Airport unveils new hybrid electric fire truck, cutting air and noise pollution
Crossposted from the DES Express King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) is the first airport in the country to receive a hybrid electric airport fire truck to respond to emergencies like aircraft crashes or hangar fires. The Oshkosh® Striker® Volterra™ from Oshkosh Airport Products dramatically cuts greenhouse gas and particulate emissions compared to diesel-only fire trucks. KCIA’s new hybrid electric fire engine is designed to maximize performance while reducing fuel use, emissions and maintenance costs. The new fire truck is part of the airport’s work to combat climate change and allows the airport to… Read More
Pet adopters and foster homes still urgently needed at RASKC
Also: What to do if you lose a pet, or find an animal at large in the community Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) continues to be overwhelmed with the number of animals at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. Pet adopters and foster homes are urgently needed to address overcrowding at the shelter. “All of our dog kennels are full, and in fact we’re ‘double bunking’ some of the smaller dogs to make room,” said Tim Anderson, interim manager at RASKC. “Our cat condos are also overflowing, with peak kitten… Read More
DAJD’s Angela Toussaint honored as ‘Unsung Hero of Black Seattle’
By Noah Haglund, DAJD Communications Specialist The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s (DAJD) Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager, Angela Toussaint, was honored as an “Unsung Hero of Black Seattle” for 35 years of community service at a Black History Month celebration hosted by Byrd Barr Place. The award was presented on Feb. 22. Originally founded in 1964 as the Central Area Motivation Program, Byrd Barr Place was led by the Honorable Larry Gossett from 1979 until his election to the King County Council in 1993. Byrd Barr Place’s mission is to help… Read More
ORCA Regional Day Pass improves transit affordability
Crossposted from Metro Matters ORCA is making the Regional Day Pass fare permanent, creating more affordable and accessible transit for riders across the region. This price change, approved by the ORCA Joint Board, saves money and enhances convenience for customers who use multiple transit services in a single day. Effective March 1, 2025, the new ORCA Regional Day Pass will be available for just $6 for adult riders, and $2 for ORCA LIFT and RRFP senior and disabled cardholders, providing unlimited rides on participating transit services for one day for the cost… Read More
March 2025 is Women’s History Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has declared March as Women’s History Month in King County. He urges all county residents to honor the contributions by women to their families, workplaces, and communities. He also acknowledges the importance of this year’s theme. “The National Women’s History Alliance chose the 2025 theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” to celebrate the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership,” he said. View the official proclamation here.
New veterinarian starts at Regional Animal Services
Crossposted from the DES Express Weina Dai, DVM, joins Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) on March 2 as their newest veterinarian. She comes to King County from Evergreen Avian and Exotics Animal Hospital (Kirkland) and Cat Care Clinic (Bellevue). She also brings experience in a small animal emergency specialty clinic in Illinois, a wildlife internship at Washington State University/PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) and small animal medicine. “After an extensive year-long search, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dai to Regional Animal Services of King County,” said Tim Anderson, interim… Read More
Recognizing Black History Month: African Americans and Labor
Crossposted from Metro Matters By Tamar Zere, Metro Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager As we near the end of Black History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on and honor the profound impact, influence and achievements of African Americans whose contributions have shaped the course of American history and continue to drive the ongoing fight for justice and equity. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, selects the Black History Month theme to spotlight essential aspects of Black… Read More
Harborview Maleng Building project built with equity achievements
Crossposted from the DES Express The newly renovated floors at Harborview Medical Center’s Maleng Building, featured at a Jan. 15 ribbon-cutting, exceeded expectations for equity during construction. The two floors provide 40 new single patient rooms, including 20 intensive care rooms. The Finance and Business Operations Division’s (FBOD) Business Development and Contract Compliance (BDCC) set a goal of 25% minority- and women-owned business (M/WBE) participation. The project exceeded expectations with 29% M/WBE spend. Workforce goals were also surpassed, with 22% of labor hours performed by state-registered apprentices and 38% by priority hire… Read More
King County Metromance: Coffee, two trolleys, and true love
Crossposted from Metro Matters Their story begins in back in 2003, when Darryl and Cheryl Estes were both King County Metro operators working out of Atlantic Base in Seattle. “We were both new trolley operators at the time, and both of us were also new fulltime operators,” recalled Darryl. “We were in the (same) room at the base and had to wait there a long time. At one point as we chatted, I thought ‘maybe she likes me.’ I asked if I could buy her some coffee.” Cheryl wasn’t too sure at… Read More
Experienced dog lovers needed as foster parents
Crossposted from the DES Express Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) needs more dog foster parents, especially people who are skilled at handling dogs with behavior issues. One of the most valuable ways to volunteer with RASKC is to open your heart and home on a temporary basis to an animal that is waiting to be adopted. Your home might be the perfect place for these animals to receive the one-on-one comfort and attention they need. Fostering is a great way to involve the whole family or household in volunteering. RASKC… Read More
Employee News 