Keeping courtrooms free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression

Cross-posted from King County Superior Court Judges across Washington are expressly prohibited from discriminating against someone because of their gender identity and gender expression, thanks to a rule change that went into effect Sept. 1. King County Superior Court Commissioner Jonathon Lack proposed the amendment to the Code of Judicial Conduct, which governs the behavior of judges in Washington. Read more.

Safety video: See something, say something

Our first priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities. A number of actions and programs have already been implemented, including regular patrols by Sheriff’s deputies and Facilities Management Division (FMD) security officers, increasing the number of security personnel onsite, and daily trash and general clean-up on weekdays. The county is also producing a series of safety videos with tips for staying safe and other related information. Check… Read More

King County Affinity Group celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month by highlighting author Dr. Darcie Little Badger                                    

This week, for National LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group wants to celebrate Dr. Darcie Little Badger. Indigenous futurist Little Badger identifies as a queer, asexual Apache woman, and her book Elatsoe features an asexual Apache teen protagonist. Learn more about Little Badger and other LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history by visiting this calendar celebrating LGBTQ+ History. If you are interested in getting connected to the LGBTQ+ community at King County, consider reaching out to the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at LGBTQ@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.gov/AffinityGroups.

Volunteer to close a ballot drop box

The General election is just around the corner and King County Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on election night, Nov. 8. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day. As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary! Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sign up and join… Read More

DNRP archeologist helps repatriate historic flintlock rifle to Muckleshoot Tribe

Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green A unique piece of 19th century Native American history purchased at a garage sale half a century ago has been returned to its rightful owners, thanks to work by the King County Historic Preservation Program. Lane Corry, a Preston resident who long ago bought the rusted old rifle at a garage sale, recently contacted Historic Preservation Program archaeologist Phil LeTourneau because Lane wasn’t sure what to do with the artifact. Read more.

Metro GM Terry White welcomes North America’s transit leaders to Seattle

Cross-posted from Metro Matters From Oct. 9 to 12, King County Metro hosted transit leaders from across North America for TRANSform, the annual conference of the American Public Transportation Association. A record-breaking number of people — more than 3,100 — attended the four-day event. In addition to meetings and speeches, guests toured Metro’s battery-electric test charging station, our bus and light rail connections in the U District, the King County Water Taxi, bus stop murals in the Central District celebrating Black history and our innovative on-demand service in south King County. Read more and watch… Read More

How did COVID-19 impact people living with disabilities?

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to slow its spread brought a number of social, economic and overall health impacts for communities throughout King County. Public Health – Seattle & King County, in partnership with the Disability Empowerment Center and Lifelong Aging And Disabilities Services, interviewed and listened to local people from disability communities to shed light on how these impacts were experienced by people living with disabilities in King County. Read more.

Boost your protection against COVID-19!  Get your updated booster at King County Roads Maintenance Headquarters in Renton on Oct. 28

King County Roads Services Division, Department of Local Services, is partnering with Discovery Health to host a COVID-19 booster clinic for all employees and their family members ages 12 and older. Appointments to receive the vaccine are strongly recommended. The updated Pfizer booster will be available for those 12 and older and the updated Moderna booster will be available for those 18 and older. View a flyer for the clinic here. Capacity at the Oct. 28 clinic is limited, so registration for an appointment is strongly encouraged. Please register below: Oct. 28… Read More

Metro’s on-demand ridership Ride Pingo wins national award

Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro’s Ride Pingo to Transit, an on-demand service in Kent, is receiving national acclaim as winner of the Innovation Solutions Award. Presented by trade industry publication METRO Magazine, the honor recognizes the success of the app-based service in providing connections to job centers for residents, especially those working nightshifts and swing shifts. Read more.

Executive Constantine and Mayor Harrell announce new agreement on City Hall Park

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a new agreement regarding the future of City Hall Park that will result in the City retaining ownership and developing a plan to safely activate the park and fountain area in Prefontaine Park. The new agreement will include the City of Seattle increasing activation, security, and a visible presence in the park following an expected vote by the City Council to pass the mayor’s proposed budget, which includes $2.8 million dedicated to the park. The City and County previously agreed to… Read More