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 Auburn School District’s Junior ROTC program, grants for small businesses in unincorporated King County, the relocation of the COVID-19 vaccination sites in Auburn and Kent, S 277th bridge replacement project, health updates and more.


Washington Trivia

A former Major League Soccer player attended Thomas Jefferson High School and is now the head coach of USL Championship Club Tacoma Defiance. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Auburn School District’s Junior ROTC program

I was honored to join Auburn Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati in supporting the Auburn School District’s Junior ROTC program. The program emphasizes academics, leadership, physical fitness, and character development for the students who participate. I’m proud to support Junior ROTC’s efforts to engage the youth in our community.



With Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati, Col. Jason Shrader (Auburn Mountainview High School) and Cadet Sgt. First Class, Michael Yoder (Auburn High School)


Small businesses in unincorporated King County can now apply for grants

Small businesses in unincorporated King County hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to help them recover from the effects of COVID-19. These funds can be used to reimburse their business for rent, employee payroll, goods, services, and other COVID-19-related expenses. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4th. Click here for more information or call 206-477-3800.


COVID-19 vaccination sites in Auburn and Kent move to different locations

On July 19th, King County’s Kent vaccination clinic moved from the Kent ShoWare Center to the Kent Public Health Center at 25742 104th Ave SE, Kent. The clinic is open for vaccinations Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On July 25th, King County’s Auburn vaccination clinic will move from the Auburn Outlet Collection Mall Suite 1333 (formerly Sports Authority) to Suite 1369 (across from the Gap Factory Store). Vaccinations are available Sunday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.


King County Road Services: S 277th bridge replacement project

King County will be replacing the S 277th Bridge beginning Monday, July 26th through November 2021. The bridge passes over Mullen Slough, connecting SR 167 and I-5. Both directions of traffic on S 277th St. will be maintained, however there will be around-the-clock lane restrictions in both directions for the entire length of the project. Please plan ahead and use alternate routes if possible. To learn more about the project, please visit kingcounty.gov/277thBridge.


King County Health Update: Preparing for smoky days

Although it is more difficult for wildfire smoke to enter the Puget Sound area, the WA Department of Ecology reports that it has been more common in recent years. Smoke is not good for anyone and health experts stress that people younger than 18, those who are pregnant, and people with lung disease, respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and diabetes are especially vulnerable to serious health problems. Since it is difficult to predict smoky days, residents are encouraged to plan and prepare in advance. The WA Department of Health and King County Public Health offer more information on ways we can stay safe and protect our health on smoky days.


King County COVID-19 News: Delta variant in Washington

The rapid increase of the Delta variant across the U.S. and its detection in eastern and western Washington have prompted state experts to urge all eligible, unvaccinated residents to get fully vaccinated. For maximum safety, everyone is encouraged to continue practicing the safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. The goal is to avoid serious disease and death, and to prevent potentially more transmissible and virulent variants from developing. The WA Department of Health and King County Public Health have information and resources about COVID-19 and vaccinations.


Emerald Downs

King County may be the home of Bill Boeing, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, but long before them, Native Americans were racing horses here and thousands of jobs and millions of tax dollars are generated every year by our horse racing industry. I am a longtime supporter of this industry and on Sunday, July 18th, I had the honor of presenting the 51/2 furlong King County Stakes Trophy to the winning owners of Cobra Jet at Emerald Downs.



With the winning owners of Cobra Jet at Emerald Downs. Horse racing generates thousands of jobs and millions of tax dollars.


King County COVID-19 Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 265 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 115,232. In addition, Public Health reported 0 new deaths, keeping the total in the county at 1,682.

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 Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Wade Webber is a former soccer player for Major League Soccer’s Dallas Burn and Miami Fusion. Prior to his professional career, he was a key part of Thomas Jefferson High School’s three consecutive state high school soccer championships and led the University of Portland Pilots to the NCAA Final Four his senior year.

Wade also played for the Portland Timbers, F.C. Portland and F.C. Seattle Storm. He later pursued a master’s degree in teaching from Seattle University before returning to soccer with the Seattle Sounders. After retiring from playing, Wade taught history and coached soccer at his alma mater, TJHS. Recently, he was named head coach of Tacoma Defiance.



Photo source: Soundersfc.com



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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