October 3rd Community Update

 

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer
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News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes news about the University of Washington Men’s Rowing Team, the Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Auburn, the King County 2025 Budget, the Resource Access New Virtual Contact Center and Search Tool, the opening of a scenic bridge across the White River, road closures, travel updates, local events, and more.

 

Washington Trivia

This Seattle-born actress, comedian, singer, and dancer who starred in Broadway and film musicals, first revealed her African American ancestry when she was 81 years old. Who was she?

(Answer is at the bottom).




University of Washington Men’s Rowing Team

101 years after their first victory the University of Washington (UW) Men’s Rowing Team claimed its 20th national title beating Harvard University. I was pleased to invite UW Athletic Director Pat Chun and members of the team down to the courthouse to be recognized for their championship season. The UW beat Harvard with a time of 5 min 27.233 seconds to Harvard’s 5 min 28.976 seconds!! Go Dawgs!!

UW

With King County Executive Dow Constantine, Assessor John Wilson, Councilmembers Jorge Barón, Girmay Zahilay, Dave Upthegrove, Rod Dembowski, Claudia Balducci, Sarah Perry, Teresa Mosqueda, and Reagan Dunn, and UW Athletic Director Pat Chun and the Men’s Rowing Team


Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Auburn

Whether they are considering a blue collar or a white-collar path, students should have every opportunity available to help them succeed after high school. I was pleased to tour the Auburn High School wood-working and welding programs with Auburn Superintendent Alan Spicciati and the Auburn School Board, as it demonstrated their commitment to giving students options for success! The additional $125,000 in funding will help expand Auburn pre-apprenticeship programs.

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With King County Council Budget Chair Girmay Zahilay, Auburn School District Superintendent Alan Spicciati and Board Members Sheilia McLaughlin, Arlista Holman, and Valerie Gonzales, Auburn High School Principal Jeff Gardner, Career & Technical Education Director Jane Hendrickson, and Auburn High School Teacher (Woodshop) Tyler Casias

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King County 2025 Budget

The budget season is upon us and below are the dates to keep note of if you want to stay informed about upcoming meetings and opportunities to provide your input. To review the King County Executive’s 2025 Budget Proposal, click here. For more information about the King County Council’s review of the budget for 2025, read more here.

Budget

 

New Virtual Contact Center and Search Tool Connects King County residents to Services

On September 30th, the Resource Access Team, a new key investment of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, launched their new virtual contact center, an online interactive resource database to better connect King County residents with services and resources. Through this tool, King County residents can connect with a Resource Access Team Agent to receive individualized assistance through phone, chat, email, and text. For more information, visit the virtual contact center, call 206-809-7115, or read more here.

 

King County Parks Opens Scenic Bridge Across the White River

ParksOn September 28th, King County Parks opened a scenic bridge crossing the White River to connect King County and Pierce County communities with 22 miles of uninterrupted paved trail. The 572-foot-long weathered steel bridge – funded primarily by the King County Parks Levy – completes Foothills Trail, connecting 280,000 residents, schools, business districts, and civic centers while offering scenic views of Mount Rainier. The trail runs along the Carbon River, passing through farmland and forestland. Read more here.

 

Road Closures

West Valley Highway South

WV

To enable construction on the South County Recycling and Transfer Station Project, the West Valley Highway South between 1st Ave N and South 344th St was closed on September 30 from 9 PM to 5 AM, with additional evening closures periodically through mid-October. Please continue to plan for delays and longer travel times. Sign up for email updates to get the latest project and construction updates in your inbox.

Federal Way/Auburn Area Road Closure: 55th Ave S (S 288th St & S 277th St)

Crews will close 55th Ave S between S 288th St and S 277th St from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th for road maintenance. All travelers must detour using Military Rd S. Emergency vehicles will have access through the work zone. For the most up-to-date information, please visit MyCommute.

Roads


Alumni Corner

While our work is based on policies and programs, it is the people we work with who make the difference. Previously featured alumni included: Chris Cho, Tom Pierson, Bailey Stenson Gordon, Agnes Wooters, Jim Ferrell, Jackie Schneider, Megan Rage, Thomas Efrem, Jenny Faubion, Sue Park, Dani Cortez, Joey Schneider, Caroline Vadino, Brooks Meadowcroft, Nathan Angle, Max Hayes, Samantha Mills, Satchel Kolde, Tyler Pichette, Greg Stock, and Will Craig.

t3This week's featured District 7 alum is Troy Pichette. Troy worked in my office as a legislative intern from 2018 to 2019 while attending the University of Washington for a bachelor’s degree in Public Health - Global Health. When asked what he learned from his time in my office, he shared: 

“I learned the importance of using information, opinions, and facts from all sorts of people and sources when formulating a decision. Not only is this key when representing diverse constituents, but it is something that I have been able to integrate into my own work. Collaborating and elevating others so they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts leads to more well-rounded and lasting solutions.”

Troy is currently a Senior Healthcare Analyst with Milliman MedInsight. Professionally, his long-term goals include partnering with more healthcare organizations to bring them into value-based care arrangements to improve care for patients and manage costs better. Personally, he is hopeful to cheer on our Mariners in more play-off games and, one day, a world series win!

In his free time, particularly in the summer and fall, Troy loves getting outside to the surrounding mountains and spending time hiking and camping with family and friends. When the weather turns, he enjoys breaking out the slow cooker and cheffing up all kinds of meals. Thank you, Troy!

 

August Travel Industry Update

In August, Seattle’s downtown hotel occupancy was at 85.8%, with 403,756 rooms sold and an average daily room rate (ADR) of $284, as well as a revenue of $114.5 million.

DT

All metrics were up from August 2023, with August being the second-best month for room sales among downtown hotels this year. Downtown hotel revenue was also the third highest in Seattle history, following record-breaking revenue in July 2023 and July 2024. These figures provide a good understanding of Seattle’s summer visitation as it compares to years past. Read more here.


Local Events

Muckleshoot Tribe Event & Taste of Federal Way

Congratulations to Muckleshoot Tribal Chair Jaison Elkins for hosting a successful event Saturday, September 28, and to the Ehl Family for drawing nearly 700 people for the Taste of Federal Way at the Farmers Market where I was able to taste some amazing local food in my role as a judge.

TFW

(Above) With Muckleshoot Tribal Council Chair Jaison Elkins, US Rep. Marilyn Strickland, WA Rep. Bill Ramos, King County Councilmembers Jorge Barón and Sarah Perry, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Auburn Councilmembers Kate Baldwin and Cheryl Rakes, and Seattle Councilmembers Tanya Woo and Dan Strauss; (Below) With Federal Way Farmers Market Founders Karla Kolibab and Rose Ehl

 

Upcoming Events

Fred Hutch Cancer Center Mammogram VanMM

October 10 & 22 (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
More dates through December
The Commons at Federal Way (Chase Bank)
1929 S Commons, Federal Way
Click here for more information

 

Safe Auburn: Community ConversationsSA

October 10 (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Dick Scobee Elementary School
1031 14th St NE, Auburn
Click here for more information

 

South King Tool Library Fall Repair CaféRepair

October 12 (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
1700 S 340th St, Federal Way
Click here for more information

 

WorkSource Regional Job Fair

JF

October 17 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Kent Commons Community Center
525 4th Ave N, Kent
Click here for more information

 

Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank | Auburn Noon Lions | Auburn Valley Humane Society | Bloodworks Northwest | Eileen & Callie’s Place | Federal Way Kiwanis | Federal Way Lions | Federal Way Senior Center | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | Soroptimist International of Federay Way | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance

 

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Mission Africa

Celebrate Rising Together by attending Mission Africa’s Annual Fundraiser Luncheon on October 12, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the W Hotel Seattle. Click here for more information.

 

  

MSC Helps Luncheon

MSC

Be inspired to create help, hope, and change in our community at the 11th Annual MSC Helps Luncheon on October 17, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center. Click here for more information.



King County Flood Control District Updates

Reducing Flood Risk: A Look Back at Completed Flood Mitigation Projects

FCD

The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD), in collaboration with King County as service provider, has been working diligently since its creation in 2007 to safeguard our communities from flooding. The KCFCD has spearheaded over 370 capital projects aimed at mitigating the risk of levee and revetment failures, along with the operation and maintenance of over 500 flood protection facilities, covering 118 linear miles and approximately 800 acres of land crucial for flood mitigation.

One of these projects is the Countyline Levee Setback Project, located on the boundary of King and Pierce counties, which significantly reduced flood risks for more than 200 homes near the White River while also revitalizing crucial floodplain habitats for fish and wildlife. This project is a testament to what we can accomplish when we prioritize both community safety and environmental sustainability. Read more here.

Flood Awareness Month

Did you know flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County? As we move toward months with more rain and snow the chance of flooding increases. Just a few inches of floodwater can damage your home and create hazardous road conditions. Take the time to prepare now to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this flood season. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe this flood season:

  • Know the risk of flooding at your home, school, or workplace. Visit kingcounty.gov/FloodMap to look at flood risk maps. You can search for any address in King County.
  • Get flood insurance. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more about buying a policy and finding an insurance agent.
    Sign up for King County flood alerts to give you as much time as possible to prepare.
  • Create an emergency plan and gather supplies in case you must leave or if services are cut off. Learn more at MakeItThrough.org.
  • Identify alternate routes to and from home to avoid driving through roads with standing water. Check the My Commute map to see closed and restricted roads in unincorporated King County.
  • Find out what else you can do to prepare for flooding.

BFR

 

Local Services Contact Information 

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Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Crime Maps: Auburn| Federal Way| Kent | all of King County
Law Enforcement Updates: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | KCSO Unincorporated

To report illegal street racing in your neighborhood, dial 911.

Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator. For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington Trivia Answer:
Carol Channing was born in Seattle, Washington on January 31, 1921. Her father was an editor for the Seattle Star, and her family moved to San Francisco when she was two so her father could take a job at the San Francisco Chronicle. It was not until she was 17 and preparing to head to college in Vermont that Carol learned about her multiracial background from her mother, who informed her that her grandmother was African American.

Carol came to national prominence as the star of Hello, Dolly, winning the 1964 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and becoming the first celebrity to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show in 1967. In addition to her work on Broadway, Carol appeared in several films including Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and numerous television shows.

Carol had unique dietary habits, and in 1978, revealed she had not eaten in a restaurant in 15 years and preferred only organic foods. When invited to a restaurant, she brought several containers with her own food, such as zucchini or chopped celery, and simply asked for a plate and glass. For dessert, she ate seeds and did not drink any alcohol. Carol died in Rancho Mirage, CA on January 15, 2019, at the age of 97.

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Photo Source: The Seattle Times (AP Photo/Doug Pizac)


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Contact me: pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov
206-477-1007, 800-325-6165, TTY/TDD 206-296-1024
Website: www.kingcounty.gov/vonReichbauer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pete.vonreichbauer

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