King County is home to 2.34 million residents - people who were born here and people from all around the world.
-
30.8% of King County’s residents speak a language other than English at home
-
25.8% of King County’s residents were born in another country
Throughout its history, King County has welcomed families who bring talent, skill sets, cultural heritage and kindness from across the globe.
District 5 is home to 260,000 King County residents living in 6 cities including Des Moines, Normandy Park, Kent, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila.
-
40% of District 5 residents are multi-lingual
-
31% of District 5 residents were born in another country
My staff speak multiple languages.
My Policy Director, Saeed Mahamood (right), a resident of Kent and UW graduate, speaks English, Arabic and Somali.
|
My Scheduler and Executive Assistant Jazmin Pairazaman (left), a resident of Normandy Park and current UW student, speaks English and Spanish.
|
In the spirit of being a welcoming community, today we introduce the first edition of the District 5 e-news which you can translate into seven languages with the press of a button* including:
-
Amharic (spoken in Ethiopia) and
We plan to deliver every subsequent newsletter to families in District 5 with the option of selecting these languages. We want our neighbors to be welcomed and included. Even more importantly, we want everyone to be able to participate in our democracy.
We believe knowledge is power,
and we believe in sharing power.
The goal of the D5 e-news is to share information about council business, upcoming community events, access to services, opportunities, and ways for us to build an even better King County.
*To translate this week’s e-news into another language, scroll down and click on the language of your choice. Whether you would like to read this e-news more easily or whether you are studying a new language, we are bringing you language technology to help us stay connected.
The King County Council is on the annual summer recess, meaning that there are no scheduled council meetings or committee meetings until next week. Our office remains open for business and our work continues.
On Monday, my staff worked out of the District Office in Kent getting prepared for next week’s three committee meetings, council meeting, a tour, and multiple constituent meetings.
We took a break to visit with students at my alma mater – Garfield High School – who are participating in a summer scholars’ program sponsored by the Urban League.
Today students participated in arguing a legal case in a “mock trial”.
 I served as the Judge and heard arguments, questioning of witnesses, and presentation of evidence – all by students diligently building on their education during the summer break.
Other students served as the jury and after observing the proceedings, gave the verdict.
Personal note: Over the weekend, I attended my 35th High School reunion.
I reconnected with classmates who attended Garfield High School with me years ago.
 35 years went by fast – but our school pride remains strong.
This week these current students and their teachers made me so proud of my school!
As we all prepare for “Back to School” season, let’s remember how important public education is to the development of our up-and-coming generations!
District 5 has great high schools that serve our kids every day. Let’s support our schools!
 On Tuesday, my staff and I went to the Renton Farmer’s Market at the end of the day to say hello to vendors and visitors and to see the local produce.
It was over 90 degrees out, but our farming friends were there with many customers including Aguilar farms based in Sunnyside, WA.
The market was plentiful with vegetables, fruit, flowers, artisanal goods, art, crafts.
I bought some spices for my family from Loretta Pickett, owner of Dupree Seasonings. Loretta sells at farmers’ markets 6 days a week. Her business is named after her son.
I also took home some treats for my family from Green Steamer (above) and some blackberry peach cobbler from Lulu’s Louisiana Baked Goods (below).
All due to the hard work and determination of our local farmers, small businesses and craftspeople.
As our harvest season winds down, now is the time to support our local small businesses. Renton Farmers Market is every Tuesday 3-7 pm June - September at 2nd Ave and Williams St. Free parking in the transit center garage!
See below for a farmers’ market near you.
Wednesday – Friday, my staff worked out of the District Office in Kent.
Next week, you are invited to join me and my colleagues:
Tuesday, August 19: Provide public comment virtually or in person at the Transportation, Economy and Environment (TrEE) meeting where we will be talking about the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan and the RapidRide I-line development in South King County. You can find that agenda here.
Tuesday, August 19: The Council meeting welcomes public comment – virtually or in person. We will be taking final votes on appointments to the Human and Civil Rights Commission, legislation regarding re-development at Harborview Medical Center, school impact fees and policies regarding immigration. You can find that agenda and those materials here.
Wednesday, August 20: Local Services and Land Use Committee will be voting on the updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance protecting our most valuable habitat lands. You can find that agenda here.
You are also welcome to write emails, letters or request appointments with your representatives to share your thoughts about the items on these agendas. You can find a list of committee members here.
I also took some time during this break to enjoy a great District 5 park – North SeaTac Park with friends MJ (age 6) and his sister Eva (age 10).
We kicked the soccer ball, pitched and batted baseballs, and threw and caught a football.
Our parks are one of our very best resources – a place for families, for people of all ages. Enjoy a park or a trail near you!
I hope this information is helpful to you. I am committed to keeping you informed about what King County government is doing on behalf of District 5 and included in our community.
King County Councilmember, District 5
Des Moines, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila
|
