Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on our successful shredding and mask distribution events, King County’s new grant program for Science, Arts, Culture and Independent Music Venues, the Small Business Grant program deadline extension, and more.

Washington Trivia

What is the oldest national park in Washington?

Which of Washington’s national parks is the largest?

(Answers are at the bottom).



Shredding and Mask Distribution Events in Federal Way and Auburn

Our shredding and mask distribution events in Federal Way and Auburn last weekend were a huge success. We were able to shred eight times the usual load compared to our paper shredding events in the past years. We distributed 3,200 masks to over 850 cars in Federal Way, and over 2,000 masks to 257 cars and dozens of walk-ups in Auburn. Our community members patiently waited in line to unload their documents for shredding and enthusiastically received masks as they exited the Farmers Market and Library premises. Additionally, the Auburn Chamber took 3,000 masks to distribute to local stores.

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined as we expanded to two lanes (left); a Mariner fan wanted some more masks for her family (right).

With Linda Persha of the Kiwanis Club (left); community members unloading boxes of documents for shredding (right).

With the Auburn Chamber Board of Directors (left); and a community member getting masks for her family (right).

King County Offers Grants for Science, Arts, Culture, Independent Music Venues

King County is now accepting applications for one-time economic support grants to certain types of organizations in King County including science organizations; arts, culture, and science organizations that provide educational programs; and independent live music venues. The application period began on July 10th and will remain open until July 27th at 5:00 p.m. A panel will review applications starting on July 28th. Applicants will be notified within 10 business days after the application period ends about the status of their application.

For assistance in filling out the application or for other questions, please call 206-296-1608. An operator will help you or you can leave a voicemail with your name and phone number. If you need an interpreter, please indicate what language you speak. The technical assistant will call back with an interpreter within two business days. Click here for more information.

Small Business Grant Program Deadline Extension

King County is extending the application deadline for the Small Business Grant program through Friday, July 17th. Small businesses in unincorporated King County that meet the requirement and have been hurt by COVID-19 may still submit their application. Materials and detailed instructions for applying are available in English and eight other languages on the project website.

“Good Eggs” Community Forum with Councilmember Girmay Zahilay

Prior to COVID-19, I regularly hosted “Good Eggs” Breakfast meetings once a month to encourage regional dialogue and collaboration among local elected officials and community leaders from South King County. In keeping with public safety guidelines, I invited our newest King County Councilmember, Girmay Zahilay, to join us for a virtual community forum on July 22nd, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Every Councilmember has taken a different path to the King County Council, but Girmay’s journey from Sudan to Seattle is special, and I hope you will join us to hear his unique perspective during these challenging times. You can watch the event in real time on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/petevonreichbauer or email tyler.pichette@kingcounty.gov to register for the Zoom information if you would like to participate.



Praying Mantises vs. Asian Giant Hornets

A video showing a praying mantis consuming an Asian giant hornet gave hope that this predator could control these pests. However, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) found that in the wild, it is more likely that the hornet would kill the mantis. Read more about KING 5’s feature here.

King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 145 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 12,244. In addition, Public Health reported 2 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 606.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answers:

What is the oldest national park in Washington?

Established in 1899, Mt. Rainier National Park is Washington’s oldest and the nation’s fifth oldest national park. In 1938, Olympic National Park was declared a national park by President Franklin Roosevelt following President Theodore Roosevelt’s designation of the park as Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909.

Which of Washington’s national parks is the largest?

Covering 914,578 acres, Olympic National Park is the largest national park in Washington, followed by North Cascades National Park with 684,000 acres, and Mt. Rainier National Park with 235,404 acres.