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Photo gallery – 2020
2020
South King County Leaders Meet with Port of Seattle Executive Director
On January 8th, Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck joined us to provide an update on the airport and maritime investments they are making to accommodate our region’s growth. The Port is a critical economic engine that creates jobs across King County.
Photo L to R: Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier, Pete, Jeff Stock, Jr. with Caffé D’Arte, Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck, Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner, Federal Way City Councilmember Linda Kochmar.
FUSION Family Center in Federal Way
On January 15th, I welcomed the opportunity to tour the site for the FUSION Family Center, located in the former Econo Lodge with Robin O’Grady. The facility, funded by King County and state grants, will serve more than 100 families annually and provide them with needed emergency housing and other resources.
With FUSION Executive Director Robin O’Grady
Federal Way Link Extension Project Full Funding Grant Agreement
On January 22nd, I joined acting Federal Transit Administrator K. Jane Williams, Congressman Adam Smith, King County officials and Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff at the Angle Lake Station in SeaTac to mark the award of a $790 million grant for the Federal Way Link Extension project.
With the federal full funding grant agreement officially in place, light rail is one step closer to South King County, traditionally the “poor stepchild” of King County. I look forward to a future with more transportation choices for our south sound communities.
Photo L to R: King County Executive Dow Constantine, SeaTac Deputy Mayor Peter Kwon, Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff, SeaTac Councilmember Clyde Hill, Pete, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, FTA Administrator K. Jane WIlliams, Des Moines City Councilmember Traci Buxton.
With Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff, FTA Administrator K. Jane Williams, and Congressman Adam Smith.
CHI Franciscan CEO joins Good Eggs Breakfast
On February 5th, CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel joined us to discuss the future of the health care industry. CHI Franciscan is the largest health system in Washington with 10 hospitals and more than 12,000 employees, and is partnering with MultiCare to increase access to behavioral health care in South King County.
Photo L to R: Federal Way City Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel, Federal Way Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Pete, Jesse Cherian with ST Fabrication.
Photo L to R: Federal Way Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Federal Way City Councilmember Hoang Tran, Federal Way City Councilmember Mark Koppang, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier, Pete, Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner, CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel, Auburn City Councilmember Bob Baggett, Federal Way City Councilmember Linda Kochmar, Federal Way City Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson.
Auburn Food Bank Tour
On February 12th, I had the opportunity to tour the Auburn Food Bank and get an update on the important service they are providing for our community. Debbie Christian and her team of employees and volunteers serve 150 families (approximately 600 individuals) a day. So many people rely on the Food Bank when they need a hand, and Debbie is there, guided by her faith and family.
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With Auburn Food Bank Executive Director Debbie Christian and volunteers.
2020 Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service Award
On February 25th, I had the privilege to present Amy and John Hatcher, owners of Café Pacific Catering in Auburn, with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service for their more than 25 years of community involvement and support of numerous South King County nonprofit and community organizations. They have provided the water and soil for the seeds of these organizations to grow through their donations of time and resources. Thank you for your service to our community, John and Amy!
With Café Pacific Co-Owner Amy Hatcher
PAC-12 Swimming Championships
On February 26th, I was honored to give welcoming remarks and officially open the 2020 PAC-12 Men and Women Swimming and Diving Championships at the King County Aquatic Center. It is exciting to witness who the next Michael Phelps or Megan Quann will be!
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King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer at the King County Aquatic Center
Federal Way: State of the City Address
On February 27th, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell drew a standing room only audience as he outlined the positive things happening in the city at the Performing Arts and Event Center. At a time when other cities are stuck in the mud, Federal Way is focused on the stars... less crime, more jobs!
With Federal Way City Councilmember Linda Kochmar, Mary Bigham with Wild Waves, Sound Cities Association Executive Director Deanna Dawson, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, and Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff.
King County Supports U.S. Volunteers Joint Services Command
Councilmember Dembowski and I had the opportunity to learn about the important services provided in King County by the U.S. Volunteers Joint Services Command. Representing five of our military branches, we are fortunate that following their retirement, these veterans remain committed to serving the families of veterans and their country.
King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Pete von Reichbauer with the U.S. Volunteers Joint Services Command.
Checking in with the Auburn Food Bank and South King County Multi-Service Center
During these uncertain times, it is important that we support the nonprofit organizations that are providing critical services in our community. The COVID-19 crisis has been especially challenging for food banks, who are serving more people than ever while donation rates decline. Given the reality of this situation, please consider making a donation to one or more of these organizations, such as the Auburn Food Bank and Multi-Service Center, so they can continue to support our neighbors in need.
Visit the following sites to learn more about the Auburn Food Bank’s and Multi-Service Center’s response to COVID-19:
Auburn Food Bank
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/430152331
YouTube: https://youtu.be/kvfPbFLk3wg
With Debbie Christian, Executive Director of the Auburn Food Bank. (Photo taken prior to social distancing guidelines).
Multi-Service Center
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/432671233
YouTube: https://youtu.be/8xPH54mRdBQ
With Robin Corak, CEO of the Multi-Service Center. (Photo taken prior to social distancing guidelines).
Supporting Local Businesses
All local businesses, particularly restaurants, have been squeezed by COVID-19 crisis. Many of these restaurants are the centers of our neighborhoods, providing jobs and serving as gathering places for social and business meetings. In order to help them survive this crisis, please consider supporting your community restaurants and workers.
I appreciate Veronica and Celeste who welcomed me with smiling faces as I picked up lunch at one of our newer, family owned restaurants, The Chopped Leaf (photo taken prior to the mask mandate).
Upon the approval of King County’s application to enter into Modified Phase 1, I had the opportunity to enjoy outdoor dining at the Chopped Leaf with Mayor Jim Ferrell.
With Marlene's Market & Deli Federal Way Store Director Kim Henish and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell
Community Organizations Stepping Up in South King County
Auburn Valley YMCA
I visited with Jason Berry, Executive Director of the Auburn Valley YMCA, to talk about the role they are playing in the COVID-19 response. The Auburn Y has been converted to a community response center, providing critical services like child care for children of essential workers, grab and go meals for young people, and well-being calls to seniors and vulnerable members to check-in, offer support and help them avoid social isolation.
The Y has continued to operate their Early Learning Center at Lea Hill as well as to continue to provide youth and young adult homelessness services, mental and behavioral health therapy, and substance abuse support services throughout the county. If you need assistance and think they can help, you can reach them at 253-833-2770. Thank you, Jason, for everything you and your team are doing for our community during this crisis, and leading by example in South King County.
With Jason Berry, Executive Director of the Auburn Valley YMCA (prior to the mask mandate).
Communities in Schools of Federal Way
I was proud to participate in the May 2020 virtual auction for Communities in Schools of Federal Way. Development Coordinator Ashley Reilly declared the event a success, raising over $50,000 to benefit students in need in the Federal Way School District.
With Communities in Schools Development Coordinator Ashley Reilly
Thomas Jefferson High School Drive-Through Graduation Ceremony
On May 20th, Thomas Jefferson High School seniors took part in filming a socially distanced graduation ceremony, driving through one at a time before the graduating senior left the car to “walk” and receive their diploma.
In a year unlike any before, I want to commend teachers and administrators across our region for finding creative and safe ways to celebrate this year’s graduating seniors. A special thank you to Thomas Jefferson Principal Adrienne Chacon and her team for organizing the “commencement”, and allowing me to stop by to show my support. Raider Strong!
With TJHS Principal Adrienne Chacon
#RaiderStrong Sign
Federal Way Farmers Market and Kiwanis Club Mask Donation
King County is working hard to ensure that everyone has access to facemasks. I met with Rose Ehl and Linda Persha to donate facemasks and help blunt the spread of COVID-19 as we begin to reopen.
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Partnering to donate facemasks with Rose Ehl of the Federal Way Farmers Market (left) and Linda Persha of the Kiwanis Club (right) to help ensure people in South King County have access to masks.
Auburn Farmers Market Opening Day and Mask Donation
On June 7th, I welcomed the opportunity to visit the Auburn Farmers Market on its opening day. The market will be open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Les Gove Park (1140 Auburn Way South, Auburn, WA. 98002).
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The Auburn Farmers Market opened for the 2020 season with new hygiene measures and social distancing guidelines to keep proprietors and customers safe. Thanks to Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus for kicking off this year’s season with an “elbow bump”, and offering to distribute new cloth masks I gave her for our 55 and over residents.
William J. Wood Veterans House Mask Donation
On June 24th, I visited the William J. Wood Veterans House and donated masks and books to Alan Clapper for our veterans. Thank you to Alan and his team for continuously supporting veterans in our community!
With Alan Clapper of the William J. Wood Veterans House
Annual Shredding Event and Mask Distribution
Our shredding and mask distribution events on July 11th in Federal Way and on July 12th in Auburn were a huge success. We were able to shred eight times the usual load compared to our paper shredding events in the past years. We distributed 3,200 masks to over 850 cars in Federal Way, and over 2,000 masks to 257 cars and dozens of walk-ups in Auburn. Additionally, the Auburn Chamber took 3,000 masks to distribute to local stores.
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Mayor Jim Ferrell joined as we expanded to two lanes (left); a Mariner fan wanted some more masks for her family (right).
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With Linda Persha of the Kiwanis Club (left); community members unloading boxes of documents for shredding (right).
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With the Auburn Chamber Board of Directors (left); and a community member getting masks for her family (right).
King County Aquatic Center Mask Distribution
The July 21st drive-through mask distribution event at the King County Aquatic Center continued to help provide service to our community. We distributed nearly 13,000 individual masks to King County residents. For more information about resources for small businesses, community and faith-based organizations, child care providers, individual residents and upcoming mask distribution events in King County, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/maskdistribution.
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Giving out masks to King County residents as they drive-through the Aquatic Center parking lot.
Virtual “Good Eggs” Meeting with King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay
On July 22nd, South King County leaders had the opportunity to get to know our newest King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay, who joined us for our first virtual “Good Eggs” community forum. Every Councilmember has taken a different path to the King County Council, but Girmay’s journey from Sudan to Seattle is special. To those who would like to hear his unique perspective during these challenging times but missed the virtual forum, you may watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.
With District 2 King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay
With South King County community leaders.
64th Annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake
On July 24th, the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way successfully held its 64th Annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake by offering a $20 to-go salmon dinner. The salmon meals were prepared by Amy and John Hatcher’s Cafe Pacific and were handed out by volunteer Kiwanians like Mayor Jim Ferrell and Chief Andy Hwang to donors who pre-paid and drove through Steel Lake Park for pick up. I am a proud past president!
Handing a salmon dinner order to a community member
With Amy and John Hatcher of Café Pacific
King County Aquatic Center: Skylight Replacement Project
On August 12th, I had the opportunity to visit the King County Aquatic Center to check on the status of their ongoing skylight replacement project. Construction for the $1.9 million project started on July 14th. The Aquatic Center is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and the skylights being replaced have been there since day one. Thanks to Mike Dunwiddie and his team for all the work they do to maintain this world-class facility.
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“Good Eggs” Community Forum with King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht
On August 19th, South King County leaders and community members had the opportunity to participate in a virtual community forum with King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht. Sheriff Johanknecht has spent her entire career in law enforcement, from being a deputy in Southeast King County to being elected King County Sheriff. For those who would like to hear her unique experience of building a pandemic response plan earlier in her career to actually dealing with a pandemic, and her priorities and perspective on criminal justice reform during these changing times, you may watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.
With King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht
With South King County community leaders.
Auburn School District Awarded $40,000 Grant
On August 26th, I met with Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati at the Auburn Memorial Stadium to talk about a $40,000 grant to their district to help young athletes get the equipment they need to play school sports. According to a recent study from the University of Wisconsin, more than two-thirds of high school athletes reported symptoms of anxiety and depression since the beginning of the pandemic. Sports bring people together and build community, and I look forward to seeing our amateur athletes back on the field soon.
With Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati.
Raiders Baseball Program Awarded $11,000 Grant
I met with Thomas Jefferson High School’s Baseball Coach Joseph Townsend to discuss an $11,000 King County “Get Active, Stay Active” grant that was recently awarded to the Raiders baseball program. While construction is ongoing at the school, the grant will help the Raiders play games and meet their equipment needs. Go Raiders!
With Thomas Jefferson HS Baseball and Bowling Coach Joseph Townsend.
Recognizing Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best
On September 1st at the King County Council meeting, I had the opportunity to recognize Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best for her 28-year career. Chief Best was instrumental in working with King County and my committee (Government Accountability and Oversight) to enhance the police presence around the King County Courthouse to protect staff, visitors and jurors.
If we want to ensure that our law enforcement agencies reflect our communities, we need more people like Carmen Best involved in law enforcement, especially as leaders. Chief Best started her career in law enforcement 28 years ago, working her way up through the ranks and ascending to the highest level of achievement through her enduring commitment to service, equality and justice. Carmen was a trailblazer, and her leadership will be missed by many in our region.
Federal Way National Little League Grant
Congratulations to the Federal Way National Little League on being awarded a $10,000 King County “Get Active, Stay Active” grant. The funds will go towards facility repairs and improvements as they continue their work to make the Federal Way National Little League Complex a top tier facility for youth baseball and softball players across King County.
With Scot Henderson, Gary Haven and Tara Brown of the Federal Way National Little League Board
Steel Lake Little League Awarded King County “Get Active, Stay Active” Grant
Congratulations to the Steel Lake Little League on being awarded an $11,000 grant to address equipment needs and finance facility improvements at the South County Ballfields. I remember when the South County Ballfields were dedicated more than 20 years ago, and am glad that King County is continuing to partner with community organizations who are able to use the fields year after year.
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With Josh Zellmer of Steel Lake Little League
Thomas Jefferson High School Construction Update
On September 11th, I had the opportunity to tour the ongoing construction work at the new Thomas Jefferson High School. The team is working hard to ensure the project stays on track despite the numerous challenges 2020 has had to offer. Thank you to Dr. Tammy Campbell for her leadership and the opportunity to check on the status of the future home of the Raiders.
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With Mark Bargenda, Senior Construction Project Manager, CBRE and Michael Swartz, Executive Director of Capital Projects, Federal Way Public Schools.
Federal Way Kiwanis Club Glasses Donation
On September 16th, I donated over 1,500 prescription glasses, sunglasses, and cases to the Federal Way Kiwanis Club. For more than twenty years, I have been partnering with King County Metro to donate glasses lost on Metro buses to community organizations in South King County, as the cost of glasses can often be a barrier to many of our neighbors. Thanks to Metro and the Kiwanis Club for all the work they are doing for our community during this challenging period.
Photo with Andrew Urban, Susan Honda, Linda Persha, Gordon Goodsell, Mike Brugato and Karen Brugato of the Federal Way Kiwanis Club
Mask Donation to the Ukrainian Community Center
One of the big changes to South King County has been the growing Ukrainian population, as well as emigrants from former republics of the USSR. I want to thank Honorary Consul Valeriy Goloborodko for introducing me to Executive Director Oleg Pynda of the Ukrainian Center. On September 18th, I dropped off additional masks to Oleg and discussed counseling and recovery programs with him.
With Ukrainian Center Executive Director Oleg Pynda
“Good Eggs” Community Forum with Washington Federal Bank President and CEO
On September 30th, South King County leaders and community members had the opportunity to participate in a virtual community forum with Washington Federal Bank (WaFd) President and CEO Brent Beardall. Brent shared his perspective on the state of the economy and what our region’s recovery will look like as well as his opinions on the future of the banking industry. His presentation highlighted various reasons for optimism, particularly the entrepreneurial spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Despite the spike in unemployment rate and the uncertainty of when jobs will come back, Brent noted that our region has a history of resilience paired with talented individuals and great companies.
This chart shows the spike in savings rate from eight percent to thirty-three percent during the COVID-19 shutdowns. This could mean there is pent-up demand in the economy, which happens when there is reluctance or inability among consumers to make purchases. As the economy reopens, a surge in spending could send the savings rate back to pre-COVID levels.
With South King County community leaders and members.
Auburn Lions Club Glasses Donation
When I first got elected, I learned that King County Metro drivers collected glasses left on buses, often discarding hundreds of glasses throughout the year. I began a program to recycle these glasses and donate them to deserving people in our community. On October 2nd, we donated over a thousand prescription glasses, sunglasses and cases to the Auburn Lions Club, which will be distributed to programs and individuals throughout the region. I appreciate this great opportunity to work with Metro and the Lions Club in providing a new home for these glasses.
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With Auburn Noon Lions President Pete Lewis, Monty Moore, Bob Baggett, Gloria Taylor, Patrick Taylor, Patti Baggett and Allen Geiszler
Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center
On October 8th, the FUSION Family Center had a small ribbon cutting ceremony in Federal Way. FUSION is all about bringing elements together into one. I was happy to work with former Speaker Frank Chopp to fuse together the county and state funds to purchase the old Econolodge Hotel to become the FUSION Family Center site, serving up to 116 families with children in need of transitional housing.
With FUSION Executive Director Robin O’Grady, Rep. Frank Chopp and FUSION Founder Peggy LaPorte
With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Robin O’Grady, Peggy LaPorte, Rep. Frank Chopp and Sen. Claire Wilson
New COVID-19 Testing Site in Federal Way
On October 16th, I had the opportunity to visit the newest COVID-19 testing site in Federal Way, which is operated by King County in cooperation with St. Francis Hospital, CHI Franciscan, and South County fire agencies. The testing site is open from Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center (650 SW Campus Dr. Federal Way, 98023).
The new testing site provides both walk-up and in-vehicle testing. People are encouraged to register for a testing appointment to help speed up the process. This is another great example of South King County working together to defeat this virus. For a virtual tour and to see what to expect, view this video on YouTube or Vimeo.
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With South King Fire Lt. Greg Willet at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center testing site
Virtual “Good Eggs” Community Forum
Residents of South King County know firsthand how important the Federal Way Commons is to our local economy. On October 21st, I was joined by Merlone Geier Vice-President of Development Jamas Gwilliam at our monthly virtual “Good Eggs” to discuss the current and future climate of the South King County retail market. Jamas provided us with a status update on the Federal Way Commons and shared his perspective on how COVID-19 has forced retailers to adjust to changing consumer habits.
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% in the second 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 in 2020. 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
Federal Way High School Awarded King County “Get Active, Stay Active” Grant
On November 2nd, I had the pleasure of meeting with Federal Way High School Boys Basketball Coach Yattah Reed and Principal Dr. Matt Oberst to talk about the $15,000 “Get Active, Stay Active” grant that will help provide new equipment in the school gym for the Federal Way High School Boys and Girls Basketball teams. Participation in sports not only brings our communities together, but also teaches our youth important lessons and values that last a lifetime.
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With Federal Way High School Principal Dr. Matt Oberst and Boys Basketball Coach Yattah Reed
Flood Protection Projects in Pacific
On November 5th, I was joined by Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier and King County Flood Control District Director Michelle Clark on a visit to the Countyline Levee Setback flood protection project in Pacific. During our visit, Michelle provided us with updates on a variety of projects in our region. These projects are of vital importance in our continued efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding in South King County, and I appreciate the work the Flood Control District is doing on behalf of our residents.
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With Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier and King County Flood Control District Director Michelle Clark
Federal Way Time Capsule 2050
On November 6th, I had the privilege of witnessing Federal Way’s Time Capsule closing ceremony at the Performing Arts and Event Center. The time capsule aims to capture and preserve historical moments in the city following its 30th anniversary, while also looking forward to its next 30 years when the capsule is opened in 2050.
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With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell
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With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Sen. Claire Wilson, Mayor Emeritus Jeanne Burbidge, Federal Way Councilmembers Greg Baruso, Linda Kochmar, Leandra Craft, Martin Moore, Hoang Tran and Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Rep. Jesse Johnson, Mayor Emeritus Mary Gates and Mayor Emeritus Mike Park
Virtual “Good Eggs” Community Forum
South King County leaders and community members had the opportunity to participate in a virtual community forum on November 11th, with The Seattle Times Editorial Page Editor Kate Riley. Kate shared her journey and role as an editor, the evolving world of journalism today, and a review of the election results in King County and the nation. To those who would like to hear her perspective on journalism, the election results, and the filters their editorial board used to make recommendations for voters, you may watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.
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With Kate Riley, The Seattle Times Editorial Page Editor
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With South King County elected officials and community members
Pacific Mask Donation
In our fight against COVID-19, it is important that all members of our community have access to face masks, so I teamed up with Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier to drop off hundreds of face masks for the senior residents of Pacific. While we all wish to get back to mask-free living, this simple safety measure helps us prevent the spread of this virus as we get closer to defeating it for good!
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With Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier
Free Document Shredding and Mask Distribution in Federal Way
Our shredding and mask distribution event in Federal Way on December 12th was a success. We received boxes of documents for shredding and distributed nearly a thousand masks to our local community members who drove-through the Federal Way Commons Mall.
With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and local community members at the Shredding and Mask Distribution event in Federal Way
Virtual Good Eggs Community Forum with Public Health Director Patty Hayes
South King County state, local and community leaders and members had the opportunity to hear the latest update from Public Health – Seattle and King County Director Patty Hayes on a virtual community forum on December 15th. Patty provided an update on COVID-19 cases and trends in King County as well as restrictions and projections for vaccine rollout in the county. Patty and her team have been working around the clock since March to help our community contain and defeat the virus. You may watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.
With Public Health Director Patty Hayes
With South King County community leaders
Ukraine Holodomor Recognition
I had the opportunity to recognize the Holodomor Memorial Day with Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. I want to thank Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk and Honorary Consul Valeriy Goloborodko of the Ukraine, and Bishop Viktor Prokhor, Superintendent of National Slavic District of Assemblies of God, for joining me to receive a recognition from King County and a proclamation from the city of Federal Way.
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With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk, Honorary Consul Valeriy Goloborodko and Bishop Viktor Prokhor
Federal Way Veterans Committee receives $18,000 grant
I had the opportunity to recognize the Holodomor Memorial Day with Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. I want to thank Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk and Honorary Consul Valeriy Goloborodko of the Ukraine, and Bishop Viktor Prokhor, Superintendent of National Slavic District of Assemblies of God, for joining me to receive a recognition from King County and a proclamation from the city of Federal Way.
With my fellow veterans and Federal Way Mayor at the Performing Arts and Event Center Grand Staircase
From right to left front row: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Mayor Jim Ferrell, VFW Commander Roger Flygare, Bob Celski, Frank James, State VFW Commander Traci Williams and Bob Kellogg. Back row: Dick Whipple, Keith Selthofer, Derrek Dean and past VFW Commander Frank BannisterFederal Way Public Schools Priority Hire Program and Update
With FWPS Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell and Representative Jesse Johnson
On December 14th, I met with Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell and Representative Jesse Johnson to discuss programs and partnerships that invest in South King County students.
As our region continues to grow, so does the gap between the demand for construction labor and the supply of skilled trade workers in our area’s labor market. It is important for us to continue to invest in our youth so in support of this project, I added a $250,000 appropriation in the 2021-2022 King County budget to create a pre-apprenticeship training program with Federal Way Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education.
The program will provide our high school students with valuable mentorship and hands-on training in the construction trades industry that will place them in an elevated position for potential employment opportunities. I want to thank Representative Johnson, who works in the Highline School District, for recommending this project.
Auburn Valley YMCA Youth and Senior Recreation and Services Grant
Congratulations to the Auburn Valley YMCA for receiving a $25,000 King County grant to support recreation and services for youth and seniors in South King County. Auburn Y Executive Director Jason Berry and I were able to discuss their ongoing response to the challenges brought by the pandemic, with a focus on providing critical services such as childcare for children of essential workers and conducting well-being calls to seniors and vulnerable members of the community to help them avoid social isolation.
With Auburn Valley Executive Director Jason Berry
Federal Way Boys and Girls Club Childcare and Recreation Grants
I met with Federal Way Boys and Girls Club Area Director Brandee Paisano, Board President Bob Oliver, and Operations Director Duwayne Le’i to discuss the $20,000 grant the Federal Way Boys and Girls Club received from King County. The grant will help continue providing childcare services and recreation for our youth who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.
With Bob Oliver, Brandee Paisano and Duwayne Le’i