Say goodbye to Common (English) Ivy: Washington issues statewide ban on sales
Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds blog Known for its habit of growing up and over 100 ft+ trees and structures, creating carpeted growths in the forest, and housing allergens and rodents, it’s no mystery to PNW locals that common ivy (Hedera helix, AKA English ivy) is an impactful plant. Ivy has been classified as a noxious weed in Washington state since 2002, yet until last month (Aug. 2025) it could be sold and purchased with no legal implications. So why did it take 23 years to ban common ivy from the market? Let’s get… Read More
Teen donates towels to Regional Animal Services
Crossposted from the DES Express On Aug. 15, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) received a donation of about 500 towels collected by a local high school student. The used towels will be repurposed as bedding for animals and for cleaning kennels at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent. “We are grateful for the generosity of our incredibly supportive community,” said Alex Ropes, Animal Shelter Manager at RASKC. “Donation drives of all kinds, from kitchen towels to kitty litter, help us continue to care for pets in our shelter and foster… Read More
Year Up United interns wrap up summer
Crossposted from the DES Express This summer, 11 talented interns from the Year Up United program successfully completed their internships with Procurement & Payables (P&P) and Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD), finishing the season on a true high note. For many of these young professionals, the idea of stepping away from current jobs to pursue careers in an office setting can feel risky—or even out of reach. But through Year Up United, FBOD provided students from diverse backgrounds and communities with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, grow their skills, and envision new… Read More
He’s racing to motivate you
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention News Sergeant Joshua Bott recently finished his first Ironman 70.3 mile race. He’s competing not for himself, but to inspire those around him. And he’d love it if a few co-workers could join him in the Seattle Marathon this fall. Read more.
Airport transitions to renewable diesel
Crossposted from Plane Talk As part of King County International Airport’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the airport recently transitioned its entire regular diesel fleet to renewable diesel. “We have 45 pieces of equipment and trucks that will be renewable diesel,” said Colin Douglas, Maintenance Manager at the airport. Now instead of spewing higher levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon monoxide, all the airport’s heavy-duty equipment, from generators to snow plows and fire trucks, will use renewable diesel. Renewable diesel is primarily made from used cooking oil and… Read More
New sewer cleaning truck extends the life of King County pipes
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Along a quiet residential street in Black Diamond, a large industrial truck draws curious looks from neighbors on a recent sunny morning. King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s new sewer cleaning truck has arrived. “We’re basically pressure washing the pipe at 12 to 15 feet underground,” says Jim Giger, a conveyance inspector at WTD. Large black and red hoses inserted into the opening of a maintenance hole. A worker’s boots are visible next to the maintenance hole lid. The Conveyance Inspection team lowers a suction hose and jet… Read More
Onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics open this week
Getting your flu and COVID-19 shots are an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. The Washington Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year and the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Flu and COVID-19 shots have many important benefits; getting a flu and COVID-19 shot can reduce your risk of getting severe disease, help protect vulnerable populations, and conserve health care resources. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work… Read More
DAJD event honors volunteers and providers who serve the jails
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Employee newsletter DAJD’s Resident Programs team hosted a celebration on Aug. 28 in honor of volunteers and providers who are active in the jails. They gathered at the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers building in Tukwila for lunch, team-building games and — most of all — recognition. There were chaplains and veteran advocates, teachers and substance use counselors, among others. Read more.
She seeks hope and healing for young people in detention
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Employee newsletter Dr. Camille Moniz’s impact on youth is hard to put into words. The Intervention Specialist’s influence reaches far beyond the juvenile detention center, leaving a lasting mark on the lives she touches. Read more.
Executive Braddock celebrates 2025 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In King County, Executive Shannon Braddock has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept. 15 is the starting point for Latinx Heritage Month as the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – and Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be… Read More
Employee News 