Keeping young minds engaged at annual Youth Academy
By Manny Apostol Jr., Community Engagement Specialist, King County Sheriff’s Office
Last week, the King County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Renton Police Department, the Newcastle Police Department, and the DEA’s Operation Engage, held the second annual Youth Academy, which was an exciting and impactful event.
A group of 36 enthusiastic middle schoolers from the Renton School District, ranging from 11 to 14 years old, had the opportunity to engage with public safety professionals from 12 different agencies.
The activities offered were both educational and entertaining, encompassing a combat challenge, captivating demonstrations of drone technology, and an unforgettable visit from Guardian One.
Additionally, the students actively learned about handcuffing techniques, building searches, and were immersed in a realistic mock crime scene investigation. The 4-day Youth Academy was not only about having a great time, but also focused on building positive relationships with public safety professionals and imparting valuable lessons in safety, decision-making, and possible career paths.
The academy ended with a graduation where Patrol Operations Division Jose Marenco and Chief Kajihiro helped to distribute diplomas and gave the graduates some amazing words of advice. Precinct 3 Major John Pugh was also in attendance to congratulate the graduates.
The King County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of connecting with the community, particularly the younger members, at an early age, and saw the Youth Academy as a meaningful opportunity to build these positive relationships.
A huge shoutout goes to Skyway Storefront Deputy Norris, CSO Cariello, Newcastle Police Chief Kajihiro, Newcastle Deputy Gutierrez, Air Support Deputies Sweeney and McCreary, Marine Unit Deputy Brent, Deputy Blazak, CSO Hammock, CSO Wilson, Major Pugh, and of course POD Chief Marenco for their exceptional support and contributions to this collaborative effort involving multiple agencies.
You can watch the full Youth Academy recap video below.
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Reducing lead in cookware leads to BRG Innovation Award for Equity, Racial & Social Justice
By Mary Miller, Executive Communications, Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget
A joint team from the Water and Land Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNRP) and Parks and the Environmental Health Division of Public Health – Seattle and King County received the 2023 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Equity, Racial & Social Justice. The project team took significant and decisive action to address the health risks that exposure to lead in aluminum cookware posed to Afghan refugee children – and then broadened new protective measures to help residents throughout the county and state.
Approximately 70 percent of cases referred to DNRP’s Hazardous Waste Management Program were attributed to lead exposure in refugee families from Afghanistan. The program identified aluminum cookware brought from Afghanistan as a potential source of lead exposure for these families. The release of lead from cookware during cooking and storage poses the risk of lead poisoning, which can lead to serious health issues, including neurological and developmental problems. Children are particularly vulnerable.
The Lead in Cookware Project Team partnered with the Afghan refugee community in King County to better understand the problem and identify solutions. In-home investigations by Hazardous Waste’s Residential Services team led to the discovery of lead in aluminum cookware. Using cookware donated by Afghan families or purchased from local and online retailers, the project team worked with University of Washington to measure the amount of lead that can leech out of cookware and into food and determined safer alternatives and community education were needed.
“This team set the perfect example of how King County lives into its True North and values,” said Monisha Harrell, Director of the Office of Equity, Racial & Social Justice and sponsor of the BRG Innovation Award for Equity, Racial & Social Justice. “The team listened to the voices and experiences of the people who were most impacted by the issue and co-designed strategies and interventions with them.”
To mitigate the risk of exposure to lead in aluminum cookware, the project team used a multi-faceted approach:
- Distributed 200 units of safer stainless-steel cookware to Afghan families in King County in partnership with the Afghan Health Initiative
- Increased awareness of the dangers of lead exposure through scientific publications, presentations to community and other partners, and media coverage
- Provided guidance on how to safely use, wash, and store aluminum cookware to reduce the risk of lead exposure
- Encouraged online marketplaces to remove lead-containing cookware
- Supported legislation to reduce lead in cookware in the Washington State Legislature
“These measures have had a positive impact on public health, consumer safety, and environmental protection in King County and beyond our jurisdiction,” said Maythia Airhart, Program Director, Hazardous Waste Management Program. “And they support the County’s commitment to creating healthy communities and a healthy environment.”
Added Harrell, “What started out as a King County project ended up being statewide legislation. It got substantial news coverage and now instead of just working to remove cookware with lead in one immigrant community, it has grown to include other places. We have saved families from lead poisoning because one project team from King County said this was important.”
The BRG Innovation Award for Equity, Racial & Social Justice recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress toward achieving pro-equity improvements through practices and processes consistent with King County’s Equity, Racial and Social Justice Strategic Plan. The Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards recognize individuals and project teams committed to improving the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of how King County operates.
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No yard burning: Fire Marshal issues Stage 1 Burn Ban, restricting yard debris fires in unincorporated areas
Crossposted from King County Local
With the dry season fast approaching, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas, which prohibits yard debris fires along with fires set to clear land. It took effect Saturday, June 29.
The ban, issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association, does not apply to recreational fires and gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers and charcoal grills. Read more.
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Making Life Easier, now powered by CuraLinc
Balanced You is excited to announce that, effective July 1, 2024, Making Life Easier (MLE) is now administered by our new vendor CuraLinc. Through CuraLinc, King County employees and anyone living at the employee’s home address now has access to an expanded library of Making Life Easier resources to support emotional and overall well-being. All Making Life Easier resources are confidential and offered at no-cost to you. Read more.
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FBOD makes headlines
Crossposted from the DES Express
Congratulations to Ken Guy, Director of the Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), and his staff for contributing to a published article by the Government Finance Officers Association. “Rethinking Financial Reporting” takes a hard look at traditional financial reports and their value.
“Ken has been a leader nationwide and actively engaged with regulators at all levels encouraging a break from the traditional mindset that more financial disclosure is always better,” said Eben Sutton, Chief Accountant in FBOD. “Ken has been advancing the notion that preparing financial statement disclosure costs money, and that money could be used to provide additional services to our residents now. From this perspective, there is a tradeoff between services now and more disclosure in financial reports that might reduce borrowing costs later.” Read more.
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Sun safety tips
As we all know, our region does not get year-round sun. It seems like every year when summer arrives, we rush outside to get the much-needed sun we’ve been missing. Whether you are enjoying your summer activities or exposed to sun during your workday, don’t forget to follow these sun safety tips to keep you cool and safe:
- Wear sunscreen: No matter your skin type, sunscreen helps protect you from damage caused by UV rays. Cover all exposed areas of your body with an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing. Consider a hat or glasses to keep the sun out of your eyes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluid throughout the day (even if you are not thirsty).
- Stay cool: Consider buying a fan or AC unit early in the summer to have when needed. Keep blinds closed on hot days and take breaks in cool areas if spending a lot of time outside in hot weather.
Learn more in this Public Health brochure.
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Take care working outdoors during heat
Updated Aug. 8, 2024
Hot weather is forecast for the next few days in our region, and a Heat Advisory has been issued for parts of the state. As some of our work needs to be performed outdoors, we want to ensure that employees and supervisors take care of themselves and one another as temperatures rise.
In extreme heat, Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. Please see the following advice and tips (this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government may receive additional guidance from their leaders). For complete Department of Labor and Industries requirements, please refer to WAC 296-62-095 Outdoor heat exposure.
For managers and supervisors
- If an employee normally performs field work outdoors for extended periods, please consider curtailing all non-critical outdoor work
- Consider adjusting employee work schedules, locations, or regularly assigned duties during extreme heat days if these are options
- If employees must work outdoors, please attempt to have work completed in the morning and avoid work in direct sunlight
- Ensure employees take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned locations (for example, office space, library, community center, grocery store), and reduce drive times, if possible
- Encourage employees to frequently consume water or other acceptable beverages to ensure hydration
- Wherever possible, employees should avoid outdoor work in direct sunlight from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on extreme heat days.
For outdoor workers
- Talk to your supervisor about adjusting scheduling to avoid all non-critical outdoor work on the hottest days, or perform critical outdoors tasks in the morning only
- Take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned space
- Stay hydrated. Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating and wear protective clothing.
For everyone
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors
- If you’re outdoors, take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned buildings. Avoid direct contact with the sun
- Avoid exercising or strenuous activity in direct sunlight from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. when the heat is most intense.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more
- NEVER leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open! It only takes a few minutes for severe medical problems and even death to occur
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms. Follow up with your supervisor if you seek medical treatment
- Certain health conditions and medications make people more sensitive to heat. Check with your doctor about whether you are at greater risk.
Signs of heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Weak pulse
- Fainting
- Vomiting.
Signs of heat stroke
- High body temperature (103° F or higher)
- Hot, dry skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness.
For our furry friends
- Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise in the early morning or evening hours
- Walk your pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws
- If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water.
Get more information at kingcounty.gov/BeatTheHeat. For more pet safety tips, read this article from the American Red Cross.
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Protect your pet this Fourth of July holiday
It’s no secret that more pets go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. The bangs, booms, and pops of fireworks can be quite scary for our furry friends, and they scamper off in search of a good hiding place. While many areas of King County prohibit consumer fireworks, chances are that you’ll still hear firecrackers, aerial shells, and other noisemakers in your neighborhood during the holiday period.
To help your pet cope with the noise from fireworks, and reduce the chances that it runs away, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) offers these tips. Read more.
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July 4 closures and notices
King County government offices will be closed to observe Independence Day on Thursday, July 4. All offices will be back on schedule Friday, July 5.
On July 4, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules with extra late-night services. There will not be an Employee Newsletter published on July 4.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Ableism and allyship in the workplace
By Karla Lynch, Employment and Community Access Program Manager, Department of Community and Human Services, and Dorian Esper-Taylor, Disability Justice Specialist, Office of Equity, Racial, and Social Justice, Department of Executive Services
Disability Pride Month is celebrated each year in July. Disability Pride initially started as a day of celebration in 1990—the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Yet for people with disabilities, navigating a society constructed by and for people without disabilities continues to highlight the presence of ableism and the power of allyship in dismantling systems, policies, and practices that often result in discrimination.
According to the 2010 census, nearly one in five Americans experience disability. Some disabilities are visible to others and include physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, the use of prosthetic limbs, or the use of a wheelchair. Other disabilities may be less visible or not visually apparent at all, such as behavioral health conditions (e.g. – depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress), Traumatic Brain Injuries, developmental and intellectual disabilities, migraines, or cancer.
Despite the high percentage of Americans with disabilities, ableism and discrimination remain widespread and entrenched in our culture.
What is ableism?
Ableism is a conscious or unconscious of implementation of practices that reinforce existing negative stereotypes, beliefs, and attitudes about persons with disabilities, often resulting in overt or covert discrimination. Examples of ableism in the workplace include using language that perpetuates stereotypes, assuming that a job applicant with a disability may be less qualified for the position they have applied for, designing buildings without ramps, accessible restrooms, providing inadequate space for wheelchair users, or questioning why an employee with mental health conditions may need extended time off work.
King County is working to move toward a more disability-inclusive culture, including changes to our physical environments and our approach we bring to our work. Supporting these changes means recognizing how ableism shows up in our work and by becoming an ally alongside people with disabilities.
How do I become an ally for people with disabilities?
There are steps we can take in becoming allies for people with disabilities. Examples of allyship provided by the Office of Equity and Social Justice and Department of Human Resource’s Disability Services team include:
- Normalize conversations about disabilities and accommodations. If you are a supervisor or manager, remind your team that King County supports employees with disabilities and that employees may speak to their supervisor, their HR manager, or Disability Services if they think they may need an accommodation. A great way for supervisors to connect with employees to begin potential conversations around accommodations is to simply ask all your employees, “How can I help you do your best work?” Make conversations about inclusivity a regular part of your work meetings and business practices. Read Supporting People with disabilities: When and how to disclose a disability.
- Advocate for inclusive and universal design. When designing spaces or coordinating meetings, encourage decision makers to consult with Disability Services or other community resources to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. There are a variety of resources available, including this publication on Universal Design from the City of Bellevue.
- Challenge your beliefs. Challenge your beliefs about how jobs can be performed and recognize that everyone brings different strengths, abilities, and approaches to getting a job done effectively. If you are a supervisor, think creatively about technology and workplace accommodations – doing so will bring greater diversity to our work teams, and strengthen our ability to look at issues, etc. from multiple perspectives.
- Educate yourself. Research disabilities and ableism. A few great resources include:
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – https://askjan.org/
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) – https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep
- Rooted in Rights – https://rootedinrights.org/
- Northwest ADA Center: http://nwadacenter.org/
- Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center (HSDC): https://hsdc.org/
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
- The ARC of King County: https://arcofkingcounty.org/
- Epiphanies of Equity: https://www.christianaobeysumner.com/
- Educate others. When you hear ableist language, or see actions that perpetuate ableism, take the opportunity to inform, educate and challenge, just as you would do for individuals who experience marginalization and underrepresentation – look for opportunity to elevate the voices of people with disabilities.
The intersectionality of disability and racism
The continued presence of systemic racism means that BIPOC communities experience greater disparities when seeking education, medical care, and employment. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among adults with a disability, Black adults had a higher unemployment rate in 2023 (10.2 percent) than Latinx (9.2 percent), Asian (7.0 percent), and White (6.7 percent) adults.
This means that, in order to further King County’s commitment to equity, when we act as allies and challenge ableism, we must lead with the experiences of BIPOC who have disabilities.
More resources
For more resources for supervisors and employees to support King County’s commitment to including people with disabilities in our workplaces and communities, please see this list of resources from the King County Disability Services Office. To reach the Office, call 206-263-9329 or email at DisabilityServices@kingcounty.gov. For more information about King County’s Disability Services, visit www.kingcounty.gov/DisabilityServices.
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