OESJ is confronting hate and bias by strengthening communities
In response to community concerns over the rise in hate and bias incidents in our region, the Civil Rights Program at the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) recently launched a new community-based reporting system for communities experiencing acts of hate and bias. This system is unique to the region and focuses upstream on empowering communities, rather than heightening enforcement through the criminal justice system. Currently, data collected by law enforcement agencies does not accurately portray the realities of hate, bias, and discrimination that many communities face. Underreporting due to tenuous community-law enforcement relationships, lack of… Read More
Mourning together, virtually: How our Muslim community adapted using technology
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Authors: Mohamed Ali, Ayan Abshir and Equity Response Team Death is a universal experience, no matter what race or religion one identifies with. In Islam, Muslims are taught to overcome tragic circumstances with containment (Rida), gratitude (Hamd), patience (Sabr), and firm belief in destiny (Qadr). Although, death is a fact of life, it is never easy to lay a loved one to rest. The local Somali community in Seattle was recently devastated by the first COVID-19 death. This death has brought to the surface the stress our community already deals… Read More
Join us for a question and answer session about COVID-19, April 23 – ¡en español!
In a virtual seminar, this Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 7 p.m., we will talk about the impacts of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) on the Latinx community. We will respond to your questions, and more If you have a specific question, we would love to hear it. You can write your questions into the comments on the Facebook event or announcement. Follow us on the Condado de King Facebook page to receive a reminder the day of the virtual seminar. This event will feature Matias Valenzuela, Director of Equity for Public Health – Seattle & King County, and… Read More
King County goes digital for Earth Day, April 22
As we respond to the call to stay home and stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, many King County employees and residents have a renewed appreciation for – and look forward to once again fully experiencing – the healing qualities of King County’s natural spaces. The global response to the pandemic also offers a blueprint for environmental resiliency which relies on the power of collective action, and basing decisions on the latest science. In commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this lesson of resiliency and ingenuity resonates, and is why the Department… Read More
Hope and inspiration for 50th Earth Day
For this year’s Earth Day, the 50th year of the annual celebration of our planet, King County Executive Dow Constantine shared a video message of hope and inspiration. “I find more hope, more inspiration, this year than any Earth Day before,” Executive Constantine said in the video. “The global response to the COVID-19 crisis really does offer us a kind of blueprint for saving our planet.” Thank you to the dedicated employees working hard every day – oftentimes behind the scenes – to sustain our environment and promote the health and safety of our… Read More
Helping people and pets… together
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC COVID-19 UPDATE: Pet adoptions temporarily suspended Following Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, all adoptions at our Kent Adoption Center are temporarily suspended. Essential services will continue, as shown below. For more information about the COVID-19 outbreak, visit kingcounty.gov/covid. Our number one priority at RASKC continues to be focused on delivering our mission of “Helping People and Pets.” We are honored to be of continued service to our communities, both in person when needed as well as online. You can access many of our services from the comfort of… Read More
Online “marketplace” connects donors with people and organizations in need during COVID-19 outbreak
Crossposted from KC Emergency News The King County Regional Donations Connector is now available online to link up individuals, businesses, non-profits, and others who have resources with those who need them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Donations Connector will help make sure services, supplies, and funding reach health care providers, first responders, and social service entities working on the front lines. The website at kingcounty.gov/emergency/donate serves three major functions. Read more from KC Emergency News
Use Text for Departures to see Reduced Service starting March 23
Crossposted from Metro Matters Your bus may be running less often, during fewer hours, and/or be canceled. Text your bus stop ID # to 62550 for to find out when the next bus will arrive. Visit the Reduced Service webpage. View the update in other languages here.
March 18 is Transit Driver Appreciation Day
Crossposted from Metro Matters Every day, thousands of King County Metro transit, rail, and paratransit operators are responsible for delivering passengers to work, school, and appointments, and back home again. They wake before the sun comes up and work through the night. During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we honor our public servants who are essential to keeping our community moving. On March 18, 2020, we’re again celebrating International Transit Driver Appreciation Day. Read more from Metro Matters
Livestream of coronavirus press conference at 10:15 a.m. today, March 9
You can tune in to this livestream at 10:15 a.m. today where King County Executive Dow Constantine, Governor Jay Inslee, and regional leaders will announce new community strategies to contain novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The speakers include: Governor Jay Inslee Dow Constantine, King County Executive Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Executive Dave Sommers, Snohomish County Executive Jenny Durkan, Mayor of Seattle Cassie Franklin, Mayor of Everett Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma Watch the livestream here (starts at 10:15 a.m.). Please refer to the Public Health – Seattle & King County website at www.kingcounty.gov/covid and the Public Health Insider… Read More
Employee News 