Pete's E-News
Fall 2009

In this issue:

Dear Neighbor:

Thank you for reading my E-Newsletter. I hope you find it informative and interesting. At the bottom of the newsletter, with one click, you can forward this off to friends and family so they can keep informed as well.

It is hard to believe that November is already here. As the leaves begin to change color and the cold winds pick up there is no doubt that fall is in the air. Although this is a time of year to enjoy celebrations with friends and family, we also need to be conscious of the inclement weather that accompany this season…and prepare now!

In this E-Newsletter you will find what I have been working on throughout the spring and summer, including reviewing over 2,000 completed surveys and reading over 400 individual letters that I received in response to the 2009 Citizen Survey (pdf, 85KB).

Last month, the County Executive transmitted his proposed budget to the Council for consideration. You can track the process of budget development and the timeframe for public hearings by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget.

It has always been my top priority to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the constituents I serve. I encourage you to contact my office at (206) 296-1007 or email pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov if you have a question, comment, or concern.

With Best Wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember


AmeriCorps founder and Director Monda Holsinger accepting King County Council recognition from Councilman Pete von Reichbauer.
AmeriCorps founder and Director Monda Holsinger accepting King County Council recognition from Councilman Pete von Reichbauer.

King County Council Recognizes Federal Way AmeriCorps Program

Monda Holsinger, founder and Director of the Federal Way AmeriCorps program for the last eleven years, accepted the recognition at the King County Council along with two former AmeriCorps students, Jackie Jamison and Danielle Bonner who are now Supervisors in the program.

Since its inception in 1995, the Federal Way AmeriCorps program has grown to be one of the largest in the nation. Over 1,300 members and volunteers make a difference in the community through academic tutoring and modeling an ethic of service. Read more...


If the Green River Floods, How Will You Be Affected?

Pete von Reichbauer and Col. Wright during a Howard Hanson Dam briefing.
Pete von Reichbauer and Col. Wright during a Howard Hanson Dam briefing.

Flood season (October thru March) is here and now is the time to prepare for potential flooding in the Green River Valley and learn how it may affect you, no matter how high the elevation of your home or business.

What is the history of flooding in King County? Due to the unique topography of our region, our annual rainfall and our susceptibility to major flooding, King County is no stranger to natural disasters. Since 1990, there have been eleven federally declared flood disasters. Flooding affects every citizen in King County. Tens of thousands of King County residents commute through, live and work in, or own businesses in floodplains. Read more..

Learn more: details and history about the dam
Information about flood insurance: www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans, or call 1-888-FLOOD29.
King County Flood District: Frequently Asked Questions (pdf, 69 KB)


Lost Eyeglasses Find Meaningful Home in Developing Countries

Pete von Reichbauer and Col. Wright during a Howard Hanson Dam briefing.
Pete von Reichbauer and Federal Way’s Noon Kiwanis present donated eyeglasses to third world countries in need.

Since 2001, Dr. John Jarstad of the Evergreen Eye Center, the Federal Way Kiwanis, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and King County Metro have partnered in helping bring sight to those who cannot afford eyeglasses in developing countries around the globe. King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer presented over 1,000 eyeglasses donated by King County employees and collected from Metro’s over 30 day old lost and found. Read more...


South King County Hosts International Swimming Championship

Pete von Reichbauer congratulates winner (Elaine Breeden pictured on left) at the podium during the U.S. Open Swimming Championship at the King County Aquatic Center.
Pete von Reichbauer congratulates winner (Elaine Breeden pictured on left) at the podium during the U.S. Open Swimming Championship at the King County Aquatic Center.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer kicked off the 2009 U.S. Open Swimming Championship. Over 900 athletes registered to participate, making this one of the largest US Opens in recent years. The athletes have traveled from all corners of the globe to South King County’s Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center including Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand to participate in the event.

“This is a world class athletic competition right in our own backyard,” said Pete von Reichbauer King County Councilmember. “The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center gives back to the community in many ways; whether you enjoy watching competitive swimming or taking your kids for affordable fun poolside, the facility is a community treasure and boost to our local economy.”

The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is a legacy venue of the 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games. The facility maintains one of the most active competition schedules in the country; hosting more than 50 events annually.


Charitable Retirement for King County Metro Vans

Valley Cities Consulting and Counseling receives a van from Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.
Valley Cities Consulting and Counseling receives a van from Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

As part of King County’s annual Retired Van Donation Program, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer secured three retired King County vanpool vans. The organizations will receive the vans are Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation, Pacific/Algona Community Center Youth Program, and the Federal Way School District Merit Program.

“These organizations work hard to make a dollar stretch in order to improve the quality of life for our region’s residents” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “I know vans will have a fulfilling retirement transporting those who need them the most.” Read more...


Proclamation honoring Dick Brugger presented by Pete von Reichbauer.Grand opening of the 2009 Auburn Farmer’s Market

2009 marked the inaugural season of the Auburn Farmers Market. Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer helped kick off the festivities, featuring more than thirty-five vendors containing locally grown and hand-made items.


D-Day Hero honored at South King County Flag Day Celebration

D-Day Hero honored at South King County Flag Day Celebration King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and the Federal Way Soroptimists will host South King County’s Annual Flag Day Celebration on Saturday June 13, 9:30am at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.

This year the event is privileged to honor D-Day hero Huston Riley. Riley more than 60 years ago, risked his life on France’s Normandy shores during the largest amphibious assault of World War II, which is known to many American as the longest day. He was recently featured on NBC with Tom Brokaw. Read more...


Emergency Preparedness Resources

King County Office of Emergency Management

www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare

Flood Information and Preparation
www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans
Tips for preparing for a flood, background information on the Howard Hanson Dam situation and links to helpful resources.

King County Flood Warning System

www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/flooding/warning-system

Emergency Management Offices
Auburn 253-876-1925
Kent 253-856-4440
Renton  425-430-7000
Tukwila  206-433-0179
Seattle  206-233-5076
King County 206-296-3830

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
888-379-9531
www.floodsmart.gov
Learn about the NFIP and how it can help you protect yourself financially.

King County Road Alert
206-296-8100 (24/7 helpline)
www.kingcounty.gov/roadalert
Sign up to get road alerts via email or text message, or look at current road closures in unincorporated King County.

Hazardous Waste Disposal (house or business) 206-296-4692
www.govlink.org/hazwaste
Learn how to reduce, safely use, store and dispose of toxic and hazardous materials.

3 days, 3 ways
www.3days3ways.org
Learn tips and access checklists and resources for preparing for emergencies and disasters.

Take Winter By Storm
www.takewinterbystorm.org
Information for getting prepared and staying informed when bad weather strikes.

Regional Public Information Network (RPIN)
www.rpin.org

One-stop resources for news alerts from more than 75 government, transportation, utility, health and emergency response agencies serving citizens in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.


About my E-Newsletter

Click here to remove yourself from my e-Newsletter list.

Click here to subscribe to my e-Newsletter.

Please feel free to forward this e-Newsletter to your family and friends!

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov or call my office at (206) 296-1007.


Phone: (206) 296-1007 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272