April 24th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 04/24/2025 05:00 PM PDT
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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 “Good Eggs” Breakfast Meeting with Seattle-King County Public Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan, King County Council's Recognition and Proclamation, the Human and Civil Rights Commission Application Launch, the 2025 Whiskers and Paws, Seattle/King County Clinic's free services, funding opportunities, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia This Washington-based company was a pioneer in establishing the first tree farm in the United States, well before the formation of the Department of Ecology or the inception of Earth Day. What is the name of this company? (Answer is at the bottom) I often say sports bring people together, and Dr. Faisal Khan used sports to emphasize that King County/Seattle Public Health are the Barca/Real Madrid of the public health world (Barcelona and Madrid are regarded by SOME [not Sounders fans] as the best soccer clubs in the world!). While some of Dr. Khan’s updates were stark, our group appreciated his informative remarks about how King County is working to face health challenges in our region. Thank you, Dr. Khan!
With South King County mayors and councilmembers, and Dr. Faisal Khan
King County Council Appoints Shannon Braddock as Acting Executive On April 1st, Shannon Braddock was sworn in as the acting King County Executive following a unanimous vote by the County Council. King County voters will elect a new executive in November. Braddock is the first woman to serve as King County Executive. She previously served as Deputy County Executive and has 15 years of local government experience. Read more here.
With acting King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Girmay Zahilay, Sarah Perry, Jorge Barón, De’Sean Quinn, Claudia Balducci, Teresa Mosqueda and Reagan Dunn
King County Council Recognition and Proclamation On April 15, the King County Council proclaimed April 13, 2025, as Vaisakhi Day in King County. The Council also recognized the 50th Anniversary of the Khmer Rouge Genocide.
With my King County Council colleagues, Manmohan Singh Dhillon, Harjinder Singh Bains, Sodhi Singh, Gurdev Singh Mann, Ramdeep Mann, Gagandeep Singh, Jaskaran Singh Sarao and Chirag Veer Singh Sarao
With my colleagues and members of the Khmer Community
Funding Opportunities 2025 Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program
Comcast RISE Small Business Support Program Comes to King County King County has been selected as one of five regions in the U.S. for Comcast RISE Grants. This means 100 small businesses in King County will receive over $3 million in grants for monetary, marketing, and technology support. Applications are open from May 1-31 at www.ComcastRISE.com, with winners announced in August.
Human and Civil Rights Commission Application Launch
2025 Whiskers and Paws I joined hundreds of supporters of the Auburn Valley Humane Society’s Annual Whiskers and Paws fundraiser at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Since 2013, over 15,304 animals have been adopted, 13,452 have been spayed or neutered and 2,843 animals have been reunited with their owners through AVHS. Thank you, Sharon LaVigne and staff!
With Auburn Valley Humane Society Director Sharon LaVigne
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 is your level of interest in attending farmers' markets? Please click this survey link to provide your input.
Non-Profit Corner
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Did you ever wonder where these phrases originated from? The third degree Meaning: To subject someone to intense interrogation or questioning Origin: There are several tales about the origin of the phrase “the third degree,” a saying commonly used for long or arduous interrogations. One theory argues the phrase relates to the various degrees of murder in the criminal code. Another explanation attributes it to Thomas F. Byrnes, a 19th-century police officer in New York City, who cleverly referred to his tough interrogation methods as “Third Degree Byrnes.” However, the phrase likely originates from the Freemasons, an ancient fraternal organization where members must undergo extensive questioning and tests before attaining the status of “third degree” members, or “master masons.” "Hands down" Meaning: To win easily, without effort Origin: Dating back to the 19th century, the phrase refers to horse jockeys loosening their grip on the reins when their horse had a strong lead in a race.
A Visit to Olympia I recently went to Olympia to see an “old” colleague. Although his title has changed, he remains the same. When elected to the King County Council, he was told they would buy new furniture for his office, but he ordered USED furniture instead. As Governor, they wanted him to replace the DECADES-old rug in his inner office with a $90,000 one, and he said just clean it! Bob Ferguson’s title has changed, but not the Irish in him. Good Luck, Governor Ferguson!
Now Recruiting for King County Metro Volunteer Advisory Boards King County Metro’s Access Paratransit Advisory Committee (APAC) and the King County Transit Advisory Commission (TAC) are currently recruiting for new members in several districts throughout King County. Those interested are encouraged to apply now to one of these volunteer advisory groups and help guide Metro’s work. The deadline to apply is May 12. More information can be found here.
Seattle/King County Clinic Offers Free Services April 24-27 Seattle/King County Clinic, a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center, welcomes anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare. The Clinic is scheduled for April 24 – 27, 2025, at Seattle Center. Click here for more information.
Public Health Insider: How to Choose a Pet Care Facility Finding the right place for your pet requires research, questions, and possibly a tour. Whether for grooming or boarding, it's important to ensure your pet will be safe, happy, and healthy in someone else's care. Public Health’s Pet Business Program works with local pet businesses to help them deliver the best care for your pet by providing education, technical support, and conducting annual inspections. Over 500 pet businesses in King County are inspected and permitted, including daycares, boarding facilities, grooming services, pet cafes, shelters, and more. To stay updated on pet business safety, check out these resources.
Mariners Opening While most people identify Jim Zorn with football, as a father and grandfather, he is into all sports! March 27th marked the 10th Opening Day we have attended together, and it was great to spend time with President Kevin Martinez, who has done so much to shape the Mariners brand. No team captures the past, present and future quite like the M’s do on Opening Day. 4 to 2. Go M’s!
Click here for the Mariners' Schedule
Ben's Fund When John Schneider was named the General Manager of the Seahawks on January 18, 2010, Seattle welcomed a champion for families with autism with services and equipment through Ben’s Fund. The Schneider family has so much to be proud of both on and off the field. It was great to see Head Coach Mike MacDonald, Doug Baldwin, and others unite in support of Ben, Traci, and John as we celebrated in the Lumen Field locker room.
Local Events Free Senior Lunch Program at Federal Way Community Center Seniors are invited to drop in for a FREE monthly lunch. Enjoy a nutritious meal in partnership with Steel Lake Presbyterian Church and the Federal Way Community Center. Held every second Wednesday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Federal Way Community Center. No registration required. Upcoming 2025 Dates: May 14, June 18, July 16, August 20
Join the City of Federal Way on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon for Parks Appreciation Day. There will be volunteer events at three different locations, so grab your gloves and help with planting, weeding, and cleanup to make a lasting impact in our green spaces. Click here for more information.
With best wishes, The first tree farm in the United States emerged from research conducted in the 1930s by the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, one of the country’s largest private landowners. After evaluating the economic advantages of selling, developing, or replanting its timberlands, the company designated 120,000 acres near Montesano, Grays Harbor County, in 1940 to experiment with fire-control and reforestation techniques. These experiments proved successful, leading to the establishment of the nation’s first tree farm on June 12, 1941, named after pioneering lumberman Charles H. Clemons.
Initially, seedlings were planted by hand. Foresters later attempted aerial seeding as a cost-effective method, but it resulted in uneven forest growth. Ultimately, hand planting became the favored approach. Within a decade, 29 states had created 3,000 tree farms encompassing 23 million acres, and this number continued to rise. By 2021, Washington alone boasted 1,218 tree farms covering 380,501 acres. The voluntary tree-farming certification program, managed nationally by the American Tree Farm System, targets smaller commercial and family farms with less than 10,000 acres. This designation can apply to tree plantations, nurseries, or Christmas tree farms. Photo source: HistoryLink.org
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The King County Flood Control District has opened the applications for the 2025 Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grants. The 2025 budget identifies $13.8 million in grant funding, and the deadline for applications is May 23. 
King County is launching the Human and Civil Rights Commission; a dedicated group working to advance equity and protect residents from discrimination. The Commission is required to have one member who is a resident of each Council district. Commission members who are not government employed receive a $75 stipend provided for each monthly commission meeting and reimbursements for transportation costs. Applications are open until June 3. 
Federal Way Parks Appreciation Day
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