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

Dear Friends:

Today’s e-news includes information on our recent virtual community forum, announcements from the governor, King County’s vaccination rate and mask directive, a Juneteenth Proclamation, reopening of libraries, and more.


Washington Trivia

An Olympian silver medalist in judo attended Auburn Riverside High School. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Virtual Good Eggs Forum with Secretary of State Kim Wyman

Yesterday, I hosted Secretary of State Kim Wyman at our virtual Good Eggs meeting this month. Kim provided an overview of her efforts to ensure both election security and voter access, as well as her priorities as Secretary of State. I’m glad Kim was able to join us before departing for Camp Pendleton, California where her daughter is a member of the United States Marines. You can watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.



With Secretary of State Kim Wyman



With South King County community leaders


Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell

In 2015, a change agent came to the Federal Way School District from Lake Providence, Louisiana, and 23,000 “scholars” were the beneficiaries of then new Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell. As Dr. Campbell transitions into an advisory role in July for the incoming Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, I want to thank her for her service and the over half a billion dollars’ worth of new school buildings and curriculum that will address the needs of the next generation.



With outgoing Federal Way School District Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell


King County completes 70 percent vaccination; mask directive to end June 29

On Tuesday, June 15th, King County achieved an important milestone as 70% of residents age 16 and older have completed their vaccine series, leading to a large decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

This also means that the King County mask directive will end on June 29th, as it takes two weeks after completing the vaccine series to be considered fully protected. Once the King County mask directive ends, the Washington state mask guidance will be in effect in King County. Read more here.


King County proclaims June 19 as Juneteenth

King County proudly proclaims June 19 as Juneteenth, a commemoration of the traditional observance of the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19, 1865 when word about the Emancipation Proclamation that was issued in 1863 reached Texas and freed African Americans. A year after this announcement, the freed African American men and women in the state of Texas held the first official “Juneteenth” celebration, and have continued to hold celebrations across the United States throughout the years.




King County Library System to reopen all libraries

King County Library System (KCLS) continues to gradually open additional libraries for in-library services and has finalized its plan to reopen all libraries by July 13th. Contactless Curbside to Go services will be phased out as KCLS increases in-building access. Click here for more information.


Amazon and Sound Transit partner to build affordable housing near Link light rail stations

Amazon and Sound Transit announced a $100 million commitment to accelerate the creation of an estimated 1,200 affordable housing units near Link light rail stations across the Puget Sound. This new transit-oriented deal is part of Amazon’s more than $2 billion Housing Equity Fund that aims to preserve and create more than 20,000 affordable housing units in regions it calls home. Read more here.


Weekly King County Health Update: Stretching is key to your fitness

Fitness routines often focus on aerobic exercise and strength training while neglecting another important form of exercise – stretching. The American College of Sports Medicine reports that a regular stretching routine targeting our major muscle-tendon groups promotes flexibility and ultimately protects our everyday mobility and independence. Activities including stretching breaks, tai chi, or yoga, improve our range of motion, enhance athletic performance, and decrease the risk of muscle and joint injuries. For optimal results, consult with your healthcare provider and read more at Mayo Clinic and the CDC resource guide.


King County COVID-19 Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 72 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 111,425. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 1,611.







Note: The change in graphs is due to evolving reporting measures which now include data on positive antigen test results. Recent data may be incomplete. For more information, visit the King County COVID Daily Summary 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.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or Text TALK to 741-741


Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Travis Stevens is a judoka and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert who competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. He is the third American male judoka to win a silver medal in the Olympics and has also won bronze, silver and gold medals at the Pan American Championships and the Pan American Games.

Dave Goethals, his teacher from Auburn Riverside, recalls the weight-training syllabus Stevens turned in his sophomore year where he wrote his objectives – to be a part of the national team, and to win an Olympic medal.



Photo source: TeamUsa.org



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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