May 9th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 05/09/2025 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 Korean School of Federal Way, Comcast’s Spring into Service Day at El Centro de la Raza, Federal Way High School's Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a wildfire protection survey, funding opportunities, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia This sport, which originated in Washington, has experienced a remarkable increase in popularity in recent years, making it the fastest-growing sport in America for three consecutive years. What sport could this be? (Answer is at the bottom) Washington State is proud to host nearly 100,000 Korean Americans, making it an ideal place to exchange cultural, economic, and social ideas through initiatives like the Korean School of Federal Way. I had the pleasure of attending a dinner with Consul General Eunji Seo, Hon. Mike Park, and Mayors Nancy Backus and Jim Ferrell. Notably, Washington is home to the seventh largest Asian population in the United States.
Comcast’s Spring into Service Day at El Centro de la Raza VIVA!!! Volunteerism took center stage at El Centro de la Raza, and I was privileged to spend time with founder Estela Ortega and our sponsor, Comcast. I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing volunteers who came forward to assist those in need in South King County. While we may not be able to help everyone, each of us can make a difference for someone!
Wildfire Protection Survey A wildfire in unincorporated King County could have major impacts. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prepare for and prevent fires, including:
Another important thing you can do is take five minutes to complete King County’s 2025 Wildfire Protection Survey.
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.
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 types of local events are you most interested in attending? Please click this survey link to provide your input.
Non-Profit Corner
Federal Way National Little League Jamboree Sports bring people together, and I had the privilege of informing all of the families and players gathered at the Federal Way National Little League Jamboree that I successfully secured funding from King County to install new turf fields at their facility. Turf will mean less cancelled games, more time on the field, better safety, and more opportunities for the league to open the field up for their Challenger program. The board members, participants, parents, and supporters are all united in their commitment to improving the playing conditions for our young athletes, and I was glad to be there.
Federal Way High School Pre-Apprenticeship YOU'RE HIRED!! I am committed to expanding job opportunities by supporting pre-apprenticeship programs in our public schools. I was pleased to collaborate with Federal Way School District’s Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, former Representative Jesse Johnson, and former Seahawk (and apprenticeship advocate) Doug Baldwin at Federal Way High School’s program. Jesse has been instrumental in developing apprenticeship programs in the State House, and this year, King County has allocated $250,000 to support the initiative.
Senior Health and Resource Fair The Federal Way Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center. The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome. Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.
South King Tool Library Clothing Swap Event
Federal Way Farmers Market 2025 The 2025 City of Federal Way Farmers Market is set to open on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Commons Mall (1701 S. 320th, Federal Way, WA 98003), specifically in the south parking lot along 324th & Pacific Hwy. The market will be open every Saturday until October 25.
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Bluetooth Meaning: A short-range wireless technology standard for data exchange between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. Origin: Originating in the 10th century, Bluetooth was a nickname for Danish King named Harald Bluetooth Gormsson (Harald I of Denmark). He united Denmark and Norway, just as bluetooths unite devices. The name was chosen for the technology to symbolize its ability to connect and unify different devices, just as King Harald unified the Scandinavian tribes. The Bluetooth logo also incorporates the initials H and B, representing Harald Bluetooth. A sight for sore eyes Meaning: It is a relief or joy to see. Origin: The idiomatic expression "a sight for sore eyes" was first documented in Jonathan Swift’s A Complete Collection of Genteel and Ingenious Conversation in 1738, where it states, “The Sight of you is good for sore Eyes.” In this context, it conveys the idea that seeing someone is a refreshing and welcome relief.
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
In Memoriam Whether it was in Arizona during Spring Training, in my office at the courthouse in Seattle at 7 a.m. when his shift ended, or on the new baseball fields at Thomas Jefferson High School, there was never a more dedicated father or coach than Joseph Townsend. We lost this incredible 52-year-old last week, leaving thousands of players, parents, and coaches in shock. Coach Townsend was larger than life and full of life! He was cherished from Brooklyn to Federal Way for his unwavering commitment to baseball and the values he instilled in his players. Rest in peace, my friend.
With best wishes, Pickleball, a unique blend of badminton and tennis, was first invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends created the game by improvising with whiffle balls after they were unable to find a shuttlecock and shortened their rackets. Over time, new wooden paddles were developed, rules were defined, and the game of Pickleball began to take form. The name "Pickleball" is inspired by a term from crew racing; a "pickle boat" refers to a boat filled with oarsmen chosen from the leftover members of other teams. Given that Pickleball combines elements from various sports, the name felt particularly appropriate.
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association Topline Participation Report for 2025, approximately 19.8 million individuals engaged in pickleball in the U.S. in 2024, marking a 45.8% rise from 2023 figures. This translates to an impressive average increase of 311% in participation over the past three years. The number of pickleball tournaments is consistently on the rise. In 2024, USA Pickleball organized 142 tournaments. Additionally, the Professional Pickleball Association conducted 26 tournaments, the Association of Pickleball Players held 20, and Major League Pickleball hosted 11, which reflects an increase of over 300% compared to 2023. Pete with Joel Pritchard in the Senate Chambers Source: WA State Department of Commerce & Pickleheads.com To unsubscribe or update your preferences, click here. |
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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. 
The South King Tool Library in Federal Way (1700 S 340th St, Federal Way, 98003) will be holding a free community clothing swap on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes, and take home amazing and new-to-you items while helping reduce textile waste. Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for spring/summer). Items on hangers appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local nonprofits for reuse and recycling. 
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