Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Originally posted in King County Sheriff's Office News

Recently, law enforcement throughout the state participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. The mission is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

Several King County contract city partners also participated. Shoreline, Burien, Sound Transit, Sammamish, Maple Valley, and Covington ran or walked alongside community members and King County Deputy Kristi Bridgman, who led the effort. Read more.

Inaugural Muckleshoot Pride event

Originally posted in King County Sheriff's Office News

The King County Sheriff’s Office and Muckleshoot Tribal Police partnered and participated in a recent Pride event at the Muckleshoot Pow Wow grounds. This event was monumental as it marked the first Pride event for the community. 

In attendance were Chief Val Kelly, MRO Sergeant Corbett Ford, and Communications Liaison Zoe Birkbeck. Muckleshoot Tribal Police Detective Jason Rich and Deputy Damian Walburn were also there to hand out pride beads and bracelets and meet with community members.

Independence Day holiday is Monday, July 4 

Monday, July 4 is Independence Day, which means that King County government offices will be closed. All offices will be back on schedule Tuesday, July 5.

On both July 3 and July 4, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules.

If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.

Commander Todd Clark retires after 40 years with Adult and Juvenile Detention

Originally posted in the June edition of Roll Call, the newsletter for the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention

Commander Todd Clark’s deep experience working for King County jails made him a wealth of institutional knowledge. At the end of April, Clark stepped down from the commander’s role for both the Seattle and Kent divisions.

Clark’s tenure as commander spanned unprecedented times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the added challenges during the Omicron surge. Read more.

Anti-Racist White Action Group meeting today at noon

The monthly Anti-Racist White Action Group (ARWAG) meeting is today at noon. This month's meeting recognizes Juneteenth and Pride Month, digging a little deeper into both events.

• Tuesday, June 28 from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.

ARWAG is one of King County’s Affinity Groups (also called Employee Resource Groups) and addresses racism and other forms of oppression to advance the county’s equity and social justice goals. Email arwag@kingcounty.gov to join this group, get the meeting notices or for any questions.

Upcoming mindfulness events

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. All classes are held live on Zoom.

Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience.  This summer, we have classes available for all employees that will teach techniques such as mindful movement, mindful relationships, and more. These classes are open to all employees.

Meeting Anxiety with Mindfulness: Participants learn simple practices that are designed to help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

• Tuesday, July 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. Register here.

Mindful Self-compassion: Learn how to befriend yourself, especially when things are tough.

• Thursday, July 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register here.

Mindful Leadership: Learn how mindfulness can help you become a more effective and compassionate leader.

• Wednesday, July 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. Register here.

Visit the Balanced You blog for the complete mindfulness class schedule and registration details.

Free admission to Emerald Downs July 10

King County employees and their families are invited to attend the Emerald Downs racetrack for King County Day on Sunday July 10. They will receive free admission and should check in at Will-Call to receive their tickets. Employees will need to show proof of current employment, such as an employee badge or recent paystub.

Part of the Family Fun Weekend event, gates open at 9 a.m., and the first race of the day is at 2.15 p.m. Throughout the day from 1-5 p.m. children can also participate in several games and activities held in the park.

In addition to King County Day, other events at Emerald Downs this summer include Corgi Races,  Premio Esmeralda Weekend which highlights the Latinx community, T-Rex Day, Wiener Dog and Wannabe races, and the final race of the season, Three Stakes on Closing Day. Read more.

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