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 Poverty Bay Café’s grand opening, the state’s Eviction Moratorium “Bridge”, the King County Fire Marshal’s Stage 1 fire safety burn ban announcement, King County Solid Waste Division’s new requirement to use recycling and garbage facilities, Emerald Downs’ 25th anniversary, sports, travel and health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

An American track and field athlete who won medals for Team USA attended Kent-Meridian High School. Who is she?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Poverty Bay Café Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Poverty Bay Café celebrated its grand opening under FUSION’s new ownership last weekend. Since 1993, FUSION has provided transitional housing for families in need in South King County, and with this donation, Federal Way’s “living room” is once again open for business and will serve as a job skills training location for people experiencing homelessness.



Congratulations to FUSION Executive Director Robin O’Grady and Founder Peggy LaPorte for the successful ribbon cutting.


Governor announces Eviction Moratorium “bridge”

Gov. Inslee proclaimed a “bridge” between the eviction moratorium and the housing stability programs put in place by the Legislature. This bridge is not an extension of the eviction moratorium, but instead will allow for a transition to the tenant protections established in SB 5160, including the Eviction Resolution pilot programs and the Right to Counsel program for indigent tenants. It will be effective from July 1st through September 30th. Read more here.


King County Fire Marshal Issues Stage 1 fire safety burn ban

With high temperatures forecasted through the weekend, King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 1 fire safety burn ban for the unincorporated areas of King County starting today, June 24th. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. The National Weather Service has also issued an Excessive Heat Watch for King County.


Results of heat mapping project show impact of hotter summers

According to the results of a groundbreaking heat mapping project that quantifies the harmful, inequitable impact that hotter summers are having on the region, surface-level temperatures in areas with paved landscapes, less tree canopy, and industrial activity are substantially higher (by 20 degrees) during summer heat events compared to less urbanized areas. Read more here.






King County Solid Waste Division now requires customers to verify eligibility to use recycling and garbage facilities

On June 16th, the King County Solid Waste Division began requiring customers to verify eligibility to use King County recycling and garbage facilities by showing proof they live or do business within King County’s 37-city and unincorporated service area, excluding the cities of Seattle and Milton. The only exception is that Seattle residents are eligible to use the household hazardous waste drop-off services at the Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station in Bellevue. Read more here.


Variants of concern in Washington state

Dr. Scott Lindquist, Washington state epidemiologist, reported dual messages about COVID-19 variants of concern in the June Department of Health report. There is encouraging news about the delta or B.1.617 variant, which does not appear to be leading to an increase of cases, hospitalizations, or deaths in fully vaccinated people. However, the gamma or P.1 variant is associated with increased cases in fully vaccinated people (known as breakthrough cases) and higher rates of hospitalization. The gamma variant is highly infectious, the fastest-rising variant in WA, and may be less responsive to antibody treatments. Dr. Lindquist urges eligible residents to get fully vaccinated to better combat these variants and prevent future ones from developing.


Federal Way High School Eagles defeats Kentwood

While thousands watched the Mariners on Tuesday, a dozen or so of us watched the Federal Way High School Eagles go from 23 - 22 at halftime to 61 - 52 over Kentwood. Great teamwork all around, and a lot of skilled returning players on both sides. Support High School Sports!



Click here for the game highlights courtesy of The News Tribune.


AAA predicts 1.08 million Washingtonians will travel for 4th of July

According to AAA’s prediction, 47.7 million Americans (including 1.08 million Washingtonians) are expected to travel between July 1 – 5 this year. This will be the second-highest travel volume on record compared to 2019’s record. 91 percent of these travelers will be traveling by car. Read more in the Patch article here.


Weekly King County Health Update: Diet drinks and your health

For the 20% of Americans who drink a diet drink every day, switching from sugary drinks can be an effective way to reduce calories, but research indicates it may actually not result in weight loss. Choosing a low or no-calorie diet drink may either psychologically mislead you to think you can eat more or biochemically trigger a craving for high calorie foods. Additionally, diet drinks may not be as healthy as people think. Studies have linked them to other health problems including dementia and stroke, but more research is needed to confirm a causal relationship.

The FDA reports that a reasonable amount of diet drinks per day is not likely to be harmful, however, health experts emphasize the clear benefits of water, skim milk, and unsweetened drinks as long-term beverage choices.


Emerald Downs celebrates 25th Anniversary

On June 21st, Sunday, thousands of horse fans spent Father’s Day at Emerald Downs celebrating its 25th anniversary and Ron Crockett’s dream. Millions of tax dollars and thousands of jobs continue as his legacy.



With Auburn Councilmember Yolanda Trout-Manuel and Ron Crockett at the Emerald Downs


King County COVID-19 Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 84 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 112,248. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 1,648.

Note: The sudden increase in hospitalization and death rates was due to WA Department of Health’s addition of a large backlog of 156 hospitalizations and 29 deaths, dating from November 2020 until June 2021, on top of the 8 new hospitalizations and 1 new death reported since yesterday. 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:

Jaleen Roberts is a track and field athlete who won bronze, silver and gold medals for Team USA at the 2017 and 2019 World Para Athletics Championships and 2019 Parapan American Games. She was born with cerebral palsy and competed in several sports including soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and track.

She became one of the recipients of the Female Field Athlete of the Year award in high school and recently attended Eastern Washington University, where she studied Health and Physical Education. Jaleen was named to the US 2020 Paralympics Track and Field National Team and is currently part of the US Paralympic Track and Field Team Trials for the Tokyo Games this summer.

Yesterday, June 23rd, was US Olympic and Paralympic Day. You may show your support by sending a cheer to athletes who are competing for a spot on Team USA.



Photo source: TeamUsa.org



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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