February 14th Community Update

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

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes news about King County Council's Proclamation of February as Black History Month, the "Good Eggs" breakfast with The Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe, a new funding opportunity to build mental health residential treatment facilities, the Muckleshoot Tribal School, other local events, transit, roads, and health updates, and more.

Happy Valentine's Day

Washington Trivia

This Spokane native is among the NASA Crew-10 astronauts scheduled to depart aboard SpaceX for the upcoming crew rotation mission to the International Space Station on March 12th. Who is she?

(Answer is at the bottom)




King County Council Proclaims February 2025 as Black History Month

On February 11th, the King County Council, led by new King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, proclaimed the month of February 2025 as Black History Month to commemorate the countless contributions of Black and African Americans to our nation and the world.

With King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, Councilmembers Sarah Perry & Teresa Mosqueda, Kent Black Action Commission Executive Director Gwen Allen-Carston, Councilmembers De'Sean Quinn, Rod Dembowski, Claudia Balducci, Jorge Barón, and Reagan Dunn

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with The Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe

JOBS: How do we get them and keep them here? Although little known, The Northwest Seaport Alliance is creating long-term jobs in our region through the partnership of the ports of Tacoma and Seattle under the leadership of John Wolfe. Thank you, John, for your commitment to the next generation of jobs.

(Top) With the local Mayors, Muckleshoot Tribal Council Vice Chair John Daniels Jr, and The Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe; (Bottom) With Mission Africa Executive Director Ndudi Chuku and John Wolfe

New Funding Opportunity to Build Mental Health Residential Treatment Facilities and Capacity

The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) released a new Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking Behavioral Health Agencies (BHAs) to create new residential facilities and beds for mental health treatment in King County. With funding from the Crisis Care Centers (CCC) Initiative, this RFP supports King County’s goal to restore our region’s mental health treatment capacity by:

• Adding 115 mental health residential treatment beds
• Increasing geographic access to treatment
• Increasing the availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate services at local treatment facilities

The proposal deadline is Friday, March 28th, by 2:00 p.m. For more information and to apply, you may visit www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/RTFCD or email questions to dchscontracts@kingcounty.gov.

Muckleshoot Tribal School

The Muckleshoot Tribal School first opened in 1985, and Tribal Council Vice Chair John Daniels Jr. had recommended outreach programs for the school. In January, I was pleased to show him the check that will be presented to the students to help with their activities. The Muckleshoot Tribe is a great partner with county government.

Tips for Traveling with King County Metro During Winter Season

Winter season has arrived and King County Metro’s tools will help you stay informed so you can travel safely. Read this Metro Matters blog for more detailed information.

Know before you go

• Visit MetroWinter.com for tips on traveling during winter weather on bus, Access paratransit, streetcar, the King County Water Taxi or Metro Flex on-demand services. 
• Preview snow routes for your favorite bus routes.
• Want updates about changes to your bus route? Sign up to receive Transit Alerts via text or email for the routes and services you rely on. Already a subscriber? Review your subscriptions and make updates as we add new routes across King County.

Real-time updates

• Text your bus stop number to 62550 to receive a list of the next bus trips headed your way. Each trip will either show an estimated arrival time, “s” for scheduled, or “canceled.” Save 62550 in your phone in advance to help yourself remember. The number is also posted at bus stops.
• Next departures information is also available on Metro’s Trip Planner in the upper right corner of the page.

The full closure of S Peasley Canyon Rd between S 321st St and the roundabout on Peasley Canyon Way S to complete maintenance work on the roundabout has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 22nd, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., due to weather. During the closure, emergency vehicles will have access through the work zone and Metro buses will be rerouted. There is posted detour, please use alternate routes. For the most up-to-date information, please visit MyCommute.

While I appreciate the phone calls and messages that my office receives, I recognize that many who read this newsletter do not have luxury of making phone calls during business hours. I want to create every possible opportunity for you to give me feedback.

This new section in my newsletter will feature issues or questions that have come up recently and give you the chance to share your thoughts immediately. 

What areas have you observed the most significant cost increases since February 2024?

Please click this survey link to provide your input.

Local Events in South King County

MLK Day Celebration at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center

I spent time with Veteran leader Roger Flygare’s widow Karla and family at a special flag ceremony at the Federal Way Veterans Memorial in honor of his life. It is still hard to believe he is gone.

I visited Mujer Al Volante and met with its leaders to learn about the work that they are doing for our South King County residents.

I also visited the Donghaejeong at Hanwoori Park with former Federal Way Mayor Mike Park, the Korean Leadership, and the new King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay.

I ended the first week of February with Marine View Presbyterian Church members with a Q&A on current issues.

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

King County Child Care Health Consultant Registry

Best Starts for Kids is excited to launch a new King County Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) Registry for child care providers, including family, friend, and neighbor caregivers, license-exempt programs, and providers in licensed child care programs to find and contact independent CCHCs and CCHC teams serving King County.

This strategy promotes the health, safety, and development of children and caregivers in child care settings through coaching and training for child care providers. CCHC services include behavior consultation, nutrition consultation, infant room nurse consultation, STARS-eligible trainings, and much more! Explore the registry to learn more and visit the frequently asked questions page.

Flu is Surging Nationwide

The Seattle Times recently reported a surge in flu cases nationwide, closing nearly a dozen schools and swamping hospital in some states, particularly in the east coast. According to the article, New York City reported more than 51,000 positive flu tests during the week ending January 25th, a 6 percent increase from the previous week. About 3,000 people were hospitalized with the flu that same week, an 11 percent rise compared with the week before.

Please visit kingcounty.gov/flu for more information on the flu and resources for providers.

Local Services Contact Information

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:

NASA astronaut and U.S. Army Colonel Anne McClain will serve as the commander for the NASA SpaceX Crew-10 launch on Wednesday, March 12th, at 7:48 p.m. EDT, taking over from the Crew-9 mission.

Hailing from Spokane, Washington, Anne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical/aeronautical engineering from West Point. In 2002, she was awarded the Marshall Scholarship and went on to earn a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Bath, as well as a degree in international relations from the University of Bristol in England. Additionally, she completed a Master of Science in Strategic Studies at the U.S. Army War College and is a Master Army Aviator with over 2,000 flight hours in 20 different aircraft.

In June 2013, McClain was chosen as one of eight members of NASA's 21st astronaut class. She successfully completed her astronaut candidate training in July 2015, which included scientific and technical briefings, comprehensive instruction on ISS systems, spacewalks, robotics, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and survival training in water and wilderness. To learn more about her, click here.

Mission Specialist Kirill Peskov of Roscosmos; Pilot Nichole Ayers and Commander Anne McClain, both NASA astronauts; and Mission Specialist Takuya Onishi from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

Photo credit: NASA (Bill Stafford/Helen Arase Vargas)

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