Reflecting on the history of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. logo 

This month during Black History Month, we are reflecting on why King County adopted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. logo, and what it means to be the only county in the United States named after the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

King County changed its logo in 2007 from a gold crown to an original graphic image of civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Dr. King is an international icon for justice, equality, and peace, and the logo is symbolic of those same values embraced by King County on behalf of the people it serves, as a government that values inclusion, diversity and excellence. Read more. 

New apprenticeship program to create long-term, diverse workforce 

Crossposted from DES Express 

Three heavy-duty mechanic apprentices joined the Fleet Services team earlier this year, the first in a new apprenticeship program designed to grow the workforce from within. The program is also aimed at diversifying what has traditionally been a white male workforce. 

Mason Keselburg started Jan. 13. Christina “Tina” Taylor and Michael Domiquel both started on Jan. 27. They have all graduated from a trade school, with Keselburg as a recent graduate. Taylor will be Fleet’s first woman mechanic and Domiquel identifies as Asian. Read more. 

Pictured: Left to right, Michael Domiquel, Tina Taylor and Mason Keselburg are Fleet’s new apprentices. 

Changes as a result of the Employee Engagement Survey

Since King County began conducting an annual Employee Engagement Survey, your feedback has shaped how we invest in YOU. These investments have had a measurable impact on the employee experience. 

Read more. 

FLASH program leads the way 

King County’s FLASH is a comprehensive, widely used sexual health education curriculum developed by Public Health – Seattle & King County that is designed to prevent teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and sexual violence, by utilizing a behavior change framework.  

“I think it’s important for people to know that FLASH is a public health intervention program, making it a very different type of curriculum,” Kari Kesler, FLASH Educator Consultant, said.

The curriculum is continually updating in order to provide the most accurate information. It has been adopted in every school district in King County, as well as many districts across Washington, and in at least 40 other states. Read more.

Ongoing Coronavirus response  

As we continue to respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Public Health is committed to providing up-to-date information to King County employees. Below you’ll find links to our most recent blog posts, as well as travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

Planning for a novel coronavirus update: What you can do to prepare at home, at work and in the community – Our Public Health Insider blog features an interview with Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, about how we can prepare at home, at work and in the community in case this virus becomes a pandemic. Read the interview here.   

Four things you need to know for the Census   

Every 10 years in the United States, a national census takes place, and King County is partnering with community-based organizations, philanthropies, other governments, and stakeholders across the region to support and promote a fair and accurate 2020 Census. 

Starting March 12, people will receive letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census. Until July 31, you can complete the census online, by mail, or over the phone. The results inform how funding is distributed for things like our schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation for the next decade. The count also determines how many representatives we’ll have in Congress. Read more.

Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for March 10 

Looking for some Election Day excitement? Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted, and every voice is heard.  

Who: You and your co-workers 

What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County 

When: Election Night – March 10 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

Where: A drop box location near you 

Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots, with drop boxes seeing the most traffic in the final few hours. We need your help to provide customer service and assistance to voters using this last opportunity to return their ballots. Sign up and join us for a fun and fulfilling experience helping your neighbors experience the excitement and community of casting their ballots. Read more.

Pet of the Week: Dapper 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC 

Who is this handsome gentleman? Why it’s Dapper, our Pet of the Week! 

This affectionate lovebug would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home. Dapper is a young pittie mix who is full of energy and loves to play. He tends to calm down more when the people around him are calm. Because he has lots of energy, Dapper does best when he gets lots of exercise and something to keep his mind busy. Read more.  

View all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.