July 31st Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/31/2025 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 with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, the Executive's Small Business Awards, the King County Flood Control District's 2025 CWM Grant Awards, the 69th Annual Kiwanis of Federal Way Salmon Bake, transit updates, local events, and more. Washington Trivia Over 90 years ago, a racetrack was inaugurated in King County, having been constructed in a remarkable span of just 28 days. What is the name of this racetrack? (Answer is at the bottom) “Money…money…money. Always sunny,” said the Swedish band ABBA in 1976. Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti gave a darker and difficult appraisal of finances for the coming years at the “Good Eggs” Breakfast. It is critical for the legislature to maintain and sustain our state’s rainy-day fund. Thanks to Caffe D’arte and Jeff Stock for their gift to our speaker.
With Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotii, South King County Mayors Dave Olson (Edgewood), Jim Ferrell (Federal Way), Troy Linnell (Algona), Nancy Backus (Auburn), Dana Ralph (Kent), Traci Buxton (Des Moines), Sean Kelly (Maple Valley), and Caffe D’arte Owner Jeff Stock
Applications Now Open for the Executive’s Small Business Awards Applications are open for the Executive’s Small Business Awards, recognizing small businesses' innovation and impact in King County. There are eight award categories: Overall Small Business, Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Exporting, Green/Sustainable, Workforce Development, Rural, and Creative Economy. The application deadline is August 10, 2025, with the awards ceremony on October 1, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Read more here.
King County Flood Control District Awards $12.2 Million in 2025 CWM Grants The King County Flood Control District has successfully allocated over $12.2 million in grants through its 2025 Cooperative Watershed Management (CWM) Grant Program for habitat restoration, salmon recovery, and water quality projects. In its 13th year, the program received 99 applications totaling over $21.5 million, highlighting the strong demand for environmental restoration in King County. This funding strengthens our partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and tribal nations committed to the restoration and protection of our shared watersheds. Read more here.
Transit Updates Sound Transit Board Accelerates Federal Way Link Extension Opening Last Thursday, July 24, the Sound Transit Board approved a revised timeline for the Federal Way Link Extension, which is now anticipated to begin operations as early as winter 2025. After years of getting coal in our stocking, I am hopeful that South King County will get an early Christmas gift in time for the busy holiday season. For those who have been patiently waiting (and paying!), this could be our own “Polar Express,” and I am grateful to the Board for accelerating the opening of Link Light Rail in Federal Way. Read more here.
S 272nd Street Nighttime Full Closures
Fleet Week Fun: Complimentary Rides for Military Members and Veterans
Events include Seafair Weekend with hydro races and the Boeing Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. A free shuttle will operate from Columbia City Link light rail station to the Seafair festival entrance from 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Read more here.
Kiwanis Club of Federal Way Hosts 69th Annual Salmon Bake Thanks to my colleagues, Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay, for accepting my invitation to the 69th Kiwanis Salmon Bake and for bringing their families along. As a former President, I am proud of the Kiwanis legacy of supporting local charities for decades, and I am pleased that hundreds of attendees let me serve them at Steel Lake Park.
(Top) With Bette Simpson-Opstad, Joyce Bruce, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, Jazzy Zahilay, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci; (Bottom) With Kiwanis member Kim Hensley and Sue Celski
Get your sneakers ready, the Almost 5K Poker Fun Run is just eight days away! Walk, run, or take a stroll around Les Gove Park on Friday, August 8. Here’s how it works: for each lap around the loop, participants will stop, choose a card, and try to get the best poker hand with the five cards drawn. Check in begins at 6:00 PM, with the route opening at 6:30 PM.
The Federal Way Diversity Commission is excited to host the Federal Way Community Festival on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00-6:00 PM at Town Square Park. Don't miss out on this incredible festival that brings together the best of Federal Way. It will include diverse food, local art, a kid zone, diverse live music and performances, and more.
Federal Way Parks and Recreation Debuts Fun New Discovery App There is a new way to explore parks in Federal Way! Agents of Discovery lets you explore parks, solve fun challenges, and earn digital rewards, all through a free app that turns your walk into an adventure. Current Missions are available at Town Square Park (Fun Facts of Federal Way) and Steel Lake Park (Learn About Parks).
Non-Profit Corner
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Goodbye Meaning: An expression of good wishes or affection on parting. Origin: The term originates from the Middle English expression “God be with you,” which gradually evolved into “God be with ye.” This phrase was eventually shortened to “godbwye,” and ultimately became the modern form “goodbye.” Take it with a grain or pinch of salt Meaning: To not completely believe something that you are told. Origin: The concept originated from an ancient Roman belief that a grain of salt could neutralize the effects of poison. This belief gave rise to a figurative meaning of skepticism, suggesting that one should refrain from fully believing or trusting a claim or statement, particularly if it originates from an unreliable source.
Paralytic Shellfish Poison Detected on Local Beaches Paralytic shellfish poison has been found at unsafe levels from Alki Beach down to Dash Point State Park, as well as along all the beaches on the eastern shores of Vashon-Maury Island, including Quartermaster Harbor. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has prohibited recreational shellfish harvesting in these areas. Recreational shellfish harvesting can be closed at any time for multiple reasons, including rising levels of PSP or pollution. Therefore, harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 or visit DOH's shellfish safety website before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Puget Sound.
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Click here for the Mariners’ Schedule
With best wishes,
Washington Trivia Answer: On August 3, 1933, Longacres Racetrack opened in Renton, Washington, after being built in just 28 days by a workforce impacted by the Great Depression. Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca and founded by Joseph Gottstein, the racetrack revived horse racing in the state after a gambling ban in 1909.
In the days leading up to Longacres Racetrack's opening, Seattle newspapers reported excitement, showcasing an artist's sketch and inviting fans to attend. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer emphasized the return of horse racing, with estimates of 200 to over 500 thoroughbreds arriving. The event drew prominent figures from various sectors, creating a lively atmosphere at the racetrack. On opening day at Longacres, eight races attracted around 11,000 fans, including Governor Clarence Martin, who acknowledged the revenue potential of legalized gambling. Notable races included a claiming event won by Vetsera and a $1,000 handicap race for older horses won by Onrush. The next day, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer highlighted Joseph Gottstein's role in reviving horse racing. The inaugural Longacres race meet lasted 40 days, ending on September 17, 1933. In 1963, Joseph Gottstein retired and transferred Longacres to his son-in-law Morris Alhadeff. As competition from greyhound racing and illegal gambling increased, Washington legalized bingo and established the Gambling Commission. Longacres faced declining attendance after the lottery's creation in 1982 and competition from professional sports. Despite efforts to modernize and expand, attendance continued to fall. By 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act intensified competition, prompting the Alhadeff family to sell the land. Longacres closed on September 21, 1992, after its final race, and was sold to Boeing for $80 million, which later demolished the racetrack structures and developed the site into an office park. It was the longest running track on the West Coast. Photo source: Historylink.org
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Starting today, July 31, through Tuesday, August 5, Sound Transit will conduct overnight roadway closures on eastbound S 272nd St (from 26th Ave S to I-5 off/on-ramp) to complete roadway restorations. The closures will take place nightly between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Please follow all signed detours and flagger directions carefully. 
Active-duty military members and veterans can enjoy complimentary rides from Metro and Sound Transit during Fleet Week, July 29-August 3.
Auburn's Almost 5K Poker Fun Run, Walk, or Stroll
Federal Way Community Festival
Joseph Gottstein, hailed as a hero by Washingtonians eager to engage in the Sport of Kings, alongside William Edris, advocated for legalized pari-mutuel betting starting in 1922, achieving success on March 13, 1933, when Governor Clarence Martin signed House Bill 59. On June 20, 1933, the Washington Jockey Club, founded by Gottstein and others, received a permit for a one-mile track on a suitable former dairy farm in Renton valley.
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