Executive Constantine appoints Patti Cole-Tindall as King County Sheriff

Following a nationwide search and thorough interview and public engagement process, Executive Constantine announced today his appointment of Patti Cole-Tindall to serve as King County Sheriff.

Cole-Tindall has a background in law enforcement, labor relations, human resources as well as service to the community. She joined the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in October 2015, serving as the Chief of Technical Services Division for almost five years before being appointed to Undersheriff in 2020. She was appointed Interim Sheriff in November 2021 and began serving in her new role in January. Read the full announcement here.

Anita Khandelwal reappointed to lead Department of Public Defense

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the reappointment of Anita Khandelwal to continue serving as director of Department of Public Defense, a critical position to ensure equity and justice in the criminal legal system.

The department provides legal defense to any person charged with a crime or facing a loss of liberty who cannot afford an attorney, representing more than 15,000 individuals last year. Read the announcement here.

May is Mental Health Month: Back to Basics

Mental Health Month is celebrated in May of each year. Due to the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national conversation around mental health is normalizing.

This year, Mental Health America has focused Mental Health Month on “Back to Basics,” helping re-center us on what mental health is, how we can support our mental health, and what resources are available to help. Learn more here.

New ORCA card system begins on May 16

Cross-posted from Metro Matters

Starting May 16, hundreds of thousands of ORCA transit customers across the Puget Sound region will have access to a new website, smartphone app, and real-time value loading for their ORCA cards.

Customers will also begin to see new card readers and vending machines as technology is updated and rolled out at transit locations throughout the region. This will mark the start of ongoing improvements to the ORCA system over the next several years. Get more information here.

Mental Health First Aid@Work 2022 schedule

Back by popular demand, Balanced You is once again offering Mental Health First Aid@Work trainings in 2022.

Mental Health First Aid@Work is designed for all audiences and covers how to: 

• Identify the impact of mental health challenges and recovery on the well-being of adults in the workplace. 
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and how they impact the workplace. 
• Explain and practice the Five-step Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE). 
• Discuss appropriate methods of self-care for individuals in the workplace. 

View full training schedule here or sign up for an upcoming training:

• Wednesday, May 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. Register here.
• Tuesday, May 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Register here.
• Friday, June 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. Register here.

Disability Equity Network meeting is May 10

The King County Disability Equity Network (formerly the King County Disability Affinity Group) meetings are open to King County employees. The purpose is to center and support those employees who self-identify as a person with a disability. Employees will not be asked to disclose any information regarding one’s disability.  

The Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) will host its next meeting:

• Tuesday, May 10 from 1 to 2 p.m.  Click here to join the meeting. Closed captioning is available.  

If you need a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the meeting, please email disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov. Future meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. 

Balanced You Coffee Connections Virtual Event: Strength Training

Do you want to learn how to build endurance during your workouts? Join Balanced You Coffee Connections for a virtual strength training class that will teach participants moves that can be done at home, in the office, or in the field to develop strength. This class is suitable for all levels.

• Wednesday, May 4 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

My Secure Advantage webinar: I want to buy a house

Buying a home can be an achievable goal if you do your research and plan for all the expenses associated with both purchasing and maintaining a home.

This session will walk through the different types of mortgage loans, review what lenders are looking for, and what costs you can expect from the closing process. With proper planning, your home can bring you joy for years to come.

• Tuesday, May 10 | Register here for 9 a.m.  | Register here for noon.

Mindfulness Classes

Introduction to Mindfulness: Try these simple practices to use at work and home in this hands-on workshop.

•  Monday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here.

Mindful Parenting: We'll bring the lens of mindfulness to bear on what some say is the "world's hardest job," helping you meet the joys and challenges of parenting.

• Wednesday, May 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. Register here.

See the full mindfulness class schedule here.