Fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant: A spotlight on farmers markets serving our immigrant and refugee communities

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

After a winter that stayed too long, a cooler than average spring, and as summer moves in with the promise of endless sunshine, so do the annual summer farmers markets that emerge across the county each year.

For many residents, buying fresh local food at one of the 30-plus farmers markets is a highly-anticipated seasonal ritual. These market programs provide communities with access to local, fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant produce. Read more.

Burien Police storefront takes an old-school approach

While the idea of a ‘storefront’ police officer is not new to King County – Kent, White Center, Skyway, Seatac, and others have had them several years – Burien has only recently joined in with the practice of having a fulltime presence in the downtown business district.

The storefront is more of a community-focused, old-school approach to policing. It’s basically having an officer who’s out there most every day, walking a beat. Read more.

Judge Jim Rogers receives Outstanding Judge Award from King County Bar Association

The King County Bar Association (KCBA) recently presented Judge Jim Rogers with its 2022 Outstanding Judge Award.

KCBA lauded Judge Rogers for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Rogers served as Presiding Judge of Superior Court from 2019 through the end of 2021. During his tenure as Presiding Judge, King County Superior Court held hundreds of trials while courts across the nation remained closed. Read more.

Pride Parade is back, and King County is marching

Join your King County colleagues, families, and friends this Sunday, June 26 to represent King County in the 2022 Seattle Pride Parade. Participants will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to participate.

Marchers can join the King County contingent on 4th Ave, between Columbia and Cherry, between 1 and 1:30 p.m. See the parade and staging area map here.

To get the full logistics and stay up to date on all things related to the Pride Parade, email leah.holland@kingcounty.gov with the subject line "PRIDE Info." 

King County District Court events celebrate Pride month

King County District Court (KCDC) invites all King County employees to attend the final session in the series of informative and inspirational events in honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. 

QLaw presents "Pronoun Inclusion and In-Depth Review of Name Change Procedures":

• Tuesday, June 28 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom 

There is no sign-up for this Pride event. County employees can simply join via Zoom.

New PeopleSoft interface demonstrates improved inclusion and accessibility

You might have noticed a change the last time you logged in to PeopleSoft. As part of an upgrade earlier this month, the Business Resource Center (BRC) implemented a new look and feel to the interface, including new icons.

While the old icons served their purpose to illustrate the tasks and functions, they didn't reflect the diversity of our workforce and the communities we come from. They also weren't designed to be accessible for people with vision impairments. The new updates reflect these improvements. Read more.

Road to Retirement: This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement. 

• Tuesday, June 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Register here.

Registration is required. Use the registration links above, then select the date you’d like to attend. Before classes start, you’ll receive a meeting invitation at the email address you register with.

Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.

Introduction to Mindfulness webinar June 28

Receive simple practices to use at work and home in this hands-on workshop.

• Tuesday, June 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Register here.

Administrative Professionals event: Optimizing LinkedIn to link to your career and goals 

Enhance your career with super user and KCIT Digital Engagement Manager, Warren Kagarise. Warren will share peer-to-peer insights on getting started with LinkedIn, managing a proficient profile, developing a brand page that gets views, and so much more.

• Tuesday, June 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Register here. 

Pet of the Week: Sparky

Hi, I'm Sparky, a two-year-old male German Shepherd. I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy.

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.