Discounts available for Seattle Symphony “100 Years of Epic Film Scores”
Employees can take advantage of this discount to performances of some of the greatest film soundtracks of all time. The Seattle Symphony will perform music from such silver-screen classics as The Godfather, Lawrence of Arabia, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Avengers.
Tickets start at $40. Learn more and purchase tickets at seattlesymphony.org using promo code KINGSSO to unlock 15% off tickets and pay no handling fees. Pricing will adjust in your shopping cart. Limit 4 tickets per household.
- Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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King County Security Tips – “Google” yourself
With the rise of the digital age, it is difficult (if not impossible) to remain totally anonymous on the internet. Having an online presence and maintaining your social networks can be a wonderful and valuable tool, but sometimes we are unaware of how much personal information can be obtained about us over time.
When was the last time you typed your name or your email address in a web search like Google or Bing? You may be shocked at the results. You may find that old photos of yourself pop up, or an old user account from a forgotten social network or blog that is still associated with your name. You may even want to search for your work email, to make sure it has not been compromised and made available on the internet for the bad guys to find.
By searching and analyzing your online presence often, you can take steps to remove those things you may not want strangers to see. Like that embarrassing photo from college. You know the one I’m talking about.
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Report non-urgent public issues with the Find It, Fix It mobile app
It’s easy for residents and people working in Seattle, including King County employees, to report non-urgent public issues. The City of Seattle’s Find It, Fix It mobile app is a simple way to report an issue, track reports, and view service requests.
Examples of issues include a streetlight outage, clogged storm drain, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, unauthorized encampment, and potholes.
If you see an issue that needs addressing near or on the way to a County workplace in Seattle, use the app to report it.
The app is not for reporting urgent matters or emergencies. However, the app does include phone numbers and links for reporting urgent matters to the City, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, Street Repair and Maintenance, and other non-emergency criminal activity. In an emergency situation where you feel threatened or witness a serious event, you should always call 911 first.
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King County Metro’s 100% zero-emission bus base nears completion
Crossposted from Metro Matters
It’s the size of nine football fields, powered by clean electricity, and is getting ready to welcome the first battery-electric, zero-emission buses that will call it home.
A year after breaking ground, Tukwila Base, Metro’s first 100% electric bus base, is nearing completion and preparing to start testing the charging infrastructure that will power over 120 new battery-electric buses.
“As we celebrate Earth Day, Tukwila Base is one example of King County’s commitment to cutting pollution, taking climate action, and making our communities cleaner and healthier,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “Powered by the hydroelectric energy of our region, this base is quickly becoming a national and international model for constructing a clean energy facility. The buses of tomorrow are arriving, and this base is ready for its role in reducing carbon emissions.” Read more.
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Recognizing heritage and history: Bus shelter photomurals celebrating King County’s Latino community
Crossposted from Metro Matters
A celebration of the beauty and identity of the Latino community can now be seen through photomurals in King County Metro bus shelters around the region. The murals are a partnership between Metro and Latino Northwest Communications.
The highlight of the April 19 community event in the University District was the unveiling of photos recognizing the Ballet Folklòrico Bailadores de Bronce and a performance from the group created by students at the University of Washington.
The new bus shelter photomurals highlight the diverse cultures throughout Latin America, from mariachis to dance to events such as the Fiestas Patrias Parade and the annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Read more.
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Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters
April is National Arab American Heritage Month—a time to honor the culture, heritage and contributions of Arab Americans, whose stories and experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of our nation.
Across the country, more than 3.5 million Americans trace their roots to 22 countries spanning the Middle East and North Africa. Arab Americans have long been part of the American story—pioneering advancements, leading with vision and enriching communities through service and innovation. Their dedication continues to inspire efforts toward greater access, opportunity and inclusion across industries, including public service and infrastructure development. Read more.
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A legacy of environmental stewardship
Crossposted from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Across King County, we’re working with communities to create a healthier, more resilient, more sustainable future for all. Take a moment during Earth Week to look back at some of the progress we made together with partners during former Executive Dow Constantine’s administration, and watch the video below.
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Earth Week 2025
Join King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks as we celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Earth Day is a special moment for us. It’s an opportunity to thank our employees and partners who work year-round to protect and restore the natural environment for the people, fish, and wildlife of King County. It’s also a time to discover what actions we can all take action to promote a healthier, more resilient, more sustainable future.
Join us April 19-26 as we highlight simple ways to care for our environment, whether it’s volunteering, reducing waste, supporting the local food economy, choosing non-motorized transportation, removing noxious weeds, or enjoying our regional parks and trails.
Together, we can protect, preserve, and restore the natural spaces that connect us all. Read more.
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Building on success; moving to new levels of significance: Celebrating Public Health Camp’s past achievements and future vision
By Greg Wilson, Education Engagement Strategy, Environmental Health Services Division,
Public Health – Seattle & King County
Honoring the past
Public Health Camp (PH Camp) is an opportunity for young King County residents to learn about careers in public health by engaging with topics, activities, staff, and partnering organizations from several Public Health divisions and the broader community. PH Camp began in 2023 and quickly gained buy-in as an inaugural activity.
2024’s camp, held in Downtown Seattle, focused each day on a different foundational public health concept. PH Camp went beyond expectations and was a total success measured by the following key achievements:
- Inspiring 45 diverse young attendees from the Puget Sound region
- Engaging 43 community partners at the activity’s tabling event
- Strengthening King County academic and community partnerships
- Advancing Public Health – Seattle & King County goals, exemplified through creating workforce development activities, opportunities for student interns, & industry engagement
Shayla Holcomb, Camp Co-Founder and Public Health Nurse Manager with King County’s Office of Nursing, has served as the catalyst and foundation which launched PH Camp. Her visionary leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this program what it is today. Under Shayla’s guidance, the camp evolved from a small initiative to a comprehensive program engaging local youth and interns in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) academic and career pathways in public health.
Founded by Greg Wilson, Environmental Health Services Program Manager, the Education Engagement Strategy (EES) Troupe and the Communications Team have been instrumental in achieving remarkable outcomes, culminating in national recognition—a testament to their commitment to excellence and making a positive difference through people. These groups fostered collaboration to implement the important objectives of advancing Public Health goals, promoting employee engagement, integrating equity and social justice principles, and fostering a leadership development philosophy.
Key community partnerships have also been an integral part of highlighting Public Health’s vital role and the robust collaborative networks needed to develop our next generation of leaders. This network of academic and community partnerships has grown substantially within the last few years, allowing us to offer a more diverse and enriching experience for all participants. Key partners to mention are the Washington Alliance for Better Schools, Franklin High School within Seattle Public Schools, University of Washington, Best Start for Kids, and King County Metro.
Envisioning a meaningful future: Public Health Camp 2025
As we celebrate these achievements, we are excited to announce that preparations are already underway for Public Health Camp 2025, scheduled for August 4-8, 2025. The Education Engagement Strategy Troupe is enhancing this year’s program by incorporating wellbeing concepts throughout the experience.
PH Camp’s 2025 approach focuses on meeting participants where they are on their personal and professional journeys—recognizing that each young person and colleague has unique perspectives, strengths, and needs. This personalized approach will help us move from the success we’ve achieved to date, to new levels of significance by creating deeper, more meaningful connections with our future public health leaders of tomorrow.
The 2025 program’s exciting new elements include:
- A Public Health Youth Ambassador program for participants age 16+
- Expanded hands-on learning opportunities with public health professionals
- Enhanced pathways to explore STEAM careers in healthcare
- Wellbeing-centered activities that nurture both professional skills and personal growth
We invite you to join Public Health Camp in this important work. Whether as a presenter, mentor, or behind-the-scenes supporter, your contribution helps us to impact the lives of others. The 2025 Public Health provides details about the upcoming program and how interested youth can apply now through July 1, 2025.
Please join us in conveying a heartfelt appreciation for this program and the many teams who have dedicated the time and effort to make it such a success, by following the motto “We do what we do because we care… And it’s working!”
Read about Public Health Camp and take a video tour here. To learn more about the program contact Shayla Holcomb at shayla.holcomb@kingcounty.gov or Greg Wilson at greg.wilson@kingcounty.gov.
Additional background information can be read in this article “Empowering Future Public Health Leaders: Seattle & King County’s Public Health Camp Inspires Young People, Strengthens Community Connections.”
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King County Security Tips – WiFi? Why Not? VPN is your friend
Using free public WiFi at a coffee shop or airport hot spot is great for convenience, but bad for security. Most free access points do not make use of encryption. This is done for convenience and ease of access. If every person had to ask the barista or gate attendant for the WiFi key, it would get unruly, and no actual work would get done. Keep in mind that you are sharing those wireless airwaves with anyone that is within range of your wireless communications.
There is technology out there that allows you to view the wireless computer communications that are within range of your device. To the bad guys, this technology lets them see what you are doing, the data you are passing to websites, and your usernames and passwords.
Unless
- You are on websites with ‘https’ – The little S is for secure. It’s like speaking a language that only two people can understand (your computer, and the website).
- You are using VPN software to encrypt all your wireless communications
- You are using a wireless device from your cellular phone provider, 3G or 4G network access. This is not WiFi, and is not subject to WiFi Security Policies
Using a VPN client to encrypt and route your wireless communications allows you to create a secure channel for your computer to communicate. Even if you are accessing a website without HTTPS, your communication to that website is secured through your VPN connection. If there are any bad guys around you listening in on your wifi traffic, it will be safe.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is good practice to use a VPN when in a public networking spot such as wifi hot spots. This will create a virtual tunnel for your computer to communicate securely through the public network.
Before traveling for work, consult with your IT department about their data security policies when on the road, how to setup your VPN connection (if your company has VPN access), or how to obtain a 3G/4G cellular network card.
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