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 Council's proclamation of Vaisakhi Day, the observance of Black Wellness Week, as well as the recognition of the Rainier Beach Vikings Boys Basketball Team, the available FEMA funding for eligible flood survivors, the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program, upcoming events, transit updates, and more.
Washington Trivia
This Washington resident and lunar module pilot is renowned for capturing the iconic "Earthrise" photograph during Apollo 8's inaugural orbit around the Moon. Who is he?
(Answer is at the bottom)
King County Council Proclamations & Recognition
Vaisakhi Day
Vaisakhi Day marks the 1699 founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh and serves as a significant celebration for the more than 50,000 Sikhs residing in King County, including those at the Khalsa Gurmat Center in Federal Way. King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain and I co-sponsored a proclamation honoring this important holiday. Thank you to Kent Councilmember Satwinder Kaur, as well as David Malik, Vijay Beniwal, Kuldip Singh, Jaskaran Singh Sarao, and the Sikh community members who were present to receive this proclamation.
 With King County Councilmembers Rhonda Lewis, Teresa Mosqueda, Rod Dembowski, Jorge Barón, Steffanie Fain, Sarah Perry, Reagan Dunn and Claudia Balducci, Kent Councilmember Satwinder Kaur, David Malik, Vijay Beniwal, Kuldip Singh, Jaskaran Singh Sarao, and Sikh community members
Black Wellness Week
The King County Council proclaimed the observance of Black Wellness Week from April 13 to 17. This initiative aims to engage local organizations, healthcare providers, and community members throughout Washington in educational, outreach, and advocacy activities.
 With King County Council colleagues, as well as Elevate Black Wellness Co-Founder Christina Blocker, her sons, and Devon Love
Rainier Beach Vikings Boys Basketball Team
King County recognized the Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball Team for winning their 11th Class 3A Washington State Championship on March 7. This victory is the 10th under Coach Mike Bethea, with key wins against O’Dea, Bellarmine Prep, and Lincoln. The team finished the season with an impressive record of 29 wins and one loss, achieving a 97% winning percentage.
 With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Council colleagues, Coach Mike Bethea, and the Washington State Champion 2026 Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball Team
FEMA Funding for Eligible Flood Survivors
On April 7, the federal government approved Washington’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the December 2025 Floods. People who suffered disaster-related damage in King, Chelan, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom counties, or one of the affected tribal communities may qualify. The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is June 10, 2026. Apply for FEMA assistance in 1 of 3 ways:
Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program
The King County Flood Control District (FCD) is allocating over $14 million in 2026 for local projects aimed at reducing flood risk and enhancing river and shoreline health. Applications for the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program are open through May 22, 2026. This competitive program funds diverse projects, including urban stormwater improvements, shoreline restoration, and culvert replacements that mitigate flooding and enhance fish passage. Visit FCD’s website for more information.
Transit Updates
Link 2 Line Opens Across Lake Washington
Every 8 minutes, the Sound Transit Link 2 Line will travel across Lake Washington into Seattle from 4:17 AM to 12:15 AM, and toward Bellevue from 5:44 AM to 12:30 AM. The Crosslake Connection links a 58-mile light rail system at a time when the price of gas is over $5 a gallon. Great joining former Sound Transit CEOs and thousands of passengers for the official inaugural run. Learn more about the Crosslake Connection here.
 With US Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Governor Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmembers Steffanie Fain, Claudia Balducci, and Teresa Mosqueda, along with our fellow Sound Transit Board Members, former Sound Transit CEOs Joni Earl, Peter Rogoff, and Goran Sparrman, and Educator and UW Regent Constance Rice
Metro Launches SEA26 Soccer Page
As Seattle prepares to host soccer matches this summer, Metro has launched the SEA26 Soccer page, providing essential transit information. This user-friendly platform includes maps for navigating transit options in downtown Seattle and links to partner agencies. It is also available in multiple languages for international visitors attending events at the Seattle Soccer Stadium. Visit the SEA26 Soccer page here.
RapidRide I Line Construction Update
King County Metro has begun construction to build 17 miles of new RapidRide service in Renton, Kent, and Auburn. Construction work, primarily along roads and sidewalks, is expected from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, including some nighttime and weekend work. Temporary disruptions to access and travel patterns are expected during this period. Visit the new website for an interactive map, project details, and construction notices.
International Survey: How’s your bus service?
Sixteen transit agencies from around the world, including King County Metro, are conducting a bus service customer satisfaction survey. These agencies will compare the results of the surveys to help them learn from each other and work toward providing even better transit service. The survey is open until Sunday, May 10. Your personal details and responses will remain confidential and will not be used for any other purpose. Click here to participate in the survey.
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King County Department of Local Services: Community Service Area Liaisons
In unincorporated King County, Community Service Area Liaisons assist residents with local government navigation, permit inquiries, and services related to Public Health and the Sheriff’s Office. They also provide guidance on issues with other cities or the state. You can connect with them in your community during scheduled office hours, meetings, and events. Meet your liaisons:
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Bong Sto. Domingo: East Federal Way, North Highline/White Center, Skyway, South Park, Vashon Island
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Mason Thompson: East Renton Plateau, Fairwood, Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain, Maple Valley, SE King County (Enumclaw Plateau)
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Clem Benton: Bear Creek/Sammamish, Fall City, Redmond Ridge, Skykomish, Snoqualmie
For more information, visit the King County Local Blog here.
Local Events
Federal Way Farmers Market
The Federal Way Farmers Market kicks off its 2026 season on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please be advised of the new location on South 316th Street, located between Town Square Park and the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center. To celebrate Opening Day, the first 150 visitors will receive complimentary tote bags. Parking is available at Town Square Park, as well as in and around downtown Federal Way, including several public lots within walking distance of the market. Click here for more details.
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Senior Health & Resource Fair
The Federal Way Senior Advisory Commission invites you to attend the 4th Annual Senior Health & Resource Fair, taking place at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This complimentary event will feature 85 local vendors with direct connections to the senior community. Individuals of all ages, particularly seniors, are encouraged to participate.
South King County Non-Profit Corner
Learn more about the nonprofit organizations listed below:
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 Market | Federal Way Senior Center | Friends of the Federal Way Libraries | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | Soroptimist International of Federal Way | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance
 Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from?
Turn a blind eye
Meaning: To intentionally overlook or disregard wrongdoing or uncomfortable situations instead of addressing them.
Origin: During the Battle of Copenhagen, British Admiral Horatio Nelson received orders to withdraw. Having lost sight in his right eye in a prior battle, Nelson is said to have raised his telescope to his blind eye and remarked, “I really do not see the signal,” which allowed him to continue the attack. The phrase likely has its roots in earlier expressions or evolved from similar sayings. For instance, in 1698, John Norris wrote about "turning the deaf ear and the blind eye." Furthermore, British author Francis Lathom employed a variation of the phrase in his novel Men and Manners, published in 1800, just before the battle.
To the moon and back
Meaning: An immense, boundless, and profoundly lasting abundance of love or affection.
Origin: The phrase “to the moon and back” symbolizes deep, unconditional love, popularized by Sam McBratney’s 1994 book, Guess How Much I Love You. It represents boundless affection, suggesting love is as vast as the journey to the moon and back. Some people understand the phrase as a metaphor for love being as constant as one's heartbeat, likening the energy generated by the human heart throughout a lifetime to the effort needed for a round trip to the moon. While this interpretation became popularized by the 1994 book, others have pointed out that similar, perhaps earlier, hyperbolic expressions can be found in literature, including Tom Topor's 1979 play, Nuts.
In Memoriam: Jim Whittaker
On May 1, 1963, Jim Whittaker made history as the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, and on July 14, 1980, I achieved a personal milestone by becoming the first von Reichbauer to summit Mt. Rainier, thanks to Jim’s nephew, Win Whittaker. The recent passing of Jim (and his twin brother Lou in 2024) marks the passing of the founders of America’s first family of mountaineering. All Class! “Because it’s there.”
Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
 Click here to see the Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
With best wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Washington Trivia Answer:
Major General William “Bill” Anders, US Air Force Reserve (Ret.) and NASA Astronaut, was the lunar orbit module pilot for Apollo 8 in December 1968, the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the moon.
He received a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master's in Nuclear Engineering. Anders served as a fighter pilot and was involved in nuclear power programs before joining NASA. He held various significant positions, including Executive Secretary for the National Aeronautics and Space Council and Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He was also appointed Ambassador to Norway in 1976. After leaving federal service, he worked at General Electric and Textron, eventually becoming Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics before retiring in 1994.
He captured the iconic “Earthrise” photo, which Time magazine recognized as one of the 100 most influential images. Due to the remarkable success of the mission and considering that Apollo 8 stood out as one of the few positive highlights of the year, Anders and his fellow Apollo 8 crew members, Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, were honored as Time Magazine's Men of the Year for 1968.
Anders reflected on humanity's perception of Earth, stating, “We’re hardly the center of anything.” He used a modified Hasselblad camera to take this historic image. Although he did not consider himself a strong environmentalist, he believed the photo sparked the environmental movement. On Christmas Eve 1968, he and his crewmates sent a message of peace to Earth, reading from Genesis, which Anders felt resonated with many beliefs.
Bill and Valerie Anders moved to Orcas Island in 1993 while keeping a home in San Diego. They founded the Anders Foundation to support education and environmental causes. Bill returned to aviation with guidance from Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman, helping establish the USAF Heritage Flight Team and Navy Legacy Flight. He raced aircraft in the Reno Air Races, achieving success. In 1996, they launched the Heritage Flight Museum, now housing 15 aircraft. Bill has flown with his sons and hosted Apollo 8 crew events. As the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 8 neared, two craters were renamed in honor of the crew.
At the age of 90, Bill passed away on June 7, 2024, in a plane crash close to Jones Island, Washington. He was flying a classic Beechcraft A45 and was the sole occupant of the aircraft when it went down in the San Juan Channel.
 This iconic photo, taken by Bill Anders aboard Apollo 8, captures Earth visible beyond the lunar surface as the first crewed spacecraft circumnavigated the Moon, with astronauts Bill Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell on board.
Photo source: NASA.gov
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