April 2011

In this newsletter:
• Apply for a passport on Saturday, April 9
• Earthquake drill on April 20
• Free tax help offered by United Way
• Community Forums discuss equity and economic opportunity
• Return ballots in Snoqualmie Valley School election by April 26
• New role on State CASA Board
• View panel discussion on teen sex trafficking
• Three ways to prepare for emergencies

Dear District 3 friend,

So many important things are happening, and I would like to share some information and reminders with you.

As always, King County Council and Committee meetings can be viewed on King County TV, Cable Channel 22, or by online streaming video at www.kingcounty.gov/council where you can also stay informed and get agendas and minutes.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with family, friends and neighbors. It is a pleasure to serve you, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best wishes,

Kathy Lambert

Apply for a passport on Saturday, April 9

King County is participating in the annual “Passport Day in the U.S.A” this weekend. Two Community Service Centers will open for weekend hours on Saturday, April 9, to accommodate residents who might not otherwise be able to apply for a passport in person during the work day standard hours. Passports will be available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cottage Lake Community Service Center in Woodinville and at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. More details are available at www.kingcounty.gov/exec/news/release/2011/March/31Passport.

Earthquake drill on April 20

As we all know, this past year’s devastating earthquakes in Haiti, New Zealand and Japan are dramatic reminders of the disaster hazards we face here in the Northwest. Being ready for an earthquake includes practicing what to do when the earth shakes so that a safe response becomes automatic. King County will participate in the statewide “Drop, Cover and Hold” earthquake drill on Wednesday, April 20, at 9:45 a.m., and residents and businesses are encouraged to participate as well:

• DROP to the floor
• Take COVER under a sturdy table, desk or chair (not in a doorway)
• HOLD in place until the shaking stops

Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare/news/2011/March/25EarthquakeSafety

Free tax help offered by United Way

The United Way of King County offers free tax preparation assistance at 18 locations throughout King County, including two sites on the Eastside – at Crossroads Mall and at Hopelink in Bellevue. Taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers and e-filed for quick refunds. Tax sites also can prepare tax returns for up to three prior years, and help clients apply for Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers. Services are available in many languages. This service is provided until April 17 for households making less than $50,000 in 2010. For a list of times and locations visit www.uwkc.org/taxhelp or call 2-1-1.

Community Forums discuss equity and economic opportunity

The next round of Countywide Community Forums starts April 16 and runs through May 29 with a focus on “Equity and Economic Opportunity.” Building on the “fair and just” principle outlined in the King County Strategic Plan, the forums will discuss what equity and accessibility mean to individuals and the community, and what role King County should have in promoting equity and economic opportunity. You can attend a forum in person or participate in an online survey to share your thoughts. For more information and to register to host or attend a forum, go to http://communityforums.org

Return ballots in Snoqualmie Valley School election by April 26

Ballots have been mailed for the April 26 Special Election in the Snoqualmie Valley School District. Ballots can be returned through the mail and must be postmarked by April 26, or they can be deposited in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on that day. The nearest drop box is located at Issaquah City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way. More information and updates are available at the King County Elections website at www.kingcounty.gov/elections or call the Voter Hotline at 206-296-VOTE (8683), or email elections@kingcounty.gov

New role on State CASA Board

The Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program trains volunteers to represent the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect who are involved in the legal process in Dependency Court. As a long-time supporter of the CASA program, I have advocated for continuing funding for this volunteer program. It makes such a profound difference in the lives of children in crisis. Recently, I was elected to the State CASA Association Board of Directors, and I am deeply honored to serve in this new role.

The CASA concept is used all over the nation now, but it started right here in King County. In 1976, King County Presiding Judge David W. Soukup was concerned about making life-altering decisions on cases of abused and neglected children without having sufficient information. More information about this valuable program and how to volunteer is available at www.washingtonstatecasa.org

View panel discussion on teen sex trafficking

Sexually exploited youth is a troubling trend, and a recent Seattle survey estimates 300 to 500 children are being prostituted in King County. Recently, I participated in a panel discussion with King County Deputy Prosecutor Sean O`Donnell and Melinda Giovengo, Executive Director of YouthCare, about this growing problem. The program covers some new approaches the region is taking to help these young girls escape the abuse and to increase the prosecution of predators while supporting young trafficking survivors. See the discussion on the Seattle Channel City Inside/Out program at www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=3061113

Three ways to prepare for emergencies

In observance of Disaster Preparedness Month in April, King County urges citizens to take three simple steps to prepare for earthquakes, floods, man-made disasters and other emergencies.

1. Make a Plan - Every family should have a plan for how they will communicate during an emergency and where they will meet if separated.
2. Build a Kit - Having basic emergency supplies on hand will not only keep you alive, but more comfortable during the first few days of a disaster. A minimum three-day supply is recommended.
3. Get Involved - Resilient communities don’t just happen; they are built by individuals working together.

Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare/news/2011/April/01DisasterMonth