Independence Day holiday is Tuesday, July 4
Tuesday, July 4 is Independence Day, which means that King County government offices will be closed. All offices will be back on schedule Wednesday, July 5.
On July 4, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules with extra late-night services. There will not be an Employee Newsletter published on July 4.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Executive Constantine responds to US Supreme Court affirmative action decision
King County Executive Dow Constantine released a statement today on the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action in college admissions.
“Allowing disparities rooted in racism to persist is a choice,” Executive Constantine said. “When we ignore that fact, as the court did today, we perpetuate the ugliest aspects of our nation's past and present. The better future we all want is built on a foundation of pluralism, diverse perspectives, and abundant, shared opportunity, and America will not be able to reach its potential until we directly confront and defeat discrimination and bias — explicit or implicit.” See the post here.
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WA Cares Fund deduction to show on July 6 paystub
The mandatory payroll tax for the state’s new WA Cares Fund long-term care insurance program will begin on your July 6 paycheck. The premium is 0.58% of gross wages (58 cents per $100). The initial maximum value of the benefit will be $36,500 (adjusted annually for inflation). Click here for more information.
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Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
While we are fortunate to live in a top-ranked state for LGBTQ+ equality, LGBTQ+ communities have long faced misunderstanding and stigma due to limited healthcare access. In addition, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who are LGBTQ+ face extra challenges receiving equitable care due to systematic segregation, lack of access, and exclusion.
There is also evidence that many LGBTQ+ individuals are likelier to experience inadequate and poor care because of potential bias and lack of knowledge from health providers. Increasing awareness of cancer screenings is crucial and will ensure healthcare providers learn to provide inclusive and competent care for LGBTQ+ patients. Read more.
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Keeping children safe during the wildfire season
Cross-posted from Best Starts for Kids
With rising temperatures and dryer conditions, the 2023 wildfire season is expected to start early in King County and last into the fall. Wildfire smoke is unhealthy for everyone, especially after heavy exercise or spending long periods of time outside. Children are more sensitive to heat and wildfire smoke than adults because their lungs and bodies are still growing.
In preparation for wildfire season, Public Health has put together recommendations to help protect children from smoke and unhealthy air. Read more.
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Look inside the giant new tunnel that will improve water quality in Seattle’s Ship Canal
The famed “MudHoney” drill, Seattle’s latest celebrity boring machine, has finished its 100-foot-deep tunnel-boring job. It recently broke through its destination at a shaft in Wallingford, completing a 2.7-mile journey from Ballard along the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The work took 21 months at a pace of about 50-feet a day.
This is a major milestone in a multi-year project to construct a tunnel and pump system that will improve water quality for the benefit of people and wildlife. Read more.
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Cross-posted from Noxious Weed News
If you’re looking at a new plant and not sure where to start with identifying it, the internet is your friend. Whether you’re looking in a park, on a trail, or in your own backyard, we can provide some tips to help you figure out what plant you’re looking at.
Before you get started with some plant identification specific applications, it will be helpful to become familiar with some useful plant terms. Read more.
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Sean Catanese named 2023 Public Risk Manager of the Year
Cross-posted from DES Express
Sean Catanese, Enterprise Risk Management Program Manager, has been named the 2023 Public Risk Manager of the Year by the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA). Catanese received the award at the PRIMA 23 conference in Long Beach, California. The award honors “the grand master of risk management — the one with the ability to handle losses, foresee risks and mitigate dangerous outcomes,” PRIMA stated in the award announcement. Read more.
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Disability Pride lunch and learn: Highlighting key figures with an eye on the future
In celebration of Disability Pride Month in July, the Disability Awareness Month Committee is hosting a lunch and learn discussion that focus on key figures in the Disability Rights Movement.
There will be three short videos followed by an open dialogue facilitated by committee members. All King County employees are welcome to join and participate.
- Wednesday, July 12 from noon to 1 p.m. Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 889 6655 4243
This event will include an ASL interpreter and closed captioning. If you need additional accommodations, please email Christina Davidson at Christina.Davidson@kingcounty.gov.
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White Center Teen Program celebrates 30 years
Cross-posted from King County Parks
The White Center Teen Program will celebrate its 30-year anniversary on June 30. The program, based out of the Log Cabin at Steve Cox Memorial Park, exists to create a space for young people to come together and build friendships in a safe space.
Through discovering new activities and hobbies, teens build community together, practice leadership, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Read more.
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Get Movin' with Balanced You
Get Movin’ with Balanced You virtual movement breaks are back! Balanced You has partnered with Vivecorp to bring you free bi-weekly 30-minute workouts to break up your workday. Each session is run by a certified trainer. Learn how to properly do various exercises during live yoga, stretching, cardio, and strengthening sessions.
Classes are for all levels from beginner to advanced. No special gear is needed, the sessions are all body weight movement. A yoga mat is optional.
Click here to view the new schedule or register for the next session below.
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Balanced You Self-care webinar: BIPOC Mental Health Month Discussion
Each July we celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Month. Join Balanced You for a discussion on how events from the past and present play a role in the mental health and well-being of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. Learn techniques on dealing with daily stress and tough transitions, and how keeping joy at the forefront of our lives can lead to a happier existence.
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Balanced You Mindfulness schedule for summer
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.
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Training Spotlight:
Brain-based Planning – Online – Are you overwhelmed by your To Do list(s)? Find out what your brain needs to: keep all your tasks in perspective, prioritize, and have a clear path to get them finished. This class includes information about multitasking, a mindfulness practice to reduce physical stress, and techniques to work with interruptions and distractions. We will also practice effective weekly planning.
Communication and Problem-Solving Skills – Online – Join instructor Lenny Borer for this two-day training. He will address communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with co-workers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, handling conflicts, and managing defensive behavior. Participants will be able to name and demonstrate active listening skills and assertive verbal skills, Identify the differences between aggressive and assertive behavior, learn how to deal with defensive behavior, and learn the 7-step problem solving process. Attendance at both days is required for completion of the class.
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Tuesday and Wednesday, July 11 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Fees apply. Register here.
Please visit the King County Eventbrite website, Learning and Development website, and Career Support Services website for more learning opportunities. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at kingcounty.gov/learning.
Pet of the Week: Lulu
HI, I'm Lulu, a six-year-old female ready for adoption! I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. I may get nervous in new situations, so I am looking for a family who understands that I might need some time to warm up. Once I get to know you I will be a very devoted friend!
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: System Expansion and Integration Supervisor
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King County Headlines
Metro Matters: Peak weekday routes 16, 232, 237, 301, 304, and 320 remain suspended through July 14
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