Representative Moscoso, who has worked for years promoting activities to fight racism, spoke about how racism created the circumstances which led to Brisenia's death. He stressed the need for the community to stand against racism so people could "live together peacefully with justice for all."

"Respect for civil rights and human decency need to be the values embraced here," County Council Chairman Brian Sullivan said. He recalled how his mother lit candles and prayed for the nation the day in 1968 when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

"This little girl is no less important," Sullivan said.

Director Ortiz noted that violence against anyone was violence against all of us. She urged those present to "Say no to hate and say yes to human rights."

Following the vigil, there was a reception and short workshop to discuss how the community can work collaboratively to prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again.

"As a member of a racially diverse family I understand firsthand the importance of a community coming together to denounce racism," said Gossett. "Working together in an atmosphere of tolerance we can put an end to racist behavior and be leaders in the state on this issue."
 
Gossett was the prime sponsor of the Human Rights Commission legislation passed by the Council in June of 2010.
 

Snohomish County Children's Commission Honors

State Rep. Marko Liias

The Snohomish County Children's Commission honored Representative Marko Liias on the one year anniversary of the passage of the bullyinglegislation he championed. The ceremony took place Thursday evening at 5:30 at the Snohomish County Health District.

The Children's Commission's main initiative for the past two years has been to focus on bullying.  "Bullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen. . Bullying is a wide-spread and dangerous problem. 

The Commission felt it was important to recognize Rep Liias for his leadership on this issue. He was presented with the "We Value Kids" award.

"My grandchildren have talked to me about how bullying takes place. It is a real concern for young people," said Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett, who attended the event. "Representative Liias deserves a lot of credit for taking this issue on."

Representative Liias's legislation required that schools take specific steps and have specific policies to address bullying behavior. Every school district must identify who children being bullied should talk to, timelines for dealing with the problem, and implement other important practices.

An on-going task force was also created to focus on ways to bring anti-bullying programs directly into the classroom and find ways to make schools safer.

One focus of the legislation was cyberbullying, where the internet, digital technologies, or mobile phones are used. The methods used by a child against another child are limited only by the child's imagination and access to technology. And the cyberbully one moment may become the victim the next. The kids often change roles, going from victim to bully and back again. Children have killed each other and committed suicide after having been involved in a cyberbullying incident.

Liias discussed the problem of youth suicide and how it relates to bullying. He urged those present to work for solutions so all youth feel safe.

Water Fun at County Parks                   

It's finally that time of year when you can soak your kids at Willis Tucker Community Park's spray pad and swim at McCollum Park. 

The children's spray park at Willis Tucker Community Park opened Memorial Day weekend.  Willis Tucker Park offers other amenities including an off-leash dog area, an amphitheater, walking trails, baseball fields and picnic shelters. 

To offer families a respite from the sun on hot days new sun shades have been installed on the edge of spray pad.   In addition to the smaller shades park goers can reserve a shelter adjacent to the south side of the pad. 

If you're more interested in swimming than just getting wet, the county's outdoor pool at McCollum Park is scheduled to open June 23rd. The pool, with a water slide, offers swimming lessons, pool rentals, open swims and a summer league swim team through Sept. 3rd.   Swim lessons start June 25th. 

The complete pool schedule is available at http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/Park_Information/Park_Directory/Combination_Parks/mccollum_pool.htm .  If you have questions about the pool and the programs offered for the 2012 season, contact Tony Trofimczuk, recreation supervisor, at tony.t@snoco.org or 425-388-6604.