Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on our upcoming shredding and mask distribution events, the Texas Medical Association’s COVID-19 risk chart, the Governor’s new mask requirements and more.

Washington Trivia

When was the United States Exploring Expedition?

(Answer is at the bottom).



Free Document Shredding and Mask Distribution in Federal Way and Auburn

This weekend, I am hosting free document shredding and mask distribution events in Federal Way and Auburn. In keeping with public safety guidelines, the drop-off will be done through a drive-through, and staff members will be wearing masks and gloves. Please bring as many documents as you would like to shred. I will also be distributing face masks for free.

In Federal Way: Saturday, July 11th, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Federal Way Farmers Market, located in the old Sears parking lot of the Commons Mall (1701 S. 320th St).

In Auburn: Sunday, July 12th, from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot adjacent to the Auburn Library at Les Gove Park (1102 Auburn Way South).

COVID-19 Risk Chart

The Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force and Committee on Infectious Diseases created a chart that ranks activities according to their risk level for COVID-19. The levels are based on input from the physician members of the task force and the committee. Read more about it here.



New Mask Requirements to Reduce Spread of COVID-19

Gov. Inslee announced a statewide mandate that businesses require face coverings of all employees and customers beginning July 7th. Under this mandate, businesses may not provide any customer with goods or services if they do not comply with the state-wide face covering order. The new mandate comes as counties across the state, including King County, have seen COVID-19 infections rise in the last month as more people interact with each other. Read more about it here.

King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 113 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 11,319. In addition, Public Health reported 2 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 598.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answer:

The United States Exploring Expedition started in 1838 and ended in 1842. Onboard the Expedition were botanists, naturalists, a mineralogist, a taxidermist, and a philologist, who surveyed 280 islands, mapped the coast of Antarctica, and logged 87,000 miles of voyage in total.

On May 2, 1841, the Expedition, also known as the Wilkes Expedition following the name of its commanding officer, Lt. Charles Wilkes, arrived at the Puget Sound. Wilkes named every dale, hill, rock, bay, island, or inlet that George Vancouver had missed fifty years prior.

During a storm, Wilkes had to get to safe waters and decided to bring a small boat called a “gig” into the harbor, later naming the bay Gig Harbor.