Prepare now for winter weather 

As we approach winter, now is a great time to ensure you are well-prepared for an emergency or inclement weather at home or work.   Taking a few steps now to plan ahead will give you peace of mind and help you make good decisions in an emergency:   There are many online resources that you can use to make sure you and your family have what you need to Make it Through an emergency – from an extended power outage to a more severe event. Please take personal preparedness seriously.  If your child is attending… Read More

Executive Constantine statement on updated COVID-19 restrictions 

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered the following statement at Gov. Jay Inslee’s press conference announcing new guidance on how to slow the spread of COVID-19, and new restrictions in place until Dec. 14:  “Like everywhere in the state, our case counts are soaring, and that is also true nationally. The number of hospitalizations in King County last week increased by over 70 percent compared to the previous four weeks.  “In fact, it was just earlier this week that I was reflecting that our hospitalizations had not increased dramatically, and then later that afternoon I… Read More

November 2020 proclaimed Native American Heritage Month in King County 

As part of our celebrations for Native American Heritage Month, the Metropolitan King County Council and King County Executive Dow Constantine have proclaimed the month of November 2020 Native American Heritage Month in King County.  Native American Heritage Month was initially proposed in 1990 as American Indian Heritage Month by U.S. House Joint Resolution 577, and in 1991 by Congress Senate Joint Resolution 172, before November was ultimately proclaimed as “Native American Heritage Month” by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.  “Whereas, in King County, we honor the unique government-to-government relationship that… Read More

Representation of Native Americans in Law and Justice webinar tomorrow, November 18 

Please join the King County Superior Court in celebration of Native American Heritage Month at a Presentation of Native Americans in Law and Justice Panel Presentation. The event will feature a facilitated question and answer session with guest panelists, including keynote speaker Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, Ms. Sarah Roubidoux Lawson, Professor Gregory Silverman, and Mr. Rion Ramirez. This presentation is sponsored by the Superior Court’s 2020 Courts and Community Committee.  Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Register here.  Space is available and pre-registration is required. For more information view this flyer or contact Beth Taylor at Beth.Taylor@kingcounty.gov. 

Pet of the Week: Elvis 

Hi! My name is Elvis and I am available for adoption. I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to sit. I also know how to open chain link gates! I am an independent dog who likes to do my own thing! I enjoy affection, but I really love to use my sniffer to smell all the smells! I am full of energy! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my… Read More

Guidance on temporary statewide restrictions announced by Governor

On Sunday, Nov. 15, Governor Jay Inslee announced temporary restrictions to be in effect statewide until Dec. 14 to slow the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. The new restrictions, with the exception of changes to restaurant operations, go into effect on Monday, Nov. 16 at midnight (12:01 a.m. Tuesday); restaurant changes go into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Indoor gatherings with people outside the household will be prohibited unless they quarantine for the 14 prior to the social gathering or quarantine for the seven days prior to the gathering, and receive… Read More

Keep the plumber off your holiday guest list – and grease out of your (and our) pipes! 

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories  Did you know plumbers refer to the day after Thanksgiving as “Brown Friday” because of the uptick in business they get from feast-clogged pipes and sewer lines? Fats, oils and grease (also known as “FOG”) can cause major home plumbing issues – as well as problems in the sewer system. Just as fatty foods clog arteries, FOG sticks to the inside of pipes causing blockages and backups of raw sewage, that can put your family’s health and the environment at risk.  Read more. 

Join DDECSD at their 31st Annual Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum, November 23 

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections  King County’s annual Developmental Disabilities Legislative Forum, hosted by the Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports (DDECSD), is marking its 31st year.  Join us on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, from 7–8:30 p.m. for this community conversation.    On this special evening we will hear stories from community members and present King County’s related legislative priorities that will help all people live full, integrated and productive lives. Last year, we hosted close to 600 community members at this event and welcomed 30 state legislators.  Read more. 

Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month 

Crossposted from Metro Matters  Every month, operators from King County Metro’s seven transit bases select their fellow drivers who make positive contributions to Metro and recognize them as Operators of the Month. The operators selected demonstrate safe driving skills; show courteous and helpful attitudes toward customers; and pay conscientious attention to job requirements such as attendance, appearance and discipline.  We want to introduce you to some of our recent Operators of the Month. Please join us in congratulating them. Additionally, the Operators of the Month later come together to vote on who… Read More

Video: As COVID-19 cases spike, an update from Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  In recent days, King County has seen the highest COVID-19 case counts we’ve experienced to date. In light of these increases, we’re sharing Dr. Jeff Duchin’s November 6th, 2020, press briefing where he discusses the rising numbers and what we need to do to turn around this outbreak. View the update below.