 Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the annual observance of Dr. King's life and legacy and a national day of service. It’s an opportunity to be part of building Dr. King’s vision of “The Beloved Community”, a place where everyone is cared for and there is no poverty, hunger, or hate. Here are some opportunities for service on Monday, January 20:
The City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invite all to their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Health Fair from 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Crossroads Bellevue (15600 NE 8th St, Bellevue). The event will feature local providers, vendors, and wellness organizations, as well as live performances from local musicians and remarks from Bellevue leaders.
The Green Kirkland Partnership is hosting a day of habitat stewardship at Everest Park (500 8th St S, Kirkland) from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Join them to restore critical habitat by removing invasive plants like blackberry or ivy, planting native plants, and pitching in on tasks like mulching and weeding. Pre-registration is required and events will occur rain or shine. Tools, training, and gloves are provided, but don’t forget to wear closed toed shoes!
You can find other Day of Service opportunities on United Way’s website. Find a project that matches your talents and makes a difference in your community!
 Click on the image to watch Fox 13's coverage of the committee meeting
In the wake of the tragic murder of Metro Operator Shawn Yim, it is clear we need to do more to make transit safer for our operators and riders alike. On Monday, I convened a special meeting of the King County Council Committee of the Whole to discuss transit safety and security. We were joined by transit leaders from Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587, the King County Sheriff's Office, Metro Transit, Sound Transit, and King County's Department of Community and Human Services.
We reviewed steps that the County has already taken to improve safety and heard recommendations for what more we can do. I am committed to doing everything in my power to take immediate action to protect our operators and riders, earn back their trust, and ensure transit is safe and welcoming for everyone. Now it’s up to us to turn the moving testimony we heard into action. I look forward to supporting ATU’s call for a regional task force to keep our operators and riders safe wherever they go.
 Senator Vandana Slatter getting sworn in last week
The Washington State Legislature began their 2025 session on Monday with two new leaders from the 48th Legislative District (LD), which includes parts of Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond and the points communities. Last week, the King County Council appointed Vandana Slatter, who has served as a representative in the 48th LD since 2017, to fill the Senate seat left open by now-Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer. To fill her seat as representative, we appointed Redmond City Councilmember Osman Salahuddin.
 Representative Osman Salahuddin getting sworn in last week
I want to thank all the finalists who sought these appointments, including Representative Amy Walen, Kirkland City Councilmember Neal Black, and entrepreneur and community leader Vijay Beniwal, for their willingness to serve. We were lucky to have to make very difficult decisions because all the candidates were outstanding. And I want to congratulate Senator Slatter and Representative Salahuddin on their appointments and know that the 48th will be very well-represented in the coming session.
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