Make Your Voice Heard: Vote by November 5th!
October 2024
Dear Friend,
October was a month full of events for our District 3 community! We hope you had some great moments if you celebrated Yom Kippur and Diwali earlier this month. Whether or not you’re celebrating Halloween tonight or Día de los Muertos this weekend, we wish you a fun and safe time spent with a loving community!
Amidst the celebrations, it's also a time to get civically engaged! Remember that Election Day for the 2024 General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5th 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!
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. 2, Nov. 4, and Nov. 5 (Election Day).
Thank you for exercising your right to vote and for sharing your voice by November 5th! 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,
Love and Gratitude for the Entire Fall City Community
This past week has been an incredibly difficult one for the Fall City and Snoqualmie Valley communities, facing an unfathomable tragedy together. My heart continues to ache for the lives lost and all who are struggling to make sense of this loss right now. Please do reach out to a counselor, your faith leader, or call 988, if you or your friends or family members could benefit from someone to speak with at this time.
Watching all of this unfold, I have never been more proud of our King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) team than in this moment. They took immense care to encircle the community to meet the needs at hand with such thoughtful, trauma-informed engagement. KCSO Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, Undersheriff Jesse Anderson, Chief B.J. Myers (and many more first responders), Pastor Baly and Pastor John held a space for grieving and hope for the over 50 in attendance at the SVA Church.
It was also heartening to see KC Mental Health Specialist, Susie Kroll, there, along with the Service Animal Support team for comfort of those grieving. I also appreciated seeing our elected leaders present to express their deep care and concern. Finally, I want to thank the good people at Aroma Coffee and Empower Youth Network for being a hub of deep care for the community before, during, and after this painful time together. I have so much love for all those struggling through this deeply challenging time together. Fall City is a beautifully, resilient and supportive town, and neighbors are absolutely leaning in to take care of each other through this. I am grateful to know this community.
Council Briefings & Actions!
Council has been working hard this month – here’s the work that matters most to D3:
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; Health and Human Services; Labor Policy; Law and Justice; Local Services and Land Use; Transportation, Economy, and Environment; Regional Policy; Regional Transit; Regional Water Quality
King County Budget Leadership Updates!
Last month, King County Executive Dow Constantine submitted a proposed $10.2 billion budget to the Council. The budget will fund King County’s essential services, including community safety initiatives, public transportation, affordable housing, and more. With Council officially in budget season, I am honored to have been serving on the Budget Leadership Team (BLT)! We have been reviewing the budget and making crucial decisions on how to allocate county funds before passage of the final budget in November.
As we navigate this work, we have provided multiple opportunities for the public to learn about and weigh in on the budget, including three town halls in community and six panels at the KC Courthouse, and we heard some great feedback! You can also email me at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov if you'd like to share your thoughts! We encourage you to follow along on our website as we review the budget. Our anticipated date to pass the budget is Tuesday, Nov. 19th (with our back-up date being Tuesday, Nov. 26th if needed). Thank you for participating and sharing your priorities with us!
Out in the Community!
 (Left): I joined Chamber CEO Kimberly Ellerston and Woodinville Mayor Mike Millman to present at the October Woodinville Chamber meeting; (Right): I spoke at the SnoValley Chamber Annual Meeting alongside Chamber CEO Kelly Coughlin and the Snoqualmie Casino.
(Left): We celebrated Issaquah's Salmon Days and visited the Issaquah Alps Trails Club booth; (Right): Joined the NAMI Eastside Annual Gala alongside Donna Lurie and State Representative Bill Ramos, where I was honored to be presented with a Mental Health Champion Award!
 (Left): I joined the MIDD team and Laura Smith in Duvall as we had a Behavioral Health Listening Session; (Right): We joined Indian American Community Services at their Diwali Bazaar in Redmond!
On the Issues!
Informed by both our survey data and community conversations, our priority areas this year include Community Health & Safety, Environmental Preservation & Farm Protection, and Small Businesses & Creative Economy. We are hard at work convening meetings with organizations and are looking forward to the positive change we can create together!
On the Topic of Community Health & Safety
WSP North Bend Detachment: October marked a monumental month for our Snoqualmie Valley community, as Washington State Patrol (WSP) reestablished a new detachment to serve the North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass areas and keep everyone safe! I am so honored to have been able to convene regular roundtables at the Snoqualmie Pass over the past few years that ultimately held a part in bringing this detachment back to life!
Whether it is Pass closures, accidents, enforcement, critical parking issues for both trucks and cars, power outages, and so much more, the challenges in front of us are big and we are collaborating across the board toward impactful solutions. Now this new office, located at the Fire Training Academy off exit 38 on I-90, has a target of eight full troopers and a sergeant by early next year to make sure our roads and communities stay safe! Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible, including WSP Chief John Batiste, Captain Ron Mead, Sergeant Porter, Trooper Johnson, and so many more. Learn more about this detachment here!
On the Topic of the Environmental Preservation & Farm Protection
Kokanee Salmon Release: Earlier this month, I was grateful to join the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and so many more leaders and partners to release the first of 12,000 young Kokanee salmon into the Lake Sammamish watershed. Members of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group are developing a report – due in 2025 – that will assess the overall kokanee population and environmental threats, studying salmon survival at different life stages, including when they are in the lake.
It’s wonderful to see the record number of young salmon released into Lake Sammamish, and I’m thankful to all the partners for their ongoing work in ensuring that our kokanee salmon population thrives after decades of decline. Native kokanee salmon have played a significant role in the lives of Snoqualmie Tribal members since time immemorial, and it will take innovative strategies and thoughtful partnerships like this to make sure that our kokanee salmon are protected for generations to come.
On the Topic of Small Businesses & Creative Economy
Alan M. Painter Grant Program: The Alan M. Painter Grant Program is now accepting applications for 2025! With an emphasis on creative economies, the KC Department of Local Services (DLS) focuses on projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance their communities, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2025, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for the projects will begin in March 2025, and applications are due by 5 PM on Friday, December 13th.
More than 40 projects and programs received money in 2024, including the following recipients in D3: A Music in the Park program in Cottage Lake, local farm programs in the Sammamish Valley, and several local National Night Out celebrations and local farmer’s markets, including the North Bend Farmers Market pictured above! To learn more or to apply, visit the website here.
October Recognitions 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. 1. We also celebrated Indigenous People’s Day on Oct. 14, paying tribute to the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of Native peoples to our County. This month, our Council brought forward Recognitions for the King County Regional Mental Health Court's 25th Anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County, for which Director Amarinthia Torres from the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence joined us. We also had the honor of recognizing Cliff McCrath for his lifetime of success in collegiate soccer and for his work to promote and expand soccer in Washington State! Finally, in commemoration of the long-lived histories of Filipino Americans in the US, we are also celebrating Filipino American History Month in October. We look forward to what November has in store for us!
District 3 Town Halls
KC D3 Duvall Town Hall: Monday, November 18th
We are excited to host an in-person KC D3 Duvall Town Hall on Monday, Nov. 18th at 6:30 PM at the Duvall Visitor Center (15619 Main St 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 Duvall community leaders and subject matter experts from King County. Sign up here or below for the Town Hall! Questions? Call: 206-507-9860.
2024 Flood Reduction Grant Awardees in District 3!
We are excited to share that the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD), for which I serve as Vice-Chair, approved over $13.9 million in Flood Reduction Grants for 2024! The 2024 Flood Reduction Grant recipients in District 3 were awarded over $2 million in awards, with awardees being:
These projects in District 3 are an excellent example of how we can balance flood risk reduction with environmental stewardship and agricultural preservation. From protecting farmlands to improving culverts for better fish passage and flood management, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to safeguarding both people and ecosystems. It’s exciting to see these impactful projects come to life, strengthening our region’s resilience while supporting our farmers, fish, and environment! Learn more about the grant funding here.
Share Your Thoughts on Gun Violence
The King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is seeking community input on gun violence. Your insights are crucial in shaping the public safety efforts of the Office, and we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your thoughts through an anonymous survey here. Your input can make a real difference in our community’s approach to gun safety. For more information, you can also contact rgv@kingcounty.gov. Thank you for your participation!
KCTV Social Media Intern Position!
Are you passionate about digital media and looking for an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience? King County Television (KCTV) is looking for a candidate for their Social Media Intern! This is an opportunity to be part of an innovative team and gain experience working in a live station to promote video content! This intern will support KCTV’s team in developing and implementing outreach campaigns to boost positive engagement while also attending community events to create professional, high-quality materials for social media and digital communications. If you know someone who feels they would be a great fit for this position, please share the job information with them.
First-in-the-nation Transitional Housing for LGBTQ+ Veterans!
Earlier this month Executive Dow Constantine and Minority Veterans of America celebrated the opening of Q’mmunity House, the first transitional home in the country for LGBTQ+ veterans. It will provide on-site holistic case management, connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming, and supportive home for LGBTQ+ veterans experiencing homelessness in King County. Q’mmunity House, funded by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), marks a significant milestone and investment in the fight to address the critical need for inclusive, safe, and culturally informed housing for LGBTQ+ veterans and their families. Learn more here!
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-profits and supporting innovative ideas through funding is critical to ensure that each of our communities can thrive, now and into the future!
Stevens Pass Spotlight!
This month the spotlight is shining on a Stevens Pass business, non-profit, and civic engagement opportunity! We hope you have a chance to visit these fantastic community contributors – and remember to Go Local!
T-Bar Coffee & Cafe is the place to go for espresso, beverages, breakfast items, pastries, snacks, and more at Stevens Pass! Set in the cozy Granite Peaks Lodge, this cafe offers an opportunity unwind after a day of skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying the mountain! Visit their website here or visit them at 93001 US Highway 2 Skykomish, WA 98289. They are open daily from 8 AM - 4 PM (or until 9 PM during Night Operations)!
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Avalanche Rescue Dog program at Stevens Pass is a non-profit that trains dogs and handlers to be prepared during avalanche situations at the mountain. They also do public outreach and education for children! Currently their team is made up of 5 dogs. Bailey is 12 years old, retired from searching, but happily still comes to work. Olive is 7 years old, fully certified and active. They also have 3 young dogs – two are 3 years old and the other is 2 years old – who currently have an Operational status, which means they are active and able to work, but have one more year of training before becoming fully certified! Visit their website here to learn more about their work or learn more about them here. Questions? Call them at 206-812-7350 or send them an email at stevensavydogs@gmail.com.
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Although technically located in the Skykomish zip code, Stevens Pass offers a unique experience that is a gem in our region, with a beautiful community surrounded by forests and mountains. The main attraction in the area is the Stevens Pass resort, which is operated under great leadership by General Manager Ellen Galbraith and Director of Mountain Operations Vincent Arthur. Join them to celebrate their Opening Day of the season on Friday, December 6th, and always make sure to check on the weather conditions before visiting. You can visit them at 93001 NE Stevens Pass Hwy, US 2, Skykomish, WA 98288 or visit their website. For any questions, send them an email at spguestservice@vailresorts.com or give them a call at 206-812-4510.
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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Friday, November 1st, 6:00 - 8:00 PM: live music, kid's activities, delicious food, art exhibition, free vaccinations, and more!
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Sunday, November 3rd, 2:00 - 5:00 PM: games, art workshops, face painting, delicious snacks, traditional dancers, mariachi music, and more!
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Saturday, November 9th, 2:00 - 9:00 PM: dances, music, delicious food, kid's activities, exciting games, photo booth, live DJ, and more!
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Monday, November 11th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM: flag presentation, recognition of veterans in attendance, guest speakers, and more!
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Monday, November 11th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: flag presentation, recognition of veterans in attendance, performance, refreshments, and more!
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Saturday, November 16th, 12:00 - 3:00 PM: mosaic project, Remembrance Wall, resource fair, catered food from queer-owned businesses, activities, crafts, and more!
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Sunday, December 1st, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: local artists, music, an art project for all ages, and more!
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Friday, December 6th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM: tree lighting, holiday lighting, photos, and more!
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Saturday, December 7th, 3:00 - 6:00 PM: professional Santa photos, vendor village, firepits for s'mores, food and beverages, and more!
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Saturday, December 7th, 3:00 - 6:00 PM: kid's activities, seasonal beverages, gifts & treats, toy drive, wreath making, local school performances, and more!
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Saturday, December 7th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM: jazz band and children's choirs, ice carver demo, vendors, delicious food, tree lighting, and more!
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Saturday, December 7th, 4:00 - 8:00 PM: food vendors, performances, small business and community organization booths, artwork, kid's activities, and more!
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Saturday, December 7th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM: tree lighting, fireside s’mores, hot cocoa, local live entertainment, photos with Santa, crafting, 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, Instagram account, and X (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 Osman at osman.salahuddin@kingcounty.gov or at 206-507-9860 and he will set us up!
All the best,
 Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
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