Young attorneys make a difference through Prosecutor’s internship program 

The King County’s Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recently mentored and trained a group of nine young, ambitious second-year law students, giving them firsthand experience into the work of a prosecuting attorney. The intense, 13-week Rule 9 Internship Program gives law students the opportunity to practice the law under supervision by handling real cases.   “We have an extremely diverse class and half are people of color, which is remarkable,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Leah Taguba, who oversees the program. “It is through diversity of background and thought that people of color bring to prosecution that help… Read More

Pet of the Week: JoJo 

JoJo is a 12 ½ year-old, male, shorthair black cat (A403147). His personality color is GREEN, meaning he is an outgoing and adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. This handsome boy is very sweet and loves to be around people. He can be the life of the party, especially if food is involved! He loves puzzles and works really hard when the reward involves a yummy treat! JoJo does have a heart murmur, so he will do best with regular visits to the veterinarian.  Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. 

Get ready for 1,350 new bus trips per week starting Sept. 21 

Crossposted from Metro Matters  The last few times we’ve asked you to “get ready,” it hasn’t been connected with good news. Alaskan Way Viaduct closure and buses moving out of the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel required the public to change travel times and habits, and made tougher commutes for everyone. But, we have great news with the Fall Service Change starting September 21: more Metro to get you where you are going.  Read more from Metro Matters

CFJC Resource Center connects youth and families to service providers

By Alex Hurtado The brick and mortar of the Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC) is nearing completion, but it’s the services that will be provided to youth, their families and the community that will make this building shine. Each courthouse level’s interior design has a King County theme; the main level of the courthouse side – The City – includes a café, community conference rooms, and a resource center. This floor will be vibrant, dynamic and community-centric. Robert Gant, who is the Superior Court Community Partnership Manager, is enthusiastic about the opportunity… Read More

From Supported Employment Participant to Behavioral Health Division Employee  

King County is celebrating National Recovery Month this September by helping to raise awareness, support, and recovery resources for people with mental health and substance use conditions and their families, friends and co-workers who support them. One program that provides behavioral health supports is the Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program. This program assists people who have experienced chronic mental health and/or substance use conditions to gain and maintain competitive, integrated employment throughout our region. The program provides job search assistance and ongoing support after job placement through an evidence-based, integrated team approach with… Read More

Executive proclamation and celebration kick off Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month 

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month beginning September 15 “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month” in King County. “Latino and Latina residents have been a consistent, vital influence in the history of King County, and we name our commemoration “Latinx” Heritage Month to be more inclusive of the experiences and identities of our communities,” Executive Constantine said in the Proclamation. Additionally, Sound Transit’s Latinx in Transportation (LIT) Employee Resource Group, King County Metro and the Seattle Department of Transportation held a multi-agency Latinx Heritage Month kick-off celebration on September 19, 2019. View more photos below and… Read More

Pet of the Week: Kingston 

Hi! My name is Kingston and I am available for adoption.  I was brought into the shelter because I was sometimes too pushy with the other dog in the home. I do like other dogs though! I just maybe like to be the boss :). After all I’m a spunky little guy with a big boy personality!  I also love to play and cuddle with people, but I like to get to know you first. Give me a few minutes to warm up, and I’ll be jumping up and down in your… Read More

Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2019 King County celebrates Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month 

National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long and important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans.    In the spirit of shared learning, increased understanding, building community, and advancing pro-equity values at Metro, all King County employees are invited to participate in these events, below. For more information about each event, view this flyer.  Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m., Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board… Read More

Video provides hope, guidance to parents whose children are removed by CPS 

Crossposted from For the Defense  One of the most painful experiences a parent can face is the removal of their child by Child Protective Services. A new video by the King County Department of Public Defense explores this difficult issue, profiling two parents who experienced both removal and reunification and who have guidance to offer others as a result.  The video also highlights the value of dedicated public defenders in child welfare cases. “My public defender – she’s the reason I got my son back. She didn’t give up on me. She directed me,… Read More

Pet of the Week: Slinky 

Slinky is a 4 year-old, female, shorthair cat (A524490). Her personality color is BLUE, meaning she is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. She may get nervous in new situations, so she is looking for a family who understands that she might need some time to warm up. Once she gets to know you, she is a very playful and affectionate girl! Slinky has lived with young children and other cats in the past and did not seem to enjoy them, so she would prefer a quiet… Read More