Show your Pride at 2019 Seattle Pride Parade
It’s less than two weeks until the 2019 Seattle Pride Parade, and King County is getting ready to celebrate.
Join your colleagues, friends and family Sunday, June 30, as we march to celebrate and support Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community.
The King County contingent will be staging on 4th Avenue, between Union Street and University Street. Just look for the Metro Bus or Medic One Rig to find us. The Parade route is about a mile long and will end near Seattle Center at 2nd Avenue and Denny Way.
We recommend people arrive at 10:30 a.m. if they want a free t-shirt (150 free t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis in adult sizes only). Others are welcome to arrive later to limit standing around time. The parade starts at 11 a.m., and our contingent won’t start moving right away – likely closer to noon.
The weather may be warm so check the forecast and plan appropriately. Remember to stay hydrated and please make sure you’re prepared for your unique needs.
For more information about the County’s contingent, email Mariah Taylor at with “Pride 2019” in the subject line.
If you are scheduled to work and wish to attend the parade, please seek approval via your department’s applicable leave policies.
Pictured: King County Executive Dow Constantine marches with the King County contingency in the 2018 Pride Parade.
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Executive's Small Business Awards now accepting nominations
Nominations for the 2019 King County Executive's Small Business Awards are open through July 15, 2019. To be eligible for consideration, a business must meet the following requirements:
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Be located in King County
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Have 50 or fewer employees
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Be a for-profit business in operation for at least 3 years
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All past winners and 2018 finalists are ineligible for nomination
County employees graduate from women’s leadership program
Six King County employees will graduate on June 7 from the first-ever NW Women’s Leadership Academy, sponsored by the Washington City-County Management Association:
Lluvia Ellison-Morales, Elizabeth Soltero, Stephanie Lucash and (Kelly) Tuyet Dang (DNRP) at the NW Women’s Academy.
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(Kelly) Tuyet Dang (DNRP)
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Stephanie Lucash (DES)
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Lluvia Ellison-Morales (DES/RALS)
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Lorraine Patterson (DNRP)
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Brandy Rettig (DLS)
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Elizabeth Soltero (DES/RALS)
“We’re proud to have so many King County employees graduating from this program,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “King County is committed to equity, including providing abundant opportunities for women in leadership.” Read more.
Pictured: Lluvia Ellison-Morales, Elizabeth Soltero, Stephanie Lucash and (Kelly) Tuyet Dang (DNRP) at the NW Women’s Academy.
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Juvenile Court Judge Michael Diaz talks about his work, his priorities, and having nearly 20 Peruvian aunts and uncles
The court's bench is becoming more diverse. We have three judges fluent in Spanish. One is Judge Michael Diaz. His story and his passion for Juvenile Court is the subject of our the latest installment of "15 Minutes with...." Listen now.
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Juneteenth celebration: A Day of Remembrance
In observance of Juneteenth, the King County Superior Court is hosting a Juneteenth A Day of Remembrance celebration. It will be held today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Youth Services Center (YSC) Main Lobby at 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA 98122. The event is free and open to the King County work community. Join the Superior Court for exhibits, live entertainment and food!
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Today is “Smoke Ready Communities” Day
This spring has already been warm and dry, creating ideal conditions for wildfires across our state this summer and fall. The last two years, the Puget Sound region dealt with poor air quality for weeks due to wildfire smoke, and forecasters expect another summer of smoky skies. King County Executive Dow Constantine has declared today to be Smoke Ready Communities Day, a day of awareness about the danger of wildfires and the associated smoke. Prepare now so you’re ready when conditions take a turn for the worse.
King County is partnering with the City of Seattle, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and other regional stakeholders to help our communities prepare for and function during what is expected to be another summer of skies filled with wildfire smoke.
Reminder: Register for free showing of “The Most Dangerous Year,” June 25
In honor of Pride Month, King County employees will have an opportunity to watch and discuss the film about the anti-transgender legislation in Washington in 2016 and the journey of many Washington families with transgender children. The Seattle writer and director, Vlada Knowlton, will be on hand for the discussion.
The movie supports the Executive’s priority of advancing equity and social justice within County government and in partnership with communities.
Tuesday, June 25 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Chinook Building Room 121, 401 5th Ave., Seattle
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New-look Pride Flag debuts
As LGBTQ+ Pride Month comes to a close with the 45th annual Seattle Pride Parade this weekend, King County will again hoist a flag in celebration and solidarity. As you're able, please join Executive Constantine and your fellow employees tomorrow, Thursday, June 27, at 1 p.m. on the Administration Plaza for a flag-raising ceremony. This year, we'll be debuting a new version of the flag.
The "Progress" Pride Flag was designed by Daniel Quasar of quasar.digital and shared under a Creative Commons license. This new design is an evolution of the traditional six-stripe rainbow flag, and is meant to be more representative of the entire LGBTQ+ community. It adds five stripes on the left, arranged as forward-pointing arrows. The white, light pink, and light blue stripes represent transgender and non-binary people. The black and brown stripes symbolize communities of color. The black stripe also honors the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. A Kickstarter that ran in 2018 garnered more than 500 supporters to make the new design a reality.
"The initial idea was important because I felt like I could bring something to the table when it came to the way the [Pride] flag was shifting within the community," Quasar said in the Kickstarter. "We still have movement forward to make. There still is work to be done. I wanted to highlight that."
King County is proud to fly this new Progress Pride Flag over our facilities, including our Metro Transit bus bases. We are also proud to walk as One King County in the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m. You, your family, and your friends are welcome to join us!
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KCIT staff craft for equity
Doing good by being creative—now that’s pretty crafty. It’s all possible at the weekly Tuesday lunch gatherings of the Rainbow Circle in the Chinook Building.
The Rainbow Circle founded by Jennifer Broadus, the lead of the King County Information Technology (KCIT) Equity and Social Justice events team. It grew out of her desire to bond with other knitters while helping the community in an intentional way by creating projects to support organizations in the Employee Giving Program.
“We pick different nonprofits with an equity lens,” Jennifer explains. “That might include helping kids with cancer or homeless youth, and supporting them through our efforts.” The group is currently supporting LGBTQ+ nonprofits in celebration of June Pride Month. Read more.
Pictured: KCIT employees in the Rainbow Circle.
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Personnel Board Ballots are in the mail!
If you are a career service employee you are eligible to vote for the open position on the King County Personnel Board. The Personnel Board conducts hearings on appeals of certain county personnel actions. It’s made up of five members, one of which is elected by county career service employees.
Eligible employees will be mailed a ballot to their home address on June 13 and ballots must be returned to King County Elections by 4:30 p.m. on June 25. Ballot packets will include a return envelope with prepaid postage or employees can drop them in the ballot drop boxes at either the King County Administration Building, King County Election Headquarters in Renton, or the Regional Justice Center.
This year there are two candidates for the elected position. More information about the candidates and the election can be found online If you do not receive your ballot by June 18 or if you have questions about the election, contact King County Elections at 206-296-1608 or elections@kingcounty.gov.
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Farmers Markets in full swing!
Summer is here which means fresh produce is also! The Seattle City Hall farmers market is now open, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through October 9. This is one of five farmers markets organized by Pike Place. Come and check out over 15 vendors and enjoy an array of fresh spring greens, meats, baked goods, fresh flowers, berries, yogurt, honey, fermented foods and more.
Stop by the market frequently to see how offerings change with the seasons.
Outside of Seattle and King County? The Tilth Alliance maintains a list of regional farmers markets. You can search markets and information about them by location. Eat well and enjoy the season by visiting the farmers markets near you!
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Summer is heating up – and so should your water safety planning
According to climate scientists, chances are it’s going to be a hotter summer than typical across King County. Hot weather brings people out to our region’s lakes, rivers and salt water areas looking to cool off and have fun. But the more folks flock to beaches and rivers, the higher the likelihood that more people will drown, both fatally and non-fatally. There have been seven child and youth drowning deaths since 2015. In 2018, 16 people lost their lives on King County waters. The Insider sat down with Tony Gomez, Public Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Manager, to learn five simple tips to stay safe this summer at area beaches and rivers:
Swim only at a lifeguarded beaches. According to Tony, it’s easy to miss the signs of a drowning person. It can happen without a sound: For children and adults who are not strong swimmers and even with better swimmers, drowning can happen quickly and without drawing notice. Read more.
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2019 BECU Movies at Marymoor Park schedule announced
BECU Outdoor Movies at Marymoor Park, presented by Overlake Medical Center and Clinics, starts its season on July 10. Big screen flicks, variety entertainment, and some of Seattle’s best food trucks will be available. All events are “bring your own seating,” dog friendly and smoke free. Join the fun at King County’s Marymoor Park in the big grass field!
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Lunch options at City Hall Park
This spring and summer, you can get lunch from a food truck at City Hall Park on the south side of the King County Courthouse. Trucks will be there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. several days a week, including Maroom Thaim today, and LT’s Famous BBQ Friday. Depending on the day, a food truck will offer barbeque, cheesesteaks, burgers, sandwiches, or Native cuisine. Some offer vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options. Click here for a complete schedule and menus of food trucks at City Hall Park. For more information visit www.seattlefoodtruck.com. Read more.
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Training Spotlight
Lean Basics, July 18: Have you heard about Lean before? Have you wondered if Lean could be applied on your job? Come and join us in the Lean Basics course where you will become familiar with the fundamental principles of Lean; such as Waste Identification, Visual Management, and Continuous Improvement. Students will engage the materials through instructor lead classroom discussions, and interactive hands-on learning. Register and learn more.
Pet of the week: Chester
Chester is a 13 ½ year-old, male, shorthair, orange tabby cat (A480900). His personality color is RED, meaning he is a spirited cat with a fun-loving personality. Chester is an affectionate lovebug who definitely does not look or act his age! With his luxurious orange coat and his loving nature, this boy is sure to win you over. Chester loves pets and although he can be prone to getting overstimulated, he will give you a friendly swishy tail alert to let you know when he’s ready for a break. Read more.
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Featured Job: Elections Worker (Temporary)
Salary: $19.87 - $21.90 Hourly
Location: WA 98057-2906, WA
Job Type: Short Term Temporary, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary
Department: KCE - King County Elections
King County Elections (KCE) manages voter registrations and elections for more than 1.3 million voters in King County, the largest vote-by-mail county in the United States. KCE's mission is to conduct fair, open and accurate elections. As a leader in providing inclusive elections, KCE is focused on three key priorities – (1) actively identifying and working to remove barriers to voting at both the individual and community level, (2) strengthening relationships with community and governmental partners, and (3) creating a culture of professional growth and development, openness and inclusion. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx We are recruiting to create a roster of skilled temporary employees who will work in seasonal temporary positions in various work groups within Elections. These positions will perform a variety of duties necessary to support the administration of the Primary Election in King County. Specific job duties will vary based on the needs of the Elections Department. Training is provided to perform assigned work.
KC Headlines
Interested in sharing a news story, or have a news tip? Click here to submit an item to Employee News. For questions or suggestions, please contact KCEmployees@kingcounty.gov.
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