Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information about free COVID-19 testing at the Sea Mar Medical Clinic in Federal Way, a survey from King County Metro, information on Camp Patriot, and more.

Free COVID-19 Testing in Federal Way and King County

Free COVID-19 testing is now offered weekly at Sea Mar Community Health Centers, including the Sea Mar Federal Way Medical Clinic (31405 18th Ave S, Federal Way, WA. 98003). The health clinics are hosting free scheduled drive-thru and walk-up appointments for testing every Tuesday from noon-4:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m., beginning May 19th. Testing is free for all family members and health insurance is not required. Those looking to get a test must first call the Sea Mar Federal Way Medical Clinic at 253-681-6600.

Appointments for COVID-19 testing will be scheduled after an evaluation is done with a Sea Mar provider over the phone. Weekly free testing is made possible by a partnership with Sea Mar and King County Public Health, which provides testing kits and additional supplies. All tests will be administered by Sea Mar staff with test results expected within 72 hours. You can read more here.

In addition, there are several other low or no-cost testing sites in King County that are open to anyone who cannot access COVID-19 testing through their regular health care provider. Most of these sites are nonprofit community health centers. You can see a list at this link.

Three King County Councilmembers Oppose Approved Sewer Rate Increase

Yesterday, the King County Council voted to approve a sewer rate increase. I, along with two of my colleagues, voted in opposition of this measure. As elected officials, we should question any proposed tax increases, but given the COVID-19 crisis, now is not the time for any rate increases. I have heard from both constituents and elected officials, such as Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier, who have emphasized that now is not the time to increase rates when so many of our neighbors are struggling to pay at the current rate due to economic uncertainty and financial insecurity. I appreciate Mayor Guier’s kind words, “thank you Council Member Pete von Reichbauer for listening to your constituents and understanding their challenges during this pandemic.” You can read more here.


With Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier (photo taken prior to social distancing guidance).

Small Business Grant Program

Last week, the King County Council established a grant fund that will provide $5,000 grants to small businesses in unincorporated King County. Small, family owned businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and I am glad that we can help support these businesses as we work through this crisis. To be eligible, a business must:

• Be active and licensed in the state of Washington, with a physical business address in unincorporated King County.
• Have no more than 15 employees.
• Have been in business for at least three years as of January 1st, 2020.
• Have gross revenues of up to $1.5 million per year.
• Have received no other COVID-19 related aid from any federal, state, or other nonprofit agency.

More information is available at this website, and details about when/how to apply will also be added at this website as soon as the application is available.



Camp Patriot: Giving Back to Those Who Have Given

Camp Patriot serves wounded and disabled veterans from every era of military service. Veterans enjoy the camaraderie of outdoor experiences as team members in Northwest Montana, including fishing, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, 4-wheeling and other back-country activities. They also commune with each other during down time and enjoy home cooked meals in log homes.

Along with the benefits these men and women gain from activities outdoors, they also credit the healing power derived from sharing their accounts of life in and out of military service. These therapeutic conversations often lead to vital new avenues of awareness and life-changing perspectives.



The needs of our veteran community continue to be significant. To cover expenses of hosting veterans and maintain the ranch, the equipment and the animals, Camp Patriot needs your help. Please join the cause by visiting the Camp Patriot website and becoming a monthly donor, or making a one-time donation here. You will be part of the team providing veterans with the hope and love that Camp Patriot provides.

King County Metro Survey

Now through May 31st, Metro is asking riders for feedback on late night transit service during COVID-19. Understanding that transit service reductions and passenger load limits in response to the crisis affect how riders get to and from work and take other essential trips, Metro is looking for feedback. They are interested in experiences, ideas for late night service, and feedback on one of the concepts they’re considering for Metro’s “Night Owl” service (1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.). To weigh in, please take the short online survey. The results will help inform Metro’s services including potential changes, new products, and ways they can better serve our region.

Sound Transit Construction

If you have driven on 320th lately, you likely noticed that Sound Transit is moving forward with construction projects for the Federal Way Link Station. Last week, Mayor Ferrell and I had the opportunity to stop by the project and check on its progress.


Looking down at the Federal Way Link work with Mayor Jim Ferrell from the Sound Transit parking garage.

New IDM Model

New modeling by the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) in Bellevue shows a need for contact tracing and other measures to prevent a dangerous resurgence in the epidemic. According to IDM, a comprehensive program of increased testing, isolation of infected people, and contact tracing with quarantine of home and work contacts could prevent growth in the epidemic as King County gradually reopens. You can read more about the report here.

City of Auburn COVID Business Resource Update

On Thursday, May 28th at 1:30 p.m., the City of Auburn Office of Economic Development will be hosting a COVID business resource update on PPP loan forgiveness. The virtual meeting will be hosted in partnership with the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, the Green River College Small Business Center, King County Library and other community partners. To join the meeting, you can click this link, the meeting ID is 914 5912 2754 and the password is 613948. If you have questions, you can call the Auburn Chamber at 253-833-0700.

King County Case Update

As of today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 35 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 7,931. In addition, Public Health reported 5 new deaths, bringing the total in the County to 549.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember