August 14th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/14/2025 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 U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship in Federal Way, KCSO's restoration of staffing levels in unincorporated King County, the Surface Water Management Fee Discount, transit & flood control updates, local events, and more. Washington Trivia Exactly 130 years ago, this distinguished American writer and humorist visited Washington state, delivering a lecture at Lighthouse Hall in New Whatcom as part of his global speaking tour. Who was this notable figure? (Answer is at the bottom) Last week, over 1,100 men and women swimmers (and their families) from around the world were at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, including one 94-year-old. Thank you, U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship sponsors, for selecting Federal Way and utilizing our hotels, restaurants, and supporting jobs in the hospitality industry.
Competition Pool and Dive Tank Closure The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center will be closed for annual maintenance until September 1, 2025. Office hours will be 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on August 18–21 and August 25–28. For inquiries, contact 206-477-4444.
King County Sheriff's Office Restores Staffing Levels in Unincorporated King County The King County Sheriff's Office has restored minimum deputy staffing levels in unincorporated King County as of July 28, following a budget approval that allocated $845,000 to reverse prior staffing cuts. These reductions had previously increased emergency response times due to limited resources and unexpected overtime costs. The restoration of staffing levels brings services back to standard in both the North and Southeast precincts.
Transit Updates RapidRide I Line
The RapidRide I Line, set to launch in 2027, will connect to the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center, and Auburn Station. It will link riders to the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses, Sounder Train, and local bus services, enhancing travel to regional destinations and local routes. Metro is developing the I Line to address the need for better north-south transportation in south King County. Visit the RapidRide I Line website to learn how you can connect with Metro during virtual office hours, community tabling events, and open houses. You can also check the interactive map and learn about the passenger stations, and other improvements this project will bring! Upcoming events: • Kent Farmers Market August 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Metro Fares Change Beginning September 1
Starting September 1, 2025, adult fares will increase on King County Metro buses, Metro Flex, Seattle Streetcar lines, and King County Water Taxi routes, aligning Metro fares with Sound Transit's flat fare of $3. ORCA LIFT fares for Water Taxi routes will also change, but reduced fares for Senior, Disabled, Youth, and ORCA LIFT riders will remain the same elsewhere. Additionally, the Metro Vanpool/Transit pass will rise from $99 to $108. Read more here.
Surface Water Management Fee Discount King County's Stormwater Services offers a 50 percent surface water management fee discount for low-income property owners in unincorporated areas. Households already receiving the Senior Citizen and Disabilities Reduction do not need to apply. The application period is from August 1 to September 15 each year. For more information, visit kingcounty.gov/swmfeediscount or contact them at 206-477-4800 or wlrdswm@kingcounty.gov.
King County Flood Control District Update: Celebrating 25 Years of WRIAs This year marks a 25-year milestone of coordinated watershed-based salmon recovery partnerships for Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs). In King County, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) has supported watershed restoration for over 12 years through the Cooperative Watershed Management (CWM) Grant Program, funding salmon habitat protection and watershed health in WRIA 7, WRIA 8, WRIA 9, and WRIA 10. Read more here.
Local Events FUSION Annual Gala: Waves of Change It never rains on FUSION! The only thing pouring down was a wave of support to help make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. As the honorary chair of FUSION, I was honored to attend yet another successful summer gala on Saturday at the Dumas Bay Center in Federal Way. This year’s theme, “Waves of Change,” complemented the breathtaking backdrop of Dumas Bay. Thanks to FUSION for all you have accomplished in Federal Way since 1993, and for your ongoing dedication to supporting families, particularly those with children, in our city.
With FUSION Executive Director David Harrison and former FUSION resident Melissa Bailey
Federal Way’s Back-to-School Free Haircuts
Repair Café Event
Annual Shredding Event It's that time of year again! On Saturday, September 13, residents of South King County will have two opportunities to participate in a free shredding event. Seadrunar, a secure document disposal company, will have mobile shredding units at two locations: the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and The Outlet Collection Mall in Auburn from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Attendees will have the chance to witness their documents being shredded on-site. Note: No commercial/for-profit shredding allowed. Individuals/businesses attempting to shred documents on behalf of customers for a fee are strictly prohibited.
Non-Profit Corner
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Once in a blue moon Meaning: A rare occurrence. Origin: A "Blue Moon" refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, an uncommon event due to the approximately 29.5 days between full moons. The term likely originated in 1883 after the Krakatoa eruption, which caused the Moon to appear blue due to atmospheric dust. This was so unusual that the term "once in a Blue Moon" was coined. The term was also used similarly to how we refer to the "Harvest Moon." Traditionally, there were twelve names for full moons, one assigned to each month, while “Blue Moon” was designated for years with 13 full moons. Specifically, it indicated the third full moon among the four that occur between an equinox and a solstice in that year. However, a misinterpretation arose from a "Star Quiz" published in Sky and Telescope Magazine in July 1943, followed by an article in March 1946. This suggested that the second full moon in any calendar month should be termed a Blue Moon, a definition linked to the 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac, which has since become widely accepted in contemporary language. Spill the beans Meaning: Unintentionally or indiscreetly disclose confidential information. Origin: Historians suggest this may have originated from an ancient Greek voting practice in which beans were utilized to cast votes. Prematurely spilling the beans could inadvertently disclose the outcome of the election. In contemporary usage, "spilling the beans" metaphorically signifies the revelation of confidential information, often resulting in disruptions or unexpected consequences.
Tick Bite Emergency Room Visits in the U.S. Increase According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), emergency room visits due to tick bites have risen this summer, marking the highest numbers since 2019 which had seen 600 cases. Tick bite cases typically start increasing in March, peaking in May and June. However, just in May alone there were at least 134 hospital visits reported, totaling 447 ER visits from January to early July. For safety measures on preventing and removing ticks, refer to the WA Department of Health website.
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Mariners’ Schedule | Seahawks’ Schedule
With best wishes,
Washington Trivia Answer:
On August 14, 1895, Mark Twain performed to an enthusiastic audience at Lighthouse Hall in New Whatcom, which later became part of Bellingham. Drawing over 700 attendees, his show included various topics, and the crowd even requested an encore. This was Twain's final U.S. stop after a 90-minute lecture at the Seattle Theater the day before. The program advertised topics ranging from "About a Deceased Person" to "The Terrible German Language." Afterward, Twain sought a drink but faced challenges since he was staying at the teetotaler-run Fairhaven Hotel, which had removed the hotel’s bar five years earlier. His hosts quickly organized a post-lecture gathering at the nearby Cascade Club, serving hot toddies to local citizens eager to meet the author. Twain then left for Vancouver, BC marking the start of a world tour that rejuvenated his creativity and inspired his book, Following the Equator, as well as Richard Zacks' 2016 book, Chasing the Last Laugh. Photo source: Historylink.org
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King County Metro is actively engaging with communities in Renton, Kent and Auburn about the RapidRide I Line and preparations for the upcoming construction this fall. The 
The City of Federal Way is partnering with local hairstylists to provide complimentary back-to-school haircuts for residents on Friday, August 22, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Town Square Park. This service is available for children ages five to eighteen. Attendees are encouraged to bring a food donation to support the Multi-Service Center.
The City of Federal Way and South King Tool Library will be hosting another free Repair Café on Saturday, August 23, at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St., Federal Way 98003) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening. 
In the summer of 1895, Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, traveled to Washington State as part of his global speaking tour. Approaching his 60th birthday and feeling uninspired due to deep debt, aging and health issues, he embarked on a yearlong speaking tour to pay his debts.
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