Balanced You Mindfulness Schedule Summer 2023

A new mindfulness schedule has been released! In partnership with Mindfulness Northwest, Balanced You offers free, virtual mindfulness workshops to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you reduce stress and bring a calm awareness to your relationships, leadership, inner thoughts and more. This summer, try a new class or revisit a class you have taken before. See full mindfulness schedule on the Balanced You blog.

Cybersecurity Training will go live June 28

On Wednesday, June 28, employees will receive an email from King County’s partner “KnowBe4” (do-not-reply@knowbe4.com) with a personalized link to their assigned Cybersecurity Training. The training includes several short learning modules, totaling about 90 minutes of instruction. All employees and vendors with access to King County systems must complete the annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2023. Read more.

KCSO highlights Woodinville officers in police contract community series

From the King County Sheriff’s newsletter The King County Sheriff’s Office has begun a video series featuring officers who work in communities that contract with KCSO for police services. The first in the series takes us to the City of Woodinville, which has partnered with the King County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. Woodinville PD serves its residents with passion, dignity, and grace. They work to reduce crime through proactive policing, crime prevention, and other community services. Woddinville Police Chief BJ Myers and Detective Deanna Torres shared why they love working for… Read More

Legislative Branch recognizes Pasifika community for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Affinity Group of the Legislative Branch and KCTV recently created a video to celebrate and honor the local contributions of the Pasifka Community in King County. The presentation is hosted by and features the Honorable District Court Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, as well as segments on the Voice of the South Pacific, the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance (UTOPIA), the Pacific Islanders Community Association of Washington (PICA) Wellness Navigator program, and the White Center Community Development Association celebrating Cambodian New Year. View the presentation here. A special… Read More

Friendly Hmong Farms: A radical vision for supporting BIPOC farmers continues to grow

Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green This past Mother’s Day, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) families and supporters raised funds for their schools and Hmong flower farming families. Seattle moms enjoyed locally grown floral bouquets expertly grown and handcrafted by Hmong farmers, who have been an iconic part of King County’s agriculture scene for over three decades. Friendly Hmong Farms (FHF) organized the SPS Mother’s Day Weekend Fundraiser, bringing together Hmong farmers and volunteers to sell over 400 bouquets. Over $10,000 in flower sales were made by local farmers and an additional $8,000 was… Read More

It’s one of Metro’s favorite times of the year — Pride Month!

Cross-posted from Metro Matters Pride Month is a celebration of who you are, who you love, and being able to show up as your authentic self. King County Metro celebrates our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and Two-Spirit family, friends, and colleagues. Metro celebrates their courage and commitment in advancing civil rights and equity. We celebrate with bright colors and joy, recognizing these communities have long been forcibly erased from history and pressured to hide in society. Read more.

Balanced You virtual exercise classes return

After a brief hiatus, Balanced You and their partner Vivecorp are excited to bring back the Core Conditioning and Yoga classes! No matter if you want to tone up, get in shape, or learn techniques to relax, these classes taught by certified trainers will help you toward your goals. Classes are free to King County employees. Registration is required. Visit this site to find out more and register.

King County commemorates National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 2

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider In honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day this Friday, June 2, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Gun Violence program is partnering with community organizations to host gun lockbox giveaway events throughout the county and promote Wear Orange Weekend. The shared goal is to promote gun safety and raise awareness of community organizations working to address gun violence in the region. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US. Over the past three years, we have seen an uptick in the… Read More

Juneteenth an observed County holiday on Monday, June 19

King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday and most King County offices be closed on Monday, June 19. King County officially began observing Juneteenth (June 19) as a paid holiday in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits. Due to the nature of county work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. The establishment of Juneteenth as a holiday – in addition to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) – reflects our… Read More

Join the King County Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay Team

Following the success with a King County team in the annual Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay from Blaine to Langley, the team wants to gauge interest in adding a second King County team of runners this year. The race is July 14-15; a team is 12 runners in two vans, each taking on three legs. There is still time to register another team by the June 9 deadline. If you’re interested joining, email Seth Watson.