Pet of the Week: Dora
Hi! My name is Dora and I am available for adoption. I like getting attention on my own terms. When I come up to say hello, sometimes I want to rub against your pant leg, sometimes I want to smack you, and sometimes I want to bite you. I’ll always keep you guessing as to what kind of mood I am in! I am a gorgeous cat that at first was very timid, but once I realized that people just want to make me happy, I have taken my rightful place as princess… Read More
Advice for working in smoky air
Dear employee, You have probably noticed the smoky air in our region today. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some people need to be outdoors for their work or other responsibilities. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please consider these tips and guidance: Talk to your supervisor about possible options to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors by performing desk… Read More
Two new COVID-19 testing sites to open in South King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider New testing sites in Renton and Auburn will bring additional free COVID-testing to south King County, where communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. A new site in Auburn opens Sept. 1, and a new site will open in Renton on Sept. 8. If you have symptoms, get tested early Early testing is important to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to friends, family, and the community. It is important to get tested immediately if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath, fever,… Read More
Let’s Hit 90, King County!
Crossposted from Election Connection Over the last year, voters in King County have surpassed our expectations time and time again when it comes to turnout. In the August Primary, we projected 43% — you all showed up at 56%. The turnout for the 2016 August Primary was 37%. In the March Presidential Primary, we projected 40% — you all showed up at 56%. The turnout for the 2016 Presidential Primary was 33%. Needless to say, King County voters have been showing up and making their voices heard. Now, as we turn our attention… Read More
Join the conversation about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic
All employees will soon receive an invitation by email or mail from the Auditor’s Office and the University of Washington to participate in a short, voluntary survey about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work builds on some of the safety surveys and communication you might have already received. By providing your insights, you can help to continuously improve wellness and safety efforts at the county and contribute to occupational health research being conducted by the University of Washington.
Metro is ‘Ready When You Are’ with new safety innovations and route changes
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Metro is rolling out more than 1,400 first-of-their-kind automated safety partitions between passengers and the driver, to be installed on Metro buses, including Sound Transit Express buses operated by Metro. Metro also will equip over 100 buses with on-board dispensers to provide masks on the busiest routes. To provide greater operator and passenger safety, Metro ceased front-door boarding and collecting fares on March 21. Read more.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Dear King County employee, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and this year it comes at a particularly difficult time for many people in our community. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found that 1 in 4 people aged 18-24 has had suicidal thoughts in the month preceding the survey, which was conducted in June. Behind that statistic are people experiencing racism, worrying about their jobs, and feeling the pandemic’s threat to their health. It is clear, these unprecedented times are having profound impacts on the mental… Read More
Pet of the Week: Bagheera
Look who has their eyes on the prize… it’s Bagheera, our Pet of the Week! This young boy was brought in by a good Samaritan in early August. Bagheera likes to think he’s a panther – because he looks just like one! But that’s all just appearances, though, because Bagheera is actually a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. So, he’s one of our “Bashful Blue” pets – one that would do best in a nice quiet home. He may get nervous in new situations, so he’s looking… Read More
King County OEM delivers live webinar on preparedness to celebrate National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month. Over the next few weeks, the Office of Emergency Management will be reaching out to residents around the County to make sure that they are taking actions to prepare themselves and their loved ones for disasters. As we all continue to face the daily challenges of living through a global pandemic, it is important not to lose sight of other natural disasters that could occur in our region. Earthquakes, flooding, and severe weather, to name just a few, could have an impact on our families, friends, and… Read More
Building a more resilient, sustainable, equitable King County: Executive Constantine announces regional strategy to confront climate change
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced his proposal for the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions countywide in half by the end of the decade, a stronger focus on climate justice, and preparing the region for climate impacts. “Climate change is impacting King County today, deepening inequities and intensifying natural hazards – flooding, wildfires, extreme heat – that put people, our economy, and our environment at risk,” said Executive Constantine. “We surpassed many of our goals from the current Strategic Climate Action Plan by listening to… Read More
Employee News 