Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on our upcoming “Good Eggs” Virtual Town Hall, the Governor’s announcement to pause phased reopenings, the Federal Way Link Extension’s virtual groundbreaking, the 64th Annual Federal Way Kiwanis Club’s Salmon Bake, King County’s Broadband Access Study, 4Culture’s Reopen Fund grant, and more.

Washington Trivia

What is the longest continuously operating farmers market in Washington?

When was the first Washington State Fair held?

(Answers are at the bottom).



“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.



Governor Extends Pause on Phased Reopening

On July 14th, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he was extending the pause on phased reopening until at least July 28th as statewide cases continued to rise. The pause means no counties can be approved to move to the next phase of reopening prior to that date. Inslee indicated that if the spread of COVID-19 continues, he and health officials could consider further restrictions. When the pause was announced two weeks ago, Inslee also announced a requirement that businesses in Washington refuse service to anyone not wearing a face covering.

64th Annual Kiwanis Salmon Bake Take-Out Version

Keeping with the tradition of the annual salmon bake and to support local community organizations, the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way is offering a $20 to-go salmon dinner, which will be prepared by Café Pacific. Proceeds will go to the Multi-Service Center (MSC) Food Bank. Place your order by noon on Monday, July 20th. You'll be able to pick up your salmon dinner hot and ready to eat on Friday, July 24th, between 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Steel Lake Park. Click here for more information and to place an order.





As a past president of the Kiwanis Club, I am proud that last year’s Kiwanis Club Salmon Bake raised thousands of dollars for the food bank.

Federal Way Link Extension Virtual Groundbreaking

Sound Transit staff and Board members, elected officials and community partners celebrated the beginning of construction on the 7.8-mile Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) with a virtual groundbreaking video. FWLE will extend light rail from the Angle Lake Station in SeaTac to the Federal Way Transit Center, with stations in Kent/Des Moines near Highline College, S 272nd St. and the Federal Way Transit Center.



4Culture’s Reopen Fund: Organizations + Landmarks

4Culture, through an allocation by the King County Council, has committed a total of $1.4 million to support King County cultural organizations and historic properties in their efforts to reopen their programs to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reopen Fund supports training, protective equipment, infrastructure improvements, system upgrades, additional personnel and other measures needed to do these activities successfully. Applicants must be cultural organizations, municipalities, or owners/stewards of historic properties in King County. Cultural organizations applying for these funds must have a primary mission related to one or more of 4Culture’s funding areas: arts, heritage, and preservation. The deadline to apply is August 17th at 5:00 PM. Visit 4Culture’s website to apply.

King County 2020 Broadband Access Study

King County has completed its 2020 broadband access study which highlights that sustaining vibrant communities must include removing barriers that prevent low-income and rural residents in our community from full and equitable digital engagement. Read more about it here. For results specific to District 7, click here.

Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program provides children with nutritious meals during the summer. To find a summer meals site near you, text “food” or “comida” to 877-877. You can also view the summer meals site locator online. For more information contact the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Child Nutrition Services Department at (360) 725-6200.

FDA Warns the Public About Methanol-based Hand Sanitizers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about methanol-based hand sanitizers. The FDA is advising consumers not to use certain hand sanitizers due to the potential presence of methanol, a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness or death when absorbed through the skin or when swallowed. Read the Department of Labor and Industries’ press release.

CDC’s 2019-2020 US Flu Season Preliminary Burden Estimates

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents the cumulative burden of influenza for the 2019-2020 season using a mathematical model, which provides an estimate of the number of people who have been sick, seen a healthcare provider, been hospitalized, or died as a result of influenza. Read more about it here.

King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 239 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 12,592. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 621.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answers:

What is the longest continuously operating farmers market in Washington?

Pike Place Market, opened on August 17, 1907, is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in Washington, and is one of the oldest in the nation.

When was the first Washington State Fair held?

The first Washington State Fair was held October 4-6, 1900. Originally known as the Puyallup Valley Fair, the name has changed several times from being called the Western Washington Fair in 1913, to the Puyallup Fair in 2006 and most recently, the Washington State Fair in 2013.