News Notes

The following is a statement from state Superintendent Randy Dorn:

First, I want to apologize for my actions and the distraction they have caused.  I drank alcohol and got behind the wheel of a car.  That is a mistake, no matter how much you drink.  I apologize to my family, the students and the educators across our state.

As part of this legal proceeding, I agreed to take an alcohol assessment.  The assessment confirmed what I already knew: alcohol is not a problem in my life.  Alcohol does not affect my ability to serve Washington’s citizens.

Given this assessment, and the other facts in this case, my attorney believed we could have plead not guilty – but it is time for me to put this incident behind me and accept the consequences of my actions.

I want to be clear that this incident has not affected my ability to do my job as state schools chief.  I will continue to work hard to move my agenda forward, especially as it relates to achieving real reform of education funding.

Also, I will do what I can to earn back the public’s trust. I want to turn this experience from a negative into a positive.  For me, as a career educator, this is a teachable moment.

I am going to continue to seek out opportunities to help young people learn from my mistake.  I owe that to the people of this great state.

The following is a press release from the insurance commissioner’s office.

Work to launch federal health care reforms is already underway, Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said Thursday.

“This is a time of exhilarating change, and we’re already in the thick of it,” Kreidler told reporters in Seattle. “Every single health insurance plan in Washington state – and there are thousands of them – will change this year.”

Here are six key changes to policies that will take effect by the end of 2010:

• No more out-of-pocket costs (like co-pays) for preventive care.
• No more lifetime caps on benefits. (Many policies now include $1 million or $2 million limits.)
• Children can no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions.
• Parents will be able to keep adult dependent children on their health plans until age 26.
• For seniors, the coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug plan (the very unpopular “donut hole”) will gradually close, starting with a $250 rebate this year.
• Individuals with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for several months can get financial assistance for coverage through Washington state’s Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP).

“These changes all apply regardless of whether you buy coverage on your own or through your employer,” said Kreidler.

The public is clearly watching this issue closely. Within hours of the legislation passing Congress, the Insurance Commissioner’s Office began receiving emails and phone calls from people wondering how health care reform will affect them. The agency is posting detailed information on its home page at: www.insurance.wa.gov/consumers/reform/National_health_care_reform.shtml

“We have our work cut out for us,” said Kreidler, whose staff must review and approve an estimated 2,000 new health insurance policies over the next few months. “But given what’s at stake, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Federal health care reforms underway in state

In light of current economic conditions, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program and Cascades Job Corps Center are increasing their outreach to eligible prospective students.
“As our economy seeks to regain stability, now is an opportune time for young people to enroll in Job Corps to gain career skills and further their educations,” said Brian Daher, director of the San Francisco Region of Job Corps, which includes Cascades Job Corps Center in Sedro-Woolley, Wash. “Job Corps gives our students the competitive advantage necessary for in-demand jobs.”
Cascades Job Corps Center is one of 123 Job Corps centers across the country that provide students with academic and career technical training, room, board and basic medical and dental services. Young adults ages 16 through 24 who meet specific income requirements can enroll in the one- to two-year program at no cost.
Job Corps students receive classroom guidance from Job Corps staff, as well as career counseling and assistance in securing and maintaining employment for up to 21 months after graduation.
Additionally, Job Corps offers advanced career training options, making it possible for students to receive further training by enrolling in a vocational, technical or community college at no additional cost.
“Our center provides training in 11 career areas, including clinical medical assistant, office administration and construction,” said Kathy Howell, Cascades Job Corps Center director. “We are proud of our dedicated team of highly trained instructors. They work extremely hard to ensure the success of our 340 students.”
• About Job Corps
Established in 1964, Job Corps provides training and support services to more than 100,000 young people annually at 123 centers in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Job Corps is the nation’s leading career technical training and education program for students ages 16 through 24. Job Corps is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Those who want to learn more about Job Corps and what it has to offer can call 800-733-JOBS or visit Job Corps on the Web. http://www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov/en/home.aspx
Cascades Job Corps Center, in Sedro-Woolley, Wash., gives students an opportunity to earn their high school diploma or GED and offers 11 career areas: carpentry, cement masonry, clinical medical assistant, culinary arts, dental assistant, electrical, facilities maintenance, medical office support, nurse assistant/home health aide, office administration, and painting. Cascades Job Corps Center also offers a number of extracurricular activities, including Student Government Association. To learn more about Cascades Job Corps Center visit the Web site. http://cascades.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx

Washington’s spring frenzy of local and migratory birds is perfect timing for Seattle Audubon’s 22nd annual Birdathon.  Beginning April 15 and running through May 31, Birdathon challenges participants to spot the most bird species during a single day. Money raised during the event will go towards supporting Seattle Audubon’s conservation programs.
You don’t have to be a “bird nerd” to participate. Seattle Audubon provides a bevy of field trips, events and classes for beginners, families, kids and adults.  Consider organizing a team to participate or rally sponsors in support of your favorite Birdathoner.
“I have participated in the Seattle Audubon Birdathon since I was six years old. I enjoy birdwatching because every time you go outside with binoculars in hand, you’ll likely see something of interest: a new behavior from even the most common species or, best yet, a new species that you’ve only previously seen in book,” Adam Sedgley said, science manager at Seattle Audubon.
Birders can expect to see between 30 and 50 different species during an outing. Goal oriented birders trying to beat the state record of 201 species are more likely to see 120 different birds in a day.
With over 7,000 supporters, Seattle Audubon cultivates and leads a community that values and protects birds and the natural environment.  For more information about Birdathon and Seattle Audubon, please visit http://www.seattleaudubon.org/sas/

The following is a press release from the King County executive’s office.

King County Executive Dow Constantine today hailed the historic health reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Sunday for the benefits it will provide all King County residents in improving health and reducing rising health care costs.

“One in eight adults in King County doesn’t have health insurance. This legislation will help most get coverage through expanding Medicaid, providing subsidies for purchasing insurance, and funding the community health system,” said Executive Constantine. “This national reform will put downward pressure on the price of health insurance for everyone, including King County government, and more small businesses will be able to buy health insurance for employees.”

“We are on the brink of joining every other developed nation in expanding health care to all of our citizens,” said King County Councilmember and  Board of Health Chair Julia Patterson. “This legislation promotes prevention, equity and affordability, and is the first important step in fixing our broken healthcare system.”

For people who already have insurance, benefits of the legislation include preventing discrimination by insurance companies based on pre-existing conditions, providing coverage for our children and closing the Medicare “donut hole”.

For the approximately one in eight King County adults – over 150,000 people — who don’t already have health insurance, this legislation will work to get most covered by extending existing public programs like Medicaid to more low income families, providing additional financing for community health centers and through subsidies to low and moderate income Americans to help them buy health insurance. Additional support will come to small businesses to purchase health insurance for employees.

“We have a golden opportunity to enact comprehensive health reform that emphasizes disease prevention instead of just disease treatment,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The unprecedented investments in wellness and prevention are both smart for our health and our economy, and will create a better quality of life for everyone.”

In addition to strengthening and expanding health insurance, this legislation provides additional investment in prevention. It eliminates cost sharing for preventative services in Medicare and Medicaid, public insurance programs for aged and low-income individuals. It supports community-based funding such as the recent $25.5 million competitive prevention grant awarded to King County. And it creates a Prevention and Public Health Fund to expand and sustain funding for prevention and public health programs.

This week, the U.S. Senate is expected to act on the final legislation and President Obama has indicated he will sign it.

This is a press release from King County.

Risk to general public is low

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON – Local public health officials have learned of a confirmed case of measles in a King County child who was exposed while outside the United States.  The child developed a measles rash on Monday, February 15 after arriving in King County on February 12.  The child was contagious during travel, and had health care visits and community exposures subsequently.  The child was hospitalized during the illness and is recovering.

Because most people in our area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low.  Persons who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants less than six months of age and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles and should contact their health care providers promptly if they develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash illness.

The period of time when members of the public could have been exposed is February 12 through February 15.  If they become ill with measles, they would be expected to develop rash onset between February 19 and March 8.

Public Health notified affected healthcare facilities and locations where community members may have been exposed.

Persons who were at the following King County sites between February 12 through February 14 (times noted) were possibly exposed to measles:

February 12, 2010

SeaTac Airport    11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Arrival on American Airlines, Concourse A, and baggage claim area

Mercy Vet   2:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

2707 76th Avenue SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040

February 13, 2010

Target-Westwood Village 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

2800 SW Barton St
Seattle, WA 98126

QFC-Westwood Village 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

2500 SW Barton
Seattle, WA  98126

February 14, 2010

PCC-West Seattle 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

2749 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA 98116

Target-Westwood Village 11:45 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

2800 SW Barton St

Seattle, WA 98126

Mayuri Food and Video 3:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

2560 152^nd Ave NE

Redmond, WA 98052

People who may have been exposed are asked to look out for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they become ill.

Background on measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly infectious and usually severe illness that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Fever (often greater than 101° F), cough and other symptoms begin two to four days before the rash appears.

People are immune to measles if they had measles or were properly vaccinated. People who lack immunity can get measles if exposed. Exposed people who are either not immune or unsure of their immunity should contact their health care provider. This is especially important for people at the greatest risk for severe illness: those under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems.

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after the exposure to measles occurred.  Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.

Measles spreads easily among susceptible persons and can result in serious infections complicated by pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Most persons born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger persons are routinely vaccinated against measles, both of which provide protection against the disease.

Persons with possible measles should call their health care provider before coming in to be seen to avoid exposing other vulnerable patients, and should wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, avoid public places, and minimize contact with others.

For more information about measles, a fact sheet is available in multiple languages at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/measles.aspx

For measles or other immunizations, contact your health care provider.

For help finding a doctor, please call:

Community Health Access Program (CHAP): 206-284-0331 or 1-800-756-5437   CHAP staff can refer you to a local a Public Health Family Health Clinic and/or a Community Health Clinic. These clinics offer full health services, including immunizations. If you do not have medical coverage, clinic fees are based on your income.

Enumclaw trainer Frank Lucarelli has entered Gallant Son to run in the Strub Stakes, Gr. 2, Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

The 1-1/8 mile $200,000 stakes will be the Pro-Ride surface main track.

The 4-year-old son of Malabar Gold won the $100,000 Gottstein Futurity as a 2-year-old at Emerald Downs and ran second in the Sir Beaufort Gr. 3 Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park.

Alex Solis will be in the iron for owners Chris Randall from Bellevue.

Tate Latimer signed a letter of intent to run track at the University of Washington next year.

The Tahoma High senior competed in hurdle and relay event at the state tournament last year. She took the bronze medal in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles at state in 2009.

Look for a story with pictures taken by her father, Steve, posted on the Web and in the Feb. 11 print edition.

The following a press release from the Washington state congressional delegation. It was sent by Eli Zupnick, deputy press secretary for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

Letter to Army Corps of Engineers calls for speedy completion of study to ensure safe and permanent fix to Howard Hanson Dam, requests follow-up from Corps leadership

Today, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Congressman Adam Smith, Congressman Dave Reichert, Congressman Norm Dicks, Congressman Jim McDermott, Congressman Jay Inslee, and Congressman Brian Baird, and Congressman Rick Larsen sent a letter to Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp urging the Army Corps of Engineers to continue working at full speed to complete the study phase of the Howard Hanson Dam fix and move into the design and construction phase of the project.

The delegation called on the Corps to explain in full how they plan on completing the study phase by June, 2010 in order to ensure that the project can be considered for fiscal year 2012 construction funding. The delegation also requested a meeting with Major General William T. Grisoli, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations, to review this timeline and impress upon him the importance of this project for families and businesses in the Green River Valley. Members of the delegation also requested a conference call with Army Corps leadership and local officials to discuss the Howard Hanson Dam project and give them an opportunity to ask additional questions.

“Our priority at the federal level is to achieve the safest and fastest permanent fix to the Howard Hanson Dam, which requires no delays in the study, design, and construction of the project…This decrease in the probability of flooding is a critical achievement. However, it is difficult for those who live, work, or own businesses in the Green River Valley to rest easy until the full protection offered by Howard Hanson Dam is restored.” the members of the delegation said in the letter.

The full text of the letter follows:

February 4, 2010

Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp

U.S. Army Chief of Engineers and Commanding General

U.S Army Corps of Engineers

441 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000

Dear Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp

A little more than one year ago, severe storms and record water levels held behind Howard Hanson Dam damaged the dam’s earthen abutment, resulting in a reduction in the amount of water that can safely be stored behind the dam. Left unchecked, the flood protection the dam could provide at that point in time was estimated at a one in three probability of flooding.

Since that time, the federal, state, and local governments have worked together to provide interim measures of protection until a permanent fix for the dam can be fully implemented to restore flood protection to the full authorized levels.  Progress has been made and due to those interim measures, including the completion of the grout curtain,  work on the dam’s drainage tunnel, repair and improvement of levees, and deployment of flood barriers in the most vulnerable areas, the estimated probability of flooding has decreased to one in thirty.  This decrease in the probability of flooding is a critical achievement. However, it is difficult for those who live, work, or own businesses in the Green River Valley to rest easy until the full protection offered by Howard Hanson Dam is restored.

Our priority at the federal level is to achieve the safest and fastest permanent fix to Howard Hanson Dam, which requires no delays in the study, design, and construction of the project.  It is our understanding that the study phase of the project is progressing at an aggressive pace and has a goal of completion in June of this year.  Given the realities of the federal budget process, it is imperative the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) achieve this goal in order for the construction project to be included in the fiscal year (FY) 2012 President’s budget submission to Congress. Furthermore, the completion of the study in June provides ample time for the USACE to focus efforts on the design phase of the project for the remainder of FY2010 through FY2011, allowing for full advantage to be taken of construction funds in FY2012. We would like clarity on the policy regarding the progression of construction projects as they move from the completion of a study into the design and engineering phase.

To review this timeline, the ultimate completion of the project, and to discuss the importance of achieving it, we respectfully request a meeting with Major General William T. Grisoli, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations.  We view his experience as former Commander of the Northwestern Division as an invaluable asset.  This experience affords him a local perspective of the importance of Howard Hanson Dam, not only to those living downstream but for the economic engine it protects in the region.  We are looking forward to working with Major General Grisoli as well as we did with his immediate predecessor, Major General Temple.

Additionally, we request the participation of a member of your direct team in a conference call with our local elected leaders. The inner workings of the USACE are not an intuitive process and leaves those working through it with many questions. In particular, it has become evident that prior experience with the USACE does not directly translate when working on a dam safety project.  It would be most helpful to have these important differences acknowledged and directly addressed in a forum that offers time for questions to be asked and answered by the USACE with one voice.

We are acutely aware that a permanent fix for Howard Hanson Dam is not a simple task and that such construction projects take time to execute properly and safely.  Thank you for your attention to these requests.  We look forward to your response regarding the timeline as we have laid it out and the immediate next steps necessary to achieving it.