Photo gallery – 2024

2024

MLK Federal Way High School Basketball Showcase 

At a time when the news is dominated by college and professional athletics, I was proud to help sponsor a local athletic event for our youth. The MLK Federal Way High School (FWHS) Showcase for boys and girls basketball was held over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and it was great to watch our young athletes compete in this event. I remember watching Coach Yattah Reed as a player at FWHS and I continue to be impressed with him as a coach, teacher, father, and leader of the MLK showcase! Sports bring people together!

With FWHS Basketball Coach Yattah Reed and All City Fence Owner Rick Koch

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Kemper Freeman

“Building a successful business is all about building a successful community.” Kemper Freeman’s legacy in Bellevue demonstrates his commitment to both, and his remarks at this January’s “Good Eggs” meeting highlighted the power of local, public-private partnerships. As the founder of the Bellevue Collection, which includes Bellevue Square and Lincoln Center, he has set a high bar for retail in our region, and has created thousands of jobs in construction, trades, and service and hospitality industries. Thank you, Kemper!

(Top) With Pacific Mayor Vic Kave, Kent Councilmember Toni Troutner, Kemper Freeman, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, and Federal Way Council President Linda Kochmar; (Bottom) With Auburn Councilmember Yolanda Trout-Manuel, Kemper Freeman, and Auburn Councilmembers Hanan Amer and Clinton Taylor

Apple Cup Men’s Basketball

Do we like basketball? Ask the 9,268 fans at the UW vs. WSU Apple Cup! The Cougs won in overtime (90-87), but all the fans won by watching one of the most exciting games in Hec Ed (Hec Edmundson Pavilion) history. New UW Football Coach Jedd Fisch was introduced as well.

With new UW Football Coach Jedd Fisch

89th Annual Sports Star of the Year Awards

As someone who believes that sports bring people together at all levels of society, Seattle Sports Commission’s President & CEO Beth Knox and her team brought the region together again for the 89th Sports Star of the Year Awards dinner. It was great to see K.J. Wright, and when he’s done with coaching, he could pursue a third career: MC.

Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Although the Seahawks were not in the Super Bowl this year, they were well represented nationally by Bobby Wagner, who earned the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, given to the player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition. Since its creation in 2014, Larry Fitzgerald, Charles Woodson, Frank Gore, Luke Kuechly, Drew Brees, Adrian Peterson, Teddy Bridgewater, Matthew Slater and Calais Campbell have won the award. Congratulations Bobby! Read more here

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with King County Executive Dow Constantine

King County Executive Dow Constantine was the guest speaker at our February “Good Eggs” Breakfast meeting. Dow spoke to the importance of collaboration in order to solve the problems facing our region, highlighting how partnerships between King County and local cities help government work better. Examples of county/city collaborations include the soon-to-be established Crisis Care Centers and the continued partnerships that come from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services programs. Special thanks to Dow’s daughter, who let him skip driving her to robotics class to attend our breakfast.

(Top) With Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, Pacific Mayor Vic Kave, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, and Algona Mayor Troy Linnell; (Bottom left) With Federal Way Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, King County Councilmember Girmay 

2024 Pac-12 Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships

It may have been cold and gray outside, but it always feels sunny at the King County Aquatic Center (KCAC) in Federal Way. A special thanks to Mike Dunwiddie and the many others who work there and keep the aquatics center in top shape for special events and general public swimming!

Markel Leonard, who oversaw the 2024 Pac-12 Women’s Swimming and Diving (Men’s and Women’s) Championships, did a great job of making the last-ever Pac-12 Swimming and Diving Championships successful. View the winners of this season

With Markel Leonard and NCAA finalists from WSU

Girl Scout Cookies

Samoas or Thin Mints?!?! I am fortunate to have both after continuing my longstanding tradition of buying from Julieta, daughter of John and Amalia, who always provides the "exception" to my diet. In addition to Julieta, Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer is also a long-time promoter of girl scout cookies!

The Girl Scout Cookie program helps many develop valuable life and entrepreneurial skills and make communities better.

Since 2021, all cookies are both Kosher and Halal certified, with the addition of vegan and gluten-free varieties as well. While this year’s cookie season may have come to an end, do not forget to buy the cookies, share the cookies, and support your local girl scouts next year!

With Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer and King County Executive Dow Constantine

The Grand Reopening of The Auburn Food Bank 

I was honored to join Debbie Christian, director of The Auburn Food Bank, Mayor Nancy Backus, and many others at their grand reopening! A previous recipient of the MLK Distinguished Service Award, Debbie answers what Dr. King called life’s most persistent and urgent question, “What are you doing for others?” on a daily basis. The new 14,361 square feet space will allow The Auburn Food Bank to expand its reach and serve even more of our neighbors in need. People in South King County believe in service to others, and few have given more or have been more involved than Debbie. Thank you, Debbie, and congratulations to your team on the new location!

With Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, The Auburn Food Bank Executive Director Debbie Christian, members of the Auburn City Council, and community leaders

Federal Way Lions Glasses Donation

It was my pleasure to present the Federal Way Lions with over 1,000 pairs of glasses recovered by Metro drivers. As someone who wears glasses, I know how expensive AND necessary they are for not only employment, but for everyday life. Since I started this program in 2001, tens of thousands of eyeglasses and sunglasses have been donated and repurposed, finding new homes not only in King County but around the world. Thank you to the many Metro Transit employees who help with this program, as well as the Lions Club. We couldn’t do it without you!!

With Federal Way Lions Barbara Fy, Raul Baird, and Bob Darrigan

Your Money Matters

Physical health AND financial health are two things nobody should ever take for granted. It has never been easier to mistreat your wallet, and I am grateful that Auburn Councilmember Clinton Taylor is working with youth in our community to teach them the fundamentals of personal finance. How you take care of your money matters! 

With Auburn Councilmember Clinton Taylor

Seattle Mariners

As someone who lost my father when I was 10 years old, playing and watching baseball was an important part of my life. No matter how difficult October might have been, I always look forward to Opening Day. Whether watching the Seattle Pilots play at Sick’s Stadium in Seattle or AAA baseball at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, baseball was an important part of my growing up.

(Left) With Ken Griffey Jr. at an earlier Opening Day; (Right) With “The King” Félix Hernández at an earlier Spring Training

Visiting FUSION Décor Boutique in Federal Way

My family always believed in helping where you can, so I was happy to pass on some of my parents' antique porcelain and glassware to FUSION. When economic hardship hits, our non-profits find their services are needed more than ever. Now is a great time to support local non-profits like FUSION, who provide housing and financial support to so many in our community. Thank you, Linda and Peggy, for all the tireless work you do for others!

Linda Casey received my donation at FUSION Décor. A few days later, I returned to see how they had arranged my mother's porcelain in the shop.

Coffee with Leanne Guier, New 4Culture Board Member

I was pleased to nominate former Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier to represent our area as one of the 15 members of the important 4Culture board. I met up with Leanne to discuss how the “Doors Open Cultural Fund” would positively impact South King County. From the Terry Home (a place of hope and healing for young adults with traumatic brain injuries) to her union and the city of Pacific, Leanne is an advocate who cares about her neighbors and our region. Visit 4culture.org to learn more!

With 4Culture Board Member and former Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Adjutant General Bret Daugherty

“It is much better to be prepared and not need it than to be unprepared and caught flat-footed,” said Major General Bret Daugherty, our March “Good Eggs” Speaker. Washington is one of few places in the country that is susceptible to mega-earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires, tsunamis, and bridge collapses. As the Adjutant General, he commands all Washington Army and Air National Guard forces and is Director of the State’s Emergency Management and Enhanced 911 programs. Maj. Gen. Daugherty prepares our state for these scenarios, and we are lucky to have him. Thank you, Maj. Gen. Daugherty!

(Top) With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, and Algona Mayor Troy Linnell; (Bottom) With Maj. Gen. Daugherty and Mayor Ralph 

King County Flood Control District Visits Broward County, Florida

In mid-April, I joined the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) delegation to Broward County, Florida to study innovative flood management strategies and seek insights on rising sea levels and intense storms as South Florida addresses these challenges.

Together with FCD Executive Director Michelle Clark, Deputy Executive Director Steven Schauer, and Chair Reagan Dunn, we met with officials from the city of Fort Lauderdale Public Works, Sustainability Division, and the South Florida Water Management District to conduct site visits and discuss policies and projects aimed at addressing flooding, climate change, and other challenges. This exchange of knowledge is beneficial as we are able to learn from each other's approaches and adapt best practices to our own region. Read more in the FCD blog.

With FCD leadership at a flood gate, saltwater barrier, and pump house site in Florida

South King County Spring Leadership and Volunteerism Reception

How do you encourage students to stay in school? Through volunteers like Terrell Dorsey of Unleash the Brilliance, who are helping young people navigate a world of absentee parents, drugs, and alcohol. Terrell’s own life experience helps him answer the question Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked of those around him: What are you doing for others? I was proud to recognize Terrell at my annual South King County Leadership and Volunteerism Reception.

With Unleash the Brilliance Founder Terrell Dorsey, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Ukraine Hon. Consul Valeriy Goloborodko, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, Judge Fa'amomoi Masaniai, FUSION Founder Peggy LaPorte, King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati, KOAM-TV Asst. Dir. Shelley Ko, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Council President Linda Kochmar, Councilmembers Susan Honda, Lydia Assefa-Dawson and Jack Walsh, Kent Councilmember Toni Troutner, and Auburn Councilmembers Yolanda Trout-Manuel and Traci Taylor-Turner.

King County Council’s Annual Washington, D.C. Trip

The King County delegation headed to Washington D.C. for our annual visit with the congressional offices of U.S. Representatives Adam Smith, Kim Schrier, and Suzan DelBene, and U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to discuss infrastructure, public safety, public and behavioral health, community needs, and transportation in King County. We also had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as hear from the Chief of Federal Affairs for the National Association of Counties (NaCo), Mark Ritacco.

While in Washington, D.C., I visited the Vietnam War Wall where I came across the name of a classmate in the 1960s who died in Vietnam War, as well as these statues of Vietnam War veterans. (Right) With U.S. Sen. Suzan DelBene, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Comes to Washington

In May, I was invited to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour hosted by the Seattle Orcas at Bellevue City Hall. Also in attendance were the first Consul General of India in Seattle, Consul General Prakash Gupta, Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian, Councilmembers Dave Hamilton, Conrad Lee, John Stokes, and Janice Zahn, and Seattle Orcas co-owner Vijay Beniwal.

The USA leg of the Trophy Tour launched in New York, lighting up the Empire State Building in the event’s blue and pink colors, followed by visits to famous landmarks in New York City, as well as a visit to the Space Station in Texas before it arrived in Seattle and Bellevue.

With Consul General Gupta, Bellevue Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Malakoutian, Councilmembers Hamilton, Lee, Stokes and Zahn, and Seattle Orcas co-owner Vijay Beniwal

National Police Week

In recognition of the National Police Week, the King County Council proclaimed May 12-18, 2024, as Police Week in King County to salute the service of law enforcement officers in our community and across the nation. The proclamation was received by King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, Undersheriff Jesse Anderson, Chief Ian Huri, Chief Jose Marenco, Chief Shawn Ledford, and Chief Cheol Kang. Thank you for your service!

With King County Council Chair Dave Upthegrove, Councilmembers Sarah Perry, Claudia Balducci, Reagan Dunn, Rod Dembowski and Jorge Barón, and KCSO Sheriff Cole-Tindall, Undersheriff Anderson, Chief Huri, Chief Marenco, Chief Ledford and Chief Kang

Carpinito Brothers

How do you know its spring in South King County? I always know when I visit Carpinito Brothers in Kent! Mike and his nephew Tom showed off their huge selection of spring flowers that could make ANY garden succeed any season of the year! Thank you, Mike and the Carpinito Family and team!

With Tom and Mike Carpinito

South King County Scholar Athlete Breakfast

What do you get when “Voice of the Seahawks” Steve Raible and Hall of Famer Steve Largent join up with hundreds of high school athletes and their parents, coaches, and supporters? Financial support for the South King County Scholarship fund! Thanks to all who came and donated! And thanks to Phil Ziegler and his staff at Emerald Downs for a great venue, as well as to the Muckleshoot Tribe!

(Counterclockwise) With Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, HOF & Hon. Steve Largent, King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Voice of the Seahawks Steve Raible, Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer, South King County athletes, parents, coaches and sponsors, and Mission Africa Leadership Team

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with 4Culture Executive Director Brian Carter

4Culture Executive Director Brian Carter joined my May “Good Eggs” Breakfast Meeting and shared his goals of expanding access with local civic leaders. As an advocate for wanting King County to be less Seattle-centric, and after voting to expand cultural access in suburban and rural King County through the Doors Open program, I appreciated his message of supporting arts throughout our county.

(Top) With 4Culture Executive Director Brian Carter, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, 4Culture Board Member and Former Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus; (Bottom) With King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Pacific Mayor Vic Kave and Auburn Councilmember Tracy Taylor-Turner

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service Award

“What are you doing for others?” was the question Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. regularly asked those around him. Every year, as a member of the King County Council, I recognize a South King County resident who answers that call with the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service Award. This year’s awardee was Terrell Dorsey, who is fighting school truancy as the founder of Unleash the Brilliance (UTB). Thank you, Terrell, for working to keep kids on the path to graduation!

Previous MLK Awardees included: Looking Out Foundation Executive Director Catherine Carlile (2023), Muckleshoot Tribal Councilmember John Daniels Jr. (2022), Overcomer Covenant Church Pastor Gordon Banks (2021), Café Pacific Owners Amy and John Hatcher (2020), FUSION Founder Peggy LaPorte (2019), Former Federal Way Mayor Mike Park (2018), Thomas Jefferson High School Baseball & Girls Bowling Coach Joseph Townsend (2017), and The Auburn Food Bank Executive Director Debbie Christian (2016). More information about all the 2024 awardees.

With Unleash the Brilliance Founder Terrell Dorsey, members of the UTB team, and other special guests

“Good Eggs” Breakfast with Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman 

Goran Sparrman, Interim CEO of Sound Transit, was the speaker at our June “Good Eggs” meeting. Since his appointment in early 2024, Goran has worked hard to address some of the challenges facing Sound Transit and our guests appreciated his candor and emphasis on the important roles that safety and fare collection play in getting our transit system back on track. Thank you, Goran!

With Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, Pastor Gordon Banks, and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell

King County Council Juneteenth Proclamation 

On June 18th, the King County Council proclaimed June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth, recognizing its historic importance and encouraging all county residents to join its commemoration.

With King County Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda, Reagan Dunn, Girmay Zahilay, Jorge Barón, Sarah Perry and Rod Dembowski, and members of the Atlantic Street Center, EcoDistrict, and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

Woodbridge Corporate Park Tour 

I had the opportunity to tour the two newly completed industrial buildings at Woodbridge Corporate Park in Federal Way with local civic and business leaders from Federal Way, Amazon, and IRG. Amazon’s lease of one of the buildings will provide new jobs, new tax revenue from construction activities, improvements to the city’s right of way, and restore economic opportunities by creating new jobs in South King County.

With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, building manager Charlie Harris, Federal Way Councilmember Jack Walsh and Council President Linda Kochmar, Federal Way Economic Development Director Tanja Carter, Amazon Economic Policy Development Leader Easton Craft, and Pacific Raceways President Jason Fiorito

Seattle Mariners

It was fun to meet up at a recent Mariners game with Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati and two of the team’s earliest giants: Chuck Armstrong (28 years president of the Mariners) and John Ellis (first chairman and CEO of the new M’s). If Howard Lincoln had been there, we would have had a “trifecta”. “It is not an overstatement to say without John Ellis and Howard Lincoln, the Seattle Mariners would not be here today”, said current M's Chairman John Stanton! Dr. Spicciati is a champion for sports programs in our public schools. Go M’s!