Community Service Area Liaisons are here to help unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local
Do you know who your Community Service Area Liaison is? If you are in unincorporated King County, you have one of three liaisons assigned to your area.
Community liaisons play various roles (public advocate, information clearinghouse) but their main job is to help you navigate your local government.
If you have a question about Permits, Road Services or the Department of Local Services, they can help. If you have a question about Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office or any other King County department, they can help. If you have an issue with another city or the state, they can help by guiding you in the right direction.
You can find our liaisons in your community, including regularly scheduled community office hours, meetings and events. Read more.
Pictured: The three Community Service Area Liaisons for unincorporated King County. From left to right: Mason Thompson, Clem Benton, and Bong Sto. Domingo.
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Executive Zahilay celebrates Women’s History Month
Women’s history is made every day in King County. As a husband and a father to two daughters, I am reminded daily of my responsibility to help build a world that uplifts and empowers women and girls. We recognize March as Women’s History Month, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate women leaders across our county, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to our work, our communities, and our shared history.
My cabinet is shaped by women who embody strong leadership and public service for their teams and our communities. Read more.
Pictured: From left to right, Dr. Sandra Valenciano, Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, Director Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Executive Girmay Zahilay, Deputy Director Amber Green, General Manager Michelle Allison and Office of the Executive Chief Operating Officer Hyeok Kim. Due to scheduling conflicts, not pictured here are DCHS Director Susan McLaughlin and DHR Acting Director Megan Pedersen.
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Executive officially proclaimed March 24 as Nowruz
This March, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recognized Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years by more than 300 million people worldwide. Meaning “new day,” Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings.
On March 24, the official Nowruz proclamation was presented to Refugees & Immigrants Support & Empowerment (RISE) Affinity Group leadership by Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer, highlighting the County’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting immigrant and refugee communities.
Traditions such as gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and preparing the Haft-Seen table reflect values of health, prosperity, and resilience. Here in King County, Nowruz also honors the rich cultures and contributions of our immigrant and refugee communities.
For RISE, this celebration reflects our commitment to inclusion and belonging, creating space for employees to feel seen, valued, and connected. As the season changes, Nowruz reminds us that every new day brings an opportunity to grow, reconnect, and begin again.
Pictured: Members of the RISE Affinity Group with Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer. Photo credit: Brian Chu, Executive’s Office.
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to Lead Public Health – Seattle and King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department.
Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to protect and promote the health and well-being of more than two million residents. The department works across a wide range of areas focusing on preventing illness and injury, responding to emerging health threats, and addressing the root causes of health disparities so that all communities have the opportunity to thrive. Read more.
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Discounted tickets to Washington Spring Fair
King County employees can now take advantage of discounted tickets to the Washington Spring Fair. The Spring Fair is April 10-12 and 17-19.
To purchase tickets, visit thefair.com/corporate, click the “Buy Tickets” button, and enter access code 26king. Tickets are only available trough April 19.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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Records Management Reminder: Make good records in the first place
A big part of records management is being mindful about what records we decide to create in the first place. Making good records to begin with is essential to good records management and the Executive’s focus on better government.
Some general tips include:
- Avoid sending unnecessary emails (consider phone calls for messages that do not need to be documented)
- Avoiding saving unnecessary copies (consider using links or shortcuts to existing records, rather than saving additional copies)
- Use descriptive titles and naming conventions (avoid vague and general words)
- Where possible, ensure the records are accessible to others
For more information, visit the County Records and Information Management Program’s website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The County Records and Information Management Program (CRIMP), in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to state and local legal requirements and best practices.
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New temporary cat building to open March 27
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
The Cat Adoptions Building, a newly-refurbished trailer at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), will open on March 27 to receive incoming cats and allow adopters to once again choose a new furry feline friend on-site at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent.
During the December 2025 storms, the cat building at the Pet Adoption Center suffered damage that rendered it unusable. Since then, RASKC has been unable to accept new cats for sheltering. RASKC was also forced to rely on members of the community to foster shelter cats in their own homes.
“Losing the cat building in the winter storms really put a damper on our ability to serve people and pets,” said RASKC Manager Tim Anderson. “We’re grateful for all the volunteers and others in the community who stepped up to help us and our cats when we needed it.” Read more.
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Ask a tox doc: What’s the big deal with plastic?
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
It’s hard to avoid plastic. So many common objects that we use regularly have plastic, from toothbrushes and soap bottles to juice cartons and kids’ toys.
I sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, a toxicologist with Public Health, to chat about plastic and find out: Is it a concern for our health? And if so, how can we protect ourselves? Read more.
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KCSO hosted Dr. Kevin Gilmartin’s presentation Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) was pleased to host Dr. Kevin Gilmartin on March 5 for the presentation of Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, based on his groundbreaking book. First responders from agencies across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties joined KCSO professional staff, members of the Peer Support Team, and others at the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) for this event.
Dr. Gilmartin holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and served for 20 years with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona. He is also an adjunct instructor at Cornell University, the University of Massachusetts, Sam Houston State University, and the FBI Academy. Dr. Gilmartin’s most significant and lasting contribution to public safety is his 2002 book, Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, which continues to influence generations of deputies and service members. Few individuals have contributed more to advancing wellness in law enforcement than Dr. Gilmartin.
This training was made possible through CJTC grant funding. KCSO appreciates all who attended and extend thanks to the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) professionals who assisted with planning and support.
Pictured: From left, Dr. Kevin Gilmartin and Detective Sgt. Jimmy Mitchell from the Internal Investigations Unit (IIU).
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Help your favorite nonprofit be part of the King County Employee Giving Program
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving
Throughout the Annual Giving Drive, employees often ask why their favorite nonprofit is not part of the King County Employee Giving Program (KCEGP). Now is the time to help your favorite nonprofit by submitting a nonprofit referral!
When a nonprofit participates in the KCEGP it allows King County employees to support that nonprofit through our program. It also allows employees to use their sick leave for volunteering benefit with that nonprofit. Read more.
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