Saving more lives than ever before 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) continues to set the standard when it comes to saving animals’ lives. This year, more than 4,100 dogs, cats, and other animals in our care were adopted to new families or returned to their lost owner. Because of this amazing work, we expect to achieve another organizational milestone in 2019, reaching a live release rate for dogs and cats of 95%. This again puts RASKC in rare company for public, open-admission animal shelters in the United States.  The credit for this… Read More

Pet of the Week: Yasu 

Hi! My name is Yasu and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by a good samaritan on December 14, 2019. I’m a bit under socialized because I’ve spent my whole socialization prime time with my litter, which means that I haven’t received a lot of consistency or human attention. I’m ready to begin my life with a new family! I am a young dog with who needs some social skills and consistent training added to my life. I’m super sweet and affectionate, but I’m also incredibly high energy and intelligent. This means I… Read More

Director John Diaz honors DAJD employees who are on active duty 

DAJD Director John Diaz was inspired to speak out to acknowledge not only DAJD’s five employees who will be deployed over the holidays, but all County employees who currently serve in the National Guard or Reserve, and their families who support them. 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with free rides on King County Metro 

King County Metro will help riders safely usher in 2020 with free bus rides from 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve through 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Free rides on Metro service are sponsored in part by Seattle Center, which draws thousands of people for New Year’s Eve festivities. In addition to Metro buses, rides are also free on Via to Transit Southeast Seattle, DART, Seattle Streetcar, Community Van, Community Ride, and Access paratransit.  “There’s no better night to leave your car at home than New Year’s Eve, and with free… Read More

Pet of the Week: Jojo 

Jojo is a 1 year-old, brown, female, Doberman Pinscher mix (A601685). Her personality color is RED, meaning she is a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality. Jojo can be very hyper and is still working on her manners, so she would do best with a family who is willing to work with her and help her become the best dog she can be! Jojo is a very friendly girl who loves to play.  Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. 

Reduced Link service for 10 weeks from Jan. 4 – March 15 

From Jan. 4 to March 15, Sound Transit is building new tracks that connect downtown Seattle to the Eastside. When open in 2023, East Link trains will serve 19 stations from Northgate to Redmond, including 10 new stations in Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond.   Trains will continue running during heavy construction, but there will be reduced service for 10 weeks. Here are the basics:  Trains will run every 12 minutes, every day of the week  All trains will have four cars  Riders traveling through Pioneer Square Station will change trains on a… Read More

What’s happened to traffic since SR 99 tunnel tolling started 

Crossposted from Metro Matters  One month after tolling began in the State Route 99 tunnel, we’re getting our first few weeks of traffic data. While it’s still early, SR 99 tunnel usage remains high and exceeds forecasts. Traffic volumes were within normal ranges on I-5 and ridership on King County Metro Transit remained consistent.  Initial information from Seattle-area transportation partner agencies reflects weekday data between Nov. 12 and Nov. 22. (Thanksgiving week was excluded as it is an unusual travel week). Traffic patterns vary and we expect they will continue to change as… Read More

Pet of the week: Taser 

Taser is an 8 year-old, male, brown tabby, shorthair cat (A074252). His personality color is BLUE, meaning he is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. He might need some time to warm up to new people and new environments. Once he feels comfortable with you, he will really come out of his shell! Taser likes being petted on his head and neck. He can be sensitive further down his back, but don’t let that fool you: this affectionate boy just loves being petted.   Read more and view… Read More

Honoring King County’s active duty employees

King County supports and thanks all who have served in the military or are currently serving in the Guard or Reserve. It is important for employers to value their military personnel and support them to take leave for military operations, while allowing for them to stay gainfully employed. To highlight this, we have profiled a King County employee who is also currently serving in the Reserve. Elizabeth Inglese, a Visual Designer with King County’s Department of Information Technology (KCIT), shares her experience while serving as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Marine… Read More

Making diversion programs more culturally responsive 

Crossposted from Zero Youth Detention  Community Accountability Boards (“CABs”) have served as a diversion program – or alternative to the formal court process – for first-time juvenile misdemeanor cases in King County since 1959. CABs are made up of trained community volunteers who hear juvenile cases and devise a tailored plan of accountability for each young person.  Read more from Zero Youth Detention