Federal Way residents should note a significant change in local traffic enforcement: eight existing school zone cameras will begin operating around the clock starting November 1. This means the cameras will enforce speed limits not only during designated school-zone hours but also during evenings, weekends, and holidays. While the 20 mph speed limit will continue to be enforced during school-zone hours, drivers exceeding the regular 35 mph limit at other times will also be caught.
Throughout November, drivers caught speeding outside of school-zone hours by these cameras will receive warnings. However, beginning December 1, violations detected during these non-school hours could result in fines of up to $290. Tickets for violations during designated school-zone hours will continue to be issued throughout November. The cameras monitor traffic in both directions at four locations:
* The 32000 block of 28th Avenue South, near Sacajawea Middle School. * The 31800 block of 28th Avenue South, near Mark Twain Elementary School. * The 31400 block of 28th Avenue South, near Wildwood Elementary School. * The 30400 block of 18th Avenue South, near Totem Middle School. * The 31200 block of 23rd Avenue South, near Decatur High School. * The 31200 block of 25th Avenue South, near Olympic View Elementary School. * The 28400 block of 18th Avenue South, near Lakeland Elementary School. * The 28600 block of 18th Avenue South, near Lakeland Elementary School.
In other news impacting Federal Way, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside 11 other state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission, filed a lawsuit this week to block a merger between two major playground equipment manufacturers. The lawsuit seeks to prevent PlayPower, which owns brands such as Little Tikes Commercial, Miracle Recreation, and Playworld, from acquiring competitor BCI Burke. These two companies are among five that collectively account for a substantial portion of commercial playground equipment sales nationwide.
According to Attorney General Brown, this merger could lead to increased costs and lower quality for playground equipment used in communities across Washington, including Federal Way parks and schools. Brown stated that the merger “would harm our communities by increasing the cost and lowering the quality” of equipment used by children. The lawsuit was filed on October 19 in federal court in California and asks a judge to stop the acquisition.
Federal Way families may also feel the effects of a statewide childcare shortage, which has been linked to billions in economic losses. This shortage can lead parents to reduce work hours, decline job offers, or leave the workforce, affecting household budgets and the local economy. The debate over state tax policy has also been linked to childcare costs, with Governor Bob Ferguson warning that repealing a 'millionaires tax' could drive daycare expenses higher.
Additionally, school districts, including Federal Way Public Schools, are facing challenges with computer memory and laptop supplies. Demand for computer chips from AI companies is contributing to higher prices and tighter availability for devices like Chromebooks used by students. This may prompt districts to extend the lifespan of older devices or reduce other technology purchases, with potential ripple effects for families amidst already stretched school budgets.
As Election Day on November 3 approaches, Federal Way voters will also consider two education-related ballot measures. Initiative 638 proposes restricting participation by transgender girls in girls’ school sports, including sex-verification requirements, while Initiative 001 addresses parental rights in public schools. Opponents of these measures have begun canvassing against them. Another safety concern for local families involves electric bikes; emergency room visits related to e-bikes have seen a significant increase, particularly among young riders.
