 I was thrilled to join the opening of the Lynnwood Link extension project earlier today! Featuring words from county, city, state, federal, labor, and tribal leaders, hundreds joined at Lynnwood Transit Center to mark a new beginning of light rail extending north to Snohomish County.
The opening of the Lynnwood extension marks a major milestone in our region’s journey to create a fast, frequent, reliable transit system, but what I’m most excited about is how this is going to change people’s lives.
When I first proposed opening the East Link Starter Line, there were valid concerns about Sound Transit being able to open light rail both on the Eastside and Snohomish County in 2024. But we did it! Today’s opening is a testament to the hard work and creativity by so many at Sound Transit and in the construction trades to open both rail lines. The result is that more people can experience everything our region’s cities have to offer, bringing our communities closer together.
It’s not too late to join in the celebration! Enjoy festivities from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at each of the four new stations led by the North City Neighborhood Association (NCNA), Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Mountlake Terrace Chamber of Commerce, Snotrac, Asian Service Center, and Lynnwood Chamber of Commerce. You’ll find everything from a bouncy house, food trucks, face painting, live music, giveaways, and so much more. And don’t forget to play Discover. Stamp. Win! along the way!
On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in unanimously passing legislation to clearly state the King County Council’s intent to maintain operations of the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center's (CFJC) youth detention facility, while also recommitting ourselves to improving the legal system and the conditions for young people in detention.
For many years I have balanced the goal of reducing and preventing crime through strong community-based programs and improving overall outcomes for youth with the reality that there are some young people who need to be temporarily held in secure detention for the safety of the community. Before joining the King County Council, I worked in the county jail system, including serving as the Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. I understand deeply government’s responsibility for public safety, including the use of secure detention, AND our responsibility to provide people—especially young people—the services and resources that support them in succeeding in life, thus avoiding criminal activity in the first place.
As I have said throughout our weeks of debate on this topic and as I have believed throughout my time as a steward of public safety, these are not mutually exclusive efforts. They are ‘yes, and’ commitments. Public safety is one of government’s most crucial duties and I am committed to achieving true public safety, with a variety of approaches. This ranges from meeting basic human needs to supporting strong community connections to offering restorative justice to helping victims of crimes and, yes, providing a secure place to hold people who pose a danger to the community.
I appreciate that we have had a robust discussion and took a position on youth detention. Now, let’s get back to work improving support and outcomes for our young people and making our communities truly safe for everyone.
 On Saturday, August 31st from 12:00-5:00 PM head to Downtown Redmond Park for the third annual Redmond Pride celebration! Enjoy a full schedule of performances, food and craft vendors, and games—plus the splashpad will be on to keep you cool and refreshed in the heat! Sensory friendly relax and enjoy booths will also offer soft rugs, cozy chairs, and drag story times. Come and experience the amazing talent, creativity, and resources that the LGBTQ+ community has to offer!
 On Monday, September 2 our nation celebrates Labor Day – a time to recognize the value of all workers and commit ourselves to honoring that value by holding employers in all industries, including government, to high standards, fair wages, and good working conditions.
Read about the origin of the only federal holiday dedicated to honoring and recognizing America's workers from the US Department of Labor’s website:
And a reminder, most King County government offices will be closed to observe Labor Day and Metro Transit services will be operating on a Sunday schedule. The Vashon Water Taxi will not be in service. Visit Metro Trip Planner to learn more:
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