David T. Denny Cabin Day 

On Saturday May 12, I presented a proclamation declaring May 12 to be David T. Denny Cabin Day in South King County. I presented this proclamation to Diana Noble-Gulliford, President of the Historical Society of Federal Way, and Jerry Knutzen, the Vice-President, in celebration of the organization’s successful restoration of the original David T. Denny cabin.

Denny was one of the county’s earliest pioneers and a successful businessman who helped to bring growth and prosperity to the region. After decades of effort, the Historical Society of Federal Way opened the cabin for public viewing at the entrance of the West Hylebos Wetlands Park in Federal Way.

Left to right: City of Federal Way Mayor Skip Priest, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Historical Society of Federal Way Board Member Bert Ross, President of the Historical Society of Federal Way Diana Noble-Gulliford, Historical Society of Federal Way Volunteer Vernon Jenkins, Historical Society of Federal Way Board Member Dick Caster.

Celebrating the opening day of Federal Way Farmers Market

Good Eggs breakfast discusses clear air, Legislature

This month’s “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting was in Auburn. We had a chance to meet with State Senators Joe Fain and Tracey Eide to dicuss the 2012 session of the Washington State Legislature. There was also an overview of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency from Craig Kenworthy, the agency's director.  

Photo (l-r) State Senator Joe Fain of the 47th Legislative District, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, State Senator Tracey Eide of the 30th Legislative District, Craig Kenworthy, Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

Reach Out Rollermania Fundraiser

City of Federal Way Councilmember, Bob Celski, Reach Out Program Coordinator, Nancy Jaenicke, and I were at the Reach Out Rollermania Fundraiser on April 16th, 2012.  Event proceeds will provide shelter, meals, and support services for the homeless men and women of South King County during the winter months.

From left:  City of Federal Way Councilmember, Bob Celski, Reach Out Program Coordinator, Nancy Jaenicke, and King County Councilmember, Pete von Reichbauer

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April Good Eggs breakfast

Our monthly Good Eggs Breakfast was held in Federal Way at the Clarion hotel. Speakers were state Senator Joe Fain and Joe Vincent, General Counsel for the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.Senator Fain came directly from the special legislative session in Olympia, to brief us on the results of the 2012 state Legislative session, which ended on the morning of April 18. Mr. Vincent gave an overview of the Department of Financial Institutions and discussed the challenges of regulating emerging trends in mobile banking.

Photo (from left):  Mayor Cy Sun of Pacific, Mayor Dave Hill of Algona, Nancy Colson of Windermere Real Estate, Joe Vincent of Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, and Councilmember von Reichbauer.

Boys and Girls Club breakfast raises $60,000

The 20th annual Federal Way & Auburn Boys and Girls Club and EX3 Ron SandwithTeen Center “Breakfast for Kids” fundraiser is an event that I enjoy being involved with as honorary chair.

This year we welcomed former Seattle Sounder goaltender and American soccer icon, Kasey Keller, who spoke about the benefits of a strong work ethic that carried him from Washington state to a career that spanned the globe as a member of the U.S. national team, playing in Europe and finally bringing him home as the all-star goalie for the Sounders.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.  One-hundred percent of contributions from this event will go directly to the operating budget, so that the Boys and Girls Clubs will continue to provide a “Positive Place for Kids & Teens!”

Photo (from left):  ESPN Analyst and Former Seattle Sounders goalkeeper, Kasey Keller; Executive Director of the Federal Way/ Auburn Boys & Girls Clubs and EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center, Shelley Puariea; and breakfast chairman, Councilmember von Reichbauer.

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Autism Awareness Month in King County

On Monday April 9, 2012, the King County Council presented a proclamation declaring April 2012 to be Autism Awareness month in King County. This proclamation will lead a discussion about possible causes and effective treatments for those with autism. It is important to raise awareness about the effects of autism on individuals and their families while also increasing our efforts in treating this disorder.

Sound Transit adds morning trip on Route 577 for Federal Way commuters

Starting in June, the ST Express Route 577 will feature one additional morning to trip to Seattle from the Federal Way Transit Center. I appreciate Sound Transit’s response to my request that we try to better meet the needs of the riders in Federal Way, and the work to make efficiencies in the bus system and reallocate resources to where they are most needed. I especially want to thank Federal Way City Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge who has worked tirelessly on this and other regional transit issues.

• Read the Federal Way Mirror article: Route 577: Sound Transit adds morning trip for Federal Way commuters
• For schedules and more information, visit SoundTransit.org.

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Council approves Pacific Raceways proposal

On March 19th, the Council adopted legislation I sponsored on a master planning demonstration project for a large scale development, such as Pacific Raceways. This process that began in 2010, is intended to be a mechanism to test and evaluate alternative development standards and processes before amending King County policies and regulations. Our hope is to attract new and retain existing large job-producing businesses in our community. Read more

Read the Puget Sound Business Journal article: King County Council approves Pacific Raceway growth bill, EIS is next

Seattle District Commander for U.S Army Corps of Engineers speaks on Howard Hanson Dam

The March “Good Eggs” breakfast featured Colonel Bruce A. Estok, Commander of the Seattle District U.S Army Corps of Engineers, who spoke about the Howard Hanson Dam in Auburn and how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prepared to keep Kent, Auburn, Renton, and Tukwila residents dry. The number and severity of flood alerts have risen this early spring due to higher than average rainfall and snow melt from the mountains. The Howard Hanson Dam was damaged in a flood from January of 2009 and ran at only partial capacity until being restored to full capacity in September of 2011. So far, it has been able to withstand the weight of the Pacific Northwest’s precipitation. This year, the Corps is implementing ways to extend the dam’s durability by stabilizing bedrock and preventing erosion and debris blocking.

Photo (from left): Pete von Reichbauer, Colonel Estok, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, City of Federal Way Councilmember Bob Celski, City of Federal Way Councilmember Linda Kochmar

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Planning for Federal Way light rail moving forward

I was joined by State Sen. Tracey Eide and members of the Sound Transit Board Feb. 6 at an announcement on a proposal to establish a shovel-ready plan for extending light rail to Federal Way.

At the event, we spoke about a proposed amendment to the Sound Transit Board’s 2012 Budget that will move forward with conceptual design and environmental review not only for the South 272nd Street light rail extension regional voters approved in 2008, but all the way to the Federal Way Transit Center area. Read more.

December Good Eggs breakfast with Sheriff Sue Rahr

Sue Rahr, Sheriff of King County, talked about the importance of supporting social service and early learning programs to mitigate the potential for costly incarceration later in life.

The “Good Eggs” breakfast is a monthly roundtable discussion of local elected officials and business leaders from south King County.

Photos: Top: Councilmember von Reichbauer with King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. Bottom (from left): Councilmember von Reichbauer, Sheriff Sue Rahr, Mayor Dave Hill of Algona, Mayor Pete Lewis of Auburn, and Mayor Debra Perry of Milton.

Duclos retires after 16 years with Multi-Service Center

On December 7th, the community came together to recognize Dini’s service to the region after sixteen years as CEO of the Multi-Service Center.

Photo (from left): Betty Simpson, Dini Duclos, Councilmember von Reichbauer, Sue Celski, and Federal Way Councilmember Bob Celski.

Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer speaks at South King County Sound Transit Summit

On December 7th, I met with other south King County leaders and Sound Transit officials to discuss the challenges that the region is facing largely due to financial shortfalls in tax revenues. The meeting took place at Highline Community College, which serves a growing student population in south King County. I concluded the meeting with a call for a modern day Marshall Plan to help solve south King County’s increasing demand for public transit.

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FUSION of Federal Way receives King County funds to aid homeless families

Councilmember von Reichbauer meets with Peggy LaPorte, a founder of FUSION during the holidays to advise her of a special $20,000 grant that was added to the 2012 County Budget to help South King County house homeless families. Read more

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District 7 hosts Rob McKenna, Washington State Attorney General

During this month’s Good Eggs Breakfast, Rob McKenna, our state’s Attorney General, spoke to regional leaders of District 7 about his community focused initiatives.

Photo (from left): Jim Blanchard of Auburn Youth Resources, Mayor of Auburn Pete Lewis, Nancy Colson, Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, Auburn City Councilmember Lynn Norman, Eric E. Robertson of Valley Regional Fire Authority, Pam Taylor of Valley Cities Counseling Center, Councilmember von Reichbauer

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City of Algona Community Center receives retired King County van

On November 2, I delivered a retired Metro van to Algona Mayor Dave Hill for transportation of senior citizens to their community center. I know that this van will be put to good community service by the city of Algona.

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November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in south King County

On November 2 during the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon I presented a proclamation making November Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in South King County.

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Reach Out fundraising breakfast

I emceed the Reach Out Fundraising Breakfast in Federal Way on October 13. Proceeds went towards opening a new winter shelter for homeless women in south King County.

Photo (from left): Recognized Local Hero Megan Johnson, Mayor of Federal Way Skip Priest, Recognized Local Hero Bob Wroblewski, Reach Out Coordinator Laurie Fiorito,Reach Out Coordinator Nancy Janicke, Reach Out Coordinator Willa Gaines, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, and Guest Speaker Sheila Sebron.

Auburn Regional Medical Center

I presented a proclamation to Larry Coomes, new CEO of Auburn Regional Medical Center (on the left), recognizing the medical center's 90 years of service to south King County and its importance to healthcare in our region.

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Town Hall on combating gang violence and prevention

On October 10, I was joined by King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and Chief Deputy Sheriff Steve Strachan at Thomas Jefferson High School for a Town Hall meeting on the growing problem of gangs in South King County.

The meeting was a direct response to the calls and emails I’ve received from constituents who are concerned about the growing cancer of gang violence in our communities. Read more.

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Economic development and the arts

Jim Kelly, Executive Director of 4Culture, was the guest speaker at my September "Good Eggs" breakfast meeting. Jim spoke to us about the importance of art as a part of economic development in south King County.

Photo: (from left) Councilmember von Reichbauer, Federal Way Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge, 4Culture Executive Director Jim Kelly, and Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis.

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New President of Trade Development Alliance speaks at Good Eggs breakfast

At my "Good Eggs" breakfast meeting on August 24th, keynote speaker Sam Kaplan, the president of the Trade Development Alliance, explained that one in three jobs in the greater Seattle area is linked to international trade. This makes Washington the most trade-dependent state in the country. TDA helps connect potential trade partners as well as acting as a clearinghouse for various trade groups.

Informational town hall on Pacific Raceways legislation

Nearly 100 people attended a town hall meeting I moderated on proposed legislation regarding Pacific Raceways. The meeting, which was held on August 18th at Lakeview Elementary School in Auburn, drew neighbors, stakeholders, and concerned citizens on both sides of the issue to have their questions answered. Read more

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Recognizing Korean Independence Day

At the August 15th meeting of the King County Council, I presented a letter of recognition to Korean Consul General Young Song in celebration of Korea’s Independence Day, stating that "It is my extraordinary honor to celebrate this holiday with our Korean community.”

South Korean Independence Day, celebrated annually on August 15th, commemorates freedom from decades of foreign occupation and the formation of the South Korean republic. The holiday is called Gwangbokjeol (pronounced "choh-goo-kay-bahng-eh nal") by South Koreans, meaning "Restoration of Light Day.".  Read more.

District 7 hosts Randy Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

I was honored to have State Superintendant of Public Instruction Randy Dorn in Federal Way on July 27th for my monthly "Good Eggs” breakfast meeting, attended by civic and local business leaders. Read more.

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