Power outages increased the risk of carbon monoxide poisonings, especially among immigrants and refugees accustomed to using charcoal for heat and cooking indoors.

Public Health staff worked around the clock to send warnings about carbon monoxide. Warning flyers in 25 languages were blanketed across the community, including at community organizations, hardware stores, grocery stores, apartment buildings, and pharmacies. They were broadcast through Facebook and Twitter, community events, taxi cab dispatches, neighborhood blogs, ethnic media and webcasts, and local news media. Carbon monoxide poisonings plummeted dramatically compared to previous storms.

Every day of the storm, Public Health checked on all nursing and boarding homes in the county to make sure they had power. When any care facility lost electricity, Public Health coordinated with Puget Sound Energy to expedite restoration of power. They also ensured that affected homes received blankets, generator fuel, and other critical supplies. Individuals who needed oxygen tanks, batteries or other critical medical supplies could get support through a call center quickly assembled by Public Health.

Public Health’s response to the winter storm was greatly boosted by strong community partnerships and the dedication of Public Health Reserve Corps volunteers working together to communicate dangers and ensure that people had the medical services they needed.

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn sign a MOU to provide mutual aid during a disaster

The Memorandum of Understanding is available for signature by any political subdivision or Indian tribe with territory in geographic King County. Besides King County and Seattle, signatories to date include the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tukwila, Shoreline, Yarrow Point, Covington, Hunts Point, Carnation, Bothell, and Beaux Arts.

Ever since the first “Armistice Day” was declared 92 years ago, we as a nation have set aside a special day to honor those who have answered the call to duty and preserved our freedoms. 

That number includes 20 King County employees who were called to active duty in 2011, and 837 total county employees who are veterans. Nearly 4,000 King County residents have been deployed in the last 12 months. In all, more than 147,000 veterans, reservists and active duty personnel live in King County.

Many who went off to war made the ultimate sacrifice, never returning to their homes and loved ones. Others came home with physical and emotional wounds, with lives changed forever. Nearly 90 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers report combat-related trauma. Multiple deployments overseas have severely strained family finances and family stability. Veterans of all ages are finding both employment and affordable housing scarce in our uncertain economy.

Fortunately, we can help.

By a margin of nearly 70 percent, voters in King County showed their respect for local veterans and compassion for others in need by renewing the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy. With that funding, we are increasing the availability of trauma counseling for veterans and their families, and developing employment and training services to help veterans find living wage jobs in our communities.

And we will work with our partners to increase housing opportunities, because even one veteran coming home to homelessness is one too many. I am proud of our shared commitment to helping veterans of all ages achieve a successful transition from their military service to their rightful place in our community.

On Friday, November 11, I ask you to join me in thanking our King County veterans and their families for their patriotism, their service and their sacrifice. Their contributions will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

King County Executive Dow Constantine

King County voters who registered to vote or updated their address information with the Washington State Department of Licensing and failed to receive a ballot may still participate in the November General Election.

The Secretary of State’s office indicated that some voter records throughout the state were not updated as quickly as intended due to a delay in the information exchange from the Department of Licensing. Because King County pays to have ballots forwarded to voters when they move or change an address, most registered voters should have received their ballots in the mail.

“We communicate extensively to remind voters to contact us to update their voter information or to check with us if they haven’t received their ballots in the mail,” said Sherril Huff, King County Elections Director. “We have begun working with the information we’re getting from the State to ensure that all of the King County voters impacted by this problem are properly registered, but we believe that many of their records have already been updated.”

Voters who have not received a ballot for any reason or who believe they have the wrong ballot should first contact the Elections Department at 206-296-VOTE (8683) for further information. Even though today is Election Day and the last day to vote in the current election, there are options to ensure that all registered voters can participate. Provisional ballots are an option if there is a question about a voter’s registration.

“If you have not received a ballot for any reason and you believe you should have, call us and let us help you find a way to vote,” added Huff. “The earlier you contact us, the better, as we can offer more options and help you avoid any lines that may form due to last minute voters.”

King County voters who have questions regarding their voter registration information can check their record online at www.myvote.wa.gov or contact King County Elections.

Local broadcasters, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will be conducting the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).  The  test will help federal partners and local EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying people of emergencies and potential dangers.

The nationwide  Emergency Alert System test also serves as a reminder that everyone should create  an emergency plan and preparedness kit for themselves, their families, and workplace.

For more  information about the EAS test and how to prepare for an actual emergency, visit www.kingcounty.gov/prepare. This Wednesday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m., just remember: “This is only a test.”

“We are proud to join with all Americans to honor Dr. King and acknowledge his contributions to our nation,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Through this new monument on America’s ‘front lawn,’ Dr. King will forever stand with the likes of Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson.”

King County is also gearing up for its 25^th annual celebration in honor of Dr. King. The theme for 2012 is: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“One of the main reasons for the theme is the idea that Dr. King focused on service to the community, not personal glory,” said Executive Constantine. “However, he recognized that people need inspiration, which his words, his legacy, and the new memorial in Washington, D.C. provide.”

Bailey deIongh, director of the King County Office of Civil Rights, said, “Dr. King’s  challenge to serve particularly resonates now when so many are in need and resources are stretched thin. We must each ask ourselves every day what we are doing to ensure that all people have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to thrive.”

The county’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration will take place on January 12, 2012 in downtown Seattle. Details about the event will be announced at a later date.

Seattle/King County Public Health emergency preparedness drill

What would influence your actions and decision-making during a public health emergency such as an anthrax attack? Public Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services want to know! Join in the conversation at half-day public engagement meetings Nov. 5-6 to help influence local and national policies. Participants will receive a stipend to reimburse their time, childcare and transportation as needed. Meetings will be held in 4 locations (Des Moines, West Seattle, Rainier Valley, and north Seattle). For more information and to register, go to http://keystone.org/registration/seattle

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The dogs from Issaquah are in relatively good health, but with so many to care for, resources are stretched thin. If you would like to help, we encourage you to visit our online donations page to make a cash contribution. We are also in need of plastic pet carriers, towels and washcloths, food and water dishes, leashes, small dog collars, and pet beds. Items can be dropped off at the King County Pet Adoption Center, 21615 64^th Ave. S. in Kent.

RASKC is also seeking experienced foster homes to take care of the dogs on a temporary basis. If you can help, call 206-205-3403.

For now, the dogs will remain in the custody of RASKC. When they become available for adoption, we will post a notice on our webpage, www.kingcounty.gov/pets. Thank you for your help!

Celebrate the grand opening of Brightwater this Saturday with tons of fun, family-friendly and FREE activities that highlight the environmental mission of your clean-water utility!

Keep an eye out for…

Johnnie Olivan of Rejuiced Bikes in Portland creates new multi-purpose bike creations from recycled bikes and parts. Take a ride on his very own creation – the bike-bus!

Princess Sparklingclear, our icon of clean water since 1958, will be out dispensing fortunes and goodies.

Art in Action! The Production Cycle by Dominic Muren is a small-scaled mobile factory. Watch Dominic make re-usable bags out of the geo textile fabric reclaimed from the silt fencing used on site during the construction.

Brightwater Center’s Conservation Classroom and Learning Lab runs from 10: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust for oh-fish-ally fun activities for young artists and future green thumbs.
Cascadia Environmental Science Center will host water chemistry activities and microscopic explorations.

Stream and Pond Dipping—Drop in between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Head just over the bridge to the North Habitat area and catch the live creatures that live in the streams and ponds at Brightwater.

Performance art in the landscapes of Brightwater

Black Toobs by Susan Robb     On the highest hill in the north habitat area, this sculpture shows the power of thermal energy and changes with the weather!

Natural by Sarah Kavage     With little more than a pair of standard garden clippers and a rake, find the landscape in the north habitat area that is sculpted into braided fantasies.

Plus there’s food! Three THOUSAND tacos, roasted corn, ice cream and more! Refreshments are generously provided by contractors who designed and built Brightwater so public can enjoy the grand opening celebration at no cost.

Parking is limited and likely to fill up, so we really recommend taking one of our easy, FREE shuttle buses from the Woodinville Park and Ride at

To accommodate everyone, a free shuttle will run from the Woodinville Park & Ride, located at 17800 140th Ave. N.E. in Woodinville. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn more about the grand opening…

Chris Wedes, as J.P. Patches, and the wonderful Bob Newman, as his sidekick Gertrude and many other regular characters, entertained several generations of from 1958-1981, playing cartoons and playing around. Their slapstick-and-wordplay routines, largely ad-libbed, occasionally left a few kids bewildered and the players themselves in stitches. My first television appearance was on J.P., in the late 1960′s, as part of my cousin Steve’s birthday party.

At age 83, Chris Wedes is retiring from personal appearances after today’s noon mainstage show at the Fishermen’s Fall Festival at Seattle Fisherman’s Terminal. I was delighted to again meet him in February 2008, when he visited King County Council chambers.

I’d like to extend my best wishes to Chris Wedes on his retirement. Thank you for the gift of gentle humor and wit you have given to thousands of us Patches Pals.