Photo gallery – 2013

2013

Honoring our Korean War Veterans

On Monday, July 22nd, 2013, I had the privilege of honoring Korean War veterans and the 60th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War., on behalf of King County. Watch a video of the ceremony.

“The legacy of joint service forged between the American veterans of the Korean War and the Korean people has fostered a special relationship between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America, which unites us not only through our common values, but economically and militarily as well, said: Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. As a Councilmember who represents a large Korean-American population, I am especially pleased to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Korean Armistice, and the incredible sacrifices made by our veterans.”

(Pictured: Pete, Republic of Korea Consul General Song Young-Wan, & 1st Sargent Lester Stroup, USA ret.)

Pete reads the award honoring Lester Stroup. Mr. Stroup served 1,000 days as a POW during the Korean War. He went on to serve 25 years in the US Army, eventually retiring as a 1st Sargent. In addition to his service in Korea, 1st Sargent Stroup is also a Vietnam veteran. 

(Pictured: Pete, Consul Gen. Song, & Sargent Al Dembowski)

Pete reads the award honoring Korean War vet, Sargent Al Dembowski. 

Re-opening of the South King County Fire & Rescue A64 station.

July 1st, 2013: A promise kept…

I would like to congratulate South King Fire & Rescue (SKFR) on the re-opening of the A64 Fire Station.

When the Fire Services Levy was put to the voters, SKFR promised that A64 would be re-opened if the levy was passed, today that promise was kept.

I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of our local Firefighters who continue to ensure the safety of all our residents across King County.

12th Annual MATE International ROV Competition

On June 20, 2013 I had the privilege of welcoming contestants to South King County for the Opening of the 12th annual MATE International ROV Championship.

2013 marks the first time the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center has hosted the MATE competition and we look forward to hosting MATE in King County for years to come.

To participate in the two day competition teams must receive top score in 1 of more than 20 global regional competitions.

This year’s Championship hosted 55 teams with participants from 12 different countries, from as far away as Iran, Macao, Russia, China and Venezuela.

For more information on MATE International please visit their website.

Town Hall featuring King County Assessor Lloyd Hara

On Tuesday June 18th I co-hosted a Town Hall with King County Assessor Lloyd Hara. Also present were representatives from the County’s Board of Equalization, Treasury, and Tax Advisors office.

I was pleased to see over 50 South King County residents at the event and listened to the concerns of citizens, ranging from property valuation to tax exemption and deferral program for seniors.

Key Takeaways from the Town Hall Meeting with King County Assessor Lloyd Hara:

The King County Department of Assessments determines the assessed value of your property, based on factors like the size and location of your lot, presence or absence of views, and building age, quality, condition, and size.

To look up records for your own property, visit their eRealProperty site.

• The Department also administers property tax exemption and deferral programs for low-income seniors and disabled persons.

If you believe your property valuation is in error, you can appeal the assessment through the Board of Equalization. The King County Tax Advisor Office can advise you on the procedures to accomplish a change, what information is relevant and where to find it, who to talk to, and how to most effectively present your case.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Annual Flag Day Celebration

Saturday June 8th, I was pleased to welcome, along with the Federal Way Soroptimist, Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli to the 24th annual Flag Day celebration at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic center. This year’s event was highlighted by the swearing-in of new recruits into the United States Army. Awards were also presented to 5th and 6th grade students for their patriotic poems about the American flag and what it means to each one of them.

Freedom isn’t free. The flag of the United States represents our gift of freedom and justice to ourselves and to the world. When we honor the flag, we are also honoring those men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving under it. It is important to embrace the liberties and pride we have as Americans, especially in times of sacrifice at home and abroad.

Orion Aerospace Groundbreaking Ceremony

Thursday June 6th I had the opportunity to speak at the Orion Aerospace groundbreaking ceremony in Auburn. Orion is building a new 100,000 square foot facility, and plans to add another 100 jobs to south King County over the next two years.

Not only is Orion a leader in the Aerospace industry, but their unique business model incorporates training the disabled and veterans to develop the job skills needed to compete in today’s economy.

(Pictured left to right, Director Governor’s Office of Aerospace, State of Washington Alex Pietsch, Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, King County Executive Dow Constantine, President/CEO Orion Aerospace John Theison.)

Hylebos Picnic

On Saturday June 1st, I spoke to the Friends of the Hylebos picnic in Federal Way. This annual event highlighted the Hylebos Watershed action plan to make the Hylebos the healthiest urban watershed in the Pudget Sund region.

Since 1995 King County has helped to secure over $720,000 in grant funding for this important wetland restoration project.

Celebrating the opening day of Federal Way farmers market

On Saturday May 11, 2013, I participated in the 2013 Grand Opening Federal Way Farmers Market.

This year’s opening represents a milestone for our local farmers market as we celebrated the the 10 year anniversary of its founding.

I had the honor of emceeing this year’s event. I was also pleased to recognize on behalf of the county the positive impacts local farmers and their products have in our community. It is important to raise awareness about supporting small family farms and maintaining an interaction between farmers and consumers.

(Left to right: Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Market Advisory Committee Member, Janice Siebenaler and Market co-founder Rose Ehl.)

Port of Seattle Commission Breakfast Meeting

On August 28, 2013 I attended the Breakfast meeting with featured candidates for the Port of Seattle Commission

(Left to right: Commissioner and Vice President of the Port John Creighton, Port candidate and Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Commissioner Courtney Gregoire, and Port candidate Michael Wolfe.)

Pictured: With Commissioner Courtney Gregoire

South King County Fire and Rescue Remembrance Ceremony

At the South King Country Fire and Rescue Remembrance Ceremony for the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, I presented a Council recognition to South King Fire and Rescue for their dedication to public service.

September 18, 2013 Good Eggs Breakfast Meeting

On September 18, 2013 I attended the Good Eggs Breakfast Meeting featuring Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl who spoke to South County leaders.

With Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl.

(Left to right: Nancy Colson, President of the Auburn Symphony, Joni Earl, Sound Transit CEO, and Veronica Larson, Korean Woman's Association.)

"Reach Out" Breakfast Fundraiser

On September 24, 2013 KIRO-TV news anchor Steve Raible emceed the 3rd Annual "Reach Out" breakfast fundraiser, which raises money to operate winter shelters for homeless men and women in the South King County. Joining us are representatives from Todd Beamer High School.

Federal Way Library Reopening

On September 28, 2013 The King County Library on 320th library in Federal Way had its grand reopening.

October 23, 2013 Good Eggs Breakfast Meeting

On October 23, 2013 I attended the Good Eggs Breakfast Meeting featuring King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg.

(Left to right: FUSION founder Peggy LaPorte, Valley Regional Fire Authority Administrator Eric Robertson, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, and Federal Way Councilmember Jeanne Burbidge.)

Pacific Flooding Meeting

On October 30th, 2013 I met with King County Flood District Chair Reagan Dunn, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Pacific Mayor Leanne Guir to discuss the increasing flood risk in the City Pacific.