January 8th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 01/08/2026 05:00 PM PST
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News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives. Dear Friends: Happy New Year! Today’s update includes news about the King County Council's recognition of Ken Jennings, Richa Malik’s nomination to the Harborview Board of Trustees, the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a summary of King County's response to the historic flooding, transit updates, and more.
Washington Trivia This bridge, which connects Tacoma and Fife, was dedicated exactly 99 years ago. Can you name the bridge? (Answer is at the bottom) King County Council Recognizes Ken Jennings Thomas Wolfe once wrote a book back in the 1940s, You Can't Go Home Again. Well, Ken Jennings didn't read that book. He came home again. On Tuesday, January 6, the King County Council recognized Ken not for the records that he set as a member and host of the show Jeopardy!. We recognized him as someone who looked back, came back, and gave back. He is someone who returned home, and when it comes to local involvement, local charities – Ken Jennings is all in. Watch the KREM 2 News feature here | Read more in The Seattle Times article here
While Ken is known to the world for his record-setting numbers as a contestant on Jeopardy!, not to mention his success in following host Alex Trebek, Ken and his family are grounded in philanthropic work in Seattle as well as fans of the Mariners. It was a pleasure inviting Ken and his wife Mindy to the courthouse where his dad once practiced law!
Harborview Board of Trustees In 2015, I nominated Steffanie Moxon Fain to be my representative on the Harborview Board of Trustees, where she served as president for over five years. In 2025, I nominated Richa Malik to be our new board member as Steffanie was elected to the King County Council. Both are mothers of two, accomplished attorneys, and strong advocates for medical care in South King County, representing the best and brightest of our underserved region. Richa speaks fluent English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, and is learning other languages reflective of our growing region.
Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Community members are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for the 2026 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “mentorship”, and the accompanying quote is “We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.”– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When: Thursday, January 15th, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Where: Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University, 901 12th Ave, Seattle The event is free and open to the public! Read more here.
Major ‘Revive I-5’ Repairs Start for Ship Canal Bridge This Weekend Seattle's Revive I-5 project resumes on January 9, focusing on the northbound Ship Canal Bridge to extend its lifespan and enhance safety. While two northbound lanes will close for repairs, minimizing traffic disruption during major events like the World Cup is planned. To accommodate increased ridership during construction, Metro will add up to 17 buses on weekdays and 12 on weekends to help mitigate travel delays. Read more here. 2026 dates to know:
* Full northbound I-5 closures extend from I-90 to NE 45th St ** Two-lane reductions extend from SR 520 to NE 45th St
A Recap of King County’s Response to Historic Flooding On December 8, King County experienced historic flooding due to two atmospheric rivers, with several rivers reaching flood Phase 4. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) coordinated efforts to manage flood risks and ensure public safety. While numbers never tell the full story, they do illustrate the scale of effort involved in responding to the catastrophic flood:
The King County's Flood Warning Center is now closed. Thank you to the flood patrol staff, Flood Warning Center operators, maintenance crews, partner agencies, and community members for their roles during the event. Preparedness and collaboration are vital as we live and work near King County’s rivers. DNRP’s Recap | King County Flood Control District’s Best of 2025
King County Disaster Assistance Centers King County recently opened Disaster Assistance Centers in Auburn, Issaquah, and Carnation to help community members impacted by the recent flooding to apply for Washington State’s Individual Assistance Programs. For those who were unable to attend, applications can also be submitted online at sahelp.org or check kcemergency.com for the latest information. Flood Recovery Visit kingcounty.gov/flood-recovery for assistance and resources. Visit kingcounty.gov/health/flood for essential information on health and safety following a flood. King County Solid Waste: Free Storm Debris Drop-off Locations Free disposal is still available for self-haul customers until January 11. Third-party haulers are excluded from the free disposal policy and must pay standard fees.
Guide to King County Recycling and Transfer Facilities Items NOT ACCEPTED at King County facilities
To sign up for timely alerts, visit WSDOT | King County Roads | King County Metro | SEA Airport | Snow and Ice | Sound Transit | Federal Way | Auburn | Kent | Snow and Ice | Be Flood Ready Non-Profit Corner
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Blank slate Meaning: A fresh start, an opportunity to begin anew, or a person/thing without preconceived notions or history. Origin: The term "blank slate" originates from the Latin "tabula rasa," meaning "scraped tablet." It refers to ancient wax tablets that could be cleaned for reuse, symbolizing a mind free of prior knowledge, ready for new information. This Aristotelian concept was notably examined by philosophers, like John Locke, to describe the human mind at birth. Jeopardy Meaning: Exposure to or the potential for loss or harm. Origin: The term "jeopardy" originates from the Old French "jeu parti," meaning "divided game," which evolved to signify risk or danger. It entered English in the 1300s. The TV show Jeopardy! was named when a network executive suggested it needed more "jeopardies" to reflect the risk of contestants losing money, a concept inspired by creator Merv Griffin's wife, Julann, who proposed the question-answer format.
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
With best wishes,
Washington Trivia Answer: On January 8, 1927, state politicians, federal officials, and members of the public convened to celebrate the dedication of the new Puyallup Avenue Bridge, which connects Tacoma and Fife. This bridge served as a crucial link in the unfinished Pacific Highway, with construction taking just over one year. The Puyallup Avenue Bridge, also known as the Puyallup River Bridge, was designed by State Highway Department engineers and built by Grant Smith and Company in 1925. The federal government funded over half of the cost. Construction began on September 14, with American-made materials used throughout. The bridge features a 36-foot-wide roadway, five truss spans, including three Pennsylvania petit trusses, and pedestrian walkways. It connects Tacoma and Fife, improving travel efficiency by replacing the winding High Line Road. Completed ahead of schedule and within budget, the bridge received positive inspection reports from the Bureau of Highways. The ceremony, hosted by the Pierce County chapter of the Automobile Club of Washington, was held on the bridge's expansive center span, overlooking the gentle flow of the Puyallup River. A band performed, politicians delivered speeches, and a large audience watched as Washington Governor Roland H. Hartley drove a car through a satin ribbon stretched across the bridge.
Photo source: HistoryLink.org
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