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APRIL 1, 2026
King County Executive and Seattle Mayor Appoint Public Health Leader King County
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ing 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.
VOL. 107, NO. 14
Tipping TSA? Federal Shutdown Pushes Travelers to Ask the Unthinkable
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ore 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
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ast 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.