Happy Halloween and Happy Voting!
October 2023
Dear Friend,
October was full of events for our District 3 community! We hope that you made great memories if you celebrated Yom Kippur and Diwali earlier this month. Whether or not you’re celebrating Halloween tonight, we hope that you have a fun and safe time spent with a loving community. We can’t wait to see all your costumes!
Also, Día de los Muertos is being celebrated by the Latino/a/e community through November 2nd. This celebration traditionally honors the memory of the dead while welcoming them to revisit the living. If you would like to learn more about the history of the holiday, click here!
Amidst all of the celebrations, it's also a time to get civically engaged! Remember that Election Day for the 2023 General Election is on Nov. 7 and ballots must be in by 8 PM. Make sure your voice is heard and drop off your ballot as soon as possible at your local City Hall, library, or other drop box location! Check out this link to find the drop box nearest you. You can also return your postage-free ballot in your mailbox to make sure it is counted instead.
If you aren't yet registered to vote, need to update your registration, need a replacement ballot, or need to use an accessible voting device, you can do so at satellite vote centers on Nov. 4, Nov. 6, and Nov. 7 (Election Day).
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
Mid-Biennial King County Budget Proposal
This month, Executive Dow Constantine released his $511 million mid-biennial budget proposal, which makes modifications to the King County 2023-2024 biennial budget that was adopted last fall. This was the first step in a two-month public process, leading to Council adoption in November of a final County budget.
It's important to note that this budget forecasts some very serious cuts that may occur if state law isn’t changed. At present, arbitrary caps on property tax revenue and lack of progressive revenue sources will leave the criminal justice system, human services contracts, and other government administrations -- such as Elections and Public Health clinics -- subject to drastic cuts in 2025.
The Executive’s budget proposal has been transmitted to the King County Council and was heard in the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee last week. Our budget analysts will be preparing a report that will be available to the public soon.
Out in the Community!
(Left): Last week, we had the opportunity to tour the construction site of the brand-new Redmond Senior and Community Center, which is scheduled to open next year; (Right): We walked in the 54th annual Salmon Days parade through the beautiful streets of Issaquah.
 (Left): We were honored to celebrate trailblazer Megan Rapinoe’s final soccer match with her at Lumen Field; (Right): I had the lovely opportunity to tour and converse with leaders in King County about potential flood risk education and salmon habitat projects at the confluence of the Tolt River and the Snoqualmie River.
 I learned a lot at Meadowbrook Farm a last week from listening to members of the Snoqualmie Tribe talk about the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement.
Celebrating October Proclamations and Holidays!
 October was full of events and important proclamations. We continued our celebration of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 through our Proclamation reading on Oct. 4. We were grateful to have been joined by The Circle WA’s Executive Director, Alicia Spinner, at Council for the organization’s work for the Latinx community. We also celebrated Indigenous People’s Day on Oct. 9, paying tribute to the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of Native peoples to our County. Finally, in commemoration of the long-lived histories of Filipino Americans in the US, we are also celebrating Filipino American History Month in October.
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
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 success of the approach so you are being invited to virtual planning meetings:
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CRISIS CARE CENTER CLINICAL DESIGN UPDATE – Monthly, 2nd Thursday, 11am-12:30pm (next meeting 11/9). Hear about the CCC clinical design and system integrations. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER UPDATE – Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 1-2pm (next meeting 11/21). Hear an overview and update on the CCC planning process. Register here.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER YOUTH-SPECIFIC COMPONENTS – Monthly, 4th Wednesday, 1-2pm (next meeting 11/22). Hear an overview on the youth-specific components of the Levy. If interested, email CCCLevy@kingcounty.gov.
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CRISIS CARE CENTER SUBSTANCE USE COMPONENTS UPDATE – Monthly, 4th Tuesday, 3-4pm (next meeting 11/28). Hear about the CCC substance use components. 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 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
The season for King County’s most frequent natural disaster has arrived. Flooding is most common in our area from October through April. Learn how you can prepare for a long and unpredictable flood season on the DNRP Keeping King County Green blog. Additionally, check your flood risk for where you live, work, go to school, or commute by entering any address here.
Town Halls across District 3!
Issaquah Town Hall: Wednesday, November 29th
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 Issaquah Town Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 29th at 6:30 PM at a location that will be announced soon! Join us as we learn from each other, get to know one another, and work together to ensure that communities in Issaquah are best positioned to thrive! We will be joined by Mayor Mary Lou Pauly and guests from King County Creative Economies, King County Behavioral Health, and King County Environmental Preservation Departments. We will be sending out the event information next week, so save the date! Questions? Call: 206-507-9860.
Previous Town Hall: Fall City
It was delightful to hear from our Fall City residents at the Fall City Fire Station. Our wonderful guest speakers joined us to talk about behavioral health initiatives, creative economies, and environmental preservation in Fall City and across our region. You can watch a recap of that Town Hall here!
Clothing Donations for the Community
Child's Play Box and Bothell Chiropractic Clinic have joined forces with The Treehouse for Kids organization to support the needs of foster kids across the area. They are collecting New and Like New items for kids, teens and young adults ages 0-26. They are in need of outerwear, sweatpants/shirts, warm tops, coats and Jackets. The donation drive is going on now until Nov. 22. Drop off all donations at Bothell Chiropractic Clinic at 10614 Beardslee Blvd # B, Bothell, WA 98011 or email Child's Play Box at info@childsplaybox.com to schedule a pickup!
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. 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. And check out this live stream from the Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) where you can see the salmon with both underwater and overwater views!
Celebrating the First Year of the Free Youth Transit Pass at Metro!
One year ago, we saw youth 18 and younger all across our county get access to free transit through King County Metro Transit! With free fares for riders 18 and under, youth have unlocked the freedom to Go All the Places, and Do All the Things! This is particularly important in our District because D3 has the highest percentage of residents under the age of 18 across all the King County Council Districts.
Youth rode King County Metro buses an estimated 7 million times in the first year of the Free Youth Transit Pass. Through combined efforts with our agency partners across the region, providing a free youth fare saves families hundreds of dollars a year and gives mobility and freedom to young people. Visit the Youth Fare site to learn more.
East Lake Sammamish Trail is Open!
Earlier this month, we celebrated the grand opening of the 11-mile Eastlake Sammamish Trail segment, which reconnects our Eastside communities with the Lake Sammamish shoreline and provides more opportunities for transportation, recreation, and community connection! This historic investment in public infrastructure has been decades in the making and provides cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, walkers, and movers of all ages and abilities another way to get outside and enjoy our big backyard. Thank you to King County Parks and all of the other community stakeholders and leaders for their work on this initiative!
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!
Bothell Spotlight!
Check out where the spotlight is shining on a Bothell 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!
Wanderlust Book Lounge is a Bothell bookstore founded by residents Vicki Isett and Lisa Soli who are passionate about connecting you to great reads and bringing the community together. This cozy spot features writer’s workshops, speakers, classes for kids, and live music. Relax on their patio, learn new things, and explore your interests at your new favorite book shop. Buy your books on their website or in person at 10202 Northeast 185th Street, Bothell, Washington 98011. For any questions call them at 425-205-9643 or email them at hello@wanderlustbooklounge.com.
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The Northshore Senior Center is a fun, vibrant community hub, buzzing with activity. The Center takes pride in having helped develop several national models that have demonstrated a positive impact on the well-being of older adults. From humanities classes to a multitude of social services, the Center provides a warm and welcoming community for all to participate in. Stop by 10201 E. Riverside Drive, Bothell, WA 98011 or visit their website for more information. For any questions, send an email to information@mynorthshore.org or call Northshore Senior Center at 425-487-2441.
City Spotlight: Bothell
The City of Bothell has a packed schedule this Fall! Visit Main Street on Halloween from 5 – 7 PM with your family to participate in trick-or-treating fun with local businesses. The City is also hosting a community workshop to provide information about inclusive playgrounds, the Harper's Playground model, and the importance of providing access to inclusive play spaces within the parks system. To learn more, visit this website. If you have any questions, visit Bothell City Hall at 18415 101st Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011, visit their website, and for any questions, send an email to citystaff@bothellwa.gov, or give them a call at 425-806-6100.
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, November 4th, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Q&As, local resources fair, support, and more!
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Sunday, November 5th, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: free food, activities, art, games, and more!
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Friday, November 10th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Veterans Day Service with performance of Liberty High School’s Junior ROTC, Flag presentation, refreshments, and more!
Snoqualmie Casino Flag Raising Ceremony
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Saturday, November 11th, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Veterans Day Service Flag presentation, speakers, and more!
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Saturday, November 25th, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: local produce, foods, drinks, festivities, 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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