Tech Tip: Update on ransomware cyberattack
By now you have all probably heard about the WannaCry ransomware attack. This did NOT affect any King County Computers, laptops, tablets or devices. This is the benefit of “Enterprise Security” and having all our devices on the same King County system. When IT/Microsoft rolls out a patch, it patches your device and you don’t even know it.
But let’s move onto your personal devices. It’s very important to install security patches when the alert pops up on your phone/laptop/desktop/tablet. It’s also important to have an anti-virus protection installed and up-to-date. Think of these updates like changing the batteries in the smoke detector. Make sure you do check in a few times a year and especially when you see stories like the WannaCry ransomware attack in the news.
For a longer, more detailed explanation of this ransomware and our specific actions, please read this message from Ralph Johnson our Security Director.
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Kudos! LHWMP wins award
The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program (LHWMP) won a 2017 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award in the Supporter Category. Safer Choice is an EPA program that helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and are safer for human health and the environment. LHWMP is a multi-jurisdictional program that focuses on reducing public and environmental exposure to hazardous materials.
The award acknowledges LHWMP’s efforts to support the Safer Choice program through Safer Choice-related communications and safer chemistry innovation which included promotion via the LHWMP website, publications, presentations, technical field visits, and LHWMP’s Safer Alternatives Methodology (LSAM), which provides staff with a method for identifying safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals and chemical products used by small businesses and households in King County. LHWMP’s recognition as an award winner can be viewed here on the Safer Choice website.
Kudos to the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program! We appreciate their commitment to leading the way in reducing the threat posed by the production, use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
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Yesler Bridge Rehabilitation Project: Update, May 2017
Contractor crews have been hard at work completing a major milestone, pouring the new bridge deck. Earlier this week, the east sidewalk of 4th Ave S was reopened, while the west sidewalk was closed to resume construction on the west bridge abutment.
With summer just around the corner a large portion of the construction is expected to be completed. Please expect sidewalk closures to continue for the remainder of May and to see closures along 4th Ave S between now and the anticipated opening of the completed bridge this coming fall.
The Yesler Way Bridge Rehabilitation Project, which will improve safety and reliability while preserving the bridge’s historical elements, will continue through fall of 2017. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project further, please contact YeslerBridge@seattle.gov or 206-684-8684. To learn more about the project, visit the project website.
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New discount available for pet owners
PetBucket offers flea, tick and worming treatments for dogs and cats. They are proud to offer a 10% discounts to employees of King County. Simply use the promo code KING10COUNTY during checkout and enjoy 10% off your entire order. The minimum order amount is $50.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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PRIDE is coming on June 26! Get ready, get festive and get your t-shirt!
Last year, more than 300 King County employees, along with their families and friends, joined together to march in the Seattle Pride Parade. Tens of thousands of people decked out in rainbow colors thronged Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and celebrate the landmark Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality.
T-shirts for King County’s Pride contingent are $9 each and available in adult sizes S-4XL, and child sizes XS-XL. To get your t-shirt this year there are two options:
- Pre-order and pay for one no later than Friday, June 9, 2017. Pre-ordered T-shirts will be distributed the week of June 19.
- Be one of the first 200 walkers with the King County group an receive a shirt at no cost. Sizes based on availability.
To order your t-shirt in advance fill out the PRIDE t-shirt order form and send it along with a check for $9 made payable to “Public Health HIV/STD Program c/o Leah Holland” to Chinook Building, Suite 1250/401 Fifth Ave/Seattle, WA 98104.
Orders MUST be received no later than Friday, June 9, 2017 at 5 p.m.
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Nurse Supervisor at Downtown Honored as UW “Nurse of the Year”
The week of May 6-12 was National Nurses Week, and the University of Washington School of Nursing chose a nurse supervisor from Downtown Public Health Center to honor. Jayne Kauzloric was presented with the 2017 “Distinguished Advocate, Administrator, Leader Award” at the 2017 Nurses Recognition Banquet on May 10. The nomination recognized Jayne’s “tireless efforts and impact towards the local community,” highlighting how the award committee was impressed with her dedication to teaching students compassion through implementation of the needle exchange program, the health department’s refugee screening clinic and healthcare for the homeless.
The committee said “Thanks to your work, students have been advocates for the homeless, learning what it means to be a caring and compassionate person and make a difference in the lives of those who go unnoticed and uncared for.”
Currently, Jayne is a supervisor for the Nurse Family Partnership program.
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Reminder: Apply for the 2017 Bridge Fellowship Program, deadline May 24!
Applications are now open for the 2017 Bridge Fellowship Program. The program is an opportunity for employees to gain new skills and knowledge to assist in advancing your career at King County.
Employees who participated in the 2016 Bridge Fellowship praise how the program challenged them to grow as individuals, build professional connections throughout King county and impacted their career trajectory.
“Everything about Bridge – the mind mapping, growth mindset, having curiosity – blew my mind,” said Lynn McKiernan Ngari, a Grants Financial Officer with the Department of Executive Services. “It’s really made me think and focus on being an empathetic listener who listens to understand.”
“In addition to the professional tools and resources that Bridge offered, the biggest impact the Fellowship had on me was the confidence to advocate on my own behalf to move my career forward,” said Kate Stein, a Social Worker in Public Health. “Bridge restored my passion for working for King County.”
Apply for this program to become the next generation of King County leaders. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/bridge for more information and application instructions, or visit the KC Employees blog for more personal testimonies. Note: Please be sure to check the FAQ section as the attendance requirement has been modified.
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Employee channels passion for clean water into career
Meet Sonia-Lynn Abenojar, a Capital Project Manager with Wastewater Treatment Division, and the latest employee to feature in our “Diverse Careers” video series.
“I’ve traveled to many places in the world where clean water systems don’t exist so being part of King County Wastewater Treatment Division has helped me develop a passion for clean water systems and being able to contribute in that way by managing projects,” Sonia said.
King County’s 14,000 employees deliver a wide range of vital services to our residents and region. Our careers provide an opportunity to grow your passion for public service and make a difference in the lives of people across our communities.
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Promoting access to benefits and services for immigrants
Dear fellow King County employee,
Just over two weeks ago, on May 1, we celebrated International Workers Day. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you for the hard work you and all our co-workers are doing to build King County as an inclusive and welcoming county.
My office has been receiving a number of questions from our employees about how they can protect their clients in a situation where immigration agents come to their building. We know that many are concerned about the social and political climate in our communities and we have heard from many employees that your clients are very distressed about potential immigration sweeps.
I have directed a team to work on these issues to ensure that we remain constantly aware about the level of fear and anxiety that members of immigrant and refugee communities are living with at this time. We will do everything we can to promote access to benefits and services for members of the community.
King County has always been a beacon of opportunity for immigrants from around the world. For many years, Immigrants have arrived in King County looking for a better future: setting down roots, opening businesses, and helping with our vital economic growth.
In order for immigrants to have every opportunity to succeed and contribute to their communities and to the county, we must ensure that they have access to vital health, legal, and social services that can help them prosper, while also remaining in compliance with federal laws. I have highlighted some existing principles and pillars of our work as well as some new policies that we are working to put in place on this webpage,
Thank you for all of your work on behalf of the people of King County.
Dow Constantine
King County Executive
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CSA@Work local produce deliveries now reach 13 King County worksites
Crossposted from Healthy Incentives
Now King County employees can choose from three more CSA@Work sites to get local, farm fresh produce deliveries at work. New locations include the King County International Airport/Boeing Field, King County Elections – Renton, and South Base bus terminal.
The CSA@Work program connects four local CSA programs (CSA – Community Supported Agriculture) with select King County worksites. Employees can sign up for the CSA program of their choice and earn Healthy Incentives credit* when they commit to a season of healthy eating.
Read more at Healthy Incentives
Employee News 