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 Korean School of Federal Way, a tour of the William J. Wood Veterans House and book donation, Rick Rizzs’ 40th Anniversary with the Mariners, King County Library System’s nomination for the 2023 National Medal for Library Service, the opening of a new school-based health center at Highline High School, the Career Pathways for Youth Affected by Gun Violence Grant, the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan Draft PEIS, sports, crime and health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

This Federal Way High School alum played for the San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Who is he?
(Answer is at the bottom).




Korean School of Federal Way Fundraiser Night

When you think of the Korean School, you may think of brick and mortar, but I think of a bridge. Although different in our creation, the Republic of Korea and the USA have shared VALUES which we need now more than ever in the Pacific Rim today, and the Korean School reminds us of the importance of working together. Thank you Principal Hye Su Han, Mayor Emeritus Mike Park, and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.



With Korean School of Federal Way Principal Hye Su Han, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Auburn Deputy Mayor James Jeyaraj, Mayor Emeritus Mike Park, Federal Way Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, and Federal Way Councilmember Jack Walsh at the School’s Annual Fundraiser Night


William J. Wood Veterans House Tour and Book Donation

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the William J. Wood Veterans House, the only permanent housing facility for veterans in the state of Washington. LaFloura Estrada, William J. Woods Veterans House Community Manager, and Alan Clapper, Resident Services Coordinator, led the tour of the facility. I also brought some books to add to their collection for their resident veterans to enjoy.



With Community Manager LaFloura Estrada and resident John Ingles


Rick Rizzs Celebrates 40 Years with the Mariners

Win or lose, rain or shine, home or away, Rick Rizzs celebrates 40 years today of making us a part of the game no matter where or how the Ms are playing. In addition to his play by play, he is always supporting non-profits in our region. Rick never ages, nor does his commitment to others!




King County Library System Named Finalist for 2023 National Medal for Library Service

On March 28th, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced that the King County Library System (KCLS) is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. KCLS is the only institution in Washington to be selected as a finalist for this award.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. Award winners will be announced in May. Read more here.




King County Announces Opening of New School-Based Health Center in Burien

On March 31st, King County announced the opening of a new school-based health center at Highline High School in Burien. The center will be operated by HealthPoint and is funded by the voter-approved Best Starts for Kids Levy as part of a network of school-based health centers (SBHCs) overseen by Public Health - Seattle & King County.

SBHCs are open to all students and are designed to offer supports to those with the highest needs. They provide integrated and coordinated primary medical care, mental health care, and oral health services. SBHCs connect students to care that may be difficult to find in their communities and are a proven strategy that offers comprehensive health services including immunizations, family planning, and mental health counseling within a school setting.


King County Grant Opportunity: Career Pathways for Youth Affected by Gun Violence

The King County Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget launched the Career Pathways for Youth Affected by Gun Violence grant program. This opportunity is funded with $1 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support a gun violence prevention grant program in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Award size ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 per organization and may be adjusted to achieve equitable allocation and opportunities for community capacity-building where needs are greatest. Applications are accepted through April 21st, 12:00 PM. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in mid-May 2023. Period of performance is a maximum of 12 months ending no later than December 31, 2024. Read more here.


Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan Draft PEIS

The King County Flood Control District is seeking public feedback on the proposed Flood Hazard Management Plan that would guide future investments to reduce flood risks in the Lower Green River Corridor.

A study is underway, and your comments will help shape flood protection planning along the Lower Green River in Auburn, Kent, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila, and unincorporated King County. The deadline to provide your input is May 4th at 5:00 PM. Learn more at LowerGreenSEPA.org.

For other ways to send your thoughts, you may call 206-263-0602, email lowergreensepa@kingcounty.gov, or mail your comments to the following address:

King County Flood Control District
Attn: Michelle Clark, SEPA Responsible Official
516 Third Avenue, Room 1200 Seattle, WA 98104




Tacoma's 1972 Olympic champion 'Sugar' Ray Seales lives in men's shelter due to high rent prices

Olympic boxer “Sugar” Ray Seales still carries his gold medal from the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. He is the only U.S. boxer who can make that claim. Seales moved to Tacoma from the U.S. Virgin Islands when he was twelve years old. After his boxing career brought him around the world for nearly two decades, he decided to retire in 1984 and come back to his adopted home, Tacoma.

Seales taught children with autism at Lincoln High School for 17 years and now lives at Shiloh Baptist Church, a men’s shelter, because he cannot find an affordable place to live. For now, Seales considers his time in the shelter as an opportunity to mentor the other men and encourage them to remember that this is not where their story has to end. Read more in the KING5 article here.


The Biggest Snowfall Ever Recorded in King County History

2023 has proven to be a winter of extremes, with unusual snow and rain falls through spring in Southern California, Texas and even in the Pacific Northwest. Data shows how this winter compares to the past century with King County having its biggest snowfall up to summer 2021. King County also set its snowfall record 58 years ago on January 2nd, 1965, when it received 45 inches of snow over 24 hours. Read more here.


Sports Updates

Sonics Legends Fund

The Sonics Legends Fund has its roots in a similar fund for former Seattle Seahawks players. The creation of the fund was initiated by Sandy Gregory, now a Sonics Legends Fund advisor. The fund was created to assist former Sonics players in need of financial assistance, connecting them with caring support and critical resources like medical care and housing. Read more here.

Seattle Orcas Jump into Major League Cricket

The Seattle Orcas will leap into competition in the historic debut season of Major League Cricket (MLC) this summer. The newly named team will represent the Greater Seattle area, and the Pacific Northwest more broadly, in MLC. The new league will bring some of the world’s top players to compete in a sport that boasts millions of fans in the United States and is the second most watched sport globally with more than two billion followers. Read more here.



Seattle Mariners April Schedule



Take Transit for a Hassle-free Way to Get to the Mariners

The wait is over. It’s time for some Seattle Mariners baseball. Take transit to games and skip the high cost of parking.

• From South King County or North Seattle, Link Light Rail is an awesome connection to T-Mobile Park.

• You can relax before the game by riding the Water Taxi from West Seattle to downtown and walk, roll or scoot from Pier 50 to the park.

• Coming to the ballpark from Burien? Jump on the new RapidRide H Line from the Burien Transit Center and get off on Alaskan Way S.




Crime and Law Enforcement Updates

This update is intended to inform you about what is happening in our communities and where. My hope is that this information will not only make us better informed, but also provide us with solutions for how we can address the issues facing our community as we move forward. Click the following links to see crime information in Auburn, Federal Way, and all of King County.



For a detailed 2022 end-of-year law enforcement officers fatalities report, click here. For a complete list of benefits for public safety officers and survivors as shared by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), click here.


King County COVID-19 Case Update

Yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 122 daily average positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 555,574. In addition, Public Health reported 3 daily average deaths, bringing the total in the county to 3,651.



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

For King County residents: Register here to schedule your appointment at one of the high-volume vaccination sites in King County.

For in-home vaccination: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977.

To register by phone: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #.

For veterans: Call 206-716-5716 or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.

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

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 9-8-8 to connect to the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, text TALK to 741-741 or visit https://988lifeline.org/.

Find your King County Council district here.


With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Travis Ishikawa is a former professional baseball first baseman who played for the San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ishikawa attended Federal Way High School and led his team to the Washington State Class 4A Title in 2001 and 2002. He was drafted in the 21st round of the 2002 draft by the San Francisco Giants. The Giants gave him a $955,000 bonus, the highest for a non-first-round player at that time, to prevent him from going to Oregon State University.

He began his Major League career in 2006 with the San Francisco Giants and was ranked the number four prospect in the Giants’ organization. After playing for different teams, he was reportedly close to signing a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners, but the deal fell through. Travis is currently a coach for the low-A West affiliate for the Giants, the San Jose Giants, in San Jose, CA.



Photo source: Federal Way Mirror

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