Showing posts with label king county. Show all posts
Showing posts with label king county. Show all posts

COVID-19: how the risk changes for vaccinated people compared to unvaccinated people

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County Health Officer
By Jeffrey Duchin, MD, Health Officer, 
Public Health - Seattle and King County 
Prof. Medicine/Infectious Diseases, 
University of Washington

We hear/read a lot about "breakthrough" infections and the % of people getting or hospitalized or dying with CoV-19 that are vaccinated. But this tells us nothing about what is most important: how the risk changes for vaccinated people compared to unvaccinated people

To determine the risk, you need to know how frequently these outcomes occur in vaccinated and unvaccinated groups (the rates of disease in each group). To compare most accurately, we should compare vaccinated and unvaccinated people of similar ages (adjusting for age).

Age-adjusted CoV-19 rates for past 30 days in King County, WA:

Compared to fully-vaccinated people, those not fully vaccinated are:
  • 6 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19
  • 37 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19
  • 67 times more likely to die due to COVID-19 related illness

Dark line shows cases among the unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated
Light line shows "breakthrough" cases among the fully vaccinated

Not fully vaccinated:
In the recent Delta surge, the age-adjusted rate of CASES among people who are not fully vaccinated increased from 7 daily cases/100,000 people at the beginning of July to 77 daily cases/100,000 people as of August 17, an increase of 70 new cases per day per 100,000 people.

Fully vaccinated:
During this same period, the age-adjusted rate of CASES among fully vaccinated people increased from 1 daily case/100,000 people to 10 daily cases/100,000 people, an increase of 9 new cases per day/100,000 people.

King county hospitalization rates
Not vaccinated (dark line) vs vaccinated (light line)

Among not-fully-vaccinated people, age-adjusted HOSPITALIZATIONS  increased from 1/100,000 people/day to 7/100,000 people/day vs. an increase from 0.04/100,000/day to 0.2/100,000 people/day for the fully vaccinated.

Bottom line: CoV-19 vaccines are doing a terrific job protecting the vaccinated from CoV-19, especially for hospitalizations and death.




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National Dog Day: Errol, King County's Courthouse dog

Friday, August 27, 2021

Errol is King County's 
Courthouse Dog.
Photo courtesy KC Prosecutor
This #NationalDogDay, we're giving an extra special shout out to Errol, King County’s Courthouse dog.

Errol has been trained to assist people with mental disabilities, elderly individuals, teens and young children – essentially anyone who might find a dog comforting – as they are called upon to provide courtroom testimony or go through a witness interview.

King County had the nation’s first courthouse dog, and since then there are now 100+ Courthouse Dogs across the United States and the concept is expanding to other countries worldwide.

--King county prosecutor's office



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Case updates August 23, 2021 - King county vaccination rate tops 70%

Wednesday, August 25, 2021


King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Tuesday that more than 70 percent of all eligible King County residents across all age and racial/ethnic groups have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine based on data tracked by Public Health – Seattle / King County. 

King County is the first large county to achieve this milestone. More than 1.6 million residents have received at least one dose, and more than 3 million doses have been administered to King County residents.

Case updates August 23, 2021 - no updates on weekends; otherwise "new" numbers represent one day's results
 

United States 
  • Total cases  37,996,672 - 115,901 new
  • Total deaths 628,000 - 677 new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 486,574 - 2,293 new  
  • Probable (additional) cases 53,313 - 780 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 30,144 - 148 new 
  • Total deaths 6,417 - 34 new 

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 124,483 -  304 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 7,222 - 31 new 
  • Total deaths 1,732 -  7 new

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 30,504  - 55 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 1,577  - 3 new 
  • Total deaths 437 -  2 new

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 2,819 - 6 new
  • Total hospitalizations 222 -   1 new
  • Total deaths 105 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 386 - 2 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 19 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 4  - 0 new


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Best Starts for Kids levy approval means critical support for children of King County

Saturday, August 21, 2021

King County Elections has certified the results of the August Primary Election, and Prop. 1 (better known as the Best Starts for Kids levy) has officially been approved with over 62% of the vote.

Over the past five years, Best Starts for Kids partners have provided critical support to over half a million babies, children, young people and families in King County. 

The plan for Best Starts “2.0” is outlined in an Implementation Plan that Executive Constantine transmitted to the King County Council on July 28, 2021. If adopted, the plan will maintain current investments across main Best Starts for Kids strategies, and deepen investments to meet critical community needs, including goals to:
  • make childcare more accessible for low-income children and their families;
  • increase out-of-school time programming for school-age kids;
  • fund up to four new school-based health centers; and
  • expand education and career supports for youth and young adults as they transition to adulthood.

With the expanded resources of the Levy, we have the opportunity to see significant new investments in North King County. You can help make these happen! 

Stay informed and stay involved as decisions are moving quickly. Subscribe to the BSK blog and newsletter, and follow @BestStartsKC on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information on the Implementation Plan and future funding opportunities!

--NUHSA


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Health Through Housing: King county purchases three properties including one in North Seattle for homeless housing

Friday, July 30, 2021

The former Extended Stay America in North Seattle is located at 13300 Stone Ave N and contains 131 units. King County previously announced another acquisition of a former Holiday Inn Express on Aurora Ave N earlier this month. Photo courtesy King County.


King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the county’s plans to purchase its sixth, seventh, and eighth Health Through Housing properties for a total of $96 million today at a press conference in Seattle. Together the properties now under purchase and sale agreements will soon provide housing for up to 313 people experiencing homelessness.

The agreements announced today are for the purchase of the former Extended Stay America in Federal Way for $23 million, a brand-new apartment building, Canton Lofts, in Pioneer Square for $32 million, and the former Extended Stay America in North Seattle for $41 million

With other purchases already announced, King County is positioned to welcome almost 850 chronically homeless people off the streets and into their new homes before this winter.

"For too long, we’ve let process stand in the way of progress, and with our regional partners across King County we have acted swiftly to purchase the first eight Health Through Housing properties, a substantial step forward in our regional solution to chronic homelessness," said Executive Constantine. 
"Two months ago I announced the first purchase for Health through Housing, and with today’s announcement we’ll soon have 850 new supportive housing units ready to serve our community before this winter, and up to 1600 by the end of next year."

See more here



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Executive Constantine transmits Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan to the King County Council

Thursday, July 29, 2021

King County Executive
Dow Constantine
As King County voters consider renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy this August, King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted the initiative’s implementation plan to the King County Council, outlining proposed investments in promotion, prevention, and early intervention programs and services for children, youth, and young adults.

The proposed implementation plan continues the commitment of the original Best Starts for Kids levy, passed by voters in 2015, to put every child and youth in King County on the path toward life-long success.

"Best Starts for Kids (King county Prop 1) is a groundbreaking, community-driven and science-informed initiative that is helping our children, youth, young adults, and their families realize their full potential to be healthy, happy, safe, and thriving," said Executive Constantine. 
"If approved by the voters, the new Best Starts for Kids levy will expand investments for our children now and define our region’s health, prosperity, and equity for generations to come."

See the full web version



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Best Starts for Kids Community Event - find out what King County Prop. 1 is all about

Monday, July 26, 2021


Have you opened your ballot? Do you know what Best Starts for Kids King County Prop. 1 is all about? 

Consider joining a Zoom event on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 5:30 - 6:15pm so you can be an informed voter!

Find out what the levy has funded and what renewing it will mean. With an impressive lineup of speakers, you will get the facts on the impact this funding has had, including right here in North King County


Since it launched in 2016, Best Starts of Kids has served 490,000 of King County's youngest children and their families, and 400,000 youth and young adults, delivering on its mission to support the healthy development of children, youth and families in King County.

Best Starts for Kids focuses on five strategy areas that prioritize promoting positive outcomes for kids, preventing negative outcomes, intervening early when kids and families need support, and building on community strengths. 

Data shows these investments and strategies are working. Join us to learn how! 

Two North King County providers currently receiving funding - Center for Human Services in Shoreline and Kindering in Bothell - will share how the levy has impacted the children and families they serve.

Special guests include King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, along with Shoreline City Councilmember Betsy Robertson, Kenmore City Councilmember Nigel Herbig and Northshore School Board Director Sandy Hayes.

Register now and join us on Wednesday, July 28th from 5:30 - 6:15pm over Zoom!



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King County licensing, recording, and animal services to remain online for now

Monday, July 12, 2021

Most of the restrictions implemented as the COVID-19 pandemic swept into King County and Washington State in early 2020 were lifted as of June 30. Gov. Jay Inslee recently unveiled the "Washington Ready" plan that will help the state reopen and get back on track after 15 months of shutdowns.

While the Washington Ready framework does allow government services to reopen to in-person customers, King County is in the midst of a project that will close the King County Administration Building in downtown Seattle and relocate the services that had been provided there prior to the pandemic. 

Until the project is finished later this year, services provided by the King County Records and Licensing Services (RALS) Division will continue online, by phone, and by mail or dropbox, depending on the service.

The RALS services that will remain virtual are:
  • Marriage licensing
  • Document recording
  • Certified copies of recorded documents
  • Real estate transaction recording
  • Restrictive covenant modifications
  • Vehicle/vessel and pet licensing services that were once provided at the Administration Building
  • Licensing subagents, which are independent small businesses that contract with King County to provide vehicle and vessel licensing, will continue to set their own policies for in-person service
  • For-hire driver licensing, including Transportation Network Company (TNC) permitting
  • Process server registration

In addition, pet adoptions and other services at the King County Pet Adoption Center in Kent will remain on an appointment-only or will-call basis

For more information on how to obtain Recorder's Office services, please visit kingcounty.gov/recorder

For information about vehicle and vessel licensing, including the locations of licensing subagents, log on to kingcounty.gov/vehicle

To learn more about for-hire licensing and permitting, go to kingcounty.gov/ForHire. For animal services, see kingcounty.gov/pets.



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King county purchases former Holiday Inn for supportive housing for chronically homeless

Friday, July 9, 2021

Holiday Inn purchased for homeless housing
Photo courtesy King County
King County has completed the purchase of its third property in the Health through Housing Initiative, the former Holiday Inn Express and Suites North Seattle, adding an additional 99 units of supportive housing for the chronically homeless.

"We're glad to be able to partner with the City of Seattle on the County's third hotel purchase to help our most vulnerable residents regain health and stability," said Executive Constantine. 
"Health through Housing is a powerful tool to change people's lives, helping them off the street and into a safe and secure place to call home."

The hotel, located at 14115 Aurora Ave N in North Seattle, was constructed in 2001 and contains 99 units and sits on approximately 1.91 acres. The site has one building and parking areas for residents.

The hotel will provide housing for people experiencing chronic or long-term homelessness, along with 24/7 onsite staffing that will include case management and access to physical and behavioral health services. A competitive process will determine the onsite service provider before the facility is operational later this year

"The coronavirus pandemic and recent record-breaking heat have exposed the critical link between health and housing," said Rep. Cindy Ryu. 
"The partnership between the state, King County, city governments, and local residents to urgently deliver permanent supportive housing through the purchase of properties like the former Holiday Inn Express on Aurora Avenue is one of the most exciting advancements in our efforts to reduce homelessness. 
"This property is perfectly suited to provide housing stability and wraparound services for health and wellbeing."

As with all purchases pursued through the Health through Housing Initiative, King County has worked closely with local leaders, coordinating with the City of Seattle. King County has previously purchased two hotels in the Health through Housing initiative, a former extended stay hotel in Renton with 110 units, and the Inn at Queen Anne with 80 units.

The $17.5 million purchase price of the hotel was funded by the Health through Housing initiative that dedicates one tenth of a cent of sales tax revenues for the purchase of hotels, motels and other single room settings for use as emergency and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic and long-term homelessness in King County.

The King County Council approved the initiative and the implementation of the funding. The sales tax was made possible by the Washington State Legislature by creating a dedicated fund source to help in addressing the crisis of homelessness.



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King County embarks on new $16.3M program to support immigrants

Wednesday, June 23, 2021


The King County Council on Tuesday approved a first-in-the-nation program to help immigrants apply for documented status and citizenship, sponsored by Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and began deliberations on an $11.3 million general relief fund to support undocumented King County residents, proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine. 

The combined investment of more than $16 million will help King County immigrants overcome barriers to legal status and assist those who have not been able to access federal benefits associated with COVID-19 relief.

“Our community was the first in the nation to be hit by an outbreak of COVID-19 and King County has done much to support thousands of families with relief funds. 
"However, many of our immigrant residents have been categorically excluded from receiving emergency relief and we cannot recover and move forward as a community while leaving thousands of our neighbors behind,” Balducci said.

Executive Constantine also applauded the package:

“This region and nation owe a debt of gratitude to all essential workers who put their lives on the line during the pandemic. The fact that so many are undocumented immigrants underscores our responsibility to help those now seeking legal status. King County has long advocated for people who have come here seeking a better life,” Constantine said. 

The program includes two components:

Fee Support: The supplemental budget approved by Council Tuesday includes $5 million in to help immigrants apply for legal status, including filing fees with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Immigration application costs vary from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per applicant. When multiple family members apply for relief together, the cost burden can be insurmountable for low-income families.

Applicants must be living, working, going to school or currently detained in ICE facilities but previously living, working or going to school in King County in order to qualify.

Relief Program: As part of the County’s eighth COVID budget, Executive Constantine proposes $11.3 million for grants to immigrants to meet basic expenses. Immigrants have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, but many have not been able to access federal relief funds due to their legal status. This program uses county General Fund dollars to start to redress that inequity.

Approximately 18,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients live in Washington state and about one-third to half of them reside in King County. In addition, King County is home to approximately 94,000 undocumented immigrants.


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In King county vaccination levels are up, and COVID-19 rates are down

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Just another two weeks...
On June 15, 2021 King County achieved an important milestone as 70% of residents age 16 and older have completed their vaccine series.
 
That means that within two weeks, on June 29th, 70% of residents 16 and older will be protected from COVID-19 through vaccination and the King County mask directive will end. 

(It takes two weeks after completing the vaccine series to be considered fully protected.) 

Once the King County mask directive ends, the Washington state mask guidance will be in effect in King County.

The King County mask directive currently in place strongly urges all residents, fully vaccinated or not, to wear face masks in public indoor settings. 

The mask directive was issued to help us all stay safer until our community was more protected from the virus.

Since May 20, 2021, when the current King County mask directive was issued:
  • An additional 170,000 people age 16 and older completed their vaccine series and another 130,000 first doses were administered to people of all ages, including second doses to adolescents under 16 years of age.
  • The 14-day COVID-19 case rate in King County dropped 66%, from 133 cases per 100,000 residents on May 20, to 45 cases per 100,000 residents on June 11.
  • The 7-day COVID-19 hospitalization rate dropped 70%, from 3.3 hospitalized cases per 100,000 residents on May 20, to 1 hospitalized case per 100,000 residents on June 11.

People who are unvaccinated remain at higher risk for getting COVID-19 and spreading the infection to others. And masks are an effective way to limit the spread of coronavirus, which spreads primarily through the air.

For these reasons, unvaccinated people need to follow Washington state guidance and continue wearing masks indoors when around other people who are unvaccinated. This remains in effect even after the King County mask directive ends. You can read more about this milestone on Public Health Insider.



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Transfer station customers required to prove they live or work in King County’s service area starting June 16

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Tipping Floor at Shoreline Transfer Station
Mural by Carol dePelecyn. Terra Firma 2008
Photo courtesy King County


Sorry Sno County residents - starting June 16, 2021 only people who can prove they live in King county can use the Shoreline Transfer station.

To preserve access to essential services for customers within its service area and increase safety at congested recycling and transfer stations, King County Solid Waste Division will enforce an existing rule that requires all self-haul customers to verify they live or do business within King County’s 37 cities and unincorporated areas, which excludes the cities of Seattle and Milton.

Customers visiting a King County transfer station will be asked to show a government-issued ID, utility bill, rental agreement, vehicle registration, cell phone bill, pay stub or job site invoice with a ZIP Code as proof.

“Our transfer station system saw an increase of almost 25 percent in self-haul customer traffic in 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in longer lines that pushed traffic onto public roadways and potentially posing a safety risk – particularly at our Shoreline and Algona facilities, which are close to the county’s borders,” said Pat McLaughlin, King County Solid Waste Division Director. 
“We can improve public safety and reduce the strain of self-haul traffic put on critical services intended for our service area customers by enforcing this longstanding rule.”

The Shoreline Transfer Station is located at 2300 N 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98133.



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King County Council sends Best Starts for Kids levy renewal to voters with unanimous approval

Saturday, May 22, 2021

The King County Council voted unanimously to send the Best Starts for Kids levy to voters, who will ultimately decide on renewing the levy for another six years. 

It will appear on the August 3, 2021 primary ballot.

“Over the past five years, Best Starts for Kids has been developed and driven by families, community members and community organizations into an overwhelming success,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott, prime sponsor of the legislation to put the renewal on the August ballot. 
“This foundational and impactful work has meant more support for kids and young adults, security for families and stronger communities – a thriving county and region for all residents. I’m thrilled to send voters the opportunity to renew this levy for another six years.”

Best Starts for Kids is a prevention-oriented regional plan aimed at supporting the healthy development of children and youth, families, and communities across King County. 

With levy funding, the plan invests in promotion, prevention and early intervention for children, youth, young adults, families, and communities. 

The renewal proposal, if approved by voters, would add funding for improved access to childcare throughout King County.

Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles said
“It’s safe to say, the first Best Starts for Kids levy approved by the voters in 2015 has been a huge success. 
"But our work isn’t done yet. That’s why I am very pleased the Council has voted today to give the voters of King County the opportunity to renew and enhance an already comprehensive Best Starts for Kids levy. The future is bright in King County.”

The new proposal would set a first-year levy rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value with annual growth capped at 3%. Homeowners with a median-priced home ($600,000) would pay about $114 for 2022. It is projected to generate roughly $872 million during the six-year period.



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King County launches $145 million Rent Assistance Program to prevent evictions and homelessness

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Households throughout King County who have fallen one or more months behind in rent due to unemployment, lost wages and health crises as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for $145 million in rental assistance from King County.

To help those residents, King County is partnering with local property owners and managers to implement a new Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program launching today that will offer payments for back rent, utility expenses and even future rent obligations for those struggling to get back on their feet financially.

"The sudden economic upheaval from the pandemic threatened the ability of thousands of our friends and neighbors to keep a roof over their heads last year, and King County was able to help more than 9,000 families," said Executive Constantine. 
"Expanding rental assistance now will help three times more people who are still in need - working with tenants, landlords, and trusted community partners - and King County is ready to help keep families in their homes."

Read more here



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King county vaccine update

Wednesday, March 24, 2021


From Seattle and King County Public Health

We know it can be hard to keep up with the vax numbers these days, so we'll be more regularly bringing you the latest on our vaccination progress.

A few nuggets from this week (as of Mar 23):

🔹 31% of King County residents ages 16+ have started the vaccine series (received their first dose)

🔹16.5% of King County residents ages 16+ are now fully vaccinated.

🔹 As of last Wednesday, 3/17, vaccine eligibility expanded to pregnant people, people living w/ disabilities, and high-risk critical workers in certain industries.

🔹 Next Wednesday, 3/31, vaccine eligibility will be extended even further, to: people with two or more comorbidities; people between the ages of 60-64; workers in restaurants, food service, manufacturing and construction; and those living in congregate settings.

🔹 It’s great news that more people are now eligible to be vaccinated, BUT vaccine supply has not yet caught up with this expansion in eligibility. We have just one first dose for every 8 eligible residents.

🔹 We know this is frustrating, but hope is on the horizon. In April and May, the national vaccine supply will increase and it will get easier to get a vaccination appointment!

~ Check out kingcounty.gov/covid/vaccine for the latest ~



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Shoreline Park soccer field restored and in use

Sunday, January 31, 2021

The soccer field turf was replaced by King county
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

During the early pandemic in 2020, when no one could predict how widespread and extensive it would be or how many people would need to be hospitalized or quarantined, King County took aggressive actions to be prepared for the worst.

Both fields are now in use
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

This included setting up the Shoreline Isolation and Recovery Center on the soccer field north of the Shoreline Center on 1st NE. 

Shoreline Isolation and Recovery Center in 2020
Aerial photography copyright Marc Weinberg

These were sturdy but temporary structures for whatever needs came first - potentially the need to shelter hundreds of cruise ship passengers or hospital patients moved to make room for COVID-19 patients in hospitals.

The structures were used, but fortunately not to the extent first feared.

As promised, King County hired contractors to completely redo the soccer field, removing and replacing the artificial turf.

It is already in use.

--Diane Hettrick



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Executive Constantine statement on updated COVID-19 restrictions

Monday, November 16, 2020

Positive cases in King county

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered the following statement at Gov. Jay Inslee's press conference announcing new guidance on how to slow the spread of COVID-19, and new restrictions in place until December 14:

"Like everywhere in the state, our case counts are soaring, and that is also true nationally. The number of hospitalizations in King County last week increased by over 70 percent compared to the previous four weeks. 
"In fact, it was just earlier this week that I was reflecting that our hospitalizations had not increased dramatically, and then later that afternoon I was informed that we had seen a 30 percent increase in one day in hospital bed use. There are twice as many people in local hospitals with COVID-19 as there were just a month ago. 
"This is the most critical issue: We have to reverse this trend before our hospitals become overwhelmed."

More from the Executive here



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Executive Constantine releases statement on approval of Harborview bond measure

Tuesday, November 3, 2020


King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statement on the $1.74 billion Harborview Medical Center bond measure after King County Elections posted that it was passing by 77 percent of the vote in early returns:

"While there are still many votes to be counted, I thank the voters of King County for their support for Harborview Medical Center. 
"These investments will ensure that our region continues to be the best place in the country to receive emergency medical care, and needed seismic upgrades will protect the lives of patients, employees, and visitors to Harborview. 
"Besides helping people with behavioral health needs and better preparing the region to fight pandemics, the measure creates thousands of family-wage construction jobs at a time when our region needs them the most.

"Every generation has stepped up to support Harborview Medical Center. I am proud that this generation is no different."



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833,000 King County ballots already in

Thursday, October 29, 2020

More than 833,000 King County ballots have already arrived at the county elections office in Renton.

King County ballot-return statistics show that 833,168 ballots had arrived at the elections office in Renton by 6pm Wednesday. That’s 59.12 percent of the county’s 1.4 million registered voters.

Local voters are returning ballots at a faster rate than the county as a whole.

Voters in Shoreline and the parts of northwest Seattle that make up the King County part of the 32nd Legislative District had a ballot-return rate through Wednesday of 62.59 percent.

In Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and the part of northeast Seattle in the 46th Legislative District the ballot-return rate is 65.77 percent.

Voters in Woodway, Lynnwood and the parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace in the Snohomish County portion of the 32nd Legislative District have a ballot-return rate of 53.32 percent.

--Evan Smith



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King county Metro retires the last diesel bus

Saturday, October 24, 2020

King county Executive Dow Constantine celebrates the retirement of the last diesel bus in the Metro fleet. Photo courtesy King county.


On Friday, October 23, 2020 King county Metro retired the last of their diesel only coaches, a step toward reducing our GHG emissions and continuing transition to a zero-emission future, one of the goals set in Executive Constantine's Strategic Climate Action Plan.

After 21 years of service to the residents of King County, King County Metro is celebrating the “retirement” of the last diesel-only coaches in its fleet, continuing the agency’s commitment to a zero-emission future.

After the first “1100” model coaches joined Metro in 1999, the fleet had 1,100 diesel-only coaches. Today, that number is zero. All Metro coaches are now either fully-hybrid (diesel-electric) or zero-emission coaches (electric trolleys and battery-electric coaches). Metro proudly joins only a handful of large transit agencies in the U.S. that have a fleet that does not include fully-diesel coaches.

However, the “1100” model coaches long served as the workhorse of Metro’s fleet, leaving behind a legacy of providing a safe, reliable alternative to single-occupancy vehicles, logging more than 62 million miles, and carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers.

Five years after the “1100” model coaches’ introduction, Metro purchased the first of its hybrid (diesel-electric) coaches and the transition to more environmentally-friendly coaches began. Then, in 2015 and again in 2020, Metro committed to help meet the goals of King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP).

Prior to the pandemic, public transportation in King County helped take an estimated 190,000 cars off the road each weekday across King County. Transitioning from diesel-only buses to hybrid buses made an already green system even greener by generating 17% fewer greenhouse gases and 97% fewer particulate air pollution emissions per bus.

Additionally, Metro’s entire fleet will be comprised of zero-emission vehicles powered by renewable energy by 2040 or sooner, as technology and capital projects allow. Moving to an entirely zero-emission fleet powered by renewable energy allows for the elimination of all emissions while keeping our county moving forward. Once this transition is complete fleetwide, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking another 30,000 cars off the road.

In spring 2021, 40 new battery-electric coaches will roll off Metro bases and onto the streets of King County. These New Flyer vehicles are the next generation of coaches and, by 2028, Metro will add 260 more battery-electric buses to the fleet along with the accompanying charging infrastructure. This transition supports Metro’s “Mobility Framework”—the agency’s blueprint for centering equity and sustainability in our policies—recommendation in meeting the county’s climate goals by electrifying Metro’s fleet and promoting climate justice.




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