Breaking backpack records: ReOpp Back-to-School Resource Fair hands out 544 backpacks ahead of new school year
Crossposted from Best Starts for Kids Each year the Reconnect to Opportunity (ReOpp) Back-to-School Resource Fair hands out free school supplies, backpacks, food bags, and more to young people across King County, in partnership with dozens of community organizations. This August was no different, with the fair distributing a record number of backpacks: 544 to community members. Families with kids getting ready for preschool all the way through high school attended the fair. A total of 488 community members received resources including school supplies, food bags with fresh produce, and of course, backpacks. Read more.
King County to observe Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 7
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will be on Sunday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Executive Zahilay opens modern recycling and transfer station to serve South King County, contributing to cleaner, safer, healthier communities while improving the natural environment
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently led the opening celebration for a state-of-the-art recycling and transfer station that makes it safer and more convenient for South King County residents to recycle and dispose of hazardous waste, contributing to cleaner, safer, healthier communities while improving the natural environment. The new South County Recycling and Transfer Station – mostly powered by renewable energy and the first facility of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification – offers recycling services for appliances, glass, metal, plastic, wood, cardboard, paper, and yard waste, none of which are offered… Read More
Preparing for emergencies in National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month and King County wants to help you stay safe – and keep your family and community safe – in the event of an emergency. The best time to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency is before it happens. Here are some steps you can take to be more prepared: Make a plan workbook: Use the Get Ready King County fillable workbook to start (or continue) your preparedness journey. The step-by-step workbook guides you through the resources and items you need to be ready for an emergency. Personal and… Read More
Quick guide for parents and caretakers: What vaccines your child needs
As you prep for school or childcare, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) makes it easy to know which vaccines are required for kids. These simple charts from Washington DOH’s School and Child Care Immunizations webpage walk you through what’s needed at each age: Required Immunizations for School-aged Children and Required Immunizations for Childcare. The following blog has resources for you to check if your child is already up to date on their vaccines and more. Learn more.
Executive Zahilay statement on Transportation Benefit District legislation
Recently, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement after his administration transmitted new legislation that will allow the county to assume the duties and functions of the King County Transportation District (KCTD). This change is being proposed in partnership with members of the King County Council, which plays a key role in allocating and approving funding: “Maintaining safe, reliable roads and bridges and a connected regional transit system are essential to King County’s future. As part of my commitment to build a better government, my administration has examined tangible ways… Read More
King County’s Metro Flex to launch in Auburn and Federal Way, bringing on-demand transit to more of South King County
King County Metro will launch two new Metro Flex pilots serving Auburn and Federal Way on Aug. 31. The pilots expand on-demand transit in South King County as part of a broader set of transit improvements made possible through the South Link Connections project. Metro Flex allows riders to book on-demand trips within designated service areas, providing connections between neighborhoods, transit hubs, jobs and other destinations. Riders can book trips through the Metro Flex app or by phone, with rides provided in Metro-operated minivans. The Auburn and Federal Way pilots will run for two years…. Read More
Clogged, not forgotten: The hidden reality when you flush wipes
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories It’s two in the morning when Brian White’s phone rings. A fellow operator at West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle is calling with bad news: The Hidden Lake Pump Station in Shoreline is rapidly losing capacity. If the problem continues, it could lead to a sewer overflow. Within minutes, White, an offsite wastewater operator for West Section, is out of bed and behind the wheel, heading into the darkness to protect public health and Puget Sound. Read more.
Planning ahead: Make back-to-school vaccination appointments now
Crossposted from Public Health Insider School’s about more than math quizzes and book reports. It’s where kids go to play, grow, and build community. But where kids thrive, so do germs. Enter vaccinations! Vaccinations are the body’s practice test for diseases like measles and whooping cough. That way, if the real thing shows up, kids’ immune systems know exactly what to do. Vaccinations required for school and child care Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to get certain vaccinations before they can start. Check the full list of requirements in… Read More
Celebrating 60 years of clean water operations
Crossposted from the King County Wastewater Treatment Division newsletter This year, we’re marking 60 years of operations at West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle! Today, we work 24/7 to clean more than 90 million gallons of wastewater every day, protecting public health and Puget Sound. West Point came online in 1966, following South Treatment Plant in Renton, which celebrated its 60th birthday last year. Brightwater Treatment Plant near Woodinville turns 15. View more photos on Instagram here. Pictured: An archival photo of the West Point Treatment Plant.
