News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, whether in-person or virtually, I encourage you to take the time to reflect on all the things we should be thankful for and to remember our servicemembers and essential workers who cannot be with their loved ones as they continue to work to keep us safe. For their sacrifices, we are grateful.

Today’s update includes information about a survey seeking input from urban unincorporated King County residents, donation hours for local non-profits, upcoming events at the Federal Way PAEC, changes to transit schedules this Thanksgiving holiday, what to expect this week at Sea-Tac International Airport, helpful holiday traffic charts from WSDOT, health updates and more.




Washington Trivia

This former NBA player and Kent native was drafted 15th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2007 NBA draft. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




King County seeks to collaborate with residents in urban unincorporated areas to reimagine public safety

King County is seeking input from residents of urban unincorporated areas on how government can think differently about public safety. An anonymous survey will ask residents to share their ideas on how to keep their community safe through methods beyond traditional policing and the criminal legal system. Feedback will inform pilot programs that will launch in 2022. The survey, which is open through December 31st, will be distributed via in-person and virtual focus groups, community meetings, and social media platforms. For more information about the entire press release from the Executive’s Office, please click here.


Non-Profit Corner

As the holidays roll around, many of us are looking for ways we can help others. Below are a couple places where your donations go a long way:

FUSION Décor Boutique
1108 S. 322nd Pl, Federal Way, WA 98003
Donations are accepted Tuesday-Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Please call beforehand at 253-839-4045 with a description of the items.

Bloodworks Northwest
1414 S 324th St., Suite B101, Federal Way, WA 98003
Whole blood and apheresis donations are accepted Monday-Tuesday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Wednesday, Friday-Saturday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Call 800-398-7888 to schedule a donation appointment or click here to make an appointment online.

The Salvation Army
26419 16th Ave S., Des Moines, WA 98198
Open Monday-Thursday, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Multi-Service Center Food Bank
1200 S. 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98033
Donations may be dropped off at the warehouse Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Auburn Food Bank
930 18th Pl NE, Auburn, WA 98002
Donations accepted in person Monday-Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm



In talking with Debbie Christian of the Auburn Food Bank and others, our local food banks need our help to keep their cupboards full. Please consider a donation of money or food to so they can continue this valuable work.


PAEC to host free holiday event for the whole family this Saturday

The Federal Way Performing Arts Foundation is hosting a free family holiday event on Saturday, November 27th at the Performing Arts and Event Center. Come join other members of our community for festive fun, ticket giveaways and all-ages crafts, free pictures with Santa, and screening of The Polar Express. Festivities begin at 2 pm, with the movie showing at 3:30 pm. For more information, please visit https://fwpaec.org/free-event-the-polar-express/.




Federal Way Symphony holiday concert

The Federal Way Symphony will perform its holiday concert “Ring out the Old, Ring in the New,” at 2:30pm on Saturday, December 4th, at the Performing Arts and Event Center in Federal Way. The show will include selections from The Nutcracker and Johann Strauss’ Emperor Waltz. The symphony is offering free child and youth tickets for those under age 18 with the purchase of an adult or senior/military ticket. Tickets are available by phone at (253) 835-7010 or online at fwpaec.org/fws-holiday-concert.


Thanksgiving transit service schedules

Sound Transit

Thanksgiving Day service

• Sounder commuter rail will not operate.
• ST express bus routes will operate on Sunday schedules.
• Link light rail will run on Sunday schedules.
• Tacoma Link will run on Sunday schedules.

Day after Thanksgiving Day service

• Sounder South line will operate with a modified schedule. There will be no service on the Sounder North line.
• ST Express bus routes will operate regular weekday service.
• Link light rail will operate on Saturday schedules.
• Tacoma Link will operate regular weekday service.

For more information regarding Sound Transit’s holiday schedule, click here.

King County Metro

Thanksgiving Day service

• Metro buses and the First Hill Streetcar will operate a Sunday schedule.
• The South Lake Union Streetcar, King County Water Taxi, and water taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 will not operate.
• Via to Transit will operate Sunday hours, which in Othello, Rainier Beach/Skyway and Tukwila is 6 a.m. to midnight, and in Renton Highlands is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Ride Pingo to Transit will operate Sunday hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Day after Thanksgiving Day service

• Metro buses and the Streetcars will operate regular weekday service, and Via to Transit and Ride Pingo will operate normal hours.
• King County Water Taxi and water taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 will not operate.

For more information regarding Metro’s holiday schedule, click here.


What to expect at Sea-Tac this Thanksgiving week

Sea-Tac International Airport estimates 1.5 million travelers will pass through the airport between Thursday, November 18th and Monday, November 29th. TSA has added extra officers this week to accommodate the travel surge, but long lines at security checkpoints are still expected.

If you would like to skip the long lines, Sea-Tac offers a service called Spot Saver, which lets travelers reserve their security screening in advance, between the hours of 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. Finding a place to park could also be a major issue as well due to a 12% decrease (3,800 stalls) in the number of available spaces in and around the airport. The decrease is the result of a shortage in shuttle bus drivers, construction, and private lots near the airport closing during the pandemic. Airport officials are urging travelers to arrive using the light rail if possible.


Thanksgiving weekend traffic charts from WSDOT

Traffic is expected to increase throughout the region over the next few days due to the Thanksgiving holiday, especially on I-90 where lengthy delays are expected. Sustained heavy traffic is expected on I-5 between Tacoma and Lacey over the weekend, with midday traffic expected to be the worst for southbound drivers. Northbound drivers should expect more traffic November 27-28. Below are a few selected charts provided by WSDOT that show what drivers can expect:









For more charts and information related to Thanksgiving weekend travel times, click here.


Weekly King County Health Updates

Flood preparedness

November 2021 is living up to its reputation as the Pacific Northwest’s third wettest month in history. With forecasters calling for drenching and blustery storms through February 2022, King County officials encourage preparedness for residents living in flood-prone zones and overall awareness of the dangers of floodwaters, landslides, and falling trees. Take these basic steps:

• Learn your flood risk
• Update your emergency family plan and supplies
• Sign up for flood alerts for the areas you frequent
• Know alternate routes to and from home
• Buy flood insurance
• Avoid flood damage – store documents and electronics high up; move vehicles to high ground
• Clear storm drains and gutters

For flood preparation resources, visit this website or call 1-800-945-9263 or 206-296-8200.

COVID-19 boosters approved for all U.S. adults

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has opened booster doses to all fully vaccinated Americans who are 18 years and older. The CDC is also urging everyone 50 and older to get a booster. People can get their booster six months after their second shot while those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson can get a booster two months after their single shot – everyone can mix-and-match booster brands. Ask your health care provider if a booster is for you and locate your booster dose at https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/.


King County COVID-19 Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 172 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 172,007. In addition, Public Health reported 3 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 2,079.

Recent data may be incomplete. For more information, 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 Auburn and Kent.

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

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 in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or Text TALK to 741-741


Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Rodney Stuckey was raised in Kent and attended Kentwood High School, where he led the school to a 4A State Title in 2004. Stuckey would go on to play two seasons at Eastern Washington University before entering the 2007 NBA draft. He was taken 15th overall by the Detroit Pistons and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after a successful first season. After a 10-year NBA career, Stuckey retired following the 2017 season. Stuckey currently owns and operates a high-tech basketball training facility called Shoot 360, located in Kirkland.


(Photo Source: Bleacher Report)


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