Soundgarden helps Executive launch the SoundGuardian, King County’s new environmental research vessel

Members of the iconic Seattle band Soundgarden help Executive Constantine launch the SoundGuardian, King County’s new environmental research vessel. The new 48-foot vessel will be used by field scientists at the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to collect samples in Puget Sound, Lake Washington and the Duwamish River. For more information view the video on King County TV or read more in the official press release..

Protect pets from Fourth of July fireworks

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Fireworks are beautiful to look at, but they can be scary for our pets. The bangs and booms are hard on their sensitive hearing, and even the calmest pet can get upset by the unfamiliar loud noises. To help your pet cope with the noise from fireworks, and reduce the chance that it runs away, Regional Animal Services of King County offers these tips: Keep your pet secured indoors in the quietest room of your home while fireworks are audible. You can also use soothing music or… Read More

Wastewater Treatment Division: From intern to process analyst

As shared from the DNRP WTD Watermark Newsletter Jessica Tanumihardja recently joined West Point [treatment plant] as the newest process analyst. Prior to WTD, Jessica was an engineer-in-training at Northwest Water Systems and earned her graduate degree in environmental engineering from the University of Washington. Jessica first learned about WTD by meeting HR staff at a college job fair. “They were really nice and friendly so I applied for an internship  in project management.” Jessica worked with Project Manager Erica Jacobs and others during her internship. After graduating, Jessica received emails about… Read More

King County celebrates Pride as one

Crossposted from DES Express Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday, June 26 to participate in the Seattle Pride Parade! Dozens of us marched as One King County in the bright sun with beautiful new rainbow banners, demonstrating our commitment to equity and social justice. We’re already looking forward to 2017!

Environmental Sampling and Reporting goes Lean

Crossposted from Lean In King County Completing environmental reporting for the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill is a complex process. With complicated record keeping, a long distance from sampling location to laboratory, and equipment and software challenges, the group responsible for environmental sampling and reporting knew there had to be a better way. The first improvement they made involved transportation. On a normal day, the group would collect their samples at Cedar Hills and then send two trucks to the lab so the samples could be tested.  The team realized if they consolidated the samples only one truck… Read More

Help shape the future of Access Transportation – Tell us what you think by July 5

Crossposted from Metro Matters Metro needs your feedback to help shape the future of Access Transportation, Metro’s ADA paratransit service. We’ll reach out to the public several times this year to learn about what’s working well and how Access could be improved. Your feedback will inform Metro staff as they plan for new Access contracts that will take effect in 2018. In this first phase of outreach, we want to hear about how we’re doing with Access service, what’s most important riders, and ideas for improvements. Read more at Metro Matters

King County Mobile ID – Implemented, Making a Difference!

A new handheld device is helping law enforcement personnel get identification results quickly in the field, improving the safety of our communities. Handheld Mobile ID devices allow law enforcement to scan fingerprints in the field and search county, state and federal databases for matches in a matter of minutes. It’s an important tool when knowing a person’s true identity can impact critical decisions. Officer Kevin Bateman of the Kent Police Department shared one example with KCTV recently. “We had a hit-and-run, but the guy came back, and all he had was a… Read More

Search the King County Archives

King County Archives, the home of thousands of official documents and photographs, has launched a new online collection search tool at http://www.kingcounty.gov/archives/search. This brief video from KCTV takes you into to the Archives vault, where we talk about the collection, research, and the new search tool. Learn more about how to access items, materials and records from as far back as the 1800s. The video features commentary from King County archivist Carol Shenk.

Six tips for celebrating PRIDE on June 26

Seattle PRIDE Parade is this Sunday, and this is our second year participating as One King County. Here are some tips for enjoying the holiday that this region celebrates best. Dress the part. When it comes to PRIDE, anything goes. Make sure you can stay cool and protected from the sun, and remember, the more skin you’re showing, the more sunscreen you’ll need. Remember the reason for the season. PRIDE is a positive stance against discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Supportive allies are welcome. Do a little dance. There is no better… Read More

Mercer Islanders invited to try TripPool, Metro’s new ridesharing service

King County Metro’s Alternative Services program has launched a new transportation pilot program and it’s available to King County employees who live on Mercer Island! TripPool is a new rideshare connection from your home neighborhood to the Park-and-Ride. Riders use a mobile app to find and book trips. The best part is the TripPool van gets reserved parking at the Park-and-Ride! Be part of this pilot project at the Mercer Island Park-and-Ride and help us learn how to make the program even better. Interested? Email trippool@kingcounty.gov to learn how you can try… Read More