreline Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted an operation that seized more than $1.2 million in narcotics, including 290,000 fentanyl pills, along with fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, cash, and stolen firearms. Learn more here.
Disposing of sharps
 If you have spotted a used needle while walking down the sidewalk, it can be useful to know how to safely dispose of it. Tossing it into the trash or flushing it down the toilet can pose health risks for yourself and others. Click here to view an instructional video on how to properly remove sharps found on your property, at work, or in public places.
2023 Seattle/King County Clinic Final Report
 The 2023 Seattle/King County Clinic Final Report (also available at seattlecenter.org/skcclinic) is now available. This report outlines all that the clinic collectively achieved in caring for the health and well-being of people in need in our community. After a three-year hiatus, the successes of delivering free, accessible health care to the community is truly incredible.
Overdose Prevention and Response Training
 On Thursday, September 7th at 5:30 p.m., a free overdose prevention and response training will take place on zoom. The one-hour training is for the public and professionals interested in updates on drug trends and being trained in overdose prevention. All are welcome to attend. Register and learn more here.
COVID
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard.
Overdose data
For up-to-date data on drug and alcohol-induced overdoses in King County, see the Overdose Data Dashboards.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
‘Forever chemicals’ found in period underwear, tampon wrappers – The Washington Post
STIs are on the rise in the US. A pill taken after sex could help slow them down – CNN
Early signs suggest WA could see a late-summer COVID wave – Walla Walla Union Bulletin
What to know about latest COVID strain – AXIOS
COVID cases are rising this summer. Fall boosters are just around the corner – NPR
Boost up before going back to school – Northwest Asian Weekly
What to know about fentanyl safety at festivals and other events – The Seattle Times
Washington expands access to fentanyl test strips – AXIOS
With the wreckage of addiction all around us, society needs a shift – The Seattle Times
Washington state's plan to fight wildfires, protect air quality approved by EPA – KING 5
As Seattle area heat wave continues, outdoor workers feel the burn – KUOW
 Elections update
On Tuesday, King County Elections certified the August Primary Election, which finished with just under 31% turnout, although 35% was initially projected. Although the turnout was smaller than expected, over 61% of ballot alert subscribers returned their ballot. Subscribers are able to track their ballot’s progress during every step of the process and are also nearly twice as likely as non-subscribed voters to resolve a signature challenge to have their ballot counted. If you would like to sign up for this important program, you can do so here.
One race – Enumclaw School District No. 216 Director District No. 4 – is within the required range to mandate a machine recount, which will involve a visual inspection of all recorded undervotes. This recount began today at 9:00 a.m., which King County Elections plans to certify on Tuesday, August 22nd at 8:30 a.m.
Lastly, if you are interested in specific races, you can view the final election results here.
Voters renew Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy
 With over 71% voter approval in the Primary election, the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy has been renewed for a fourth time, which will continue the investments of the levy first approved in 2005. This election showed the highest approval rating in the levy’s history, with 82% acceptance in District 4! You can view election results by district here. This important initiative helps people transition to affordable housing, get job training, find employment, access emergency financial assistance, obtain domestic violence advocacy, receive behavioral health treatment, and provides other resources and services. For more information on the levy and its priorities, click here.
Share your thoughts on the Crisis Care Centers Initiative
The Crisis Care Centers Initiative is soon to begin its program planning phase in order to establish a countywide network of five crisis care centers which will restore and expand mental health residential treatment beds and strengthen our behavioral health workforce. Your feedback is important to the planning and execution of this process, so you are invited to get involved and attend virtual planning meetings.
Crisis Care Center Overview and Update (Monthly, 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.)
Hear an overview and update on the planning process and the Levy’s paramount goals. Register here.
Crisis Care Center Clinical Design Overview and Update (Monthly, 2nd Thursday at 11:00 a.m.)
Hear about the center’s clinical design, service, and system integrations that relate to those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. If you are interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
Crisis Care Center Substance Use Components Update (Monthly, 4th Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.)
Hear about the center’s substance use components as well as service and system integration with service providers in substance use treatment. If you are interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
Crisis Care Center Youth Specific Components (Monthly, 4th Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.)
Hear an overview on the youth-specific components of the Levy, including the youth Crisis Care Center, youth residential treatment needs, and expansion of the youth behavioral health provider workforce. Register here.
Crisis Care Center Older Adult Specific Components (Wednesday, October 4th, 2:00 p.m.)
Hear an overview on the older adult-specific components of the Levy, including older adult residential treatment needs, and expansion of the older adult behavioral health provider workforce. Register here.
If you’re unable to attend any of the community feedback sessions, guide the implementation process by taking the online survey. For more information, visit the website.
King County Metro will update its transit schedules September 2nd to improve trip reliability for riders.
To better match transit service with bus and workforce availability, King County Metro will suspend 20 peak-only commuter routes and reduce service on 12 routes beginning September 2nd. I am grieving over the 29 which I frequently have used to get to my office and the Council Chamber at the King County Courthouse.
 The above 20 routes will be fully suspended. Each of these routes have alternatives, most available at the same bus stops or stops nearby. For a detailed list of rider alternatives, visit Metro’s Service Change page.
 These 12 routes will be reduced to operate less frequently. Some high-ridership routes such as Routes 7 and 36 will continue to have very frequent service, with wait times of just a few more minutes. Lower-ridership routes will shift service to every 30 to 60 minutes during some time periods. For a detailed list of rider alternatives, visit Metro’s Service Change page.
King County Metro’s largest union approves three-year labor contract with higher salaries and expanded training opportunities.
King County Metro and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 have finalized a three-year labor contract, which covers maintenance workers, bus drivers, train drivers, and other frontline employees, which will increase wages by approximately 17 percent over the life of the contract. The contract also provides new benefits and incentives for new employees, which will also aid in Metro’s staffing concerns. The item will be brought to the full Council soon for action. Learn more here.
King County explores innovative waste reduction technologies.
 As part of King County’s new Re+ plan, the Solid Waste Division is exploring mixed waste processing technology to possibly recover valuable resources from our waste. This innovative processing envelops several processing technologies that sort recyclable material, such as metal, paper, or organics from the waste stream. Learn more about these innovative processes here. And for more updates on Re+ and King County’s journey toward zero waste, click here to subscribe.
Free Heating and Cooling Systems from King County
 Registration is now open for King County's new Energize! Heat Pump pilot program. Heat pumps are an energy efficient way to heat and cool your home and can even help reduce your fossil fuel use and save on energy bills. This program aims to install 120 to 150 free or discounted heat pumps in the White Center and Skyway-West Hill unincorporated areas. Register to learn more with a one-hour workshop here and confirm your eligibility here.
King County Metro received American Public Transit Association’s 2023 Innovation Award
 King County Metro was awarded the American Public Transit Association’s 2023 Innovation Award for its Transit GO program. Congrats, Metro! Each year, this award is given to APTA members who demonstrate innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques. The Transit GO program, initially launched in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation, allows riders to earn rewards that save them money on their next trip. Learn more here.
 Final Lynnwood Link Connections virtual open house
 Join King County Metro and Sound Transit tomorrow, August 19th at 10:00 a.m., to learn more about the proposed bus service changes to support Lynnwood Link. These changes are being planned to create connections with the Lynnwood Link light rail extension opening in 2024 and improve travel options in northwest King County. Metro routes included in the Lynnwood Link Connections Project include: 5, 16X, 20, 28, 45, 64, 65, 67, 73, 75, 301, 302, 303, 304, 320, 322, 330, 331, 345, 346, 347, 348, 372. This open house provides the opportunity to learn how community input has shaped the potential service changes, provide your feedback on the plan, and ask questions. You can register for the online open house here.
Community Survey on Belltown’s Portal Porch
 The Seattle Department of Transportation has worked closely with community members, including Belltown United, to design concepts for the Portal Porch in Belltown (at the southwest corner of Battery St. and 1st Ave.) The Portal Porch design team has come up with three different solutions, which include multi-purpose seating, well maintained vegetation, and lighting. Share your thoughts through this survey, to ensure the best solution for the Belltown community. I am pleased to have secured $25,000 from King County’s Youth and Amateur Sports Grants for Belltown United for work on this project.
Additionally, on Friday, August 25th at 4:00 p.m., celebrate the grand opening of Portal Porch (Battery St. and 1st Ave) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and ice cream social event. The Portal Porch will be an approximately 1,800 square foot public space where community members can come together and enjoy the view of Elliott Bay. I’ll be there!
Free summer meals
Seattle's Summer Food Program is offering free nutritious meals to anyone 18 and under until August 25th at 62 locations across the city. Neither identification, proof of residency, nor application is required. Find a meal site near you here.
Happy Birthday to our beloved Pike Place Market
 Yesterday, August 17th, marked the 116th birthday of Pike Place Market. For the next 15 days, the market is celebrating the hundreds of small independently owned businesses, farmers, craftspeople, buskers, social services, and residents that call Pike Place Market home. The market will be giving away special gifts from its businesses through September 1st, so be sure to follow Pike Place Market on social media where it will announce a different prize pack each day that's available to win. Find out how to participate here. Lastly, have some fun by testing your market knowledge! Check out 16 little known facts about Pike Place here.
Total campfire ban to begin today at Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Starting today, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will implement a complete ban on all campfires, across the forest. The rule states that anything that produces an ash will not be allowed. While gas or propane camp stoves may still be used in the wilderness backcountry and campgrounds, they should be operated away from flammable vegetation and with extreme caution. The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is currently managing several fires in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, and this is an important precaution for our safety and that of our environment. Learn more here.
 CHOMP!
 This Saturday, August 19th from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., visit Marymoor Park to celebrate CHOMP!, a free celebration dedicated to all that is fresh, delicious, local and sustainable in King County. Visitors will engage with local farms and restaurants who use locally sourced food, and local organizations specializing in healthy and affordable foods, farmer and farmland support, sustainability, and social justice. Learn more here.
Belltown Architectural Walking Tour
 Tomorrow, August 19th at 2:00 p.m., learn more about Belltown's buildings, old and new, guided by Jim Rymsza of the Seattle Architecture Foundation. The tour will take a walk around the neighborhood, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet great people while learning about the neighborhood of Belltown. This free tour will begin at the Belltown P-Patch (Vine St. & Elliott Ave.) at 2:00 P.M.
Feel free to contact aaronasis@gmail.com for questions or additional information.
Donate and win
 There are still several available appointments for the upcoming blood drive at Queen Anne United Methodist Church (1606 5th Ave W) next week from August 21st – 23rd. Donations continue to be vital – click here to sign up and make a difference. If you need help booking an appointment, please call 1-800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
For interested music lovers, Bloodworks Northwest is giving away a three-night luxury getaway for two to Austin, Texas. The winner will stay in the Presidential Suite of the Hotel Van Zandt and see impressive live music acts at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, which will take place from October 13th – 15th. Donate blood in August and enter to win! Learn more here.
Resource fair and ice cream social
 On Tuesday, August 22nd from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., join the Ballard NW Senior Center for ice cream and information on resources helpful to our senior community. Drop by the Center at Center at 5429 32nd Ave NW or call (206) 297-0403 for more information.
Learning opportunities from Best Starts for Kids partners
The following learning opportunities are free of charge and are most appropriate for the staff and leadership teams of community-based organizations and school districts that have partnerships together.
Designing and Planning a Collaborative Partnership
On Tuesday, August 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., this virtual session will introduce participants to a Partnership Design and Planning Tool designed to guide partners in setting expectations and building a strong foundation for future collaboration. This tool from YDEKC’s School and Community Partnership Toolkit will provide you with a takeaway resource to explore during the workshop and apply after the session in depth. RSVP and learn more here.
Mapping Your School and Community Partnership Ecosystem
On Thursday, August 31st at 10:00 a.m., participants in this virtual workshop will create a map of the relationships within their ecosystem and identify what types of partnership and collaboration they are engaged in (or aiming for). Guiding tools from YDEKC’s School and Community Partnership Toolkit will provide you with resources to explore during the workshop and to apply after the session in depth. RSVP and learn more here.
Waterfront Block Party
 On Friday, September 1st from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m., enjoy live music, dance, interactive activities, food, and fun for all ages at the Waterfront Block Party. The Block Party will take place all along waterfront park and will surely present spectacles of art, culture, and entertainment. Learn more here.
Fishermen's Fall Festival
 Mark your calendar for the Fishermen’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 30th at 11:00 a.m. After years of inactivity due to the pandemic, the Fishermen’s Fall Festival is back. This free event aims to raise money for Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential services to fishermen and their families while also honoring those lives lost at sea. Join the community for a variety of fun and educational activities that bring to life the unique character of the historic Fishermen’s Terminal. Learn more here.
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.
 Project Cool for Back to School
Project Cool for Back to School is well-known for equipping thousands of students with books and backpacks, toothbrushes and three-ring binders. This project is part of the Coalition on Homelessness’ year-round education and advocacy work to support children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. The program is getting ready to serve 1600 students from kindergarten through 12th grade and could use assistance on distribution days next week from August 21st-23rd. Click here to reach out if you’re available to help.
Citizens’ Elections Oversight Committee
 The CEOC is a 16-member committee of volunteers who have interest or expertise in elections. This committee produces an annual report to the King County Council on its observations, findings, and recommendations on election-related matters.
The CEOC has the following unfilled positions:
- One jurisdictional representative from a junior taxing district or city with a population under 20,000. The term ends in May 2025, but the successful candidate may be appointed to serve an additional 3 years.
- One representative of the Vietnamese-speaking community. The term ends in Dec 2023, but the successful candidate may be appointed to serve an additional 3 years.
If you are interested, please submit your application before September 26th. Learn more here.
YouthCare
 If you’re looking for ways to get involved serving the youths in our community who are experiencing homelessness, check out YouthCare. Get involved by cooking or delivering meals, or even get trained for a different role. Learn more and sign up here.
 August heron release
 Last Friday, Heron Habitat Helpers was able to engage with a heron release. One heron had fallen from a tree at the Commodore Park colony and spent two or three days on the ground. Heron Habitat Helpers was able to see it and safely catch it and take it to PAWS Wildlife Center. After 24 days of care, the heron had successfully passed the PAWS release assessment and those habitat helpers involved were able to see it gracefully soar into the air. Watch the full video here.
Helpful and informative links
WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort is ramping up. Is it working? – Crosscut
Washington state buys shuttered psychiatric hospital in Tukwila – Crosscut
Seattle therapist starts her own conference for clinicians of color – Crosscut
The Crisis Care Centers Levy passed in April — now what? – The Seattle Times
'People want cooling:' King County's program to get heat pumps in homes that need it the most – KING 5
Kamala Harris, in Seattle, says climate crisis impact is ‘stark,’ ‘vivid’ – The Seattle Times
King County Council approves $1M for Cinerama – The Seattle Times
Fire Last Straw For Troubled Encampment In North Seattle – The Seattle Medium
Swim Seattle Strives to Address a Troubling Rise in Drowning Deaths – South Seattle Emerald
Ballard Locks fish ladder is chock-full of salmon right now – My Ballard
Big salmon run at Seattle's Ballard Locks is wowing visitors – The Seattle Times
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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