News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.
Dear Friends:
Today’s update includes news about India's 80th Independence Day, the annual shredding event, the upcoming USACE open house in Auburn, FUSION's annual gala, the Senior Property Tax Town Hall, crime and public safety updates, transit news, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia
This historic public landmark celebrates its 119th anniversary, highlighting over a century of farm-fresh produce, local businesses, and community heritage? What is it?
(Answer is at the bottom)
80th India Day
Microsoft’s Satya Nadella often refers to the United States and India as the “oldest and largest democracies,” and on August 15, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence! I was honored to join King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain in presenting a friendship proclamation to India’s Consul General Prakash Gupta at their new office in Seattle.
 With King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain and India's Consul General Prakash Gupta
Stage 2 Burn Ban in Unincorporated King County
On August 7, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County.
During a Stage 2 burn ban, all outdoor fires – such as those in backyard fire pits or campfires that use chopped firewood or charcoal – are prohibited. Any person with a recreational fire who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or otherwise discontinue such burning when ordered or notified to do so can be charged with a misdemeanor.
The use of manufactured portable outdoor devices is allowed, including barbeques and patio warmers that are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Approved fuel devices—including those that rely on charcoal, natural gas, or propane gas—are also allowed. Please use caution when disposing of charcoal remains. People who smoke should exercise extreme caution with their ashes and when they’re extinguishing cigarettes.
The county’s fire marshal asks residents to be diligent and respectful of their neighbors, and to remember that this is a demanding time for first responders. For more information, please visit the county’s fire safety burn ban webpage.
Click here or scan the QR code to download the Wildfire Ready Toolkit.
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Surface Water Management Fee Discount for Low-Income Property Owners
Residents classified as low-income households and residing on their own property in unincorporated King County may qualify for a 50 percent discount on the annual surface water management fee for their land parcel(s). Applications can be submitted during the annual open period, which runs from August 1 to September 15. Learn more about the fee discount at kingcounty.gov/swmfeediscount. For support with the application, call the Business & Finance team at 206-477-4800, or email wlrdswm@kingcounty.gov.
White River Basin Communities Invited to Open House for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual Update
Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seattle District will hold an open house on September 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Auburn Community and Event Center, located at 910 9th St. SE, Auburn, WA 98002. This event will focus on discussing updates to the Water Control Manual for Mud Mountain Dam.
Attendees can learn about the dam, USACE Emergency Management, and flood risk management from local officials. Experts will address topics such as water storage during floods, dam safety, and how to submit comments on the draft environmental assessment. Read more here.
Transit Updates
Metro Announces Major Service Expansion Across King County
Starting August 29, Metro is expanding bus service in King County, introducing nine new routes and over 3,000 additional weekly bus trips. The changes will enhance connections to new South King County Link light rail stations and launch Metro Flex, an on-demand transit service, in Auburn and Federal Way on August 31. Read more in the King County Matters Blog here.
Metro Flex Expanding in South King County
Metro will pilot Metro Flex service in Auburn and Federal Way on August 31, offering on-demand rides that connect neighborhoods, transit hubs, and local destinations. Riders can use the Metro Flex app to book accessible minivans, including wheelchair-accessible options and vans with bike racks, at the same fare as a Metro bus ride.
Download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or call 206-258-7739 to book a ride when service launches.
Download the South King County Fall 2026 Service Change map here.
Open Houses
Riders can learn more about the upcoming service changes during Metro's online information sessions:
• North King County: 6 p.m., Monday, August 24. Register online.
• South King County: 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 26. Register online.
Sound Transit Bus Changes
Sound Transit’s fall service change will begin on Saturday, August 29. For a complete list of Sound Transit service changes, visit https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/changes-affect-my-ride/service-changes.
Local Events
Annual Shredding Event
Our annual shredding event always provides a great opportunity to reconnect with neighbors while watching documents being shredded right on-site at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC).
 With community members at the annual shredding event at the Federal Way PAEC
FUSION: There’s No Place Like Home
Since 1993, FUSION has provided vulnerable families with transitional housing and support, made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the annual outdoor dinner fundraiser held every August (rain-free) at the Dumas Bay Centre. Thanks to Mayors Jim Ferrell and Nancy Backus, as well as hundreds of other generous donors. I was proud to be this year’s Honorary Dinner Chair.
 With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Jeff Stock Sr. & Wendy Stock, Jesse & Epi Johnson, Jason & Yoon Joo Fiorito, and Rachel Zeigler
Senior Property Tax Town Hall
The Senior Property Tax Town Hall in Federal Way provided an excellent opportunity for residents of South King County to engage in discussions with King County Deputy Assessor Al Dams and his team. Participants were able to seek assistance regarding property tax relief programs available for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
 With King County Deputy Assessor Al Dams and local residents
Save the Date: Seattle Home & Garden Show
Save the date for the Seattle Home & Garden Show, the Northwest's largest consumer home show, taking place at Lumen Field Event Center from February 25 to 28, 2027. The Spring show features hundreds of exhibits, including builders, remodelers, and landscaping. More details at www.seattlehomeshow.com.
Since its inception in 1939, the Seattle Home Show has remained a family-owned venture, originally founded by W. G. “Bill” McDonald’s family. The show was inaugurated by Eleanor Roosevelt and William Randolph Hearst under the theme: “Everything Fine in 1939.” After Bill McDonald managed the show until 2002, it is now overseen by Mike and Pam Kalian. Their granddaughter, Tara Kalian, is dedicated to strengthening relationships with exhibitors and introducing innovative ideas, ensuring the event's ongoing success.
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
Crime & Public Safety
Here are some resources to keep you informed about local crime, promote community engagement, and connect with law enforcement.
Federal Way Neighborhood Block Watch
For those interested in starting a Neighborhood Block Watch in Federal Way, below are some steps outlined by the Federal Way Police Department:
- Determine interest by talking with your neighbors and choosing a platform for group members to stay connected.
- Contact Tiffany Clemmings, Federal Way Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 253-835-6707 or Tiffany.Clemmings@federalwaywa.gov.
- Plan or host a Block Watch Meeting, set a meeting agenda and location, and select a Block Watch Captain to liaise with the police department.
- Effective communication is essential for a successful Block Watch Program. Establish methods to address issues and concerns, such as weekly emails, quarterly meetings, or group chats.
Register for Auburn’s Citizens Academy
Registration for the Fall Citizen's Academy is open from September 1 to November 10, 2026. The free program includes interactive classes held weekly on evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Auburn Police Department. Participants will engage with various Police Department employees, including the Chief of Police, detectives, and K-9s. Read more here.
To view local community crime maps, visit: Auburn Crime Rates | Federal Way Crime Map | Kent Crime Rates | King County Sheriff's Office Crime Data
 Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from?
Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To initiate an activity, process, or project.
Origin: Its origin is tied to 19th-century sports and political campaigns, evolving from literal ball games and older British expressions. It gained popularity during the 1840 U.S. presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison, where supporters moved ten-foot balls made of leather and tin through the streets while chanting “keep the ball rolling” to build momentum. Additionally, it relates to sports, where a game starts with a ball in motion. Early British philosophers, such as Jeremy Bentham, also used similar phrase “keep the ball up” to describe maintaining lively conversations. Today, it metaphorically signifies initiating a process.
Boilerplate
Meaning: Syndicated content supplied to weekly newspapers in matrix or plate form. It also refers to standard texts, codes, or document templates that can be reused with minimal changes.
Origin: The term "boilerplate" originated in 19th-century newspaper publishing, where pre-prepared stories and advertisements were printed on heavy metal plates, resembling the steel used in steam boilers. Initially, "boiler plate" referred to rolled sheets of iron for steam boilers and ship hulls. By the late 1880s, publishing syndicates provided standardized news items to local newspapers, eliminating the need for manual typesetting. As this mass-produced text became reusable, "boilerplate" evolved to describe any formulaic text, commonly referring to standard clauses in contracts today.
 Texas is larger than Spain and bigger than California and Alabama combined.
Alaska holds the unique distinction of being the easternmost, northernmost, and westernmost state in the United States, with parts of its western region sitting in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Nome, Alaska, got its name from a British naval officer who wrote “? Name” to mark an unnamed cape. The cartographer misread it as "C. Nome," leading the gold-rush town to adopt the name Cape Nome. Although it was briefly called Anvil City, Nome became the permanent name due to the map label.
In 1803, the U.S. purchased Louisiana from France for $15 million, doubling its size, but the transfer involved months of diplomacy, treaty signing, and Senate approval.
Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
 Click here to see the Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
Seattle Seahawks 2026 Schedule
 Click here to see the Seattle Seahawks 2026 Schedule
With best wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Washington Trivia Answer:
On August 17, Pike Place Market commemorated its founding anniversary, celebrating its inception in 1907 when local farmers began selling directly to Seattle shoppers. As one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States, it continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of farmers, artisans, and small businesses.
The Market was dedicated to Seattle by City Councilman Thomas Revelle after the first building's completion. In 1909, the Athenian Inn opened as its second-oldest restaurant. Over the years, the Market evolved to include more businesses and residents, becoming a vibrant community.
In 1922, construction established the lasting footprint of Pike Place Market, with new buildings and interconnected walkways to the waterfront for steamship deliveries. Frank Goodwin expanded the Market over several levels, accommodating diverse businesses and residents in upper floors. By 1937, development continued, enhancing aesthetics with upgraded signage and a new roof connecting the plaza. This included a prominent 3-story neon sign designed by Andrew Willatsen, marking a significant development in Market signage and one of the largest on the West Coast at the time.
Pike Place Market thrives due to the passion and support of Seattle's citizens, who helped preserve its unique character despite challenges. Established in 1971, the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) manages the Market's operations following a public vote to create a Historic District. The PDA is tasked with preserving the Market's buildings, supporting small businesses, and providing services for low-income individuals, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. A twelve-member council and the Historical Commission oversee these initiatives and maintain regulatory guidelines within the historic district.
 Left: Pike Place Market, Seattle, May 1967. Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (32721).
Right: Vendors and horse-drawn carts at Pike Place Market, Seattle, circa 1908. Courtesy of UW Special Collections (SEA0466).
Photo sources: HistoryLink.org
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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