Public defender Natasha Coleman recently asked King County Superior Judge Cheryl Carey if graduates from the King County Adult Diversion Drug Court could share a talent at their graduation ceremony. The judge agreed, and the first such performance happened Wednesday, when rapper Shelby Allen – a 22-year-old man and one of Natasha’s clients – shared his story and his appreciation for Drug Court through a rap he wrote. KCTV, KING5 and KIRO radio were on hand to observe him. Natasha said Shelby was thrilled. “It was the best ceremony I have ever… Read More

When it comes to Earth Day, move over Department of Natural Resources and Parks and shine a little green glory on KC Information Technology (KCIT)! While it’s true we don’t clean water, recycle asphalt shingles or plant trees, our paperless programs (SharePoint, CRM, paperless paychecks) can save a forest! Yep, KCIT is helping green the entire county with new processes, technologies and applications.

Commuters and drivers should start planning now; use http://www.99closure.org Starting Friday, April 29, the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the viaduct between South Spokane Street and the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel. This closure is expected to start prior to the morning commute and last approximately two weeks as the SR 99 tunneling machine Bertha digs underneath the roadway near Yesler Way.

The Elections Department has mailed ballots for the April 26, 2016 Special Election to all registered King County voters. Only certain jurisdictions are participating in this month’s election so not everyone will receive a ballot. For a detailed list of what is on the ballot, please visit the King County Elections website. The May Presidential Primary Election ballots will be mailed on May 4. Please remember: Do not use interoffice mail service to return a ballot.  Also, do not return ballots to the Voter Registration Annex.  The April election day deadline is… Read More

Crossposted from the It’s Easy Being Green blog Everyone can help to build a stronger food system by working to become better “food citizens.” Be aware of what you’re consuming, where it is grown or produced, and whether others also have the opportunity to eat healthy, local food. Through wise food purchasing and consumption we can keep our farms productive, our food businesses thriving, and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, healthy food. Here are 10 ways to become a local food champion: 1. Buy local Few places do food better… Read More

In just a few years the RainWise program has become a national model for other organizations interested in effectively addressing combined sewer overflows (CSO). It’s well renowned for its fruitful community partnerships and by offering rebates that cover most of the installation costs for rain gardens and cisterns to qualifying property owners. “It’s a great County collaboration with the City of Seattle to showcase our environmental efforts and Best-Run Government initiative,” said John Phillips, King County’s Program Manager for RainWise. “I get calls for more information weekly from all over the country.”… Read More

To commemorate 50 years of operations at the award-winning Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, the King County Solid Waste Division invites the public to come tour the facility, hear from division and county leadership and enjoy informative displays. Guests will also have the chance to see some landfill heavy equipment up close and take the “One Less Bag” challenge! This is a great learning opportunity for the whole family – children age five and over are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult. Parking is provided and participants will board a King… Read More