KCTV celebrates Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander month
There’s a saying in Vietnamese, “Uống nước nhớ nguồn” that translates to “when you drink from a river, remember its origins.” Throughout the month of May, KCTV will feature local AANHPI leaders each week to see how their past is connected to the present.
This week features Rachel Yang, a Korean-American chef and James Beard nominee that co-owns the Relay Restaurant Group, which includes the popular Joule and Revel restaurants. You can see the YouTube video here and Facebook video here.
Watch for upcoming features including artist Erin Shigaki, writer and UW Professor Shawn Wong, and UW Professor Raissa DeSmet and students from the Southeast Asian Pasts and Futures (SEAPF) program. There will also be a live online viewing event at the end of May where we will be watching all of the features together — details coming soon.
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Executive Constantine thanks retiring Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention director John Diaz and names successor
Executive Constantine announced that John Diaz, Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), will retire in late June following a distinguished three-year tenure that included unprecedented changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A former Seattle police chief, Diaz joined DAJD as interim director in April 2019 and assumed the director position that August.
Executive Constantine has appointed Juvenile Division Director Allen Nance to take over the role. Read the full announcement here.
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Thanking Sheriff’s Office employees in National Police Week
This week is National Police Week, and King County Executive Dow Constantine used the opportunity to thank King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) employees for their service.
I am grateful for everything that you do for the people of this region, and I thank you for your ongoing service,” Executive Constantine said in an email message to KCSO staff. “You are there, day in and day out, ensuring their safety and helping to make more welcoming, thriving communities.”
With over 1,000 employees, the KCSO serves the law enforcement needs of over half a million people in unincorporated areas and 12 contract cities. The KCSO also provides police departments for the Muckleshoot Tribe, Metro Transit, and the King County International Airport.
President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week in 1962 to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
“Here in King County, we have lost 19 KCSO personnel while performing their duties,” Executive Constantine said. “We must never forget their sacrifice and service to our community.”
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New ORCA card system begins on May 16
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
Starting May 16, hundreds of thousands of ORCA transit customers across the Puget Sound region will have access to a new website, smartphone app, and real-time value loading for their ORCA cards.
Customers will also begin to see new card readers and vending machines as technology is updated and rolled out at transit locations throughout the region. This will mark the start of ongoing improvements to the ORCA system over the next several years. Get more information here.
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May is Mental Health Month: Back to Basics
Mental Health Month is celebrated in May of each year. Due to the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national conversation around mental health is normalizing.
This year, Mental Health America has focused Mental Health Month on “Back to Basics,” helping re-center us on what mental health is, how we can support our mental health, and what resources are available to help. Learn more here.
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Anita Khandelwal reappointed to lead Department of Public Defense
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the reappointment of Anita Khandelwal to continue serving as director of Department of Public Defense, a critical position to ensure equity and justice in the criminal legal system.
The department provides legal defense to any person charged with a crime or facing a loss of liberty who cannot afford an attorney, representing more than 15,000 individuals last year. Read the announcement here.
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Executive Constantine appoints Patti Cole-Tindall as King County Sheriff
Following a nationwide search and thorough interview and public engagement process, Executive Constantine announced today his appointment of Patti Cole-Tindall to serve as King County Sheriff.
Cole-Tindall has a background in law enforcement, labor relations, human resources as well as service to the community. She joined the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in October 2015, serving as the Chief of Technical Services Division for almost five years before being appointed to Undersheriff in 2020. She was appointed Interim Sheriff in November 2021 and began serving in her new role in January. Read the full announcement here.
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Level up: King County International Airport moves toward next step in Airport Carbon Accreditation Program
Climate change caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions will have long-term consequences for the environment, the economy, and public health and safety. To do its part to reduce the threat, King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.
After achieving Level 1 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACAP) in 2021, the airport is now on track toward Level 2, demonstrating actual reductions of harmful greenhouse gases emitted in airport operations. Read the story here.
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King County releases Reimagining Public Safety report and pilot program recommendations
A new report released shares findings from the Reimagining Public Safety Survey that launched last fall, including pilot program recommendations and future community engagement strategies.
King County is sharing the community-driven recommendations from a report on reimagining public safety in urban Unincorporated King County with the results of the Reimagining Public Safety Survey. Read the full announcement here.
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Executive Constantine proclaimes May as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In recognition of the contributions, leadership, and their historic significance to King County and the nation, Executive Dow Constatine proclaims May 2022 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Read the full proclamation below.
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