Juneteenth events for King County employees and families, June 13-20

King County employees are invited to participate in a week full of celebrations featuring events, speakers, and opportunities to build community while commemorating Juneteenth.

Enjoy online events featuring award-winning actor Hill Harper, former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, and others, as well as community events for employees and their families. See the full schedule here.   

King County rolls out the state’s first battery-electric heavy-duty truck built in Renton

King County – already a leader in the transition to bus fleets powered by clean energy – is now the first organization in the state to operate a battery-powered heavy-duty truck manufactured at Kenworth’s plant in Renton.

It will be one of the first Class 8 battery-electric trucks in North America operated by a waste management agency. Along with King County Metro’s progress toward electrifying its bus fleet, King County is a leader in the transition to zero-emission vehicles that reduce air and noise pollution. Read more.

Biologists see promising signs for native kokanee salmon

Biologists observed a sharp increase in the number of adult kokanee salmon returning to spawn four years after Executive Dow Constantine announced that King County would enact recommendations from the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group.

Last fall, biologists observed more than 2,000 adult kokanee returning from the lake to spawn in tributary creeks, more than the total number of spawners they observed during the previous five years combined. See the full story here. 

People Leader Award honors Hedda McClendon

The People Leader Award recipient is Hedda McClendon, COVID Emergency Services Director for the Department of Community and Human Services. This award honors a leader below the department or division leadership level who directly manages staff.

In an incredibly challenging year, Hedda led operations at two high-volume COVID-19 vaccine sites, King County’s Isolation and Quarantine System Sites, and the White Center Cooling Center, and oversaw the Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program. Watch the video to learn how she inspired multi-departmental teams to produce big results with her leadership, partnership, and information-sharing – and supported and cultivated new leaders, including rising leaders of color, in the process. Watch the video presentation here.

Juneteenth an observed County holiday on Monday, June 20 

King County government will observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday for the first time this year, on Monday, June 20.  

Last year, King County Council passed two Ordinances and King County bargained Agreements for represented employees to establish Juneteenth (June 19) and Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) as paid holidays starting in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits. Read more.

King County District Court events celebrate Pride month

King County District Court (KCDC) invites all King County employees to attend a series of informative and inspirational events in honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The dates and topics for the four-part series "Prejudice, PRIDE, & Progress" are:

• Tuesday, June 14: QLaw presents "LGBTQIA+ 101 – An Overview of Best Practices for Courts"
• Tuesday, June 21: Judge Donna Tucker, KCDC retired Chief Presiding Judge, presents "The History of Legal & Judicial Ethics Regarding Discrimination in the Courts, Business, and Work Place"
• Tuesday, June 28: QLaw presents "Pronoun Inclusion and In-Depth Review of Name Change Procedures"

All sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. There is not a sign-up for these Pride events. County employees can simply join via Zoom as each session happens.

Executive Services BEAT Assessment wins 2022 Achievement Award

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express

The Department of Executive Services' Beginning, Exploring, Applying and Transforming (BEAT) Assessment has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.

The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The BEAT Assessment was recognized in the Personnel Management, Employment and Training Category. Read more.

Update your mail stop

With the return to the office, especially if your work location is changing, or if you continue to telework but expect to receive interoffice mail, please check your global address entry (in Outlook/M365) to ensure that the proper mail stop is reflected.

If it is not correct, you will need to submit a help desk request to KCIT using the Cherwell portal. Read more.

June is Men's Health Month 

In honor of Men’s Health Month, Coach Joe of WW (formerly Weight Watchers) has the facts on how to make activity work for you. Research shows movement improves overall wellbeing and decreases risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Check out this one-minute video with tips on how to make activity easier to fit into your life.

Get a variety of workouts when you become a WW member. All employees and benefits-covered spouses receive 50% off the retail price and can join WW for as low as $8.48 per month. Sign up at WW.com/us/Kingcounty. 

Pet of the Week: Princess

Hi, I am Princess, a one-year-old female pit bull, ready for adoption! I am independent, energetic, and love to play. I do best when I have toys to play with and get lots of exercise.

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has returned to walk-in services. Learn more about the adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC by phone at 206-296-PETS (7387) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.