September 25th Community Update

 

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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 King County 2026-27 Budget Process, the Recognition of Mexican Independence Day, the "Good Eggs" Breakfast with State Auditor Pat McCarthy, grants, local events, road and local services updates, and more.

 

Washington Trivia

These three state parks were historically referred to as the "Triangle of Fire" because of their significant military positioning. Can you name them?

(Answer is at the bottom)




King County 2026-27 Budget Process

On Tuesday, September 23, King County Executive Shannon Braddock transmitted her proposed biennial budget for 2026-27 to the King County Council for consideration and approval. Click here to access the proposed budget, view committee meeting schedules, and share your comments.

Budget

 

Mexican Independence Day

On September 16, the King County Council recognized Mexican Independence Day, coinciding with National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15. I had the honor of hosting Counselor Víctor Hugo López Ortega, the incoming Consul General of Consulado de México en Seattle, along with community leaders and members who significantly contribute to our region's cultural life, economy, and future. Watch it here.

Mexico

With incoming Consul General of Consulado de México en Seattle Víctor Hugo López Ortega, King County Councilmembers Girmay Zahilay, Teresa Mosqueda, Jorge Barón, Claudia Balducci, Sarah Perry, De’Sean Quinn, Reagan Dunn, and Rod Dembowski, Seattle Latino Chamber of Commerce President & Founder Marcos Wanless, Comunidad Co-founder Alejandra Tres, and community members

 

"Good Eggs" Breakfast with State Auditor Pat McCarthy

Accountability! It’s a word that many talk about, but State Auditor Pat McCarthy sets the bar! At this month's Good Eggs breakfast, Pat shared how her office reviews many different programs throughout the state, from local governments to statewide agencies, to ensure that public resources are used effectively and with accountability. Thank you, Pat! 

Good Eggs Pat McCarthy

With State Auditor Pat McCarthy and South King County Mayors Jim Ferrell (Federal Way), Dave Olson (Edgewood), Jan Molinaro (Enumclaw), Armondo Pavone (Renton), Troy Linnell (Algona), Nancy Backus (Auburn), Dana Ralph (Kent), Sean Kelly (Maple Valley), and Traci Buxton (Des Moines)

 

Alan M. Painter Grants

The Department of Local Services is now accepting applications for the 2026 Alan M. Painter Grant Program. This popular program supports projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance unincorporated communities. Funded projects benefit all community members, regardless of race, income, or language spoken. Funds may not be used for political activities.

A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2026, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for chosen projects will begin in March 2026. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5.  For more information, email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-3800.

 

Annual Shredding Event

Sports and shredding dominated my weekend. Neighbors brought boxes filled with various types of paper for disposal. Meanwhile, the Mariners shredded the Angels, winning 11 to 2, and the Seahawks shredded the Steelers with a score of 31 to 7.

Shredding

 

South King County Scholar-Athlete Breakfast

Thanks to Voice of the Seahawks, Steve Raible, and Seahawks General Manager, John Schneider, for their invaluable support in raising funds for scholar-athletes in South King County. 400 players, coaches, parents and generous sponsors came together to listen and learn. Previous breakfast speakers included Doug Baldwin, Jim Zorn, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Dipoto, and Steve Largent. Sports bring people together!

SKC

With Muckleshoot Tribal Council Vice President John Daniels Jr., Kent Council President Satwinder Kaur, Auburn School District Superintendent Alan Spicciatti, along with student athletes from the Federal & Auburn School Districts and the Muckleshoot Tribal School

 

Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart Ceremony

As a military veteran in public office, I get invitations to special events, such as the unveiling of Alaska Airlines' Fallen Soldier Cart at Seattle-Tacoma International  Airport. This initiative is part of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program, which is dedicated to respectfully transporting the caskets of fallen soldiers while also supporting their families and military escorts. Thank you, Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci and Alaska All Pro Lisa Carlson, for honoring our fallen heroes. Together, we stand united!

AS

 

2025 Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Summit

VSHSL2025 Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy Summit Registration is officially open for the fourth annual King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Summit, happening October 24 and 25 at the DoubleTree Southcenter.

The summit theme this year is “The Road Ahead: Building Possibilities” and together we will explore innovative ideas, strengthen connections, and build possibilities that shape the future of human services in King County. Click here for more information.

Friday, October 24 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Register Here

Saturday, October 25 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Register Here

For questions about October 24, contact Taylor Gaston at tgaston@kingcounty.gov and Riishaar Baker at ribaker@kingcounty.gov about October 25. 

 

Local Events

TOF

Taste of Federal Way

The Taste of Federal Way is set to return on Saturday, September 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 each, which include food tastings from seven local restaurants, as well as a beverage and dessert. Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event at the Federal Way Farmers Market.

 

Fall Festival at the PAEC

Fall

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center for its Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be live music, bounce house fun and games, and local vendors showcasing their crafts and offering food for purchase. Families can also enjoy a variety of craft opportunities, participate in the community art project, and sit for a screening of Disney's "Coco" in the theater. Free access is supported by Arts Foundation Federal Way and 4Culture. Click here to RSVP.

 

Drive-Thru Recycling Event

Recycle

The City of Federal Way and South King Tool Library will be hosting another free Drive-Thru Appliances and Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, September 27. Read more here.

Residents can drop off up to three large items for free recycling, including refrigerators & freezers, stoves, washers and dryers, air conditioners, microwaves, dehumidifiers, and small appliances. Free recycling of small to medium-sized electronics (examples include computers, TVs, gaming equipment, cables).

 

Road Closures

Northbound SR 167

The two left lanes of northbound SR 167 remain closed until further notice at 3rd Avenue in Pacific/Algona (milepost 11). This closure is a result of a recent bridge strike that caused damage to the structure. Expect delays in this area and exercise caution while driving. Read more here.

 

I-5 Southbound through Kent

I-5 southbound through Kent will be closed from SR 516/Kent Des Moines Road to South 272nd Street on Friday, September 26, from 11:59 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday, September 29, for concrete panel replacement and pavement repairs. Local traffic can detour via SR 99 or Military Road South, while southbound SR 167 will remain open. Note that the southbound SR 509 expressway will also be closed during this time.

 

SR 18 Westbound in Auburn

One lane will be open on Friday, September 26, from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Sunday, September 28. The Auburn Way South on-ramp to westbound SR 18 will be closed. A signed detour will direct motorists to the 3rd Street Southwest on-ramp for access to westbound SR 18. Additionally, all westbound lanes will be closed on Sunday, September 28, from 2 a.m. until 5 a.m. on Monday, September 29.

Traffic on westbound SR 18 will be required to use the off-ramp to Auburn Way South, with the option to re-enter westbound SR 18 via the on-ramp. Police officers will be present to manage traffic at the intersection. This work involves the replacement of bridge joints and is contingent upon weather conditions, which may result in rescheduling. This project is part of the larger eastbound SR 18 C Street Southwest to Green River paving and joint replacement initiative.

 

Share Your Thoughts on Improving Traffic Safety in Unincorporated King County

Road Services is developing a plan to enhance traffic safety in unincorporated King County and is eager to hear your feedback. Your insights will assist in creating a clearer understanding of the situation in your community and will support King County in applying for grants aimed at improving traffic safety. Help make county roads safer to drive, bike, walk, and roll on by sharing your thoughts at Traffic Safety Planning - PublicInput.

To sign up for timely alerts, visit WSDOT | King County Roads | King County Metro | Sound Transit.

 

CERT Basic Course

CERT

The Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team will host its Fall CERT Basic Course on Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM from September 17 through November 12. CERT teaches residents disaster preparedness and planning, first aid, use of fire extinguishers, and search and rescue. Training is free. Read more here. To sign up, email Sharon Green at sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov.

 

Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank | Auburn Noon Lions | Auburn Valley Humane Society | Bloodworks Northwest | Eileen & Callie’s Place | Federal Way Historical Society | Federal Way Kiwanis | Federal Way Lions | Federal Way Public MarketFederal Way Senior Center | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | Soroptimist International of Federay Way | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance

 

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Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from?

A dime a dozen

Meaning: Very common and lacks any distinct value.

Origin: The phrase "a dime a dozen" originated after the dime was introduced in 1796, initially indicating a good deal, like a dozen eggs. Over time, it evolved to describe something of little value and easy availability, with its first known use in this context around 1930. People then adopted this new meaning widely.

When push comes to shove

Meaning: When a situation escalates to a serious, critical, or urgent level, it necessitates the making of difficult decisions or the taking of decisive action.

Origin: The phrase “when push comes to shove” has its roots in the 19th-century English pub game known as shove ha'penny. In this game, players would slide coins toward the edge of a board, with the winner being the one who managed to push their coin the farthest. Over time, this expression evolved to represent scenarios where an individual is compelled to take decisive action, much like the act of pushing coins in the game. In a workplace context, “when push comes to shove” typically refers to moments when someone faces a challenging decision or obstacle, necessitating immediate action. This phrase underscores the significance of being ready to tackle tough choices when circumstances call for it. 

 

Local Services Contact Information



Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Crime Maps: Auburn| Federal Way| Kent | all of King County
Law Enforcement Updates: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | KCSO Unincorporated

To report illegal street racing in your neighborhood, dial 911.

Vaccine Locator: For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

Schedules

Mariners Postseason Schedule | Seahawks Schedule | Sounders Schedule

 

Take transit to all your sporting and community events in Seattle. Metro and Link light rail serve riders heading to T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Lumen Field, and Climate Pledge Arena. 

 

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember

 

Washington Trivia Answer:

The "Triangle of Fire" encompasses Fort Worden, Fort Casey, and Fort Flagler, three strategically positioned forts in Washington State surrounding Admiralty Inlet, designed to safeguard Puget Sound from naval threats during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Fort Worden, located in Port Townsend, served as the command center for Puget Sound's harbor defense, overseeing Fort Casey on Whidbey Island and Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island. Built as part of a nationwide effort to modernize coastal defenses, these forts were equipped with disappearing guns and mortars designed to create a coordinated crossfire.

Their significance primarily resided in deterrence, particularly during times of heightened anxiety regarding naval threats, although they were never deployed in combat. Advances in aviation and naval technology eventually rendered them obsolete, leading to their decommissioning in the mid-20th century. Today, all three forts are preserved as state parks, offering historical tours, trails, and exhibits that highlight Washington's military and maritime heritage.

Triangle of Fire

A modern map depicting the location of the "Triangle of Fire" (The Seattle Times)

 


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Contact me: pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov
206-477-1007, 800-325-6165, TTY/TDD 206-296-1024
Website: www.kingcounty.gov/vonReichbauer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pete.vonreichbauer

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