Crossposted from the DES Express Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) have launched a new “paw-tnership” to help spread the word about animals in need of homes. A recent photo shoot, with results posted on social media, highlighted “Papa,” a nine-year-old German Shepherd who is currently in a foster home. “RASKC is always looking for opportunities to expand our presence and showcase the animals we have,” said Valerie Orsi, assistant manager for operations at RASKC. “With this collaboration, the intent is to feature the… Read More

Crossposted from the DES Express In recognition of Government Communicators Day, coming up on Feb. 20, take a moment to meet the professional communicators in the Department of Executive Services (DES) and learn about what they do. Whether they communicate primarily with employees or the public, or a mix of the two, these are the folks who spend their days juggling deadlines, responding to inquiries, producing content and informing people about the good work that DES divisions do every day! A typical day might involve posting information on the web, writing a… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters They style hair and coach soccer. Cheer for Real Madrid and travel. Launch rockets and cook. They also “handle problem people with class and grace,” are “patient, friendly, and went above and beyond to help an older rider,” and make passengers “feel like I’m in good hands.” They’re operators with more than two centuries of transit driving experience who enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities. Meet your Operators of the Month for November and December 2025. Read more.

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Laughter filled the room as friends, colleagues, and loved ones gathered to celebrate Undersheriff Jesse Anderson and his remarkable career with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). The event brought together former and current KCSO members, leaders from several area law enforcement agencies, and King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, creating a meaningful reunion centered on stories, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation. Jesse’s impact was evident in every smile and story told. His dedication, leadership, and kindness have left a lasting mark on the department and the people… Read More

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Deputy Nic Abts-Olsen was recently recognized with a commendation from the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for his compassionate, trauma-informed response to a stalking victim who had recently relocated for safety. Deputy Abts-Olsen took the victim’s concerns seriously, conducted a thorough investigation, coordinated directly with the City Attorney’s Office, and went above and beyond to help protect her sense of security. The victim later shared high praise for his care, professionalism, and dedication. The Victim Advocate Supervisor also said “His initiative and compassion made… Read More

Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Employee Newsletter Colleagues, friends, and family members packed the Seattle Division Roll-call Room at the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) to celebrate newly promoted Sergeants Kristine Raknes and Rey Auriada. Read more.

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories There is probably no one who knows more about South Treatment Plant’s 90-acre property than Jim Davis. He’s been the senior gardener at the facility in Renton for more than 20 years, which gives him a granular perspective of what goes on there.   Surrounding the acres of gray infrastructure that make up the wastewater treatment process is a landscape of lawns, gardens, and wooded areas that are Davis’s domain. Weeds, a fallen branch, a bush that needs trimming … there’s little that escapes Davis’s notice. And while… Read More

Crossposted from the Superior Court Medium blog On Jan. 12, Judge Averil Rothrock became Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court, and Judge Tanya L. Thorp became Assistant Presiding Judge. Judge Rothrock, pictured above, takes on the role of Presiding Judge after having served as Assistant Presiding Judge in 2024 and 2025, and Chief Judge of the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in 2022. Judge Rothrock was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench in 2018. “Courts exist for the public, not the other way around,” Judge Rothrock said…. Read More