December 1, 2023
 Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On November 2nd, King County’s Water Taxi Doc Maynard’s Captain Dan Krehbiel and Deckhands Nick Williams and Cory Bantam were making a regular trip from West Seattle to downtown, when they noticed a runaway barge carrying shipping containers.
In a quick decision, the captain and his crew moved to use the water taxi to push the barge off its course and to instead make contact with the outer dock of the Bell Harbor Marina, near Pier 66. This swift action undoubtedly caused much less damage and any harm to people than if the barge were to continue toward the central waterfront. In doing so, Captain Krehbiel, Nick Williams, and Cory Bantam went above and beyond their duty. While abnormal and tense situations may incapacitate some, the opposing ability to respond tactically and effectively is characteristic of true heroism, which should always be recognized. We honored these three heroes during Tuesday’s council meeting by presenting them with a recognition for their courage.
I am grateful we have such skilled and courageous individuals guiding Seattleites across Elliot Bay each day. We at the King County Council are appreciative of their responsiveness and commitment to the safety and well-being of those in our region.
Read more coverage of the recognition from King 5 or watch a clip from KIRO 7.
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
“The world is starving for new ideas and great leaders who will champion those ideas.”
– Lisa Su, CEO, Advanced Micro Devices
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During Monday’s special Government Accountability and Oversight Committee meeting, the committee took action on a proposed ordinance related to expanding community representation on the King County International Airport Roundtable.
- During Monday’s special Regional Policy Committee meeting, the committee took action on two proposed ordinances – the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Implementation Plan and the Doors Open Cultural Access program.
- During Tuesday’s Local Services and Land Use Committee meeting, the committee was briefed on a code enforcement audit as well as on the Comp Plan for 2024. Lastly, the committee took action on a proposed motion acknowledging receipt of the 2023 rural flooding assessment report.
- During Tuesday’s full Council meeting, the committee presented a recognition to King County Elections Director Julie Wise and the Elections team for their outstanding work, as well as one to M/V Doc Maynard water taxi Captain Dan Krehbiel and Deckhands Nick Williams and Cory Bantam for their quick actions to avert a tragedy on the Seattle waterfront. We also took action on proposed motions on King County’s 2024 Legislative Priorities and on acknowledging receipt of a biosolids thermal drying phase 2 report. Also on the agenda were motions related to collective bargaining as well as several appointments, including one to District Court, and reorganizing voting precincts for 2024, and on ordinances relating to taxi cab and for-hire vehicle regulations and extending the one-dollar low-income fee on transportation modes.
 We presented a recognition to King County Elections Director Julie Wise and the staff for their impressive work.
- During Wednesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, I chaired my final meeting of my career, and it was a special one. Three very significant pieces of legislation were on the agenda, and many people turned out to provide public comment. Even former Councilmember Larry Gossett joined us on Zoom to speak in support of my legislation regarding redlining, relating a poignant story on the racial discrimination his parents faced when trying to buy a home in West Seattle back in the 1950s. That legislation was passed out of committee. We also took action on the Doors Open proposed ordinance that will increase funding for arts, culture, science, and heritage countywide, with an emphasis on youth access. The overwhelming support for this legislation is especially gratifying to me as its passage will be the culmination of years of effort by the arts/culture community and me. The program will be transformative for our community, in ways that we can predict and up to now we could only imagine—such is art! The legislation moves to the full Council for one final vote next Tuesday. Finally, we amended the proposed ordinance on the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Implementation Plan. This critical levy is being extended for the third time after voter approval earlier this year, and Councilmembers and other community leaders on the Regional Policy Committee have given extensive review and input on the details on the rollout plan. Because we amended the plan passed by the RPC, it likely will need to return to the Regional Policy Committee in a special meeting to be scheduled after going through Council next Tuesday.
If you missed the meetings, recordings and additional materials will be made available here
 Full Council
The council will hold its regular meeting at 1:30 p.m., at which time I will present a proclamation of December 25-31, 2023, as “Boys in the Boat Week” in King County to recognize the release of the George Clooney-directed film on Christmas Day based on the best-selling book by local author Daniel James Brown who will be with us for the proclamation. We will also take possible action on my proposed motion requesting the executive to provide recommendations to restore justice for race-based restrictive real estate practices. The council will also take action on our proposed supplemental budget, the Doors Open program and on the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Implementation Plan. Lastly, agenda items concerning body worn cameras for the King County sheriff's office and property tax levies will also be up for action. The council will also hold an earlier special off-site meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday with state legislators from King County to discuss our legislative priorities. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meetings here.
Regional Water Quality Committee
During next Wednesday’s 3:00 p.m. meeting, the committee will be briefed on a letter developed by the RWQC requesting the Executive prioritize the development of the update to the Regional Wastewater Services Plan. The committee will also receive a Chair’s report, MWPAAC report, and Wastewater Treatment Division report. Meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting here.
 Quarterly Overdose Prevention and Response Training
 This free, online, one-hour training is for the public and professionals interested in 2023 overdose and drug trends, training on opioid overdose, and how to use and access naloxone. Everyone is welcome.
When: Thursday, December 7th, 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. PST
Where: ZOOM
Register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__I34sQQoQvyOr4yoAH4thA?fbclid=IwAR3PiIEkUNrpWdzQLnHH5IhsGcjRZjMOHXZwVso7FA1nm1Bs_2Oa6Rfzo8k#/registration
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.
The new 2023-2024 COVID vaccine has been approved, and some pharmacies have them available. Check vaccines.gov to find appointments or check with your provider.
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
Respiratory viruses, thrown out of whack by Covid, appear to be falling back into seasonal order – STAT News
U.S. life expectancy creeps up as Covid deaths fall – The New York Times
Local parents struggle to find available pediatric COVID-19 vaccines amid U.S. shortage – FOX 13
Why we’re still breathing dirty indoor air – The New York Times
Climate policy is not ‘left-wing stuff’ – The Seattle Times
Mother loses 16-year-old to fentanyl overdose, warns parents of how accessible the drug is – King 5
 Bicycle helmet giveaway event
 On Monday, my staff and I will be at Broadview-Thomson K-8 School from 2:15-3:45 p.m. to help give away free helmets to students and their families. I secured funding in the County budget for Cascade Bicycle Club to procure the helmets and coordinate this event. Their capable staff will be on hand to ensure proper fitting. This event is not open to the public.
Council-based WaterWorks funding
Each year, every council office selects awardees for WaterWorks grant funding. All of the Councilmanic awards were approved by the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, and received final approval by the full Council during Tuesday’s council meeting. We do anticipate that these funds will be approved as they stand now. The District 4 office selected projects from the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle 2030 District, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle. The full list of funded projects is available here.
2023 King County Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Survey Report
 The results of the 2023 King County Nonprofit Wage & Benefits Survey Report and the King County Nonprofit Employee Engagement Survey Report are now available. The reports show how underinvestment in the nonprofit workforce impacts programs, services, and the overall sector. The surveys found that 71% of nonprofit workers are considering leaving their position because of pay. The results contribute to a growing body of data around human services compensation practices. Learn more here.
 Seattle/King County Clinic
 Volunteers are needed for February 2024's Seattle/King County Clinic. There is a role for everyone, from clinical and non-clinical assignments to those in social work, health insurance navigation, and those who are fluent in another language. Learn more here.
 BloodWorks NW Pop-Up Blood Drive
 When: Today, December 1st
Where: Sunset Hill Community Association, 3003 NW 66th St.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/718800596836025/718800610169357/?active_tab=about
Belltown Wine Share
 A special holiday theme for December is “Sparkling Night”. Bring a friend, a bottle of sparkling wine, and your own glass to reduce plastic usage. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. This Belltown First Friday Wine Share will be hosted by Gary Lorentson of Design Within Reach. Avenue.
When: Today, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: 1931 1st Avenue
Tomte Trail at Ballard Holidayfest
Explore Ballard to find the sneaky little Tomte hidden in 28 businesses throughout the neighborhood. Be sure to bring your stamped Tomte Trail passports to the event, get your prize and enter to win the grand prize of a Family Membership to the National Nordic Museum.
When: Saturday, December 2nd, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Marvin’s Garden Park
More information: https://www.visitballard.com/holidays/
Seattle Christmas Market
Visit 60+ vendors, eat delicious food, and explore unique artisan made merchandise.
When: Every day, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., through December 24th.
Where: Seattle Center
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2979433762193885/2979433852193876/?active_tab=about
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
When: Friday, December 1st at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Pike Place Market
More information: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/events-calendar/the-great-figgy-pudding-caroling-competition/#:~:text=Friday%2C%20December%201%2C%202023,to%20ring%20in%20the%20season.
Giving Marketplace at the Discovery Center
 Enjoy unique goods from dozens of vendors as well as ornament and jewelry making classes, portrait painting, live music, and more at this free, all-ages event.
When: Today, December 1st – tomorrow, December 2nd
Where: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/297300083188987/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Winterfest World Bazaar
 Enjoy a display of unique cultural holiday gifts, curated by Festál community partners.
When: Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd
Where: Seattle Center Armory
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1029206171636292/1029206221636287/?active_tab=about
Winter Festival and Crafts Fair
 When: Tomorrow, December 2nd – Sunday, December 3rd
Where: Phinney Neighborhood Association
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/43rd-annual-winter-festival-cr/2283641195167534/?mibextid=9l3rBW
34th Annual Developmental Disabilities and Delays Legislative Forum
 The forum aims to educate our region’s policymakers on intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays legislative priorities for 2024, centering on sharing experiences so that elected officials understand the supports needed in King County to help all people live full, integrated, and meaningful lives.
When: Thursday, December 7th, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Southcenter DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 16500 Southcenter Parkway.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1092524205451634/?ref=newsfeed
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.
 A UW program works to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women and other underserved community members.
 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause than white women. However, only in recent years has there been an uptick in research and media attention. A new University of Washington program, Heart, Soul and Joy, addresses disparities in maternal health by providing mothers and mothers-to-be with tools to monitor their health at home and guidance about mental health, domestic violence, and nurturing joy and pleasure. Read more about this research program and its success here.
Additional and helpful links
At last-minute Special Meeting, Burien City Council approves motion to accept King County’s $1 million offer for homeless encampment – The B Town Blog
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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