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 Girmay Zahilay, the Regional Policy Committee Meeting with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Recognitions for former State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu and Undersheriff Jesse Anderson, the South King County Leadership & Volunteerism Recognition, King County's Side Sewer Repair Rebate Program, property tax statements, transit updates, and more.
Washington Trivia
This former Sea Gal, who participated in the Super Bowls of 2014 and 2015 and previously worked in my office, is now a coach for the Seahawks Dancers, and was recently featured in People Magazine. Who is she?
(Answer is at the bottom)
Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks
Sports brings people together has been my mantra for as long as I remember. This was evident February 2, 2014, and again on February 8, 2026, along with countless moments in between and across all sports.
 Thank you, Allen Family, John Schneider, Mike Macdonald, and Bert Kolde. Although Paul Allen’s first sport was basketball, his legacy is with the Seahawks today! I had the honor of joining Paul and Bert Kolde at the old Harbor Club on March 26, 2000, for the implosion of the Kingdome, and I truly appreciate the sense of pride and commitment that Mike Macdonald brings to the Allen legacy. Go Hawks!
 Pete Carroll: “This is the world’s oldest selfie.”
Me: “Why?”
Pete: “Because of OUR combined ages!”
Captured on May 21, 2014, the selfie with then-63-year-old Coach Pete was taken outside the Obama White House. From the oldest to 38-year-old Mike Macdonald, one of the youngest NFL coaches, inside the Seahawks’ locker room at Lumen Field. Two different coaches, but one legacy of commitment!
“Good Eggs” Breakfast with King County Executive Girmay Zahilay
Thank you to Girmay Zahilay, the newly elected and first King County Executive from outside Seattle, for participating in the “Good Eggs” Breakfast in Auburn. During the meeting, he outlined his goals and emphasized the importance of listening to the community during the recent election. Thanks to John Daniels Jr., Vice Chair of the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, for presenting a Muckleshoot blanket to our speaker. In population alone, King County would be the 37the largest state.
 With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, and South King County mayors and councilmembers
King County Regional Policy Committee Invites Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
Who says Seattle and King County cannot agree on anything? Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson accepted my invitation to appear before the first meeting of the King County Regional Policy Committee this year, where we discussed how we can work better together to attack the issues of homelessness, transportation, criminal justice, among others. Problems do not stop at the city limits; they can only be solved with the suburban cities and Seattle working together.
 With King County Councilmembers Sarah Perry, Jorge Barón, and Steffanie Fain, and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
King County Council Recognitions
The King County Council recognized King County Superior Court and Washington State Supreme Court Judge Mary Yu, as well as Undersheriff Jesse Anderson of the King County Sheriff’s Office, for their decades of public service upon their retirement.
Judge Mary Yu’s journey began at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, leading to a remarkable 25-year tenure as a judge on both the King County Superior Court and Washington State Supreme Court within her 32-year career.
 With my fellow King County Councilmembers Rhonda Lewis, Claudia Balducci, Steffanie Fain, Rod Dembowski, Sarah Perry, Reagan Dunn and Jorge Barón, Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, Public Defense Director Matt Sanders, former bailiff and court reporter Rhonda Salvesen, and Judge Mary Yu
Undersheriff Jesse Anderson dedicated 35 years to the King County Sheriff’s Office, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to safeguarding all residents of unincorporated King County, as well as the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the cities of Beaux Arts, Burien, Carnation, Covington, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Sammamish, SeaTac, Shoreline, Skykomish, and Woodinville.
 With my fellow King County Council colleagues and Undersheriff Jesse Anderson
Transit Updates
RapidRide I Line is coming to South King County
King County Metro is preparing to build 17 miles of RapidRide I Line service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn, expected to launch by late 2027. This line will connect to key transit centers and services, enhancing north-south transportation options in South King County and facilitating travel to regional destinations. Visit the Metro Matters blog for the full newsletter.
Metro Launches New Battery-Electric Buses with Enhanced Operator Safety Features
King County Metro launched a new fleet of battery-electric buses aimed at improving transit operator safety, reducing emissions, and serving South King County communities impacted by air pollution. These buses feature new safety partitions with reinforced panels and a sliding glass system for enhanced operator protection and visibility.
Initial service will operate periodically on routes 105, 128, 161, 165, 184, and RapidRide F Line as Metro evaluates performance and ramps up deployment. Read more in the King County Metro Blog here.
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Crosslake Connection Simulated Service Begins February 14
Starting Saturday, February 14, test trains for the Link 2 Line will begin running simulated service, marking the final stage of testing prior to the opening of the Crosslake Connection. During this period, passengers will be able to ride test trains between the International District/Chinatown and Lynnwood City Center stations. Additionally, service hours on the existing 2 Line between Redmond and South Bellevue will be extended until midnight. Read more in the Sound Transit blog here.
Guardrail Program
Railings on busy roads and bridges are crucial for preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway and minimizing crash impacts. King County's Road Services Division maintains and enhances guardrails by repairing damage and installing new ones where necessary. The recent upgrades to older systems ensure compliance with modern safety standards, improving safety for all road users. Learn more about the Guardrail Program on the King County website. |
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South King County Leadership & Volunteerism Recognition
Every two years, I host a “bridge party” aimed at connecting incoming and outgoing local elected officials while recognizing volunteers in my district who are building bridges of cooperation and communication across South King County. In addition, I invite one of the consul generals in the state to represent the growing diverse population of my district. Thanks to Deputy Consul General Gerardo Guiza of the Mexican consulate for accepting my Seahawk 12 flag and for speaking about the importance of volunteerism alongside King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.
 With Mexican Consulate Deputy Consul General Gerardo Guiza and South King County mayors and councilmembers
King County Side Sewer Repair Rebate Program
King County offers rebates for qualifying side sewer repair activities, available for eligible homes in the Lakehaven and Midway Sewer Districts. One rebate is available per parcel. For more information, call 206-477-8050, email picrebates@kingcounty.gov, or visit the application website.
Property Tax Statements
Property tax statements for 2026 will be mailed on February 13. If a mortgage lender pays your taxes, tax statement details are provided to them. If you pay your property taxes yourself, and you have not received a statement by March 5, there are several ways to get your tax statement:
• Call 206-263-2890
• Request a tax statement online
• Email King County Treasury at propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov
The first half of your 2026 property tax is due on April 30. To learn more about property tax relief programs for seniors and people with disabilities, call the King County Assessor’s Office at 206-296-3920 for exemptions, 206-296-7300 for deferrals, email exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov, or click here.
The King County Tax Advisor Office also provides King County taxpayers advice and assistance on property tax related matters including appeals. To reach the King County Tax Advisor, call 206-477-1060, email taxadvisor@kingcounty.gov, or click here.
Be Ready for Power Outages
As winter continues, be prepared for potential power outages with these tips:
Supplies Needed:
• Keep blankets, power banks, and warm clothing accessible.
• Use flashlights instead of candles for lighting.
• A generator can be useful but must not be used indoors.
• Avoid using a grill for indoor cooking or heating.
Actions to Take:
• Turn off appliances to avoid damage when power returns.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed; discard perishable food after four hours without power.
• Report downed power lines to your utility company and avoid driving over them.
• Check on neighbors to offer help.
Learn more on the King County website | Sign up for emergency alerts
 Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from?
Tell that to the Marines
Meaning: An expression of skepticism about a seemingly absurd or untrue story.
Origin: The phrase originated in the early 1800s among British Royal Navy sailors, referring to Marines as naive "greenhorns" compared to skeptical seasoned sailors. It's often used mockingly in response to unbelievable stories, with the full phrase being "Tell it to the Marines, but the sailors won't believe it." Although found in the works of Sir Walter Scott and Anthony Trollope, it is considered an old-fashioned and informal saying today.
The proof is in the pudding
Meaning: You can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it.
Origin: The phrase “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” originally meant that quality is tested through consumption. It referred to medieval sausages made from meat and grains, which posed spoilage risks, requiring tasting for safety. Documented in the 17th century, the phrase evolved in the 20th century to “the proof is in the pudding,” losing its original meaning. While the idiom dates to the 14th century, "pudding" then referred to hearty sausage-like dishes rather than sweet treats.
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