Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on the new leadership at Seattle University, our Good Eggs virtual community forum, Washington’s Immigrant Relief Fund, King County Elections’ ballot delivery and collection, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did Tukwila get its name?

(Answer is at the bottom).




New Leadership at Seattle University

As somebody who grew up in Pierce County, I am proud that Puyallup native Eduardo Peñalver will be the new President of Seattle University starting July 1st. Best wishes to Father Steve Sundborg on his upcoming retirement after 24 years of service. I appreciate Father Sundborg’s regional leadership and commitment to education, and look forward to working with Eduardo as he prepares Seattle U students for this ever-changing world.



Father Sundborg understands the international role of Seattle University, and I was proud to join him with an official from the United Arab Emirates.


Virtual “Good Eggs” Community Forum

Yesterday, October 21st, South King County leaders and community members had the opportunity to participate in a virtual community forum with Merlone Geier Vice President of Development Jamas Gwilliam. Jamas provided a status update on the Federal Way Commons and shared his perspective on how COVID-19 has forced retailers to adjust to changing consumer behaviors.



As of August, three-quarters of the top 50 store-based retailers were offering curbside pick-up. Target’s curbside sales grew more than 700% last quarter. Walmart’s curbside orders are part of an overall boost in its e-commerce efforts and has accounted for about 11% of the chain’s revenue as of July 31st, which is up from 6% earlier this year. These are money-making opportunities for shop-based retailers who are following suit and competing with Amazon, which has led the way in providing this type of distribution.



With South King County leaders and Jamas Gwilliam.


Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund

The application for the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is now open. Immigrants who are experiencing financial hardship and are not eligible for federal financial relief or unemployment insurance are eligible to receive a one-time direct payment of $1,000 or up to $3,000 per household. Call 1-844-724-3737 for help with your application. Support is available in multiple languages. Read more about it here.


King County Elections

Ballot Delivery. If you have not received your ballot, please call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683) or visit this website.

Ballot Tracking. King County Elections highly encourages voters to track their ballot. With this feature, voters will now see when their ballot is sent, delivered, mailed back, received, signature verified, and ultimately counted (example below).



Mailed Ballots. If you plan to return your ballot by mail, note that you do not need to use a stamp and you can put it in the mail as soon as you receive and mark it. Elections recommends dropping your ballot in the mail by October 30th, the Friday before Election Day, to make sure it gets postmarked in time to be counted. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day, November 3rd.

Ballot Drop Box Returns. To report a full box, please call 206-296-VOTE (8683) during business hours or share it on social media anytime and during off-hours. All 73 ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00PM on November 3rd, Election Day.

Vote Centers. Vote Centers are a great option for voters who still need to register or update their registration after October 26th, voters who would like to use an accessible voting unit, which offers an audio ballot, touch pad and other options for adaptive equipment for individuals with a disability, and anyone who lost their ballot (may also pre-order one online to save time at the Vote Center).

The Vote Center in Renton is officially open and six locations (Federal Way Performing Arts Center, Accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, Bellevue College, CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle, Dempsey Indoor Center at the University of Washington in Seattle, and Kenmore City Hall) will be open on Saturday, October 31st, Monday, November 2nd, and Tuesday, November 3rd.


2020 Boys and Girls Club Kids Auction

Having served on the board of the Federal Way Boys and Girls Club for over 40 years, I am proud to support this year’s virtual Kids Auction. This event is all about celebrating the extraordinary creativity in our community as well as special virtual performances. Join and support the Kids Auction on Saturday, October 24th. The pre-show starts at 5:40 PM and the livestream begins at 6:00 PM. Visit this website for more information. Register here for the event and auction | Donate | Become a sponsor.



With Jim Zorn at the Federal Way/Auburn Boys and Girls Club ribbon cutting ceremony in the 1970s.


Auburn Valley Humane Society Online Auction & Week of Giving

The Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) is inviting you to participate in their Online Auction and Week of Giving! The signature annual fundraiser will kick-off on Saturday, October 24th at 6:00 PM and will run through Friday, October 30th. This is a great opportunity to support the homeless animals in our community. Make sure you get the winning bid for your dream getaway, artwork, or fun items for your furry friend!

1. Register for the event here.
2. Like AVHS on Facebook and join the Facebook event here.
3. Please consider making a gift anytime now through October 30th. Your donation saves animals' lives!


King County Case Update

As of yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 187 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 25,554. In addition, Public Health reported 2 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 787.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Located near the original confluence of the Black and White Rivers, Tukwila was originally inhabited by the Duwamish tribe until the pioneer settlers arrived in 1851 to farm the rich soil of the Duwamish River Valley. With the lush forests of hazelnut trees that grew throughout the area, the Duwamish named it Tukwila – the Chinook jargon word for nut or hazelnut, according to Wikipedia.

According to HistoryLink, the Collins family staked a claim near the mouth of the Duwamish River, while the Denny family settled at Alki Point. In 1853, brothers Joseph and Stephen Foster were the first to settle in what is now Tukwila, staking claims near the area where the Black and White rivers met, known as Mox La Push - Chinook jargon meaning two mouths. Later on, Joseph became known as the Father of Tukwila, serving as an early Washington Territorial legislator, the first superintendent of schools, and a respected leader.

The construction of the Seattle-Tacoma Interurban Railway through the valley and its continued growth led to its incorporation on June 23, 1908.