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 Kemper Freeman, King County Council’s new leadership and committee assignments, the 2024 Comprehensive Plan kick off, the Future of Husky Athletics, King County CEOC's search for new members, King County Library System's rank for digital check outs, the King County Parks grants, the MLK Federal Way High School Basketball Showcase, transit, crime and health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

This first modern container ship out of Puget Sound set sail from Seattle bound for Honolulu exactly sixty years ago. What was it?
(Answer is at the bottom).




“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Kemper Freeman

“Building a successful business is all about building a successful community.” Kemper Freeman’s legacy in Bellevue demonstrates his commitment to both, and his remarks at this month’s “Good Eggs” meeting highlighted the power of local, public-private partnerships. As the founder of the Bellevue Collection, which includes Bellevue Square and Lincoln Center, he has set a high bar for retail in our region, and has created thousands of jobs in construction, trades, and service and hospitality industries. Thank you, Kemper!



(Top) With Pacific Mayor Vic Kave, Kent Councilmember Toni Troutner, Kemper Freeman, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, and Federal Way Council President Linda Kochmar; (Bottom) With Auburn Councilmember Yolanda Trout-Manuel, Kemper Freeman, and Auburn Councilmembers Hanan Amer and Clinton Taylor


King County Council Approves New Leadership, Committee Assignments

On January 9th, the King County Council approved its reorganization motion, which sets out Council leadership and committee assignments for the year. Councilmember Dave Upthegrove will remain chair of the Council in 2024, while Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Girmay Zahilay will serve as vice chairs. I will remain chair of the Regional Policy Committee and the Government Accountability and Oversight. For a complete list of committee assignments, click here.


Two Meetings Kick Off 2024 Comprehensive Plan Overhaul

The King County Council kicked off a series of meetings to gather community input for the once-a-decade overhaul of the county’s comprehensive plan. This legislation guides King County land use policy and it affects everything from where homes can be built, to how roads impact surrounding areas, to access to clean water, and much more.

The Council will hold more public meetings over the next several months to get feedback from the community on comprehensive plan priorities. Those will take place in Covington, Duvall, Skyway-West Hill, and on Vashon-Maury Island between February and May. Please take an opportunity to learn more about the comprehensive planning process on our website or by watching this video. You can also email questions to the King County Council at CouncilCompPlan@kingcounty.gov.


The Future of Husky Athletics

When he took the job just a few months ago, Troy Dannen, formerly Tulane’s Athletic Director, undoubtedly could not have predicted the NIL (name, image, and likeness) roller coaster that was ahead of him. Also, before last week’s luncheon, he’d never met Steve Largent, whose best friend from college, Rick Dickson, also held the Athletic Director job at both Tulane and WSU.



With Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain, University of Washington Athletic Director Troy Dannen, Pro Football Hall of Famer & Former US Rep. Steve Largent, and Harry the Husky


King County Citizens’ Election Oversight Committee Seeks New Members

Interested in elections? Check-out this opportunity to serve on the King County Citizens’ Election Oversight Committee (CEOC), a 16-member committee of volunteers who have interest or expertise in elections. They produce an annual report to the King County Council on their observations, findings, and recommendations on election-related matters. Currently, the CEOC has the following unfilled positions:

• One representative of the Vietnamese-speaking community. The term of this position ends in December 2026.

• One representative from the disability community. The term of this position ends in July 2025. The Council may appoint the successful candidate to complete the current term as well as serve for an additional term of three years.

Applications are requested to be submitted by March 4th. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/ceoc.




King County Library System Among Top 3 Digital Circulating Libraries in the World

King County Library System (KCLS) now ranks second in the nation and third in the world for digital check outs in 2023. In another record-setting year, readers across the globe downloaded 662 million eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines through OverDrive, reflecting a 19% increase in digital readership over 2022. Read more here.


King County Parks Grants

King County Parks is now accepting applications for the following grant programs:

• Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Supports projects that increase access to sports, play, and the outdoors.

• Healthy Communities and Parks Fund - Tier 1 and Tier 2: Supports projects that increase access to parks, open space, and recreation in underserved communities.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 4th at 8:00 p.m. via the Parks Grant Portal. Download the 2024 Parks Grants Guide or view the text-only web version for details on available funding, award amounts, eligibility, applying, and the evaluation processes. For more information or questions, please call 206-848-0699 or email ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov.


MLK Federal Way High School Basketball Showcase

At a time when the news is dominated by college and professional athletics, I was proud to help sponsor a local athletic event for our youth. The MLK Federal Way High School (FWHS) Showcase for boys and girls basketball was held over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and it was great to watch our young athletes compete in this event. I remember watching Coach Yattah Reed as a player at FWHS and I continue to be impressed with him as a coach, teacher, father, and leader of the MLK showcase! Sports bring people together!



With FWHS Basketball Coach Yattah Reed and All City Fence Owner Rick Koch

Alumni Corner

While our work is based on policies and programs, it is the people we work with who make the difference. Previously featured alumni included: Chris Cho, Tom Pierson, Bailey Stenson Gordon, Agnes Wooters, and Jim Ferrell.

This week’s featured D7 Alumni is Jacqueline “Jackie” (Ablao) Schneider. Prior to working in my office as a Legislative Aide in 2014, Jackie was a Seattle Seahawks SeaGal while she attended college. During her time with the Seahawks, she had the opportunity to dance at two Super Bowls as well as overseas for the Armed Forces. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, she also worked as a King County TV host and reporter. Now, Jackie is working in marketing and PR in the Seattle area and a coach with the Seahawks Dancers. Jackie has said that during her time in my office, she learned the importance of being present in the community. “Pete is involved with so many different community groups, I got the chance to actually meet and get to know constituents from many different disciplines”, said Jackie of her time at D7. “It strengthened my people skills and gave me a stronger appreciation for public service.” Last year, she tied the knot with Joey Schneider, another D7 alum. Thank you, Jackie!


Transit Updates

Riders need to prepare for Link service disruptions through February 4

Link light rail passengers should prepare for three weeks of disruptions from January 13th through end of service Sunday, February 4th as Sound Transit undertakes several projects to improve service. Trains will run less frequently on weekdays and shuttle buses will replace Link between Capitol Hill and SODO stations on weekends. For more information, visit Sound Transit’s website.



Youth Voices Needed: Become a Member of the SaFE Equity Workgroup

King County Metro is looking for young people from ages 15-19 to help shape the future of transit safety in King County. Metro’s Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Initiative wants to ensure the voices of youth are part of the SaFE Equity Workgroup, the panel that works with Metro to plan, prioritize, and evaluate projects to improve transit safety. The SaFE Equity Workgroup wants to add 3-4 young people to the group.

Members of the SaFE Equity Workgroup are paid for their participation, a stipend of $75 for each hour attending meetings and other events. The SaFE Equity Workgroup meets virtually on the third Monday of each month, from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Youth workgroup members will be invited to attend regular workgroup meetings and additional youth cohort meetings 1-2 times per month. Meetings will be scheduled based on member availability. The deadline to apply for the SaFE Equity Workgroup is February 16, 2024. More information can be found on the Metro Matters blog.

Metro Restores Trips for Kent, Burien Riders on DART Routes 914 and 631

Kent and Burien riders will have more weekday travel options soon as Metro adds trips to DART 914 and Route 631. The added trips are available thanks to additional Hopelink driver availability on these contracted routes. Read more here.

Three New Members Appointed to the Sound Transit Board of Directors

On January 16th, the King County Council confirmed the appointment of three new members to the Sound Transit Board of Directors:

• King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay will represent the North King County subarea, filling the seat of former King County Councilmember Joe McDermott.

• Redmond Mayor Angela Birney will represent the East King County subarea, filling the seat of former Kenmore Mayor and Councilmember Dave Baker.

• Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss will also represent North King County, filling the seat of former Seattle City Councilmember Debra Juarez.


Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank 
https://www.theauburnfoodbank.org/

Auburn Noon Lions 
https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/auburn_noon/

Auburn Valley Humane Society 
https://www.auburnvalleyhs.org/

Bloodworks Northwest 
https://schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/

Federal Way Kiwanis
https://federalwaykiwanis.square.site/

Federal Way Lions
https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/federalway/

Federal Way Senior Center
https://www.federalwayseniorcenter.org/

FUSION Décor Boutique
https://www.fusiondecorboutique.com/

Multi-Service Center Food Bank  
https://mschelps.org/getinvolved/donations/  

Rotary Club of Federal Way  
https://federalwayrotary.com/ 

The Salvation Army 
https://federalway.salvationarmy.org/federal_way_corps

Donations for Maui Residents
Maui County has listed links to organizations accepting donations to benefit Maui residents affected by fires.


Crime and Law Enforcement Updates

As of December 31st, 2023, 136 federal, state, county, municipal, military, and campus officers have died in the line of duty, representing a 39% decrease compared to the 224 officers who died in the same period in 2022. To view the 2023 End-of-Year Law Enforcement Officers Fatalities Report, click here.



Click the following links to see crime information in Auburn, Federal Way, and all of King County.

To report illegal street racing in your neighborhood, dial 911.


Health Updates

King County On-site Sewage Systems Regulatory Code Newsletter

Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC) is working on a year-long process to revise the King County Board of Health On-site Sewage System (OSS) codes. Over the past six months, PHSKC have engaged partners and shared with community members about septic-related changes to the Washington Administrative Codes. Considering this, PHSKC invites the public to sign up to their monthly newsletter where they will share communication on latest developments and key OSS information. For more information on the On-site Sewage/Septic System Program, click here. To sign up to the newsletter, visit www.kingcounty.gov/oss/alerts.

Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator.

For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.







With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

On January 24, 1964, exactly sixty years ago, Matson Navigation Company’s Hawaiian Builder was the first modern container ship out of the Puget Sound to set sail from the Port of Seattle’s Pier 46 bound for Honolulu, Hawaii. To accommodate the larger vessels, major renovations were made to deep-draft ports, which handle billions of dollars of imports and exports annually. Pier 46 was retrofitted by the Port of Seattle with 50-ton gantry cranes to handle container ships operated by Matson Navigation and by Alaska Steamship Company.

The sailing marked the beginning of a rebirth of cargo shipping out of Seattle. Matson also put its Hawaiian Merchant, Hawaiian Packer, Hawaiian Rancher, Hawaiian Refiner, and Hawaiian Citizen on the Seattle-Honolulu route.

The Port of Seattle later developed piers 42 to 46 into Terminal 46, which by 2014 became home to Mediterranean Shipping Company (Switzerland), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (Japan), China Ocean Shipping Company (China), Yang Ming Line (Taiwan), and Hanjin Shipping (South Korea).

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