Photo gallery – 2025

2025

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with The Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe

JOBS: How do we get them and keep them here? Although little known, The Northwest Seaport Alliance is creating long-term jobs in our region through the partnership of the ports of Tacoma and Seattle under the leadership of John Wolfe. Thank you, John, for your commitment to the next generation of jobs.

(Top) With the local Mayors, Muckleshoot Tribal Council Vice Chair John Daniels Jr, and The Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe; (Bottom) With Mission Africa Executive Director Ndudi Chuku and John Wolfe

Muckleshoot Tribal School

The Muckleshoot Tribal School first opened in 1985, and Tribal Council Vice Chair John Daniels Jr. had recommended outreach programs for the school. In January, I was pleased to show him the check that will be presented to the students to help with their activities. The Muckleshoot Tribe is a great partner with county government.

I was honored to receive a blanket at the Muckleshoot Tribal School, as well as to meet with Tribal Education Officer Joseph Martin, Tribal Council Member Louie Ungaro, and others. I first met Joseph as a young teenager, and he, along with the Tribal members, takes great pride in the educational programs they have developed at the Muckleshoot School. The blanket symbolizes achievement, and there's no partnership more significant for South King County than our collaboration with the Muckleshoot Tribe.

King County Council Proclaims February 2025 as Black History Month

On February 11th, the King County Council, led by new King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, proclaimed the month of February 2025 as Black History Month to commemorate the countless contributions of Black and African Americans to our nation and the world.

With King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, Councilmembers Sarah Perry & Teresa Mosqueda, Kent Black Action Commission Executive Director Gwen Allen-Carston, Councilmembers De'Sean Quinn, Rod Dembowski, Claudia Balducci, Jorge Barón, and Reagan Dunn.

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with State Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove

At my February “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting, my former colleague from the King County Council, Dave Upthegrove, joined our group of South King County leaders. In his new capacity as Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands, he shared insights about his responsibilities and outlined strategies for enhancing resilience of our lands against uncontrolled fires. Thank you, Dave!

With 47th District Rep. Chris Stearns, Lakehaven Commissioner Len Englund, State Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner, Kent Councilmember Toni Troutner, Muckleshoot Tribal Council Vice Chair John Daniels Jr., Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and Auburn Councilmember Tracy Taylor-Turner

Federal Way State of the City Address

Over 700 ignored the snow and wind to show up at the PAEC for Federal Way’s State of the City Address. Mayor Jim Ferrell and his team are justifiably proud of this past year and as a resident, I am excited about 2025. Great seeing Federal Way School District Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, as well as listening to King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay talk about regional partnerships.

Honoring Gold Star Families

During a visit at the Gold Star Families display in the Pentagon, I was inspired to extend a grant to build a Gold Star monument in South King County in honor of the many Gold Star families in Washington. “There is a family behind every soldier who serves our country at home and abroad…we must always remember their service as well.”

I was honored to share time with Jane and Bob Hughes and Roberta and Mike Kelly, both of whom had daughters who served in uniform. RIP SSG Danielle (Hughes) Crone and Major Barbara Kerrana. Your country mourns your loss and recognizes your ultimate sacrifice and its impact on your families.

Sound Transit Train Arrives in Federal Way

All aboard! The inaugural test train for the Federal Way Light Rail has made its way to the Commons Mall! With a grand opening planned for April 2026, it was exciting to join Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman for a first look at our new station and trains. From SeaTac Airport to cheer on the Seahawks or Mariners, all the way to Downtown Bellevue, Light Rail will make avoiding the traffic in our region easy!

Redondo Heights Grand Opening

Two years post-groundbreaking, the Redondo Heights affordable housing development in Federal Way celebrated its grand opening on February 25th. This 334-unit project is a collaboration between the Multi-Service Center and housing developer Shelter Resources, Inc.

Strategically located near the upcoming 272nd light rail station, it will feature an on-site community resources navigator for residents, as well as a satellite food bank to support North Federal Way communities. The project also received funding from King County, which contributed $11 million, along with support from the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Finance Unit and Amazon.

Auburn Little League

"There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happened." – Tommy Lasorda

The parents of Auburn Little League Board of Directors MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! By keeping our youth engaged in sports, they stay off the streets. I was pleased to inform the Board that King County has awarded them a $9,500 grant, providing more kids with the opportunity to play ball.

Auburn Food Bank

Rain or shine, Debbie Christian shows up. She keeps the Auburn Food Bank well-stocked for those in need and is the shining example of someone who does the most for their community. Whenever possible, I strive to make sure King County is a partner in her work. PLEASE consider donating to the Auburn Food Bank if you can, it goes a long way!

Girl Scout Cookie Season

Do you have a favorite Girl Scout Cookie? It is always a good idea to buy GOOD cookies and support a GREAT cause!! Not only does the income from the sale of Girl Scout Cookies stay local, but the money helps underwrite programs to let girls consider vocations to the White House or to the moon.

Federal Way Kiwanis Club

Volunteerism is alive and well in our region. I had the opportunity to speak with members at the Federal Way Kiwanis Club meeting, where we discussed essential topics such as public safety, health, and transportation needs in South King County (SKC).

Many positive developments in SKC can be attributed to organizations like the Soroptimists, Lions, Rotarians, Kiwanians, and other volunteer-driven clubs. Special thanks to Linda Persha, Mike, and Karen Brugato for their efforts in implementing a program to recycle used glasses for those in need.

Local Events in South King County

MLK Day Celebration at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center

I spent time with Veteran leader Roger Flygare’s widow Karla and family at a special flag ceremony at the Federal Way Veterans Memorial in honor of his life. It is still hard to believe he is gone.

I visited Mujer Al Volante and met with its leaders to learn about the work that they are doing for our South King County residents.

I also visited the Donghaejeong at Hanwoori Park with former Federal Way Mayor Mike Park, the Korean Leadership, and the new King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay.

I ended the first week of February with Marine View Presbyterian Church members with a Q&A on current issues.

PICA Washington Elders Program Kickoff

When I met Iam Tongi after his American Idol win, I was impressed to learn about the GROWING Pacific Islander Community in South King County. Recently, PICA-WA invited me to join them for a kickoff event they host every Friday. Despite the chilly weather outside, they made it feel warmer than the Big Island. Mahalo!

Evergreen Korean Seniors Club

Where can you go to hear the electric guitar in Federal Way? The Evergreen Korean Club!! Mike Park and others in our Korean Community host a regular gathering with great music and great people, and it was my pleasure to let them know that King County will be supporting them with a special grant. Thank you, Mike!

Federal Way Senior Center

Age is but a number!!! It was great to visit Shelley Puariea at the Federal Way Senior Center, where many in our community gather to stay engaged and active! Shelley does a great job, and I was pleased to present her with a King County Grant to help keep seniors active! Better to wear out than rust out!

“Good Eggs” Breakfast Meeting with Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague

Which West Coast travel hub is closest to 90% of the world’s population? At the March “Good Eggs” breakfast meeting, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague gave us the answer: Seattle!

I first met Joe during his tenure at Alaska Airlines, later as President of Horizon Air, and now as the CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. Joe puts customers and work associates first in his initiatives, and that is why I have proudly remained an Alaska Mileage member since 1984!

With Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Pacific Mayor Vic Kave, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, and Edgewood Mayor Dave Olson

Federal Way Downtown Station New Bus Loop

On March 26, I was pleased to join the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bus loop at the Federal Way Downtown Station, set to open to transit riders on March 30. This new bus loop will provide easier access to the light rail station that will begin service in 2026. Five years since this project broke ground, it is fulfilling to see this vision finally come into fruition.

Present were Sound Transit (ST) Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus, Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Susan Fletcher, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and Council President Linda Kochmar, ST Board Members Ed Prince (Renton Councilmember), Kim Roscoe (Fife Mayor) and Kristina Walker (Tacoma Councilmember), King County Metro Director Michelle Allison, and Sound Transit Community Engagement Specialist Jan Glasper.

King County Council Recognizes Kregg Jorgenson

I had the honor of recognizing Kregg Jorgenson, who I had the privilege of serving with, for his exemplary military service which earned him a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, and three Purple Hearts. Present at the event were members of his “Random Acts of Clean Up” team: Robert Daley, Dave McKillop, Denise Todd-Pastore, Mike Shintaku, Erik Schmidt, and Jennifer Leeden. Together, they play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and preservation of our parks, beaches, and tidal areas for the benefit of future generations.

Kregg and I with the King County Council and County Executive and his Random Acts of Clean Up team for his recent recognition, and before when we served together in the military.

Thomas Jefferson High School Raiders

Sports bring people together has been my mantra as an elected official, and we need that now more than ever at all levels. When Coach Joseph Townsend approached me about supporting the TJ Raiders, I have never looked back. Whether it’s securing funding for new fields or equipment, TJ is my only high school in unincorporated King County, and I take pride in the fact that three of my former Chiefs of Staff graduated from there. Go Raiders!