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 Day at Emerald Downs, the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee Meeting at the Museum of Flight, a meeting with the owners of Carpinito Brothers Farm, the South King County Scholar Athlete Breakfast, a farewell lunch with Korean Consul General Seo Eunji, transit updates, grant opportunities, the upcoming Shredding Party in Federal Way, and more.
Washington Trivia
This architect, renowned for his work on significant structures such as the YMCA, New Richmond Hotel, Arctic Building, and Seattle Electric Company Building, is also credited with the design of the current King County Courthouse in Seattle. Who is he?
(Answer is at the bottom)
King County Day at Emerald Downs
On July 19, my fellow King County Councilmembers Rhonda Lewis, Steffanie Fain, and Claudia Balducci joined me at the annual King County Day at Emerald Downs. We presented a recognition to celebrate its 30th Anniversary and acknowledge its commitment to preserving the tradition of Thoroughbred racing, a unique industry in King County.
 With Emerald Downs Founder Ron Crockett, Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler, and King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain
GAO Committee Meeting at the Museum of Flight
The Government Accountability and Oversight Committee (GAO) held its meeting at the Museum of Flight to engage in a panel discussion about King County International Airport (KCIA) and its vital role in our regional economy. In attendance were my fellow King County Councilmembers and GAO Committee members Claudia Balducci and Vice Chair Steffanie Fain, along with KCIA Director John Parrott, Deputy Director David Decoteau, members of the KCIA Roundtable, and various tenants.
Meeting with the Carpinito Brothers' Owners
While the December 2025 flooding was months ago, we are still dealing with its impact today on people and jobs in the valley. U.S. Representative Adam Smith joined Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, and me as we spoke with Mike and Tom Carpinito to preview work ahead of the next flooding season.
 With U.S. Representative Adam Smith, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Mike and Tom Carpinito, and Alex Bernasconi
South King County Scholar Athlete Breakfast
Jackie Robinson once said: “A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives.” His words resonated as hundreds gathered for the South King County Scholar Athlete Breakfast featuring Mariner Manager Dan Wilson and Seahawk Legend Jim Zorn. Sports brings people together, as the World Cup proved every day!
 With Mariner Manager Dan Wilson and Seahawk Legend Jim Zorn, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati, Auburn and Federal Way School Districts coaches and athletes
Transit Updates
Tournament Ridership Exceeds 3.4 Million
With the tournament in the rearview mirror, the votes are in, and Seattle has been ranked as the top host city, thanks to our outstanding transit access to the sports stadiums.
Over the course of six match days, the region recorded approximately 3.4 million boardings on King County Metro and Sound Transit, as fans and visitors opted for transit to avoid traffic and parking fees. The final match saw one of the highest numbers of the tournament, with 620,000 boardings. In total, Metro estimates around 1.9 million boardings across its buses, boats, shuttles, and streetcars, while Sound Transit reports about 1.5 million boardings on Link light rail lines 1 and 2.
• King County Metro buses: 1,800,177 total boardings
• Including Match Day Shuttle: 25,840 boardings
• King County Water Taxi: 35,014 total boardings
• DART bus routes: 25,729
• Waterfront Shuttle: 8,143
• Metro Flex: 6,773
• Access paratransit: 17,633
• Seattle Streetcar: 37,901
• Sound Transit Link 1 and 2 lines: 1,514,000 boardings
 Seattle’s Soccer Summer, by the numbers (June 15, 19, 24, 26, July 1, 6)
Fleet Week: Free Rides for Military & Veterans
Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy free rides from Metro and Sound Transit during Seafair's Fleet Week through July 24. This event features ships from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy, available for public tours along the Seattle waterfront. Service members in uniform or with valid military ID can take advantage of this offer. Read more in the Metro Matters blog here.
Metro’s Next Stop
King County Metro has unveiled Metro’s Next Stop, a strategic roadmap for enhancing transit services until 2038. This plan extends beyond just buses and infrastructure; it envisions the type of region King County aspires to become in the future. The goal is to create a place where individuals can navigate their daily lives with reduced stress, greater freedom, and increased connectivity to the opportunities that surround them.
King County Parks Reminds Trail Users: Motorized Vehicles Are Prohibited
King County Parks reminds trail users that motorized vehicles, including Class 3 e-bikes, are prohibited following a new state law that classifies certain e-bikes as motorcycles, requiring a valid driver’s license. Concerns about safety on crowded trails have led to a public awareness campaign, with Sheriff’s deputies emphasizing a 15-mph speed limit and focusing on outreach and warnings. Signs will be installed to clarify which vehicles are allowed; while e-scooters and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted, Class 3 e-bikes and other motorized vehicles like motorcycles and ATVs are not allowed. Read more here.
King County Fire Marshal Issues Stage 1 Fire Safety Burn Ban
In light of the National Weather Service's forecast for above-average temperatures this summer, Fire Marshal Eric Urban has implemented a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated King County. Stage 1 means no burning of yard debris or to clear land in rural areas. Recreational fires (campfires or fires in backyard fire pits, and using approved firewood for outdoor recreation, ceremonial uses, or cooking) are still allowed unless conditions justify a move to a Stage 2 ban. To stay informed, please visit the Fire Safety Burn Bans website or contact Fire Marshal Eric Urban at 206-263-3257.
Wildfire Ready Toolkit
A new Wildfire Ready Toolkit from King County aims to help residents prepare for rising wildfire risks in Western Washington. Developed in partnership with Eastside Fire and Rescue and King Conservation District, the toolkit includes tailored actions to reduce risk and enhance resilience based on local conditions. Experts collaborated with first responders to create this resource, inspired by the wildfire action plan from California's Cal Fire. Click here or scan the QR code to download the toolkit.
Survey: Pet Business Code Update
This year, Public Health is updating the regulations for pet businesses to promote the safety and welfare of both pets and people. The survey outlines the proposed draft code updates, and you are invited to share your thoughts. Further revisions to the draft rules will be made in response to public feedback. For details and to take the survey, visit kingcounty.gov/health/pet-business-code.
4Culture Grants
Open 4Culture
Final application: ongoing, due 3 months before event. Funds a wide array of projects produced by those who are new to 4Culture.
Heritage Professional Development Stipend
Final application: ongoing through October 30. Funds to help you participate, make connections, and learn new skills for your career path in the heritage field.
Building for Equity: Anchoring Community
Letter of Interest due on July 30. Application for funding opens on September 3 and closes November 5, 2026. Funds and fosters equitable development for organizations buying, building, or renovating buildings and specialized spaces that make cultural experiences possible. Project budgets that are $10 million+ are invited to apply.
Landmark Nomination Support
Final application: Ongoing June 1 through December 1. Helping individuals or organizations preparing a local landmark nomination of an historic site in King County.
Landmarks Capital
Intent to apply: August 27. Final application: September 10. Supporting rehabilitation projects and designated landmarks.
For further details and to apply for the available grants, visit https://www.4culture.org/grants-artist-calls/.
Farewell Lunch with Korean Consul General Seo Eunji
Four years later, Korean Consul General Seo Eunji is set to become the new Ambassador to Portugal. Whether discussing trade matters or enjoying a Mariners game (she hails from Dae-ho Lee's hometown), the Republic of Korea could not be better represented. We had lunch with former Mayor Mike Park, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and Chanyong Sim of the consulate; in light of our nation’s 250th, I gave her a Thomas Jefferson bobblehead!
Annual Shredding Event
It’s that time of year again to get ready for our live shredding event! Gather your old bank records, letters, and documents for Saturday, August 8, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Key Works (previously known as Seadrunar) will have a mobile shredding unit in the parking lot of the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to see their documents shredded right on-site.
Note: Commercial or for-profit shredding is not permitted. Individuals or businesses attempting to shred documents for customers for a fee will be strictly prohibited. For questions, please call 206-477-1007.
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?
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Meaning: To possess an elevated social status and inherit wealth from birth.
Origin: The tradition of gifting silver spoons to newborns dates back to 16th-century Europe, where wealthy families presented them during christenings to symbolize wealth and social status. Noble godparents also gifted silver spoons to their godchildren. This custom was highlighted in Shakespeare’s King Henry VIII (1613). Before personal place settings, people carried their own spoons, with silver spoons signifying wealth, while the working class used wooden or pewter utensils.
Football
Meaning: Football refers to various games played between two teams on a typically rectangular field, featuring goalposts or goals at each end. The objective is to score by advancing the ball over a goal line, into a goal, or between goalposts through running, passing, or kicking. This includes sports such as soccer and rugby, as well as the American version played between two teams of 11 players each, where only one side possesses the ball at any given time and advances it through running or passing.
Origin: The term “football” combines “foot” and “ball,” originating in medieval Europe to distinguish between foot games played by commoners and horseback games for the aristocracy. Its first English use dates back to the 14th century, highlighting the fact that the sport was played on foot. The name also reflects the game's main action: kicking an inflated ball. Over time, folk games evolved into organized sports in the United Kingdom, leading to formal codes like Association Football (soccer) and Rugby Football. American football emerged in the late 19th century as a mix of these British sports, retaining the name "football" despite its hand-carrying gameplay.
 5 Presidents: Unexpected Stories
James Madison, standing at 5'4", holds the distinction of being the shortest president in U.S. history. However, his contributions extend far beyond his height as he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Constitution and is widely known as the Father of the Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson was an inventive figure, known for creating a swivel chair that improved workspace efficiency and incorporating innovative designs into his estate, Monticello. His estate featured various architectural marvels and practical inventions, including a mechanical dumbwaiter for retrieving wine bottles from the cellar.
Bill Clinton is a two-time Grammy Award winner for Best Spoken Word Album. He won his first Grammy in 2004 for narrating Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf/Beintus: Wolf Tracks, and his second in 2005 for the audio version of his memoir, My Life.
Woodrow Wilson is the only U.S. president with a Ph.D. He earned his doctorate in political science and history from Johns Hopkins University in 1886. Despite childhood reading challenges, his achievement distinguishes him from other presidents who have advanced degrees like a J.D. or M.B.A.
James Monroe passed away on July 4, 1831, in New York City, marking him as the third President of the United States and a Founding Father to die on Independence Day. He joined John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both of whom passed away exactly five years earlier on July 4, 1826. Additionally, John Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, is a significant figure in this context, as he is the only president born on Independence Day, specifically on July 4, 1872.
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:
Augustus Warren Gould was a prominent architect in Boston, Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Nova Scotia, he moved to Seattle by 1905 and shaped its skyline with notable designs, including the American Savings Bank, Empire buildings, and King County Courthouse. Although he lacked formal training, he took some classes at MIT and gained expertise through building and contracting. His other significant works include the YMCA, New Richmond Hotel, Arctic Building, and Seattle Electric Company Building.
King County's population growth since 1852 prompted the construction of multiple government buildings, including three courthouses. Henry Yesler, a key figure in Seattle's development, provided land for the first official building in 1876, which initially served as a jail and county office. With Washington's statehood in 1889, a new courthouse, designed by W.A. Ritchie, was built on First Hill for $200,000, becoming the first fireproof building in the state. The original building was demolished in 1909. By 1900, Seattle's growth necessitated another courthouse, leading to the acquisition of the Yesler Estate in 1906. However, public criticism over costs and plans halted progress until the Civic Center League advocated for a well-planned project, resulting in voter approval for the county's proposal on the Yesler site.
Architect A. Warren Gould designed a versatile Beaux-Arts courthouse, constructed from 1914 to 1916 at a cost of $1,271,645.83. The five-story building features local materials and green spaces to enhance civic beauty and public access. Initially envisioned with a 23-story tower atop a thirteen-story H-plan base, the final design was a three-story structure with future expansion potential. The city contributed $600,000 towards the cost, allowing for two additional stories, with plans for the county to eventually utilize this space. The courthouse exemplifies early 20th-century American civic architecture.
In May 1927, the Seattle Fire Marshall condemned the old county courthouse, necessitating a new facility. An emergency declaration led to a recommendation for a jail to be built atop the courthouse, with architect Henry Bittman overseeing construction after a bond passed. By 1931, the jail featured six stories, including a bakery and infirmary, with decorative elements like arches and a copper cornice.
In 1967, Paul Delaney and Associates remodeled the courthouse, updating entrances and adding an aluminum curtain wall to reduce noise and light while creating more courtrooms and improved jury facilities. The King County Courthouse became part of the Pioneer Square National Historic District in 1976 and was designated a landmark in 1987, prompting restoration to its 1923 appearance. Ongoing updates include lobby restorations, while some original courtrooms remain intact. City Hall Park was also restored in 1993, enhancing the area's historical importance.
 The King County Courthouse in Seattle was photographed during its construction on September 11, 1915, facing northeast. Designed by architect A. Warren Gould, it features a five-story steel frame and reinforced concrete structure, built by the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company. Located at 516 Third Avenue, it was dedicated as the City-County Building on May 4, 1916. Over the years, it has undergone additional floors, modernization, and seismic retrofitting, becoming a King County landmark in 1987. The construction company played a key role in the Pacific Northwest's development, with many projects captured by photographer Frank H. Nowell.
Photo source: MOHAI.org (MOHAI, H.W. McCurdy Collection on the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Co., 1955.970.500.7.3)
King County Emergency Preparedness Guide
Emergencies can happen at any time, often without warning, and their impact can be reduced with the right preparation. This Emergency Preparedness Guide is designed to help individuals, families, and communities take practical steps to stay safe before, during, and after a crisis. From natural disasters to unexpected disruptions, being prepared means knowing what to do, having essential supplies ready, and staying informed. By planning ahead, you can protect yourself, support others, and respond with confidence when it matters most.
Read the Emergency Preparedness Guide compiled by my office here.
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