Making Investments in our Environment!
September 2023
Dear Friend,
Preserving and protecting our environment is very important to me and our entire District 3 team, which is why we are excited to announce that the King County Flood Control District recently approved over $12 million to fund salmon conservation, education, and passage projects in four Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs). Roughly $4 million will go to projects in our district, specifically funding WRIA 7 and a portion of WRIA 8. These grants will also fund educational and advocacy programs, particularly geared toward engaging youth across the region.
Advocating for this grant fulfills part of our Flood Control District's comprehensive plan in emphasizing consideration of fish and wildlife habitat as part of flood risk management and promoting native salmon recovery. I’m looking forward to the opportunities that this funding will provide toward reaching our conservation goals in our District and throughout King County. Investing in our environment goes a long way!
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:
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): Earlier this month, we celebrated the stunning new crosswalk created by artist Jing Jing and sponsored by Pride Across the Bridge and the City of Redmond, Washington - Government; (Right) We joined the Indian American Community Services and their Senior Lunch program at the Beaver Lake Lodge in Sammamish!
 (Left): We celebrated the grand opening of the Together Center, a space bringing dozens of non-profit and human service organizations under one roof in Redmond; (Right): I had the opportunity to judge this year’s Apple Pie Baking Competition at the Fall City Apple Festival with community leaders Kathryn Podschwit and Mari Engen.
 (Left): We met with Downtown Issaquah Association’s Corby Casler and Christina Bruning at their offices in the Historic Shell Station; (Right): We watched the City of Woodinville’s ceremonial removal of the first rail spike to help kick off the next phase of extending the Eastrail trail system to Woodinville.
Celebrating September Proclamations and Holidays!
 September marked the end of summer and was brimming with festivities! We started the month off with Labor Day, celebrating the contributions and achievements of workers across the country. Our King County Executive then proclaimed Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the cultural, educational, economic, and political influences and contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx community members. Our Council proclaimed September as National Recovery Month in King County to spread awareness of mental health and substance use disorders in our communities. We also recognized the Recovery Café, an addiction resource center, and its Executive Director David Coffey as the 2023 King County Recovery Champion. And last week, our Council recognized Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo for his “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” exhibition across the county. The hustle and bustle of summer is coming to an end, but we can look forward to more community celebrations as the colder seasons approach!
On the Issues!
Our District 3 team has three main priority areas that we have been focusing on this year: Behavioral Health, the Environment, and Creative Economies. 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, the nine-year voter-approved Crisis Care Centers Initiative 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:
-
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.
-
CRISIS CARE CENTER CLINICAL DESIGN OVERVIEW & UPDATE – Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 11am-12:30pm (next meeting 10/12). Hear about the CCC clinical design and system integrations. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
-
CRISIS CARE CENTER OVERVIEW & UPDATE – Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 1-2pm (next meeting 10/17). Hear an overview and update on the CCC planning process. Register here.
-
CRISIS CARE CENTER SUBSTANCE USE COMPONENTS UPDATE – Monthly, 4th Tuesday, 3-4pm (next meeting 10/24). Hear about the CCC substance use components. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
-
CRISIS CARE CENTER YOUTH-SPECIFIC COMPONENTS – Monthly, 4th Wednesday, 1-2pm (next meeting 10/25). Hear an overview on the youth-specific components of the Levy. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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.
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
Our County’s team of noxious weed specialists are keeping an eye out for Class-A noxious weeds to prevent them from spreading and becoming as invasive as ivy or blackberry bushes. The Noxious Weed Control Program is focused on controlling yellow flag iris around Paradise Lake and blackberry, holly, and ivy in the nearby Upper Bear Creek. Thus far in 2023, the Program has surveyed 1,314 regulated weed infestations in District 3 and 1,198, or 91%, have already been controlled. For more information on the project, read our County’s weed control blog.
Additionally, on August 15th, Parks conserved 40 acres of forest that will add to King County’s Mitchell Hill Connector Forest (20 acres purchased in fee and an adjacent 20-acre conservation easement). This property provides a contiguous connection between King County Parks and Washington State Department of Natural Resources property.
Town Halls across District 3!
Duvall Town Hall: Thursday, October 5th
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 Duvall Town Hall on Thursday, October 5th at 6:30 PM at the Riverview School District Education Service Center (15510 1st Ave. NE, Duvall, WA 98019)! Join us as we learn from each other, get to know one another, and work together to ensure that communities in Duvall are best positioned to thrive! We will be joined by Mayor Amy Ockerlander and guests from King County Creative Economies, King County Behavioral Health, and King County Environmental Preservation Departments. 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: North Bend
It was delightful to hear from our North Bend residents at the North Bend Railroad Depot. Our wonderful guest speakers joined us to talk about behavioral health initiatives, creative economies, and environmental preservation in North Bend and across our region. You can watch a recap of that Town Hall here!
Be a Voice of Equity on Transit!
King County Metro is working to make it easier for people with disabilities to use public transportation. Metro is inviting people with disabilities, along with their families, friends, and caregivers, to take part in a community survey. Their goal is to make it possible for everyone in King County to get to the places they need to go. Make sure to complete their Americans with Disabilities Act community survey by Oct. 15. Your input about your experiences riding Metro and your ideas for enhancing their programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities are highly valued.
It’s Salmon SEEson!
Coordinated by the WRIA 8 salmon recovery team, the Salmon SEEson program is sharing the best stream and river locations in King County for people to see salmon as they return from the ocean in late summer and fall. Some locations are self-guided, and others feature volunteer naturalists to guide visitors. This is your opportunity to view salmon and learn about their lifecycle, efforts to protect them, and restoring habitat. Check out their website for more information and viewing locations map, which includes several sites in District 3.
Fresh Fall Finds
Celebrate King County farmers and find the best of the fall season. You can find special gifts and ingredients for the holidays through local farmers and vendors. Enjoy these cooler temperatures and crisp colors by finding a Farmer's Market near you!
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!
Fall City Spotlight!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on a Fall City 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!
TreeHouse Point is a family-ran getaway where you can relax and connect with Fall City’s beautiful nature. TreeHouse Point offers lodging, guided tours, weddings, and meeting accommodations. Whether you want to schedule a quiet getaway or celebration, they have it all! Escape everyday stress and have a true Pacific Northwest experience at TreeHouse Point. Make sure to book a tour through their website or stay with them at 6922 Preston-Fall City Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027. For any questions, send an email to info@treehousepoint.com or call them at 425-441-8087.
 |
CarePoint Clinic partners with individuals of all ages and walks of life to provide free quality primary healthcare to the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding areas. With a volunteer staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and coordinators, CarePoint Clinic has been making a difference in the local community through their accessibility. Stop by 36017 SE Fish Hatchery Rd, Fall City, WA 98024 if you need accessible, affordable, and high-quality health care or visit their website to schedule an appointment. For any questions, send an email to info@carepointonline.org or call CarePoint at 425-478-6627.
 |
The Fall City Community Association (FCCA), a volunteer organization that represents the unincorporated area of Fall City, has been doing impressive work to engage residents in serving the community. This year, Fall City is participating in Love Snoqualmie Valley, a one-day, community-wide volunteer day designed to promote collaboration by serving our community in practical ways! If you're interested in joining, you can learn more here. If you have any questions, make sure to contact FCCA at ilovefallcity@gmail.com or visit their website here.
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!
-
Saturday, September 30th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: food trucks, free games, balloon artists, face painting, and more
-
Saturday, September 30th, 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM: festive treats, henna, ethnic saris, matching jewelry, family fun activities, vendors, and more!
-
Each weekend in October, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: farm-fresh food, pumpkins, hayrides, and family fun activities, and more!
-
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!
-
Saturday, October 28th, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: trick-or-treating opportunities, food, family fun, 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
|
