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 remodeled Memorial Stadium in Federal Way, a ribbon cutting in Pacific, a car show in Federal Way, a recognition of an employee’s long service to King County, crime, fentanyl and health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

These two Washington residents founded a record label that helped Grunge music explode in popularity and establish it as the “Seattle Sound”. Who were they and what was their record label?
(Answer is at the bottom).




Memorial Stadium

Federal Way School District (FWSD) families have much to be proud of with the remodel of Memorial Stadium, and the commitment of Dr. Dani Pfeiffer and her Board to build for the future and not the past. Sports help bring people together, and are needed in our growing, diverse South King County. Auburn and Federal Way each have superintendents who value sports for their benefit to good health and good social involvement. ALL the schools in the FWSD will be playing in an enlarged, 4,000-seat stadium that has increased and improved parking, and incredible turf for football and soccer.



With Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dani Pfeiffer, at the new Memorial Stadium


Pacific Rock-Climbing Wall

There is a new “mountain” in Pacific! I was pleased to join Mayor Leanne Guier, Councilmembers Kerry and Katherine Garberding, and city staff to dedicate a new rock-climbing wall near City Hall at Clint Steiger Memorial Park. The wall features several different climbing levels, and will be a resource for those hoping to hone climbing skills for free.


With Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier, Councilmembers Kerry Garberding and Katherine Garberding, volunteers, and city staff.


The Annual Federal Way Lions Car Show

Cars and student scholarships came together for the annual FW Lions Car Show. The Lions drew visitors and competitors from around our region for their car show, and I was honored to present the Top Cop’s Choice Award to May Bear for her 2020 Corvette. It was great seeing locals like FWHS Coach Yattah Reed, as well as Rick Koch and his 5-star collection.



With Top Cop Winner May Bear, Federal Way Lions President Raul Baird, FWHS Basketball Coach Yattah Reed, and car show participant Rick Koch


Recognizing Caroline Whalen

If there were pictures in the dictionary, Caroline Whalen’s image would be next to the words kind and competent. Her work earned her awards from the Harvard Kennedy School and praise from colleagues. Before her retirement this week, Caroline worked tirelessly in service to the public, spearheading the push to establish a King County Customer Service Center at King Street Center, and I was proud to sponsor a recognition commemorating her years of dedication to King County. Caroline will be missed by all!



With Caroline Whalen and my colleagues


Non-Profit Corner

Donations for Maui Residents

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

South King County Non-Profit Organizations

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

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

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

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

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/  

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


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.

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



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 Fentanyl Overdose Data

Fentanyl is a crisis affecting every family in King County, and 2023 has been the worst year on record. The snapshot below is meant to spread awareness about this major challenge affecting our region. Complete overdose data is available here, compiled by King County Public Health.




King County COVID-19 Case Update

Yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 82 daily average positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 565,492. In addition, Public Health reported 0.3 daily average deaths, bringing the total in the county to 3,605.

For more information on the latest data, visit the King County COVID Daily Summary Dashboard here.



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 206-477-3977, press option 3.

For veterans: Call 1-800-698-2411 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: 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.

Find your King County Council district here.


With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

After studying earlier independent labels ranging from Motown to SST Records and realizing that virtually every successful movement in rock music had a regional basis, Bruce Pavitt, who attended The Evergreen State College, and Jonathan Poneman, who volunteered at UW’s student-run radio station KCMU, founded Sub Pop records to market a "Seattle sound.” Out of the rainy West-Coast streets of Seattle, Grunge, a murky-sounding, angsty version of 1980s rock, was born. Bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam helped solidify Grunge as the "Seattle sound."

When Nirvana moved to Geffen Records, Sub Pop received royalties from sales of their first album that kept the label going for years afterwards. However, after the mainstream success of Nirvana, many successful grunge bands also left Sub Pop for major record labels. Soon afterwards, a joint venture was formed with Warner Bros. Records, thereby ending Sub Pop's status as an entirely independent label.

Poneman and Pavitt disagreed about the direction the label should take, with Poneman wanting the label to become larger and make more money. In 1996, unable to take the new corporate culture following the Warner partnership, Pavitt left the label to spend more time with his family. As of 2020, Poneman remains at the helm of Sub Pop Records.

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