Pet of the Week: Lila Rose

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC   Lila Rose is a 3 ½ year-old, black, longhair female cat (#A555163). This beautiful girl is an affectionate love bug once she warms up to you. She loves hanging out with her favorite people, and once she get comfortable she can talk up a storm! Lila Rose’s personality color is RED, meaning she is a spirited and fun-loving girl who likes to get attention on her own terms. She can get a bit overstimulated with petting, so it’s best to keep an eye out for signs… Read More

Brewing up clean water

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Beer brewing is a growing industry that creates local jobs and supports King County’s economic diversity, and now these operations are helping in our efforts to protect water quality through their commitment to responsible waste management. There are two concerns with brewery wastewater: the concentration of waste in the water and the pH. Imagine if all the wastewater from your house came from the garbage disposal. That would be much more concentrated than the wastewater from showers, washing machines, and toilets. Since breweries use a lot of… Read More

Homeless prevention efforts help stop youth and families from becoming homeless

Department of Community and Human Services Director Adrienne Quinn was interviewed by KUOW reporter Kate Walters about homeless prevention efforts. They talked about the Best Starts for Kids-funded Youth and Family Homelessness Prevention Initiative and efforts around system connected housing to help prevent people with behavioral health needs from becoming homeless. Read and listen to the KUOW article here.

Training helped prepare Water Taxi crew for in-water rescue this week in Elliott Bay

Crossposted from the Captain’s Blog An ordinary evening sailing from West Seattle turned into an extraordinary display of preparation and skill when our three-person crew rescued a man stranded in Elliott Bay on Thursday. The rescue took place shortly before 6 p.m., after the MV Doc Maynard left Seacrest Dock and headed toward Pier 52 in Downtown Seattle. The crew spotted a man in the water away from his boat, blowing a whistle and clinging to what appeared to be a chair. The crew members – who had all undergone rigorous safety… Read More

Metro’s ‘Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year’ keeps buses and coworkers going

Crossposted from Metro Matters After 34 years, mechanic Dave Bankson is one of the best at his job at King County Metro. He works hard to stay current on changing technology, has become a go-to resource on new diesel-hybrid fleets, and readily shares his expertise. Bankson recently was honored as Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year for 2018. He accepted the award in front of a room full of coworkers, many who praised his work ethic and the way he mentors others to be successful. “I don’t have just one story to… Read More

Disasters happen. Are you ready?

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month – a reminder to take action to prepare now and throughout the year for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and play.  It’s important to have a family and workplace communications plan and evacuation route established. You are also urged to store food, water, first aid, and other essential survival supplies in your home and vehicle. Additionally, take time to learn lifesaving skills – such as CPR and first aid – and how and when to shut off water… Read More

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month upcoming events

National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on September 15 and ends October 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 North America. In line with Metro’s values of community building, shared learning, and increased understanding, employees are invited to participate in three interactive Lunch and Learn events celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. These will be held on Sept. 6, Sept. 13 and Oct. 1. For information about each event, click here…. Read More

Celebrating King County Metro named the best large transit system in North America

Executive Constantine today is hosting a celebration at Metro’s South Base to commemorate King County Metro being named the best large transit system in North America. “To our talented Metro employees, our steadfast partners, and our loyal customers: Thank you for helping us bring this prestigious award to King County,” said Executive Constantine. Below is a video that puts the award in the context of the work King County is doing in all operations to create the nation’s best-run government.  

The bare bones: How WA State’s only forensic anthropologist does it all

For King County Forensic Anthropologist Katherine Taylor and her team, attempting to identify missing persons or unidentified bodies can be a slow, painstaking exercise that can take years to complete. For some cases the technology just hasn’t caught up to assist in the identification of the person, and in other cases the information doesn’t seem to piece together. There was one specific story that Katherine recalled where her team tried everything they could before finally catching a break. “First we found the cranium. Over the course of a couple months we found… Read More

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Volta’ coming to Marymoor Park Sept. 7 – Nov. 4, employees save 25 percent!

Volta by Cirque du Soleil will be at King County’s Marymoor Park Sept. 7 thru Nov. 4. Now through Sept. 9, employees can save 25 percent on tickets using this special link to purchase them. This great offer is valid only until Sept. 9. Additional offers for Volta are available here. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.