News from and about King County… from COVID-19 updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s e-news includes information on a recent visit to the Federal Way Farmers Market, the Governor’s latest announcements, our upcoming mobile shredding and mask distribution event, COVID-19 vaccine updates, a request for proposals for a Rural Food Banks Pilot program, health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

A Muckleshoot and Tlingit teen from Auburn is the voice of the first nationally broadcast kid's program that features an Indigenous lead character, Molly of Denali. Who is she?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Federal Way Farmers Market

This week I joined Farmers Market Founder Rose Ehl as a sponsor of this South King County legacy. Every Saturday through October 30th, please join your neighbors at the Commons to share in conversation and support great local products.



With Rose Ehl at the Federal Way Farmers Market


Governor’s Latest Announcements

All counties will be in Phase 3 starting May 18
On Tuesday, May 18th, all counties will be in Phase 3 of the reopening plan to provide a consistent statewide pattern, but counties could decide to operate in a lower phase if they choose to do so. Read more in the KING 5 news article here.

New CDC guidance eases indoor mask use for fully vaccinated individuals
The state will fully adopt masking guidance issued by the CDC earlier today, which eases indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and inside in most situations. Businesses will retain the right to require their employees and customers to wear mask. Read more in the KING 5 news article here.

State to fully reopen by June 30
No later than June 30th, the state will fully reopen capacity for businesses, but the state of emergency will not be lifted. Fully reopening the state could happen earlier if 70% or more of Washingtonians over the age of 16 initiate vaccination. If the statewide ICU capacity reaches 90% at any point, activities will be rolled back again. Read more here.

K-12 fall return
Starting this fall for the 2021–2022 school year, schools will be expected to offer full-time, in-person learning for all students and a remote learning option for students who need it.

Vaccination incentives
Spectator events, such as indoor and outdoor sports, will no longer have limits on the number of vaccinated attendees. Small cruise ships with less than 250 passengers may sail if the full crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated.





COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Everyone 12 and older now eligible for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
Following the FDA’s and CDC’s expansion of its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to people between 12 and 15 years old, the state Department of Health (DOH) announced that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for people 12 to 15 years old. When making a vaccine appointment for people 12 to 17 years old, the DOH reminds to choose a location that administers the Pfizer vaccine, since it is the only one currently approved for this age group. Read more in the KING 5 news article here or check Public Health’s FAQs for more information.

Increasing mobility access at the Auburn vaccination center
The King County vaccination site at the Auburn Outlet Mall is offering car-side service on Mondays for those who cannot easily walk into the clinic. Please share with friends and family who might need this service. Additionally, beginning tomorrow, May 14th, vaccination will be available for anyone who is 12 years and older. Need a ride? Call 425-943-6706 to request a ride to a vaccination appointment.


King County requests proposals for Rural Food Banks Pilot

The King County Department of Community and Human Services is now accepting applications to fund food banks in rural areas of King County to operate as centralized points of access from which residents may increase knowledge about what human services may be available to meet their needs, connect to service providers and/or potentially receive direct support or assistance at this centralized location. Applications are due on June 2, 2021 by 11:59 PM. Click here to apply.


Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center Update

Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC) reopened as of April 12th, but the diving tank and recreation pool remain closed at this time due to continued construction.

The competition pool is open for team practices and recreational lap swims. Due to occupancy restrictions, online reservations are strongly recommended for recreation lap swims. To know what to expect when you visit WKCAC, click here or call 206-477-4444 for questions.


Sound Transit seeks public input on transit-oriented development in Kent/Des Moines

Sound Transit is seeking public comments on the future development of approximately four acres of land in the Kent/Des Moines area. Once the Federal Way Link Extension opens in 2024, Sound Transit will make this land available for transit-oriented development. The online survey will be available through May 31st. Community feedback collected through this survey and an online open house later this fall will be used to inform the content of the Request for Proposals for the available sites.




Weekly King County Health Updates

Noise and Your Hearing Health
50 million Americans experience significant hearing problems and the most common cause is prolonged exposure to excessively loud noise. Most people are not aware they have a hearing problem until it is permanent – seek hearing evaluations for you and your family members. This CDC noise meter lets you hear how loud everyday sounds are and offers essential tips to protect your hearing health.



Points to Consider When Dining Out
With all the developments on vaccine availability and current trends on COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Public Health – Seattle and King County offers guidance for those who are planning to dine in a restaurant and on which establishment to choose. Read more here.


Federal Way Chorale: The Music Lives On

Last Saturday, the Federal Way Chorale premiered a successful spring virtual choir concert entitled The Music Lives On. To view their performance, visit the Federal Way Chorale’s Youtube or Facebook page.




King County COVID Vaccination Update

As of today, there are 1,307,239 residents who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 971,661 residents who are fully vaccinated in King County, bringing the total of all administered doses to 2,209,218. For more information, visit the King County COVID Vaccination Dashboard here.



Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator.

For King County residents: Register here to schedule your appointment at one of the high-volume vaccination sites in Auburn and Kent.

For in-home vaccination: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977.

Register by phone: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #.

For veterans: Call 206-716-5716 or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.

For more information, visit Getting vaccinated in King County.


King County Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 285 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 101,881. In addition, Public Health reported 5 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 1,552.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Sovereign Bill, a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and T’ak Dein Taan clan of the Tlingit Tribe, is the voice of Molly of Denali, the main character in the new PBS cartoon that follows a young Alaska Native girl on adventures exploring her culture and her community.

Growing up, Sovereign’s parents did not allow her to watch Pocahontas or Peter Pan as they wanted her to learn about their culture through family traditions and beliefs. Now, she is using her own voice to ensure Native kids of this generation have real representation on television.



Courtesy of Sovereign Bill posted on Today’s website




Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


To unsubscribe or update your preferences, click here.
1. Enter your email address and click confirm.
2. Select the subscription/s you want to unsubscribe from and click submit.