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 King County Aquatic Center Recognition, the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, the Hanwoori Garden Benefit Concert, the El Centro Skate Rink Ribbon Cutting, the Construction at Algona Transfer Station, the Annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake, the Annual FUSION Gala, the Paris Olympics, funding opportunities, job openings, local events, and more.


Washington Trivia

This Vancouver, WA native just won gold and bronze medals at the 2024 Olympics. Who is she?

(Answer is at the bottom).




King County Aquatic Center Recognition

What do you get if you combine a world class staff, a world class pool, and world class leadership under one roof? The King County Aquatic Center! It was my honor to present a King County Council Recognition to the hard-working Aquatic Center lifeguards and staff, who recently performed a rescue of a high school swimmer in life threatening distress. Thank you, Mike Dunwiddie, Brian Mazzuca, Ivy Luong, Caitlin Mazzuca, Jordan Covington, Xalli Bell, Jay Deng, Grace Ralstin, Polly Leone, Gregorio Quevedo, Kyle Wicklund, and David Hersey for your excellent work!



With King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director John Taylor, King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez, our local Aquatic Center heroes and their families


King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

King County is updating the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and is seeking the public’s input. The plan looks at ways to reduce risks from natural and human-caused hazards in the region. If you live anywhere in King County, please consider responding to a short survey and sharing your ideas at https://publicinput.com/v1147.


Hanwoori Garden Benefit Concert

You did not have to speak Korean to appreciate the great musical performance of Junkho Son and So Hyun Kim at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center to help support the fundraising efforts to build a Korean garden monument near the Aquatics Center. Thanks to all who came together to build cultural bridges between the USA and the Republic of Korea!



With U.S. Rep Adam Smith, Former and Current Federal Way Mayors Mike Park and Jim Ferrell, and Korean Musical Theater Couple Junkho Son and So Hyun Kim



At the Federal Way City Hall with Former Federal Way Mayor Mike Park and major Hanwoori Garden donors Anne Kim, Musang Lee and Hyun Sook Lee


Over $11.5 Million Approved for Vital Habitat Restoration Initiatives

Last month, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Board of Supervisors approved over $11.5 million to support critical habitat restoration efforts across the county. This funding will be allocated to various watersheds through the Cooperative Watershed Management (CWM) Grants Program, aiming to recover endangered salmon species and restore vital watershed ecosystems. Read more in the KCFCD blog here.


El Centro Skate Rink Ribbon Cutting

The sun was shining bright in Federal Way as we cut the ribbon on new solar panels for El Centro Skate Rink! Keeping kids engaged in positive outlets for their energy is CRITICAL for their development and El Centro Skate Rink in Federal Way is one of those positive places. I am grateful that Estela Ortega and her team are committed to keeping youth off the streets and in safe, healthy environments.



With El Centro de la Raza Executive Director Estela Ortega


Construction at Algona Transfer Station

On August 5th, the Algona Transfer Station began work to replace crane equipment at the station. The project is scheduled to take approximately two and half weeks to complete. During this time, commercial trucks will be detoured from the site to neighboring stations and a reduced number of stalls will be available for residential customers. Minor to moderate delays should be expected. Check the station camera for lines and current wait times.


Kiwanis Salmon Bake

My jokes are so corny that I was again assigned to dispense corn at the annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake at Steel Lake. Thousands of dollars for the youth are raised every year at this event. Thanks to Kim Hensley for sharing work with me and to my colleague Girmay Zahilay and his wife Joyce for visiting and supporting this 68th annual community fundraiser.



With King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay and his wife Joyce, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Councilmembers Jack Dovey and Hoang Tran and his wife Thuy, and fellow Kiwanis member Kim Hensley


Paris Olympics 2024

As the Paris Olympics 2024 comes to an end, it is great to celebrate each nation and, most importantly, the individual achievements of athletes around the world. Below is the list of nations with the most number of medals as of today, as well as the payouts some countries offer to their athletes for finishing on the podium.



To view the most updated tally, click here.



Compiled by CNBC.com (Please note the list is not inclusive of all participating countries.)

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, Jim Ferrell, Jackie Schneider, Megan Rage, Thomas Efrem, Jenny Faubion, Sue Park, Dani Cortez, Joey Schneider, Caroline Vadino, Brooks Meadowcroft, Nathan Angle, Max Hayes, and Samantha Mills.

This week’s featured District 7 alum is Satchel Kolde. Satchel worked in my office from 2013 to 2017 as a legislative intern and research assistant.

“Pete understands people and relationships better than anyone. He gives you an exceptional opportunity to improve your instincts for life, politics, and business. If you have the chance to work for Pete, take it.”

Prior to founding a technology/automobile company, and while attending the University of Washington business school, Satchel worked for Allen & Company, the premiere investment bank in New York City, where he was the number one intern in his class.

As for his long-term goals, Satchel wants to continue learning as fast as he can, spend time around extraordinary people, and eventually have four kids. In his free time, he likes watching the Seattle Seahawks beat the 49ers!


Funding Opportunities

Doors Open Facilities Grants

Doors Open Facilities grants provide funding for building, remodeling, and buying specialized space that houses and facilitates cultural work in King County. This one-time investment is tied to the passage of the Doors Open legislation in December 2023. 4Culture’s Building for Equity Facilities funding program will reopen in 2025. Application deadline is September 4, 2024, 5:00 PM. Click here for more information. For questions, please contact Casey Moser at 206-477-2316.

Sustained Support Grants

As an extension of 4Culture’s flagship grant program, Sustained Support will provide one-year unrestricted funding to meet the day-to-day needs of King County arts, heritage, preservation, and science and technology nonprofit organizations. Application deadline is September 4, 2024, 5:00 PM. Click here for more information. For questions, please contact Liz Reyes at liz.reyes@4culture.org.

VSHSL Funding Opportunity

The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), through funding from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), has available funding opportunities for Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention (HS 7) and Housing Legal Aid (HS 8). Applications are due by August 23, 2024, 2:00 PM. Click here for more information. For questions, please contact Ebony Wood 206-477-4366 or at ewood@kingcounty.gov.


Federal Way Public Schools Job Openings

As children return to school this school year, the Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) is actively looking to hire 110 paraeducators and 20 bus drivers, offering this comprehensive list of benefits to qualified applicants:

• Paraeducators are paid $25.19 – 29.97 depending on position and experience.
• Bus drivers are paid $22.00 during training, then $31.56 – 34.83 depending on driving experience.

All employees who are anticipated to work 630 hours or more are eligible for benefits offered through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA). Employees qualify for medical, dental and vision along with other benefits. Additionally, employees who work 17.5 hours a week or more qualify for these benefits. Guest employees who have worked 630 hours also become eligible. Visit FWPS Careers for more information.


Annual FUSION Gala

It never rains on FUSION! 31 years and counting of raising money for transitional housing in South King County. I was privileged to be Honorary Chair this year as I welcomed my colleagues in government King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Mayors Nancy Backus (Auburn) and Jim Ferrell (Federal Way), as well as Assessor John Arthur Wilson to support our neighbors in need.




Non-Profit Corner

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

Auburn Food Bank | Auburn Noon Lions | Auburn Valley Humane Society | Bloodworks Northwest | Eileen & Callie’s Place | Federal Way Kiwanis | Federal Way Lions | Federal Way Senior Center | FUSION Décor Boutique | Kent Lions | Multi-Service Center Food Bank | Orion Works | Rotary Club of Federal Way | Soroptimist International of Auburn | Soroptimist International of Federay Way | The Salvation Army | Unleash the Brilliance


Local Events

Algona Day

Join the City of Algona in celebrating Algona Day beginning August 23rd through August 24th! This year is even bigger than years before with live music, delicious food, amazing vendors, a car display, bouncy houses for the kids, and more. Don't miss out on the fun for the whole family! Click here for information.

Valley Cities’ Back to School Resource Bazaar



Free Vaccination Events for South King County Kids

On or before the first day of school, all K-12 students in Washington state must be up to date on required vaccinations. Families are encouraged to beat the back-to-school rush. Go-Vax Kids is collaborating with school districts and community organizations to host free back-to-school vaccination events throughout the summer and early fall. Check Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Where to Get Vaccinated in King County webpage for a list of free vaccination events, locations, and times.

Save The Date: September 14 Shredding Party




Average House Price by State in 2024

According to Motley Fool, as of the second quarter of 2024, the median home sales price in the United States dropped to $412,300, down 3.4% from last quarter. Based on Zillow Home Value Index, Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy a house, followed by California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington, while West Virginia is the least expensive. Read more here.




Local Services Contact Information

Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Crime Maps: Auburn| Federal Way| Kent | all of King County
Law Enforcement Updates: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | KCSO Unincorporated

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

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:

Jordan Chiles, a member of the Olympic gold-medal winning women’s gymnastics team, was born in Tualatin, OR on April 15, 2001. Named after basketball player Michael Jordan, Jordan grew up in Vancouver, WA. It was where she first fell in love with the Olympics, which she first started watching when she was seven years old.

A Prairie High School graduate, Jordan got her start at Naydenov Gym in Vancouver. After graduating from high school in 2019, she decided to go for Olympic glory, relocating to Spring, Texas to train at the World Champions Centre (WCC), the gym owned by the family of Simone Biles. Her mother moved with her while her father stayed in Vancouver but visited frequently.

After making the team in 2021 and winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Jordan accepted a gymnastics scholarship to UCLA, where she was named Pac-12 freshman of the week in 2022. However, feeling as though she had not performed at her best in Tokyo, the quest for gold remained on her mind. Putting her studies on hold after the 2023 NCAA season, Jordan focused on the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On July 30, 2024, Jordan achieved her goal of securing Olympic gold, contributing scores on all four apparatuses towards the team’s first place finish. On August 5, 2024, she also secured her first individual Olympic medal (Olympic floor bronze) of her career after her score was adjusted following an inquiry for not receiving credit for her tour jeté with a full turn. Congratulations, Jordan, and Team USA!



Photo source: ABC7Chicago (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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