New Loop Truck Shop improves drive time for cross-state biosolids delivery

Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories

There are limits, including federal limits, on how much can be asked of drivers – a maximum of 11 hours drive time to be precise. So, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) came up with a solution for Loop drivers. It closed down Loop’s vehicle operations center at a site near SeaTac and moved the roadshow to a newly built site on County-owned property in North Bend. Trucks embarking from this facility save valuable time by not having to navigate the Seattle traffic to head east on I-90. 

What is Loop? A decades-old program that converts biosolids (that is, your poop and other waste) into fertalizer for commercial use. Read more.

Supporting people and communities affected by Türkiye and Syria earthquakes

On Feb. 6, a massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, flattening entire cities and communities. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives and many more were injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless in freezing temperatures, without access to basic needs such as shelter, health care, sanitation, food, and water.

Now through March 15, King County employees can give support through a special Employee Giving Program by making donations to organizations that are providing humanitarian aid and support for the people impacted by the earthquake. Read more.

Ride with PRIDE: Water Taxi joins in celebration of ‘Pride in Maritime’ Day 

Cross-posted from Captain's Blog

Tuesday, Feb. 28, is Pride in Maritime Day, an opportunity to share and celebrate progress for the LGBTQIA+ community in the maritime sector.

“Our staff is a reflection of the community we live in, and we want to celebrate those who work with us in helping provide this vital transportation option,” said Water Taxi Director Terry Federer. Read more.

Sheriff's Office Detective prevents overdose at Burien Transit Center

On Feb. 10, Metro Transit Resource Officer Michael Ramirez conducted a routine patrol at the Burien Transit Center (BTC). The BTC has been the focus of weekly directed patrol missions due to crime and narcotic use in the area.

While patrolling the BTC, Ramirez - a Sheriff's Office Detective - observed a male slumped over in a wheelchair. Concerned, Detective Ramirez checked on him and found he was likely overdosing on a narcotic. Read more.

Sprouting equity-driven ecology through education: One noxious weed at a time

From the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group

“I have a passion for humans but always envisioned myself working with the natural world. This makes me feel like I can accomplish both” says Skye Pelliccia (she/her/ella), about her role as an Education Consultant for King County’s Noxious Weed Control Program.

When speaking with Skye, who identifies as a mix of Thai, Native American, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent, her enthusiasm about noxious weeds, the ecosystem, and ways to apply an equitable lens to this field of work inspires one to learn how to protect the natural resources in our region. Read more about her here.

More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group

The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) in-person gathering will take place on Friday, March 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. on the 8th floor conference room at King Street Center.

If you are interested in getting connected to the AANHP community at King County, reach out to the co-Chairs, Helen Potter (hpotter@kingcounty.gov) and Guru Dorje (guru.dorje@kingcounty.gov).

Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.gov/AffinityGroups.

Black film series: Soul Food

In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of Executive Services (DES) is presenting a three-part film education series from the golden era of Black cinema. 

The final film in the series is Soul Food, a 1997 American comedy-drama film written and directed by George Tillman Jr. in his major studio debut. The story centers on the trials of an extended African-American family, held together by longstanding family traditions which begin to fade as serious problems take center stage.

The film will include commentary with Veronica Very Davis - artist, writer, and activist. She is founder and visionary of Wonder of Women International and the nation’s newest cultural destination experience, WOW Gallery on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

• Friday, March 3 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. 

To obtain the passcode for this event, or for more information, contact Cecelia Hayes.

The Black Film Series is sponsored by DES. Employees should check with their supervisor for approval before attending this virtual gathering.

March 13–19 is Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

To learn about how you can support people with neurodiverse conditions at home, at work, and in your community, visit https://www.neurodiversityweek.com.

Get Movin' with Balanced You

Join Balanced You and a certified trainer every other Wednesday for a 30-minute virtual move break. Session topics rotate weekly including stretching, cardio, yoga, and strength training. View the full schedule on the Balanced You blog. Classes are for all levels, beginner to advanced.

• Stretching, Wednesday, March 1 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.
• Cardio, Wednesday, March 15 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

Attend a Mindfulness Class

Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Register for an upcoming class below or view the full schedule here

Mindful Communication 2: Underlying Issues - When communicating mindfully, every interaction is fresh with opportunity and open to discovery. Mindful Communication helps break down the complex process of communication, increase awareness of what's really going on, and bring greater clarity and kindness to our interactions. Underlying Issues: Investigate underlying challenges and issues that hinder good communication with the tools of mindfulness. This class can be taken on its own or as a follow-up to Mindful Communication 1: Recognizing the Inner Life.

• Thursday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register here.

Mindful Gratitude - Learn how mindfulness can help become a more compassionate and grateful person.

• Friday, March 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. Register here.

Mindful Movement - An hour of gentle, guided movement appropriate for all bodies. This workshop is an experiential deep dive into the practice of moving mindfully and learning to relate to our bodies with awareness, intentionality, and gentleness–through practices such as walking meditation and mindful movement with gentle yoga postures. Comfortable clothing may be helpful as participants are typically offered standing, sitting, and on-the-floor practices. All bodies and abilities are welcome and modifications will be offered.

• Monday, March 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. Register here.

Washington State Spring Fair discounts

The Washington State Spring Fair features all the usual carnival favorites like great entertainment, yummy food, wild rides, adorable animals, and more. The Fair will take place April 13-16 and April 20-23 in Puyallup

Click here for more information and discounted tickets, or go to TheFair.com/corporate.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Featured Job: Judicial Services Supervisor