|
Dear Neighbors, Over the last several weeks as I have traveled around King County, I have been reminded how truly blessed we all are to live in this unique region. But I know that we also face real challenges to maintaining our quality of life and strong and healthy communities. Ensuring we are prepared for emergencies, expanding transit service in the suburbs and protecting our natural resources as our population grows are all essential to keeping King County the place we love to work, live and play. In this e-newsletter, I will provide you with an update on my Town Hall Meeting on Emergency Preparedness, new conservation efforts to protect South King County lakes and streams, a national public health conference on youth smoking, and recent improvements to bus service in King County. I encourage you to read below and contact me with any questions or concerns related to the articles or any other county matter. It is a pleasure and an honor to serve you. |
||
Julia recently recognized Kelly Barefield, a senior at Renton High School, who was named King County Youth of the Year and Washington State Youth of the Year, by the Boys and Girls Club. Kelly tutors kids, is a track athlete, cheerleader, captain of the school’s dance group and recently received a scholarship to attend Western Washington University to study teaching. Congratulations and good luck, Kelly! |
||
Julia assists Doggie Day Cares Recently many area Doggie Day Cares struggled with a permitting process that threatened their businesses. Knowing how many pet owners rely on the services these day cares provide, Julia worked to ensure none of the businesses would be forced to shut down, while making the permitting process easier and more tailored to Doggie Day Care needs. |
||
This spring, Seattle hosted the Access 2006 Conference, an annual national event designed to bring public health experts together to share strategies that reduce the rates of youth smoking. Julia, as Chair of the King County Board of Health, welcomed the attendees and highlighted policies the Board of Health has implemented to curb youth smoking and reduce access to cigarettes. Click here to find out more about Board of Health Actions to Prevent Youth Smoking. |
||
Julia Visits with Residents of Panther Lake Joined by dozens of residents, Julia toured the shores and water of Panther Lake in unincorporated King County east of Kent. Panther Lake is one of hundreds of small lakes in King County whose health is at risk from increasing development and impact on surrounding lands. Read more about Julia's visit with Panther Lake area residents here: Wetlands issue prompts concern: A troubling look at King County's health.
|
||
Town Hall on Emergency Preparedness Last month, Julia held a Town Hall Meeting on Emergency Preparedness in unincorporated King County east of Renton. She invited two experts: Eric Holdeman, the King County Director of Emergency Management, and Michael Loehr, Director of Public Health’s Pandemic Flu planning efforts. Michael and Eric provided information about what King County is doing to prepare for a disaster, and how to keep your family safe. They also answered questions from audience members about preparedness and pandemic flu. Read more about King County’s preparedness plan here: Emergency Preparedness.
|
||
Bus Service Improvements for South King County This week the Council approved a series of
improvements to bus service in south King County as part of Metro
Transit’s annual service changes. We need more bus service
across King County and especially in the growing suburban areas.
With rising fuel prices and a strong economy, our current service
levels are unable to meet the growing demand. |
||
|
The ballot's in the mail, for all of King County, Seattle PI, Tuesday, May 23 More bus service needed in south county, Highline Times |
||
|
About my ENewsletter Click here to remove yourself from my enewsletter list. Click here to subscribe yourself to my enewsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please email me, julia.patterson@metrokc.gov. To review my recent e-newsletters, click here. |
