 You’ve seen Kenmore Air's seaplanes carrying passengers over Lake Union to the islands, Alaska, and Canada, but do you know how the family-run business got started? From chartered fishing trips to transporting torpedoes for the U.S. Navy to supplying scientists working on glaciers, this company has done it all. They hit some turbulence at the start of the pandemic, but their adaptability guarantees clear skies ahead.
 Author Naomi Hirahara’s latest historical mystery, “Clark and Division,” earns Nancy Pearl's praise for bringing readers to a historical period so few books do, and as the Book Lust host says, “in such a human way.” Hirahara shares why she decided to pen the story of a Japanese American family transitioning out of an incarceration camp post World War II as a mystery, where the book’s main character, Aki, hunts for her sister’s killer.
 The future of Seattle and King County are at a crossroads, with Seattle voters facing some stark choices for the next mayor, city council, city attorney and King County Executive. City Inside/Out hosts a panel of journalists who share their insights from the campaign trail.
 With fall in the air, videographer Ian Devier recently captured the vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage on full display along tree-lined Beacon Avenue in South Seattle.
 Estelita’s Library is a community hub, a safe space, and a place of inspiration. Its creators, Dr. Estell Williams and her husband Edwin Lindo, are the kind of people who ask how something can get done, not if. That’s why they’re this year’s recipients of El Centro de la Raza’s Roberto Maestas Legacy Awards, which honors those who work to eliminate racism and poverty in their communities.
 Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Dan Strauss share top priorities for the City Council in its 2022 budget process, what a change in the name of "single-family zoning" means for the city's neighborhoods, and what's next for people living in RV's and Seattle's homelessness crisis on Council Edition.
 Overwhelmed by general election info? We feel it. That’s why we’re bringing you the 2021 general election Video Voter’s Guide with introductions to candidates from 14 races, and City Inside/Out debates for five major races, so you can start making decisions in the most stress-free way around. Read on, and remember to vote and turn in your ballot by November 2!
✅ Ballot in hand? If you're unsure about some of the local races, head to our Video Voters' Guide to hear video statements from candidates.
✅Watch the Washington State Debate Coalition's first mayoral debate. Candidates Bruce Harrell and M. Lorena González debate on business and the economy. Register to watch the second debate in this series, which will be held Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m. The second debate will focus on public health and safety.
✅Dive deeper with City Inside/Out. Watch debates with the candidates in five important races: Seattle Mayor, Seattle City Attorney, Seattle City Council Position 8, Seattle City Council Position 9, and King County Executive.
✅ Learn how Seattle candidates running for mayor, city council, and school board would protect and bolster the diverse and creative community that makes Seattle a nationwide artistic hub.
✅ Ballot signed and sealed? Ballots must be postmarked by or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on November 2. Find a ballot drop box and plan ahead to avoid lines.
✅ Already voted? You can track your ballot online to see if it has been received and accepted.
✅ Not registered to vote? Don't delay; register online by Oct. 25 or in person through Nov. 2.
Check out the King County Elections website for more resources or to get assistance with anything and everything elections-related.
 Next year, Seattle’s top political office will have a new occupant. Hear from candidates M. Lorena González and Bruce Harrell at the last 2021 Seattle Mayoral Debate hosted by the Washington State Debate Coalition (WSDC) on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 7-8 p.m. Learn more about WSDC and register to stream the free virtual debate!
Free Vaccinations & Boosters
Free vaccinations are available to everyone 12 and older regardless of insurance, citizenship, or immigration status. Visit Public Health – Seattle & King County for vaccination locations or consult with your primary care provider, if you have one.
Booster doses are authorized for some people. Learn who is eligible to get a booster shot at kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine.
Beginning October 23, the City of Seattle and partners are again offering free and accessible first, second, and/or eligible Pfizer booster dose COVID-19 vaccinations at hubs across Seattle. Learn more at www.seattle.gov/vaccine.
Vaccination Verification
Beginning October 25, Public Health – Seattle & King County is implementing a countywide vaccination verification policy. People 12 years of age and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative PCR COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, or a negative rapid test result conducted on site in order to enter many events and establishments:
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Outdoor events with 500 people or more. Examples include professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events.
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Indoor recreational events or establishments regardless of size. Examples include professional and collegiate sports, performing arts and live music venues, movie theaters, museums, gyms, and conventions.
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Restaurants and bars, including indoor dining. This does not apply to outdoor dining, take-out customers, and places that aren’t primarily used for indoor dining such as grocery stores. Small restaurants and bars, defined as those with seating capacity for less than 12 people, will phase in on December 6, 2021.
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has put together a Vaccine Verification Toolkit that provides businesses with resources to comply with King County’s new vaccine verification order.
Mask requirements
In Washington state, everyone 5-years-old and older, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear a mask in public indoor spaces, at larger outdoor events, and in outdoor public places when six feet of distance is not possible.
Testing
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a free test, with or without an appointment, regardless of immigration or insurance status.
Need help?
If you need language interpretation, help finding a vaccination or testing site, or ADA accommodation, call the King County COVID-19 Call Center at (206) 477-3977, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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