September 8, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining my council colleague Reagan Dunn in leading the recognition of David Coffey and the Recovery Café as the 2023 King County Recovery Champion, as well as a proclamation of September 2023 as National Recovery Month in King County.
Sir Isaac Newton famously said, “No one can accomplish anything alone.” This is true of many events in life, most certainly including facing addiction and the road to recovery. Transcending the emotional, social, and physical limitations of addiction is a task that takes a village – a community. I am so grateful that such a community exists here in King County through the diligent efforts of Executive Director David Coffey and his wonderful staff and volunteers at the Recovery Café located in South Lake Union and Sodo. These special places provide support, resources, and a community of care throughout each member’s individual road to recovery. Access to meals, coffee, events, volunteer opportunities, education, and peer-to-peer support meetings are all advanced to each member with the message “You matter.”
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I can think of few more deserving of the title of this year’s Recovery Champion other than David. His passion and dedication to the Recovery Café’s programs and services have no equal. He is not only a leader, organizer, and facilitator, but also a friend and embodiment of security for members. He knows each of them by name and makes every effort to ensure a comfortable, fulfilling, yet challenging experience for all. And through his leadership and example, volunteers and staff work diligently to help members escape the loneliness and isolation that so many feel while seeking recovery from addiction, which can be an incredible obstacle to overcome. You can watch a clip of the recognition here.
This year’s proclamation of September 2023 as National Recovery Month in King County could not be timelier and more appropriate. As we see increasing overdoses and our county primed to surpass record fentanyl-related deaths, we must now, more than ever, put every available resource toward aiding those who are ready to undertake the challenge of recovery. The first step begins with recognition of the issue’s severity and a resolution to work together to the best of our abilities to combat substance use and addiction in our region.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addition and looking for recovery, learn more about King County’s Substance Use Disorder Services here or the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program here. You can also find more information about the Recovery Café and how to become a member or volunteer at its website here. And for immediate help, call the 24-Hour Alcohol and Drug Helpline.
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.
Quote of the Week
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about."
— Margaret J. Wheatley
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During Tuesday’s Full Council meeting, Councilmember Reagan Dunn and I presented a proclamation of September 2023 as National Recovery Month in King County and a recognition of Recovery Café and its Executive Director David Coffey as the 2023 King County Recovery Champions. A recognition was also presented to Caroline Whalen, Director of Executive Services, in celebration of her 29 years of service to King County. The council also took action to confirm appointments and on ordinances relating to easements for public right of way purposes; the grant funding allocation for projects funded through the 2020-2025 parks, recreation, trails, and open space levy grant program; and authorizing the Executive to enter into an agreement with the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network Operator to transfer county-owned assets located in King County. The Council also took action on an ordinance related to the 2023 King County real property asset management plan report.
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Caroline Whalen is presented with a recognition for her 29 years of service to King County.
- At Wednesday’s Regional Water Quality Committee meeting, the committee received reports from both the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee and the Wastewater Treatment Division. The committee also took action on my legislation, co-sponsored with Councilmember Balducci, concerning contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater effluent and directing next steps to limit their impact. Lastly, the committee received a progress update on forecasting long-term costs of the Wastewater Treatment Division’s capital improvement needs.
If you missed the meeting, a recording and additional materials will be made available here.
Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
Next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., the committee will meet remotely and be briefed on an audit of the County’s Franchise Rent Program as well as discuss legislation concerning King County International Airport and take possible action on several Executive appointments. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Full Council
Next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., I will present a proclamation of September 2023 as National Service Dog Month in King County, and County Service Awards will be presented by Executive Constantine. The council will also take possible action on two ordinances related to collective bargaining. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Flood Control District Board of Supervisors
Next Tuesday immediately following the conclusion of the full Council meeting, the Board will be briefed on the 2023 Cooperative Watershed Management Grant Program as well as take possible action on resolutions authorizing the expenditure of District funds for projects and activities in Water Resource Inventory Areas and authorizing an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services for procurement. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Regional Policy Committee
Next Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., the committee will receive briefings on Waste to Energy and on the Department of Community and Human Services Data and Reporting Efforts. Additionally, the committee will discuss and take possible action on a motion acknowledging receipt of the first annual report on the second Best Starts for Kids initiative. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
Suicide Prevention Week of Action
Suicide Prevention Week of Action is September 10th – 16th. You can learn how to start a conversation, provide support, and make a difference for a loved one. Find a participating group or organization near you here.
COVID
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard.
The Washington State Department of Health recently unveiled a new design and web location for its COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard, which displays the number of COVID-19 vaccines given and the percentage of people vaccinated.
Overdose data
For up-to-date data on drug and alcohol-induced overdoses in King County, see the Overdose Data Dashboards.
Statewide campaign supports worldwide movement to end overdose
With the growing numbers of fentanyl and opioid overdose deaths, the Washington State Health Care Authority recently launched the “Friends for Life” statewide fentanyl education campaign, which aims to inform Washington youth about the risks of fentanyl and the power of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. You can access information and resources on the Friends for Life campaign website, which includes facts about fentanyl, how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, and where to get naloxone.
Vaccinations
As kids throughout Washington return to school, the Washington State Department of Health encourages everyone to get up to date on their vaccinations to help keep families and communities healthy and safe. Children entering school and child care are required to meet state immunization requirements. When observing 2022-2023 school immunization data, we can see that nearly 91% of K-12 students completed their required school vaccinations – a downtick from previous years. Find more information from local health partners who are providing childhood vaccinations at mobile health clinics across the state.
Helpful Public Health-related articles
Snohomish County medical examiner moving to King County job – Herald Net
COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Is it time to get boosted? – The Seattle Times
COVID Q&A: An update from Dr. Eric Chow – Public Health Insider
Boost up before going back to school – Northwest Asian Weekly
It’s long past time for a more comprehensive Covid treatment approach – STAT News
Rising cases in Southeast could be start of U.S. RSV season, CDC warns – The Washington Post
Your fall guide to COVID, RSV and flu vaccines – PBS
King County to surpass record fentanyl death toll — with 4 months left in 2023 – The Seattle Times
The share of U.S. drug overdose deaths caused by fake prescription pills is growing – NPR
A big insurer decides to cover naloxone for overdose; will others follow? – STAT News
Washington gets $23 million to combat fentanyl crisis – Real Change News
More western Washington schools are stocking naloxone to counter fentanyl overdoses – KOMO News
From needles to pipes. Seattle outreach adapts to morphing drug crisis – KUOW
One-stop shop health services return for King County students: HealthLink – King 5
Student Demands for Mental Health Services Are Being Met with New Investments – South Seattle Emerald
Teen contracts hantavirus, likely from rodent bite – FOX 13
Raise the wage in Unincorporated King County
According to the 2023 National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach data, an employee making Washington’s minimum wage of $15.74 per hour would have to work 103 hours each week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home at fair market rent in King County. And it is immensely unfair that a person working in Skyway could make several dollars less per hour for the same work than another person employed in the neighboring cities of Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila. Unincorporated areas tend to remain stuck behind neighboring cities in economic measures, and it is imperative that we do not leave our neighbors in Skyway, White Center, and elsewhere in Unincorporated King County to receive comparatively lower and unfair wages simply because of their unincorporated status.
For these reasons, I was pleased to speak in support of and to cosponsor legislation introduced by my Council colleague Girmay Zahilay yesterday during a press conference in Skyway’s business district that would create a minimum wage of $18.99 per hour – gradually implemented over several years for small businesses – in unincorporated King County. Also speaking in support and cosponsoring were Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Joe McDermott as well as some small businessowners, advocacy groups and labor partners. You can watch the full press conference here. You can also read the full legislation here, review the one-page infographic here, or view the full press release here. Be sure also to check out coverage from The Seattle Times, KIRO 7, The Stranger, and Real Change News.
King County oversight chief wants radical reforms in American policing
Tamer Abouzeid, director of the civilian-run Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, has made it clear that our nation’s criminal legal system is racist and broken, and must be radically reformed. In King County, Abouzeid has pushed for more transparency, for the OLEO to be granted the ability to collect and analyze data which the Sheriff’s Office does not yet collect, and for changes that allow for greater accountability and consistency in our region’s policing. Click here to read more in an article from The Seattle Times.
$30 million in King County Parks Levy grants will build and upgrade King County Parks projects.
On Tuesday, the King County Council voted unanimously to approve Executive Dow Constantine’s proposal sponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski to allocate nearly $30 million in grants funded by the King County Parks Levy that will support 53 projects led by cities, park districts, school districts, and community organizations throughout the region. These projects will work to build and upgrade aquatic facilities, enhance parks and trails, restore river corridors, and increase equity in recreation. Click here to learn more about a few of the projects that will receive King County Parks Levy grants.
King County mental health facilities still reject a quarter of patients.
According to a recent report from King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, people in a mental or behavioral health crisis were declined treatment at facilities in the Seattle region 1,173 times last year. The report shows that people were not turned away because of a lack of available beds, but rather for other reasons, such as being too acutely sick, having a history of aggression or use of restraints, or having autism or other cognitive or developmental disabilities. The data illuminate a critical flaw in patients’ access to care in our region. Thanks to King County voters for approving our Crisis Care Center Levy last spring, we will be expanding access to five Crisis Care Centers, but it will take time to set them up. Learn more in this article from The Seattle Times.
Transit agencies continue safety and health efforts following UW study recommendations.
This past Spring, Metro, Sound Transit, and other area transit agencies participated in a University of Washington study to assess air quality on transit. In a first-of-its-kind study, the University of Washington just released an analysis of drug, smoke, and residue samples collected on transit vehicles. Health officials say the levels are “extremely low” and that riding transit remains safe. The five transit agencies that sponsored the study—Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit and TriMet—are continuing plans to implement health and safety improvements based on the study’s findings and recommendations. Learn more about the results of the study on the Metro Matters blog.
Property Values Dropped in North Seattle Neighborhoods
Taxpayers in North Seattle neighborhoods should be receiving re-valuation notices from the King County Assessor’s Office soon. Recent findings show that median residential property values fell by 6.4% in Haller Lake/North Greenwood/Crown Hill, by 8.2% in West Ballard, by 7.6% in East Ballard, by 6% in Phinney Ridge/Fremont, and by 5.9% in Greenlake /Wallingford. According to the King County Assessor’s Office, 2023 property values continued to be dramatically affected by the COVID 19 pandemic, and after reaching all-time highs in quarter 2 of 2022 due to a lack of inventory for sale, residential property values corrected downwards throughout King County. This trend was especially pronounced in eastside communities.
Crime Victims Compensation: Fact Sheet
The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy has coordinated meetings with direct service providers who support individuals who have experienced labor trafficking. King County CESC has completed a one-page fact sheet which provides basic information on how to access Crime Victims Compensation, costs covered, how to apply and a few “grey areas” related to when the incident occurred. The fact sheet is available here in the following languages: Hindi, Urdu, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, English, Thai, Vietnamese, Punjabi, and Tagalog.
Request for Information: Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance Grant Program
The Washington State Department of Commerce seeks input to inform the spending of $9 million to create a program to support Social Equity Cannabis Applicants and Licensees.
The Legislature has appropriated $6.0 million in state general funds for 2024 – 2025 to support the Cannabis Social Equity Technical Assistance Grant Program and assist Social Equity Applicants. Those interested are invited to complete the Request for Information and submit it before September 29th. Learn more and access the RFI form here.
King County Council adopted the Conservation Futures Tax on September 7th, 1982
On September 7th, 1982, the King County Council adopted the Conservation Futures Tax to fund the county's Farmland Preservation Program. With the success of this funding in 1982, Conservation Futures revenue was also used to acquire easements on forests, farms, greenbelts, urban separators, riparian habitat, trail corridors, and urban green space. Learn more about the history of Conservation Futures in HistoryLink here.
Seattle travel industry update
Visit Seattle has published its most recent data and insights that illustrate destination performance. Reports and analyses produced in partnership with Tourism Economics include:
- Key Tourism Indicators
- Lodging Performance Data
- Convention Booking Data
- Social Media & Website Performance
Learn more and view the full executive summary here.
Firearm restrictions in domestic violence protection orders
Researchers at the University of Washington report that a dedicated unit established to ensure that weapons are surrendered in domestic violence cases definitively increased compliance with Washington state law. In abusive relationships, the risk of homicide increases fivefold when the partner has access to a firearm. Safety can sometimes be put in jeopardy when local jurisdictions do not have a mechanism to enforce federal law which prohibits an individual convicted of a domestic violence offense from possessing or purchasing a firearm. Washington has established legislation mandating judges to require respondents to surrender firearms and other dangerous weapons with proof of compliance. These laws are now associated with a 10% reduction in state-level rates of intimate partner homicide. Learn more about the study and its findings here – or review the study yourself here.
Tragedy in District 4
Seattle police officers and firefighters respond to a fire at a home in the 1000 block of North 48th Street in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood on Saturday. Four people, two adults and two children, were found dead inside the house after being barricaded inside. One child survived the blaze by escaping through a window and running to a neighbor’s house. Our hearts break for the survivor and the extended family of those who were lost. This is an immense weight for a survivor to bear. We hope that they get the support that they need to process this tragedy. See coverage from The Seattle Times here.
Belltown Art Walk
Join your friends and neighbors to visit the galleries and businesses throughout Belltown today, September 8th for the Belltown Art Walk from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.
MEXAM NW Festival
A month-long festival celebrating Mexican culture and history kicks off today, September 8th. Peruse all of the exciting events within the festival here.
Downtown Summer Sounds at Bell Street Park
Visit Bell Street Park today, September 8th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to listen to the Polyrhythmics, a Seattle-based progressive funk, psychedelic rock and modern afro-beat recording artist and national touring collective.
Ballard Art Walk
Join your friends and neighbors to visit the galleries and businesses throughout Ballard tomorrow, September 9th for the Ballard Art Walk from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Xopantla Tianquiztli Festival
Tomorrow, September 9th at 1:00 p.m., you’re invited to learn, celebrate, and experience the beauty and richness of traditional Mexican arts and culture through a public market highlighting artists and local vendors from the region. Click here to learn more.
FamilyWorks new Family Resource Center
On Saturday, September 16th from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., join FamilyWorks at its new FRC location at the Cedar Crossing Apartments in the Roosevelt neighborhood. The community will celebrate the new resource center, cut the ribbon, and hear remarks from FamilyWorks leadership. Learn more and RSVP here.
Partners in Change Resource Fair
Save the date for the Partners in Change Resource Fair, which will take place on Saturday, September 23rd from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Green River Community College, Kent Campus at Kent Station. Partners in change will provide free food, grocery bags, lunchboxes for kids, vaccines, and resources. Players from the Seattle Seahawks will also be there to pass out grocery bags and lunchboxes! For more information or questions, please contact sameth@eec-wa.org.
Additional upcoming events:
Pickleball for All
When: Saturday, September 16th – Sunday, September 17th
Where: 5th Avenue between Denny and Wall
Learn more: https://www.classy.org/event/pickleball-for-all/e511038
District 7 City Council and King County District 4 Candidate Forum
Belltown United, West Precinct Advisory Council (WPAC), South Lake Union Chamber, and the Uptown Alliance are hosting a candidate forum.
When: Tuesday, September 26th – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Seattle Unity Church
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/SeattleUptownAlliance/posts/pfbid021jNR93h6Gf4L1dYAzC4jd5bsRuGPPVb3hphDbQuhHuscJYdK5EFoP9BtokygEostl
Cultural Candidate Forum: King County Council
Hosted by Inspire Washington, the forum will provide the opportunity for candidates for the general election in Districts 4 and 8 to outline their plans for supporting the region’s cultural arts, heritage, and natural science fields.
When: Friday, September 22nd – 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Seattle Town Hall / Livestream
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/564904155832272/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
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.
Volunteers needed for Taste of Queen Anne
On October 14th at 5:30 p.m., the Queen Anne Helpline will host Taste of Queen Anne in Banchero Hall at St. Anne Catholic Church on Saturday. This event will bring you elegant small tastes from high-end Queen Anne restaurants as well as the opportunity to bid on auction items, including vacation packages and a private, catered dinner. Enjoy delicious local eats while learning more about how to support the work of Queen Anne Helpline in preventing homelessness and bolstering access to the foundational resources necessary for survival.
Taste of Queen Anne is looking for volunteers to help:
- Set up the space before the event begins.
- Run the event, including checking attendees in and out, helping to serve food and drinks, keeping the space organized, and jumping in to help the event flow smoothly.
- Tear-down/clean-up after the event ends.
If you’re interested in lending a hand during the fundraiser, click here.
Finding Balance Through Gardening and Poetry
After difficulties with mental health and anger throughout childhood, K became involved with drugs and alcohol by the time he was in sixth grade. He later began a rehab program, where he found a love for writing and poetry. K was able to find a cathartic way to express himself and to share his thoughts and emotions, while processing his life’s experiences.
K’s continuous struggle with mental health made it difficult to keep up with schoolwork, although, he discovered an eight-week program at YouthCare designed to teach students how to cultivate, harvest, and market produce while working toward completing their secondary education and gaining valuable employment skills. YouthGrow provided K with the tools and experience necessary for his journey toward thriving.
Since graduating from YouthCare’s program, YouthGrow, K has been steadily employed, continues to find peace and inspiration from nature, and aspires to become a published author. Read more about K’s story here.
Helpful and informative links
This summer broke the world record for the highest temperature officially recorded – AP News
Unreleased Report Highlights Funding Challenges for Program Aimed at Ending Homelessness Downtown – PubliCola
Burien considers camping ban and first homeless shelter – KUOW
A big thanks to waterfront greenway visionaries – 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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