June 5th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 06/05/2025 05:05 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 with King County Executive Shannon Braddock, FWPS' Pre-Apprenticeship Program for High School Seniors, the Auburn Noon Lions Eyeglasses Donation, South County Recycling and Transportation Project Update, PSE's Small Business Direct Install Program, transit and sports updates, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia On this day, 85 years ago, an individual drove the first automobile—a 1940 Lincoln Convertible—across the Lake Washington Floating Bridge, which is now known as the Lacey V. Murrow Bridge. Who was he? (Answer is at the bottom) Shannon Braddock has made history as our first female County Executive, having been unanimously elected by the King County Council to complete Dow Constantine's term until the certification of this year's election. Shannon is highly regarded by officials across all levels of government, and most importantly, she is trusted by local municipal leaders as a collaborative partner in regional governance. Thank you, Shannon, for joining us in Auburn for our “Good Eggs” meeting! Click here to view the Executive’s 200-day plan.
With King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, Mayors Dana Ralph (Kent), Traci Buxton (Des Moines), Jim Ferrell (Federal Way), Sean Kelly (Maple Valley), Jan Molinaro (Enumclaw), Troy Linnell (Algona), Dave Olson (Edgewood), Deputy Mayor Harry Steinmetz (Des Moines), Vice Chair John Daniels Jr. (Muckleshoot Tribal Council), Council President Satwinder Kaur (Kent), Councilmembers Ed Prince (Renton), David White (Algona), Clinton Taylor (Auburn), Hanan Amer (Auburn), Kate Baldwin (Auburn), and Zandria Michaud (Kent)
FWPS Celebrates Pre-Apprenticeship Program for High School Seniors Yesterday, I had the honor of joining Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, former state Rep. Jesse Johnson, trade instructors, and FWPS high school seniors at the Pre-Apprenticeship Program Senior Celebration held at Federal Way High School. Our youth NEED pathwayS (plural!) to success, whether white collar, blue collar, or no collar, and I am pleased to promote and support pre-apprenticeship programs in local high schools. The students I saw graduated with life skills that will serve them regardless of the path they pursue.
Culvert work scheduled for June 20 through June 22 West Valley Highway South will be fully closed to vehicles from 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, through 5 a.m. on Monday, June 23, as crews install a new culvert. Expect construction during the day with some nighttime work if necessary. Plan for extra travel time and follow posted detours along SR 167, or local roads as required, for the duration of construction. After the culvert installation, crews will begin utility work on-site and along West Valley Highway South, with intermittent one-lane closures to allow truck access. The station is expected to be complete in the spring of 2026. View time-lapse photos of the worksite updated daily.
Auburn Noon Lions Eyeglasses Donation As someone who wears glasses, I appreciate how expensive they are! The Glasses Donation Program I began with King County Metro is still working to recycle glasses for those that need them, and I recently handed over hundreds of unclaimed glasses left on buses to the Auburn Noon Lions. Present were the Auburn Noon Lions, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, and Parks Director Julie Krueger. The eyeglasses will be sent to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Lacey for examination, sorting, and distribution to individuals (like me) who aren’t blessed with 20/20 vision.
PSE Small Business Direct Install Program Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will be in Federal Way, specifically near S. 320th and Pacific Highway, from June 24 to June 26, to provide small businesses with complimentary energy-efficiency assessments and simple upgrades aimed at reducing energy bills. PSE small business customers in Federal Way are eligible to participate in this event. For more information, reach out to smallbusiness@pse.com. All small business customers in the service area are eligible to sign up for a free Small Business Energy Assessment program any time. Learn more at pse.com/smallbiz.
Transit Updates King County Metro Resumes Fare Inspection
Sound Transit Coffee Town Hall On July 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., I will be hosting a Coffee Town Hall with Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine at KO-AM TV in Federal Way. This Town Hall is a great opportunity for a dialogue between Sound Transit and the local community about projects in South King County, with a particular focus on the upcoming Link Light Rail Federal Way Downtown Station. To sign up, scan the QR code below or click this link.
Water Taxi Weeknight Post-Game Service to West Seattle Returns King County Water Taxi celebrates the return of weeknight post-game water taxi service to West Seattle beginning June 3 through August 26. The water taxi will provide evening post-game service Monday through Thursday. There will be three sailings between Pier 50 and the Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. The boat will leave downtown at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. There will be no delays in the schedule due to extra innings. Late night weekend (Friday through Saturday) service to West Seattle will continue through October 10.
Click here for the Mariners’ Schedule
From Baseball to Soccer Along with post-game sailings for the M’s, the water taxi will provide evening post-match service for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The world is coming to Lumen Field and the water taxi is ready to get you there and back, offering post-match service on Sunday, June 15 (Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders FC) and Wednesday, June 25 (FC Internazionale Milano vs. CA River Plate).
Seattle Mariners Honor Coach Joseph Townsend The only thing missing at T-Mobile Park was Coach Joseph Townsend’s smile as the Mariners honored this incredible father, friend and mentor from Thomas Jefferson High School. He did more in 52 years than most can do in 100 years. I am glad that his family heard through Dan Wilson’s words how much their father impacted so many. The man. The myth. The legend. Thank you, Coach Joe.
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. How often do you ride public transit and which modes of transportation have you utilized most frequently this year? Please click this survey link to provide your input.
Non-Profit Corner
Deadline Extended until June 30 for the Utility Box Art Program
Chosen artists will be paid a total of $550 for 1-3 designs once their artwork is print-ready and the artist contract is signed. Application deadline extended to 11:59 p.m. on June 30. Click here to learn more and apply.
Local Events and Highlights Regional Animal Services Pet Adoption Specials
What better way to spend long, summer days than with a new pet from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)? Now through July 31, RASKC will have daily pet adoption specials, with a theme for each day of the week. Senior Sundays: $30 adoption fee for all pets over 5 y/o, or for pet adopters 65+ Adopted pets also come with coupons for local pet stores, discounts for training, and 30 days of free pet insurance, among other benefits. All pets also come with an adoption guarantee. If a pet isn't a good match, adopters have 90 days to return the pet to RASKC for a full refund of the adoption fee. No refund is available if a pet is returned after 90 days. The King County Pet Adoption Center is at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Pet adoption hours are weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Learn more on the Tails from RASKC blog. See all pets available for adoption from RASKC at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet.
Drive-Thru Recycling Event
National Gun Violence Awareness Day & Free Gun Lockbox Giveaways Tomorrow, June 6, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is partnering with community organizations and South King County cities to host free gun lockbox giveaway events throughout King County. Check out the full event schedule and read more on the Public Health Insider here. The Federal Way Police Department will also distribute free handgun safes to community members on Saturday, June 7, at the City Hall (33325 8th Ave S) at 9 a.m.
Dr. Sierra Bains' Rooted: The Source of Disease and How to Heal Naturally Local author and University of Washington alum, Dr. Sierra Bains, has released a book titled Rooted, which focuses on enhancing personal health and has received positive reviews on Amazon. Our community members are actively engaged in giving back by sharing valuable information about perspectives. Thank you, Dr. Bains!
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Underdog Meaning: A loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest. Origin: The earliest known use of the word is in the 1850s, in the writing of D. Barker. It originated from the terminology of dogfighting, where the defeated dog was referred to as the "underdog," while the winner was called the "top dog." On cloud nine Meaning: To be extremely happy or elated. Origin: The origin of the term has been debated, yet the most widely accepted theory traces it back to the 1896 International Cloud Atlas. This atlas classified clouds and labeled the largest, fluffy cumulonimbus clouds as "Cloud 9." This connection to the highest and most magnificent type of cloud likely influenced its adoption to describe a state of extreme happiness or elation.
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
With best wishes,
Washington Trivia Answer: On June 5, 1940, the Lake Washington Floating Bridge was inaugurated, with Governor Clarence Martin being the first to cross in his 1940 Lincoln Convertible, joyfully driving over the bridge twice. Halfway through his journey, he made history by being the first person to pay the toll. Approximately 2,000 spectators gathered at the Seattle tunnel plaza, with more near the toll booths at Mercer Island, for the ceremonial inauguration of the floating bridge. The event was broadcast nationwide, featuring Kate Stevens Bates, daughter of Washington's first governor, who cut the red ribbon and released a yellow urn with water from fifty-eight state lakes, bays, and rivers onto the bridge. Designed by engineer Homer Hadley, the bridge employs a groundbreaking technology for its time, floating on hollow concrete pontoons. Spanning Lake Washington, it connects the Mount Baker neighborhood of Seattle to the northern end of Mercer Island, extending to the eastern side of Lake Washington south of Bellevue. Over the course of 18 months of construction, approximately 3,000 workers were employed, including 1,200 individuals who worked directly on-site. This structure carries US Route 10, which was later reallocated and renamed Interstate 90. Upon its completion, it stood as the largest floating bridge ever constructed. In 1967, it was renamed the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge. Lacey Murrow, a graduate of Washington State College in Pullman in 1925, was the second director of the Washington State Highway Department. He was also a distinguished U.S. Air Force officer, serving as a bomber pilot during World War II and achieving the rank of brigadier general. Additionally, he’s the elder brother of CBS commentator Edward Murrow.
Photo source: Paul Dorpat's Seattle Now & Then
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On May 31, King County Metro resumed fare inspection. Fare Inspection Officers are asking riders for proof of payment on board King County Metro buses and Seattle Streetcars. Riders without proof of payment will receive a written warning. Riders can receive two of these written warnings without consequence. However, third and subsequent citations may result in a fine or the option of an alternative resolution. 
The King County Department of Local Services is looking for art to be showcased on public utility boxes in East Federal Way and Skyway/West Hill. Community members chose to fund this project through King County's Participatory Budgeting program, where residents submit ideas to improve their neighborhoods and then vote to choose which ideas will be funded.
Free Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. Bring your metal, styrofoam, and plastic film for recycling and documents for shredding to this FREE drive-thru event. For more information, call 253-835-2771, 
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