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 with The Seattle Times Publisher Ryan Blethen, the appointment of King County's first Inspector General, Seattle Owls Softball Team’s recognition, the reappointment of Richa Malik to the Harborview Board of Trustees, a proclamation honoring Dolly Parton, a reception to welcome the new Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle, Solid Waste Division's survey, transit updates, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia
Nearly 98 years ago, on October 18, 1928, a highway linking Pierce and King Counties was inaugurated. What highway could this be?
(Answer is at the bottom)
“Good Eggs” Breakfast with The Seattle Times Publisher Ryan Blethen
At this month’s “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting, Ryan Blethen, the new publisher of The Seattle Times, spoke about how news has evolved, particularly how it has become challenging for local news publications as advertising revenue has shifted to digital platforms. As the fifth generation of his family to run The Seattle Times, he is proud that they have been able to adapt and continue serving our region. Ryan answered audience questions about AI (all Seattle Times articles are written by PEOPLE), covering local news, and preserving the paper's integrity in our changing world. Thank you, Ryan!
 Top photo: With Mission Africa Executive Director Ndudi Chuku, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Emerald Downs Founder Ron Crockett and his wife Wanda Crockett, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, and The Seattle Times Publisher Ryan Blethen. Bottom: With Edgewood Mayor Dave Olson, Lakehaven Commissioner Juan Juarez-Ramos, Federal Mayor Jim Ferrell, Lakehaven Commissioner Len Englund, Pacific Mayor Vic Kave, King County District Court Judge Moi Masaniai, The Seattle Times Publisher Ryan Blethen, Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer, Federal Way Councilmember Melissa Hamilton, Muckleshoot Tribe Vice Chair John Daniels, Jr., Auburn Councilmember Kate Baldwin, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, Federal Way Councilmember Linda Kochmar, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Algona Councilmember David White, Federal Way Public Schools Board Director Luckisha Phillips, Algona Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Fairley, and Algona Councilmember Bill Thomas
King County Council Updates
Council Appoints First Inspector General
The King County Council appointed Stuart Robinson as the county’s first Inspector General. Robinson will head the new Inspector General Division within the Office of Public Complaints to strengthen oversight and independently investigate complaints of misconduct, misuse of public funds and more.
As the chair of the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee and a co-sponsor of the legislation that created the Inspector General Division, I firmly believe that transparency and accountability are essential responsibilities of local and all levels of government. These principles are essential for ensuring that as we allocate important resources to benefit our communities, we also hold ourselves accountable. This guarantees that the programs implemented by King County serve everyone effectively, and when they fall short, we are prepared to collaborate with the inspector general to address the issues. Read the press release for additional details about Inspector General Robinson.
Council Recognizes Seattle Owls Softball Team
The King County Council recognized the Seattle Owls Softball Team on their 2026 Nike RBI West Regional Championship and appearance at the Nike RBI Softball World Series, celebrating the players, coaches, families, and community partners who are carrying the legacy of the original Seattle Owls into a new generation.
 With King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn, Jorge Barón, Rhonda Lewis, Steffanie Fain and Sarah Perry, and the Seattle Owls Softball Team
Council Reappoints Richa Malik to the Harborview Board of Trustees
The King County Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Richa Malik to the Harborview Medical Center Board of Trustees. She will serve a four-year term, set to expire on July 31, 2030.
I first nominated Richa to join our board in 2025. Fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, Richa brings a unique perspective that enhances her ability to connect with diverse communities. She is the principal attorney at Malik Law Firm, located in Renton, specializing in immigration law. She has extensive experience advocating for diverse communities, navigating regulatory frameworks, and ensuring that organizational decisions prioritize fairness, transparency, and long-term impact.
 With Richa Malik, her daughter, and King County Councilmember and former Harborview Board of Trustees president Steffanie Fain
Council Welcomes New Korean Consul General
“The M’s could have used Dae Ho Lee this season,” was my introduction to new Korean Consul General Sung Gil Chang. The Republic of Korea is our state’s fourth largest trading partner and that means real JOBS on both sides of trade. The last century was the era of the Atlantic Ocean... we are now in the era of the Pacific Ocean.
 With King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain and Korean Consul General Sung Gil Chang
Council Proclaims September 25 as Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day
Following Dolly Parton's passing, the King County Council proclaimed September 25, 2026, (Nine Two Five), as Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day to honor her life, legacy, and advocacy, celebrating her with a tribute to “9 to 5.”
 With King County Councilmembers Steffanie Fain, Jorge Barón, Teresa Mosqueda, Sarah Perry, Rhonda Lewis, and Rod Dembowski, alongside Imagination Library of Washington Executive Director Brooke Fisher-Clark and other representatives
King County Solid Waste Division Wants to Hear from You
King County is reviewing its Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, initially adopted in November 2019, to address current waste system needs. Washington State law requires a coordinated plan for regional waste management. The updated plan will consider alternative waste disposal options, especially as the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill is projected to reach capacity in 10–20 years. General comments on long-term disposal options will be accepted after the supplemental EIS comment period ends.
Comment Deadline: 11:59 p.m., November 20. Submit comments via email to SWDCompPlan@kingcounty.gov, use the online open house form, mail to King County Solid Waste Division (Attn: Patty Liu, 201 S. Jackson Street, Suite 6400, Seattle, WA 98104-3855 ), or present them at public meetings.
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-7 pm, Kent Commons Community Center (Olympic Room)
- Tuesday, October 27, 6-7 pm, White Center Library
- Thursday, Oct. 29, 12-1 pm, Via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82109140166
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6-7 pm, Third Place Commons
- Tuesday, November 10, 6-7 pm, Highland Middle School
Be Flood Ready
The King County Flood Control District, in collaboration with King County, is dedicated to ensuring our community is prepared for potential flooding. Flood season spans from October to April, during which time we face the risks of swollen rivers, elevated groundwater levels, and storm-related impacts. For more information on how you can prepare, visit the King County Flood Control website to learn how to Be Flood Ready.
Alan M. Painter Grant Program
The Alan M. Painter Grant Program is now accepting applications for 2027. It supports community-driven projects that strengthen unincorporated areas of King County. A total of $90,000 will be awarded in 2027, with individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for selected projects will begin in March 2027. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Read more on the King County Local Services blog here.
Transit Updates
RapidRide I Line Construction Update
Metro is building RapidRide I Line to meet a critical need for improved north-south transportation options in South King County. Visit the RapidRide I Line website to check out the interactive map, construction notices, and learn about the passenger stations and other improvements this project will bring.
Sound Transit Progress Report
Sound Transit released the Fall/Winter edition of their public-facing Progress Report. This biannual Progress Report serves as a digest to showcase Sound Transit news and updates with district residents and taxpayers. You can view it at progress.soundtransit.org.
Local Events
Take the Pumpkin Plunge on October 17
Join the City of Federal Way for the annual Pumpkin Plunge at the Federal Way Community Center on Saturday, October 17, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a unique pumpkin picking experience in the pools. Admission is $10 for youth and $12 for adults. Pre-register here.
Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze are open daily from 9:00 AM to dusk until October 31. The pumpkin patch and USA 250 corn maze are at 27508 W Valley Hwy N, Kent, WA 98032, while the Farm Fun Yard is at 6720 S 277th St, Kent, WA 98032. Visit their website for more details.
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 | See Ya Later Foundation | 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?
Safety net
Meaning: A system, plan, or device that offers security, support, or protection against misfortune, failure, or dangerous falls.
Origin: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this compound word first appeared in print circa 1840 in Mechanics' Magazine, with its specific applications related to circus and physical safety becoming established by the mid to late 19th century. Over time, the term took on a figurative meaning, referring to any safeguard, policy, or system designed to protect individuals from severe hardship, financial disaster, or calamity. Its metaphorical use in social welfare programs gained prominence in political discussions during the late 1970s and early 1980s, influenced by figures like Jude Wanniski, Ronald Reagan, and Jack Kemp.
Indian summer
Meaning: A period of unseasonably warm or mild weather occurring in late autumn or early winter.
Origin: Originated in the northeastern U.S. around 1778, noted in Michel-Guillaume-Jean de Crèvecoeur's writings. Early settlers observed Native Americans using a warm autumn period to harvest crops and increase their winter stores, attributing the hazy atmosphere to campfires or prairie burning. Similar phenomena in Europe were called St. Martin's Summer.
 Oranges are naturally green and only turn orange when exposed to cold weather.
The first networked email was sent by Ray Tomlinson in 1971 over ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet, nearly 20 years before the World Wide Web launched.
Reindeer eyes shift from golden in summer to deep blue in winter, enhancing their vision in the dark Arctic.
The dot over the letter “I” is called tittle.
Cows have “best friends” and experience stress when separated. In a study, cows showed lower heart rates and less stress when paired with their preferred partner compared to an unfamiliar cow.
Bald eagles can dive at speeds of up to 100 mph, while Golden Eagles can reach 150 mph.
FWPD Community Academy Returns in 2027
The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) Community Academy, previously the Citizens Academy, will return in January 2027. This five-week program allows community members to learn about the FWPD through presentations, demonstrations, and tours. It will run on Wednesdays from January 6 to February 3, 2027, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Participants must commit to the full program and pass a background check. Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited space. Interested individuals can contact FWPD Community Engagement Coordinator Tiffany Clemmings at 253-835-6707 or Tiffany.Clemmings@federalwaywa.gov.
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 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 October 18, 1928, a new 24-mile highway connecting Seattle and Tacoma was inaugurated, significantly improving travel between the cities. This route, part of the Pacific Highway (later U.S. Route 99), featured a straight, twenty-foot-wide concrete surface and was 9.2 miles shorter than previous routes. The dedication ceremony included speeches from Governor Roland Hartley and local officials. The project cost $2,118,700 and maintained a grade below five percent.
Grading on the southern end of the new highway was completed first, leading to the paving of the section between Redondo and Tacoma by November 1927, and its opening in December. The northern section finished in October 1928, with a dedication ceremony on October 18. The highway contributed to the closure of the interurban service between Seattle and Tacoma at the end of 1928, and by the early 1930s, a four-lane concrete lane was opened, allowing for a new speed limit of 40 miles per hour.
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Photo source: HistoryLink.org (Seattle-Tacoma highway route, The Seattle Times, March 27, 1927)
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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