Queen Anne News 04012026

Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919

King County Executive and Seattle Mayor Appoint Public Health Leader

King County Executive and Seattle Mayor appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department.

Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to protect and promote the health and well-being of more than two million residents. The department works across a wide range of areas focusing on preventing illness and injury, responding to emerging health threats, and addressing the root causes of health disparities so that all communities have the opportunity to thrive.

“Dr. Valenciano is a well-known public health expert with an extensive medical and community health-oriented background and a deeply rooted commitment to improving the health and lives of the communities we serve,” said Executive Zahilay. “I’m proud to appoint her to lead the department as we continue our work in the public health arena within the region.”

“Dr. Valenciano brings the kind of leadership our region needs right now,” said Mayor Wilson. “Her work is grounded in science and community, and the need to address the root causes of health issues impacting our region. I know she will continue to ensure we are investing in prevention, addressing inequities, and building a public health system that works for everyone.”

Dr. Valenciano has more than a decade of experience working in both local and national settings. Dr. Valenciano was appointed Seattle and King County’s Health Officer in 2025 where she joined the department as the primary medical expert tasked with providing leadership on scientific and medical matters that shape department policy and practice and fostering strong relationships with the broader healthcare community.

“I’m deeply honored for the trust the Executive and Mayor have put in me to protect, support, and improve health for everyone in King County,” said Dr. Valenciano. “I cherish the opportunity to serve our remarkable community at this pivotal time.”

Prior to joining the County, Dr. Valenciano was the District Health Director and CEO for DeKalb Public Health in metro Atlanta, Georgia. In that role, she managed public health services for over 780,000 residents.

Prior to managing public health for DeKalb County, Dr. Valenciano served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officer at the CDC where she led domestic outbreak responses, evaluated national infectious disease surveillance systems, analyzed global immunization data, and collaborated with both domestic and international partners.

Dr. Valenciano received her bachelor’s degree in Community Health from Brown University, her Master of Public Health degree from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and her Doctor of Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. A board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, she completed her medical training in the Yale Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Program and completed the Emory Preventive Medicine Residency Program and is board eligible in Preventive Medicine.

Tipping TSA? Federal Shutdown Pushes Travelers to Ask the Unthinkable

More than two months since many Transportation Security Administration officers have received a paycheck - and they are still showing up to work every day at airports like Seattle-Tacoma International.

They are screening bags. Managing lines. Keeping flights moving and passengers safe. Unpaid.

Let that sit for a moment.

In most industries, missing a paycheck is a crisis. Missing two months would be catastrophic. But for federal workers caught in a prolonged government shutdown, it has become reality - one that has quietly reshaped how the public is responding.

Including, increasingly, the question: should we be tipping TSA?

The answer is no. Federal rules prohibit TSA officers from accepting tips or gifts. But the fact that travelers are even asking speaks volumes.

Because tipping, at its core, is about filling a gap. It is what people do when they know someone is working hard and not being fairly compensated.

And right now, that gap is being created at the highest level.

The consequences ripple outward.

Longer security lines have been reported as staffing becomes strained. Some workers are forced to make impossible choices - commuting without pay, covering basic expenses, or considering leaving their positions altogether. Airports depend on these workers to function, yet the system supporting them has stalled.

And travelers feel it.

Not just in wait times, but in the atmosphere. There is a growing awareness that the people guiding you through security are doing so under pressure most passengers will never fully see.

TSA, 4

Seattle One Step Closer to Sonics Return

Staff Report

Last week, we said Seattle might be closer than it’s been in years to getting the Sonics back.

This week, the NBA Board of Governors has officially voted to explore expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, marking the first formal step toward bringing professional men’s basketball back to the city after an 18-year absence.

It’s not a final decision-but it is the moment where speculation turns into process.

Commissioner Adam Silver said the league will now begin evaluating ownership groups, arena readiness, and the broader economics of expansion, with investment firm PJT Partners advising on the effort. In other words: this is where things start getting real.

Locally, all the pieces continue to align.

Governor Bob Ferguson met with Silver ahead of the vote and reiterated that bringing the Sonics back is a priority. The Kraken ownership group has already positioned itself through One Roof Sports and Entertainment and increased control of Climate Pledge Arena-a venue that was, notably, built to NBA standards from the start.

If you were building a checklist for expansion, Seattle is quietly checking the boxes.

There are still major steps ahead. Expansion would require another vote later this year, and ownership bids could climb into the $7–$10 billion range. But for the first time in nearly two decades, the timeline is no longer abstract-the league is openly targeting the 2028–29 season.

And around Seattle, the tone is shifting.

This isn’t just hope anymore. It’s anticipation-with just enough caution to keep everyone from getting ahead of themselves.

So no, the Sonics still aren’t back.

But now, there’s a process in motion to bring them here.

And if you’ve been in Seattle long enough, you know what that means: we’re going to be watching very closely.

So what actually has to happen for the Sonics to return?

Even with momentum building, there are still several key steps between now and a potential 2028 tip-off.

The NBA has officially entered its expansion exploration phase, evaluating markets, ownership groups, and arena readiness-areas where Seattle already checks many of the boxes. From there, interested ownership groups will submit formal bids, with a new franchise

expected to cost somewhere between $7 and $10 billion.

A final vote by the league’s Board of Governors would likely come later this year, requiring approval from at least 23 of the NBA’s 30 owners. If that vote passes, Seattle would be formally awarded a team.

From there, the process shifts quickly. Ownership would build out a front office, hire coaching staff, and begin shaping the identity of the franchise. An expansion draft and player acquisition process would follow, leading into a targeted debut for the 2028–29 season.

In other words, there’s still work to be done-but for the first time in years, the path is clearly defined.

Savvy Senior: Where to Get Help with Medicare Decisions

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, I’ll be 65 in a few months and could sure use some help sorting through all the confusing Medicare options that are available to me. Where can I get help with my Medicare decisions?

—Baffled Bob

Dear Bob,

With around 11,400 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day in 2026, you’re asking a very timely question.

Many people approaching Medicare are confused by all the choices available today. In addition to original Medicare (Part A and B) that has been around for more than 60 years, you also have the option of enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan, and a supplemental (Medigap) policy – both of which are sold by private insurance companies.

Another option is a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans, also offered by private insurers, bundle hospital coverage, medical care, prescription drugs, and often extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing into one policy. Most operate as HMOs or PPOs and require you to receive care within a defined network of providers in your area.

Medicare Advantage plans have also faced increased scrutiny in recent years over priorauthorization requirements that can delay or deny certain services.

To help you determine which path makes the most sense for your situation, there are several reliable resources available, depending on how much assistance you need.

TOOLS AND RESOURCES

A good starting point is the “Medicare & You” handbook, which provides a clear overview of the program and your options. You can download a copy at medicare.gov/medicare-andyou, and you should receive a printed version in the mail about a month before your 65th birthday.

The Medicare website also features a helpful “Find a Medicare Plan” tool at medicare.gov/plan-compare that allows you to compare health plans, prescription drug coverage, and supplemental policies available in your area. If you

“Medicare Advantage plans have also faced increased scrutiny in recent years over prior-authorization requirements that can delay or deny certain services.”

prefer to speak with someone directly, call Medicare at 800633-4227, and a representative can walk you through your options over the phone.

Another excellent free resource is your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides unbiased Medicare counseling either in person or by phone.

To locate your local SHIP office, visit shiphelp.org or call 877-839-2675.

You can also contact the Medicare Rights Center

(medicarerights.org) at 800333-4114 for help with specific questions.

In addition, HealthMetrix Research publishes a free Cost Share Report at medicarenewswatch.com that compares Medicare Advantage plans by area based on cost-sharing and health status.

GET HELP

If you’d like more handson help, you can work with a Medicare insurance agent.

Keep in mind that agents are paid commissions by insurance companies, so it’s important to choose an independent agent who represents multiple insurers – not just one. That gives you access to a broader range of options.

Also understand that commissions are typically higher for Medicare Advantage plans than for Medigap and Part D policies used with Original Medicare. As a result, some agents may have a financial incentive to recommend Advantage coverage. That doesn’t mean the advice is wrong, but it’s wise to ask questions and understand all your choices before enrolling.

You can search for licensed agents through nabip.org, the website of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals.

Taking the time now to compare your options carefully can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you confidence in the coverage you choose.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Bob Kettle Calls for Surveillance Cameras to be Turned on Before World Cup

By Randy Diamond

Center Square

The Chairman of the Seattle City Council’s Public Safety Committee broke ranks with the mayor Tuesday, urging that surveillance cameras be turned on before the FIFA World Cup Games are played this summer.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced on March 19 that 26 surveillance cameras by Lumen Field would be installed as planned, but wouldn’t be turned on unless there was a “credible threat” to public safety. She had concerns about the cameras helping ICE enforcement efforts.

Bob Kettle, a former senior naval intelligence officer, said the cameras need to be “turned on in support of the World Cup.”

“My question regarding credible threat warnings is how do you define a credible threat warning,” he said. “It’s not the best practice to have the system and just have it turned off.”

Wilson didn’t define what she would view as a credible threat in her announcement on March 19.

She said if a credible threat did occur, the cameras would be turned on, and turned off again, when the threat was over.

Kettle, speaking at a meeting of the Public Safety Committee, said there aren’t always credible threat warnings before a major incident, citing as examples, the September 11 terrorist attacks or the bombing at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.

“It should be noted too that we’re in a heightened threat

environment especially because of the Iran War, “ he said.

Kettle said it’s important that the issues be resolved before the first World Cup game is played on June 15.

Kettle didn’t criticize Wilson in his remarks and said he wanted to work with the mayor to make the surveillance camera program work for the betterment of public safety in the city.

But he said the audit that Wilson ordered of the city’s camera system and the Real Time Crime Center needs to be done before the games are started in order not to delay the cameras being turned on.

Wilson said she was hiring the New York University Law School’s Policing Project to review the city’s camera surveillance program.

Rep. Jim Walsh criticizes Mayor Wilson stance on surveillance cameras

While allowing the Lumen Field cameras to be installed, Wilson in her March 19 announcement also halted an expansion of the surveillance camera program to Capital Hill, a popular nightspot area, and by Garfield High School, site of frequent gun violence.

She said the audit will help determine the effectiveness of the current program and examine privacy concerns.

The current 60 camera program went into effect in downtown, The International District and in the Aurora Avenue Corridor in April 2025.

The City Council at the urging of former Mayor Bruce Harrell voted to expand the program in November.

job they are already doing.

in her run for

The Public Safety Committee did unanimously approve Tuesday an ordinance echoing the mayor’s executive order on March 19 that existing cameras would be immediately turned

Hygiene products

off in case of ICE immigration enforcement action.

“In the event of a surge of immigration action similar to what was seen in Minneapolis, I will of course turn off all cameras in order to prevent them from potentially being abused by federal authorities,” Wilson had said.

The ordinance, which mandates a 60-day shutdown of the cameras if ICE action is suspected or occurs, is expected to be approved by the full city council next month.

That awareness is turning into action - even if the instinct is misdirected.

At Sea-Tac, there is a way to help that stays within the rules and actually benefits the broader community.

The Port of Seattle’s Donation Drop @ SEA program allows travelers to donate items they cannot bring through security - unopened toiletries, beverages and other goods. Instead of being thrown away, those items are distributed to local nonprofits and people in need.

It is not a solution to a federal shutdown. But it is a way to turn frustration into something tangible.

There are other ways to help, too. Supporting local food drives, community aid efforts, or simply staying informed and engaged with the issue all matter. Public awareness is often the first step toward public pressure - and pressure is what eventually leads to resolution. Still, it is worth saying plainly: none of this should be necessary.

TSA officers are not asking for tips. They are not asking for charity. They are asking, like any worker, to be paid for the

And yet, here we are - two months in, watching essential workers continue without compensation while travelers quietly debate whether a few dollars slipped across a counter might help.

That is not generosity.

That is a warning sign.

Because when the public starts to feel responsible for directly supporting federal workers just to keep basic systems running, something has already broken.

So no - you cannot tip TSA.

But you can recognize what is happening. You can support your community. And you can refuse to treat this situation as normal.

Because it isn’t.

And the longer it goes on, the more it costs all of us.

HOW YOU CAN ACTUALLY HELP RIGHT NOW

If the instinct to help feels strong, there are ways to act on it - and they go beyond the security line.

SUPPORT THE TSA FOOD PANTRY AT SEA-TAC

The Port of Seattle is currently collecting donations to support TSA workers and airport staff impacted by the federal shutdown.

WHAT TO DONATE:

Non-perishable, shelf-stable food

Infant supplies

Gift cards (up to $25) for groceries or gas

These items go directly to workers and families who need support during this period without pay.

WHERE TO DONATE:

SEA Conference Center (AOB Lobby)

Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

At the Checkpoint: Donate What You Can’t Take

If you’re traveling, you can also use the Port of Seattle’s Donation Drop @ SEA bins at security checkpoints.

Instead of tossing items like: Bottled drinks

Toiletries

Packaged snacks

They can be redirected to local nonprofits.

WHY IT MATTERS

This is the part that hits hardest: these aren’t abstract programs.

These are people working full shifts at one of the busiest airports in the region - without pay - relying on community support to bridge the gap.

You can’t tip TSA.

But right now, you can help make sure they and their families have what they need to get through this.

Where Financial Intelligence Meets High-Stakes Real Estate: The Producer’s Edge

In a market as sophisticated as Seattle’s, your home is more than a residence, it is a significant financial asset. You shouldn’t just hire an agent; you should hire a proven producer with the financial acumen to protect your equity and the competitive drive to win.

Lisa Turnure’s journey into real estate, over two decades ago, was fueled by a desire for results. As the former CFO of a nationally recognized brand strategy and design firm, she reached a point where she no longer wanted to manage - she wanted to produce.

Lisa became Rookie of the Year her first year and was quickly among the top 10 Coldwell Banker brokers in Washington. She is consistently ranked in the top 1% of all Coldwell Banker brokers worldwide.

Why Strategy Matters

Lisa brings a “perfect blend” of marketing, finance, and contract negotiation to every transaction.

Top Producer: Named the #1 Coldwell Banker Broker in the City of Seattle multiple times, including 2019 and 2022

The CPA Advantage: As a Certified Public Accountant with a degree from the University of Washington Business School, Lisa

EXPERIENCED. INNOVATIVE. TRUSTED.

Mayor Wilson Says ICE Agents Won’t Likely Conduct Raids at World Cup

By Randy Diamond

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson told representatives of the city’s tourism community Thursday that federal Department of Homeland Security agents will be at The World Cup, but she doesn’t believe there will be a focus on making arrests.

“The Department of Homeland Security’s presence at designated mega events is typically focused on critical security operations,” she said. “So scanning vehicles and cargo for weapons, explosives, and contraband, combating human trafficking and intellectual enforcement action.”

But Wilson speaking Visit Seattle’s Annual Tourism Summit said she had not talked with federal officials.

“We don’t have specific insight into federal agent deployment plans for this summer,” she said.

Wilson said she was basing her assessment on what occurred the Super Bowl, which was played in Santa Clara, California in February, where the focus by federal agents was on critical security measures.

“So, we hope and anticipate that will be a similar situation this spring and summer,” she said.

FIFA World Cup games are scheduled to be held in Seattle on six separate dates starting on June 15, through its unclear if one game between Iran and Egypt will be played.

Iran said it doesn’t intend to send a team to the United States. It is unclear if FIFA World Cup officials would substitute another team. FIFA official didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Wilson said Seattle was committed to working with all of our partners to ensure that Seattle holds a “safe and welcoming event.” But she also mentioned her executive order from January 29 requiring city representatives, including police, not to cooperate with federal immigration officials.

Her order bans agents from city property and requires the Seattle Police Department to document the identity of ICE agents in enforcement actions and videotape their actions. The videos would be scanned for possible illegalities that could used for prosecution of the ICE agents.

A U.S. Justice Deptment spokesman in a statement to The Center Square on February 29 said the department “will not tolerate the

obstruction of lawful efforts to enforce federal immigration law and has sued several jurisdictions over sanctuary policies that put the American people at risk.”

The Department has not taken any legal action against Seattle.

Wilson Thursday did not did not discuss her controversial program to only turn on surveillance camera planed for the Lumen Field area if there was a “credible threat.”

Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee Chairman Bob Kettle has said the cameras need to be turned on before there is a credible threat, in order to ensure public safety.

ICE representatives did not respond to a request for comment.