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 Meeting with Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove, the opening of the South County Recycling and Transfer Station in Algona, resources for National Preparedness Month, transit news, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia
Eighty-eight years ago, an aspiring folk singer established an aquarium at Pier 54 in Seattle, later followed by the creation of the Acres of Clams restaurant. Who was he?
(Answer is at the bottom)
“Good Eggs” Breakfast Meeting with Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove
While the Spokane fires got our attention because over 65,000 people were evacuated, there are fires today affecting thousands of acres across Washington. Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove fought cuts in the budget last year, and led over 8,000 local, federal, and firefighters from 27 states (and Australia) this summer in protecting Washington. Thank you, Dave, for your work, and for joining the “Good Eggs” breakfast.
 With Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, South King County Mayors Jim Ferrell (Federal Way), Dana Ralph (Kent), Sean Kelly (Maple Valley), Vic Kave (Pacific), Thomas McLeod (Tukwila), Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner, and Kent Council President Satwinder Kaur
Opening of the South County Recycling and Transfer Station
A promise kept to South King County with the opening of the $230 million South County Recycling and Transfer Station (SCRTS) in Algona, led by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and myself. While other bodies like to debate foreign policy, county government MUST deliver essential public services, and I am proud that this critical station came in on time and within budget. Muckleshoot Tribe Cultural Arts Director Sam Obrovac added his art, depicting natural cycles within Coastal Salish traditions.
 With King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Solid Waste Division Director Rebecca Singer, Muckleshoot Tribe Cultural Arts Director Sam Obrovac, and Muckleshoot Tribe members
The South County Recycling and Transfer Station is a critical addition to our growing region, offering convenient access to recycling, garbage, and hazardous waste services to many communities, particularly in South King County. Thoughtfully designed to be a good neighbor, the station incorporates features that address concerns associated with living near a transfer station, while delivering real benefits to both the environment and the community.
 An aerial image of the new South County Recycling and Transfer Station, located on West Valley Highway, west of SR 167.
The new station, which is primarily powered by renewable energy and is the first to receive Salmon-Safe certification, replaces the outdated Algona Transfer Station established in the 1960s. This project represents the largest capital initiative completed by King County this year and underscores the commitment to enhancing equitable access to services in South King County. Additionally, it aims to improve public infrastructure, energy efficiency, and the local environment. Watch the feature here.
Transit Updates
RapidRide I Line Construction Update
King County Metro has begun construction to build the 17-mile RapidRide I Line in Renton, Kent, and Auburn, set to launch in 2027. The RapidRide I Line will connect the Renton Transit Center, Kent Transit Center, and Auburn Station, linking riders to the RapidRide F Line, Sound Transit buses, Sounder Train, and local bus services. This initiative aims to enhance north-south transportation options in South King County. Visit the new website to check the interactive map and learn about the passenger stations and other improvements this project will bring.
Metro Flex
On August 31, King County Metro introduced two Metro Flex pilots in Auburn and Federal Way, enhancing on-demand transit in South King County. Rides cost $3, equal to a standard fare, with free transfers to buses or light rail. Reduced fares are available for seniors, riders with disabilities, and low-income customers, while youth 18 and under ride free.
As the World Cup highlighted the importance of transit and accessibility in our region, with record number of boardings and transit riders, it is especially important to create more opportunities for our neighbors, particularly those in transit deserts, to access major transit hubs and connect to their daily activities, such as work, grocery shopping, appointments, games and more. With the uncertainty of rising gas prices and the increasing costs of driving, the arrival of Metro Flex in Auburn and Federal Way, along with the South Link Connections project, will allow many, if not all, to benefit from enhanced transit options both regionally and in their local neighborhoods.
Download the app in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or call 206-258-7739 to book a ride.
Local Events
Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington (PICA-WA) Elders Fair
“Look to your neighbor and tell them, ‘You look beautiful today!’” was how my meeting began at the 2nd Annual Elders Fair, and it ended with an undeserved but greatly appreciated plaque from organizations representing the nearly 20,000 residents of native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage, thanking me for building cultural bridges with them. It has been a long way from my first trip to Suva in Fiji, in my twenties.
 With PICA-WA Executive Director Sili Savusa, Elders Services Manager Seiuli Chanel, Pasifika Food Networks Manager Rosi Bolatagici, and volunteers
Auburn Civics Academy
The Auburn Civics Academy is an 8-week program for Auburn residents, business owners, and students (16+) to learn about city government and operations. Participants gain firsthand experience with various city services and issues while connecting with others in an interactive setting. Registration ends on Monday, September 7. Each session will be held at a facility in Auburn. Dinner is served each night. Please refer to the schedule below.
• Weekday sessions: 6 - 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday sessions: 9 a.m. - noon
Visit Auburnwa.gov/civicsacademy or email neighborhoodprograms@auburnwa.gov for additional information.
Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall
The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be at Auburn City Hall (25 W. Main Street) on September 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are required, with same-day options available. A photo ID is needed, and for safety, no visitors under 16 are allowed.
Donors are encouraged to eat a hearty meal and stay hydrated before donating. Book a one-hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood.
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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
National Preparedness Month: Take Time This September to Get Ready
September is National Preparedness Month. This year King County's theme is "Prepared Neighbors." Preparing for disasters starts at home and continues in our communities. Become "prepared neighbors" in a few simple steps.
Meet your neighbors
If you haven't already, knock on a neighbor's door and introduce yourself. Consider exchanging contact information with trusted neighbors. This could help you get support from one another during a disaster.
Know who you can turn to nearby
Next, think about what it would look like to ask neighbors for help when you need it. Create a communications plan to let one another know you're safe. You may even need to check on each other in person.
Who depends on you? Who do you depend on?
If you have small children or pets, you may need some extra help during disasters. If your neighbors are vulnerable, they may need extra help as well. Knowing one another's circumstances can make you more prepared.
Know your neighborhood's hazards
While certain hazards affect all of King County, such as earthquakes, others may be specific to your area. Find out if you live in a floodplain or an area prone to tree hazards and power outages.
Find more information about:
• Hazards in your King County neighborhood at hazardready.org/seattle.
• Disaster preparedness at kingcounty.gov/prepare.
• King County Flood Control District’s Be Flood Ready webpage.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready.gov website.
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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 Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from?
All hands on deck
Meaning: Referring to a scenario where every available individual is needed or called to help.
Origin: The phrase "all hands on deck" first appeared in writing between 1680 and 1690 as a nautical command for crew members to report to the upper deck during emergencies. Ship crews typically operated in rotating shifts known as "watches," allowing some members to rest or eat. When an “all hands” order was issued, it meant both on-duty and off-duty sailors need to gather for urgent situations like storms or battles. Over time, this command evolved into a general idiom representing the need for a collective team effort to address urgent issues.
Batten down the hatches
Meaning: To prepare for a challenging or hazardous scenario.
Origin: The idiom has nautical roots from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, referring to preparations for difficulties. Sailors would cover deck openings (hatches) with waterproof canvases to prevent flooding during storms. This practice was documented in William Falconer's An Universal Dictionary of the Marine in 1769. The phrase gained popularity in naval English by the 1800s and was later adopted by the public to express precautionary measures before facing challenges or emergencies.
 Abraham Lincoln gained fame as an amateur wrestler after moving to Illinois. In the 1830s, he accepted a $10 bet to defeat local champion Jack Armstrong, successfully throwing and pinning him during a match that attracted a crowd. Despite Armstrong's friends being upset, they recognized Lincoln as the fair winner, leading to a friendship. Lincoln's determination in wrestling may have contributed to his leadership during the Civil War.
Theodore Roosevelt, after a sickly childhood, built his strength through vigorous exercise and boxing during college. He continued sparring as president until a match with a young Army captain resulted in a permanent eye injury, prompting him to stop boxing. However, he then took up learning jiu-jitsu, demonstrating his continued interest in combat sports.
Dwight Eisenhower was a notable football player at West Point before leading the Allied forces. In 1912, he played against Jim Thorpe, injuring himself during the game, which Carlisle won 27-6. Later, he became a sought-after football coach at Army bases. As president, he enjoyed golf and had a putting green installed on the White House lawn.
John F. Kennedy was active in sports, playing left end and tackle at Choate Hall and swimming at Harvard. Despite his health issues, including Addison’s disease and back pain, he was considered fit. Golf was likely his best sport, with a swing described as "wonderfully lyric." He enjoyed attending sports events, switching sides at the Army-Navy football game, and was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan.
Richard Nixon was a benchwarmer on the Whittier College football team, famously calling himself "scrap iron." He remained a lifelong football fan, even proposing a play during the 1973 Super Bowl. However, he became more recognized as a bowler, having a single-lane bowling alley installed in the White House for him and his wife, Pat.
Gerald Ford, often mocked for clumsiness on Saturday Night Live, was a highly athletic and fit president. He played for the University of Michigan football team, winning two national championships, and declined NFL offers from the Lions and Packers. During World War II, he served as a physical fitness instructor. After becoming president at 61, Ford maintained a daily swimming routine, skied, played tennis, and golfed, though he became a target of jokes for accidentally hitting spectators with golf balls.
Jimmy Carter, though not known as an athlete, played high school tennis, basketball, pole vaulted, and participated in American Legion baseball. He also ran cross-country at the U.S. Naval Academy. As president, he enjoyed tennis and golf but favored outdoor activities like fishing, quail hunting in Georgia, and hiking.
George H.W. Bush's first love was baseball. After returning from service in World War II, he played first base for Yale, contributing to two College World Series appearances. Known for his exceptional fielding, he had a .992 fielding percentage in 1948. His former employee, Smith, believes Bush was the best all-around athlete to occupy the Oval Office, excelling in various sports like sailing, skydiving, and golf.
Crime & Public Safety
Here are some resources to keep you informed about local crime, promote community engagement, and connect with law enforcement.
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
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:
Ivar Haglund was a notable Seattle character, known as the "King of the Waterfront." On September 2, 1938, Ivar opened an aquarium on Pier 3 in Seattle, initially gaining attention through creative promotions like taking a seal to visit Santa Claus. Inspired by his cousins who ran an aquarium in Oregon, Haglund aimed to create an educational experience while making a living. After overcoming challenges, including sourcing marine life and a tank mishap, the aquarium finally opened with large tanks and a resident seal, showcasing a variety of local marine species in a natural setting.
The aquarium was home to several seals, including five in 1939 alone. While the first Pat the Seal swam away and the other three did not survive after their arrival, the final Pat became a beloved resident. The aquarium also showcased an octopus named Marmaduke. During winter, Haglund took the animals on outings, including a memorable trip to Pike Place Market where Pat was dressed for Christmas. He enjoyed interacting with schoolchildren, giving interviews, and even writing songs about the creatures in his care, such as Terrence the Teredo, Herman the Hermit Crab, and Barney Barnacle. He even composed music for some of his fish, as highlighted in a 1941 article by the P-I about a melodious encounter with Pat the Seal.
Although it was popular, the aquarium faced dramatic events, including a fight between two octopuses and a dogfish shark's fatal encounter with an anemone, attracting media attention. Challenges in keeping fish alive and catching them in a growing Seattle area arose, along with incidents like pollution causing mass fish deaths. Ultimately, Haglund closed the aquarium in early 1956, returning the remaining fish to Puget Sound.
Haglund shifted his focus to his restaurant, Acres of Clams, which he opened in 1946. By 1965, he had become a legend, known for his fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and as a promoter of regional folk music. He also purchased the iconic Smith Tower in 1976. His various stunts and restaurants contributed to Seattle's unique identity. Ivar Haglund passed away on January 30, 1985, at the age of 79.
 Counterclockwise: Aquarium advertisement with Pat the Seal, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 26, 1951, courtesy of Seattle Post-Intelligencer; Ivar Haglund feeding Pat the Seal at Pier 54 aquarium, courtesy of National Nordic Museum; Ivar Haglund with guitar in front of the Fish Bar, courtesy of Paul Dorpat.
Photo source: HistoryLink.org
 With Bob Donegan, who currently serves as the president of Ivar’s, succeeding Scott Kingdon, Sr., who took over from the founder Ivar Haglund.
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