News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.
Dear Friends:
Today’s update includes news about a recent tour of the White River, the King County Flood Control District Board's approval of the supplemental budget, FEMA's disaster assistance initiative, King County Council's proclamation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the proposed legislation for a King County Inspector General, available grant opportunities, updates from the travel industry, upcoming local events, and more.
Washington Trivia
This Olympia High School sports star and University of Washington alum is one of the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients. Who is he?
(Answer is at the bottom)
White River Tour
Whether it’s an “Atmospheric River” or a storm, the December floods are still having an impact on the city of Pacific. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and I recently met with Pacific Mayor Vic Kave to discuss recovery efforts after touring the persistent flood damage along the White River. Mayor Kave shared a thoughtful history of the river’s growth. The residents of Pacific showed great strength during and after the longest-lasting storm in Puget Sound history.
While it is essential to have a collective effort among federal, state, and local governments, it is also reassuring that King County, with a population of 2.4 million, has a leader who goes out to listen. Girmay's father, Hadish, and I had the perfect opportunity to take a photo in front of the Senior Center alongside the 39-year-old county executive!
 With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, his father Hadish, and Pacific Mayor Vic Kave
King County Flood Control District Board Approves Supplemental Budget
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Board approved a supplemental budget for 2026 designated for immediate flood recovery efforts in response to the generational flooding event that occurred in December 2025. Board members highlighted the importance of prompt repairs and mitigation initiatives prior to the forthcoming flood season in October. The approved second supplemental budget includes funding for:
- Five PL84-99 projects, four of which (on the Green and Snoqualmie rivers) the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have already agreed to help implement by October.
- Six immediate damage-repair projects on the White, Cedar, and Snoqualmie rivers.
- Mitigation reserves for emergency actions taken on the Cedar, Snoqualmie, White, and Green rivers.
- Increased acquisition funding for the Cedar and White rivers to support buyouts of flood-prone properties.
Read more in KCFCD’s blog post here.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Money is available for basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from the severe storms and flooding in December 2025. If you have losses, regardless of income, file your insurance claim first, then apply to FEMA:
• Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA app
• Phone: 800-621-3362
The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is June 10, 2026.
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King County Council Proclaims May 2026 as AANHPI Heritage Month
On May 12, the King County Council proclaimed May 2026 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This proclamation honors the achievements and legacies of these communities and invites all residents to engage in learning from and celebrating alongside our Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander neighbors and community members.
 With King County Councilmembers Jorge Barón, Rhonda Lewis, Steffanie Fain, Rod Dembowski, and Sarah Perry, as well as members of the AANHPI community
Government Accountability & Oversight Committee Discusses Inspector General Legislation
Fraud is crushing on two levels: for taxpayers who trusted that programs they paid for would help those in need, and for those in need who trusted resources would reach them. In response to ongoing fraud allegations against Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) grantees, I co-sponsored legislation to establish an Inspector General Division within the Office of Public Complaints and Tax Advisor.
On May 12, the Government Accountability & Oversight (GAO) committee discussed this proposed legislation, which seeks to improve fraud prevention and oversight of DCHS grants, following an audit that revealed oversight failures. It will investigate financial fraud, issue subpoenas, and recover misspent funds under an appointed Inspector General Director. Additionally, a centralized King County Fraud Hotline will be created for reporting suspected fraud, and the legislation will clarify fraud definitions while aligning county practices with federal standards.
This is just the first step on our road to restoring trust and accountability across all local public programs. Click here to watch the meeting.
King County TV Features PowellsWood Garden in Federal Way
King County TV recently featured the PowellsWood Garden in Federal Way, a unique destination blending the beauty of a Pacific Northwest forest with an English-style garden. This 3-acre garden, part of a 37-acre nature preserve rich in native plants and wildlife, offers a peaceful retreat between Seattle and Tacoma. Visitors can explore seven distinct areas, showcasing over 1,000 plant species and a picturesque setting year-round.
Watch KCTV’s feature here: https://youtu.be/J8Mi7mq14Qk.
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Trailhead Direct Returns Memorial Day Weekend
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, hikers can once again leave the car at home and take transit to access some of the region's most popular outdoor destinations with Trailhead Direct, King County's seasonal transit-to-trails service. The 2026 season kicks off on Saturday, May 23, and will operate on weekends and holidays until August 30. Visit the Trailhead Direct website for more information.
Travel Industry Updates
Visit Seattle's travel update for Q1 2026 reveals strong hotel performance, particularly in January, driven by Seahawks playoff games, resulting in the highest year-over-year revenue growth since October 2024. February continued the trend with a 5% increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). The Seahawks championship parade and robust group activity emphasized the importance of a balanced demand mix. However, March posed challenges, with overall performance lagging behind 2025 due to fewer conventions and reduced group occupancy, impacting Average Daily Rate (ADR) as hotels competed for transient demand.
Leisure and Hospitality employment was stable in early 2026, with 131.4K jobs in January and 131.7K in February, slightly below 2025 levels and 5-7% under 2019 figures. Accommodation jobs increased from 26.9K to 27.4K but remained below pre-pandemic levels. Food Services and Drinking Places held steady at around 90.6K, about 10% below 2019. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation added jobs, reaching 13.7K with a 5.4% year-over-year increase in February. Click here to view the full report.
Circular Lumber Funding Grants
King County is accepting grant applications for salvaged lumber projects. The $1.45 million funding supports wood waste diversion and related business development. Applications are open until June 12, with awards divided into two tracks: equipment purchases up to $10,000 and program support averaging $100,000.
To apply, visit the King County Solid Waste Division application portal. Here's how:
- Create a login or use an existing one if you have it
- Navigate to "See Opportunities"
- Select "Circular Lumber Funding"
Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program: Deadline Extended
The deadline for the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on June 5. The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is set to allocate more than $14 million in 2026 for a range of initiatives, including urban stormwater enhancements, shoreline restoration, and culvert replacements, all aimed at reducing flooding and improving fish passage. For further details, visit KCFCD’s website.
Local Events
Mountainview Cemetery Memorial Day Service
The public is invited to a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountainview Cemetery (2020 Mountain View Drive) in Auburn. The cemetery will feature American flags, and each veteran's gravesite will have a small flag. For more details on Memorial Day activities, call 253-931-3028 or visit mtviewcemeteryauburn.com.
Auburn Farmers Market
The Auburn Farmers Market will begin its season on Sunday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Les Gove Park (1140 Auburn Way S). Be sure to stop by the information booth to receive a complimentary Market tote. Visit the Auburn Farmers Market Page for more details about the opening day.
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Arts Explosion at the PAEC
The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the fourth annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, occurring from May 29-31 at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center (PAEC.) This festival will celebrate Federal Way's diversity, showcase talents of adult and youth artists, and promote artistic growth and community engagement. It features a juried art competition for artists from the region. Visit the Arts Explosion website for more information.
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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?
Potluck
Meaning: A standard meal offered to a guest without any special arrangements made, or a communal meal where attendees contribute food to share with one another.
Origin: “Potluck” originated in 16th-century England, referring to food provided for unexpected guests, signifying reliance on the "luck of the pot." Initially meaning "whatever is available," it evolved into a North American tradition in the 1930s where guests bring dishes to share. The term combines "pot" and "luck," indicating uncertainty about what food is available. English author Thomas Nashe used it in 1592. Although there is a myth linking it to the Indigenous potlatch ceremony, which involves gift-giving, it was historically referred to as a "covered dish supper" or "pitch-in."
D-Day
Meaning: The term refers to the unnamed day designated for the start of a combat operation or invasion.
Origin: In military terms, "D" in D-Day stands for "day," used as a coded placeholder for the start of major combat operations. Days leading up to the target date are labeled (D-1), (D-2), etc., while days after are (D+1), (D+2). H-Hour indicates the exact start time of the operation, with similar coding for hours before and after. This terminology prevents accidental disclosure of specific dates or locations. Myths suggest "D" means "Decision" or "Doomsday," but the Army officially states it simply means "Day," despite General Dwight D. Eisenhower's reference to it as "departed date."
Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
 Click here to see the Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™
 Click here to see the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™Schedule
With best wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Washington Trivia Answer:
Born in Olympia, Washington, Lt. Col. Bruce P. Crandall (U.S. Army, retired) was a high school sports star at Olympia High School, excelling in baseball and earning the title of All-American athlete. In honor of his contributions, the baseball field at Olympia High School carries his name.
In 1953, Crandall graduated from the University of Washington and joined the Army. He went on to complete training in both fixed-wing and helicopter courses, taking on a variety of flying assignments. On November 14, 1965, then-Major Crandall led the first significant division operation of airmobile troops into Landing Zone X-Ray in Vietnam's Ia Drang Valley. He is credited with evacuating approximately 75 wounded comrades alongside his wingman and fellow Medal of Honor recipient, Major Ed Freeman. Together, they also delivered essential ammunition for the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment to ensure their survival. Notably, the aircraft he was piloting was unarmed.
As a highly esteemed Master Army Aviator, he completed over 900 combat missions during two tours in Vietnam. His remarkable courage as a helicopter pilot was portrayed by actor Greg Kinnear in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.
Crandall retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1977. After obtaining his master's degree in public administration, he served as the city manager in Dunsmuir, California, for three years. Eventually, he and his wife Arlene moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he contributed to the Public Works Department for 13 years, the last four of which he spent as the public works manager.
Throughout his distinguished career, Crandall received numerous awards and decorations, including the following: the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster; the Bronze Star Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Medal (24 times); the Army Commendation Medal; the Purple Heart; the National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal (for four campaigns); the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with a 60 device; a Presidential Unit Citation; a Meritorious Unit Citation; the Master Army Aviator Badge; the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (three awards); and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
He and Arlene, married since 1956, have three sons and five grandchildren, residing in Manchester, Washington.
 Photo source: https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/crandall/#
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