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 a recent visit to the Interurban Trail, recommendations on wearing masks in indoor public spaces, 4Culture’s Landmarks Capital Grant, this year’s Kiwanis Salmon Bake event, health updates and more.


Washington Trivia

An American weightlifter and Auburn Riverside High School alumnus is set to compete tomorrow at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Interurban Trail Tour

I recently walked the Interurban Trail with Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier to discuss the investments in refurbishment King County is making in addition to the city’s planned war memorial project. The trail provides a great opportunity for residents throughout South King County to exercise their bodies and brains, and I’m glad the Parks Levy is investing in it for future generations. Hats off to Mayor Guier for her continued leadership on community projects!



With Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier


Officials recommend universal masking in indoor public spaces for most counties

In line with the CDC’s recommendation, Gov. Inslee announced that the state is recommending residents wear masks in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status, particularly in counties where COVID-19 transmission levels are surging. Earlier this week, eight counties, including King, Pierce and Snohomish, signed a joint statement recommending the same message as case counts increase, driven largely by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Indoor masking will also be required for all K-12 students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, following CDC’s guidance and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Read more in the King 5 article here.


4Culture: 2021 Landmarks Capital Grant

The 2021 Landmarks Capital program is now accepting applications from individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments that are either the owner or long-term leaseholder of a historic property in King County. The property must be designated as an official landmark at the city or county level, or a historic building within a locally designated historic district. The application is now online and a variety of workshops have been scheduled to assist in the application process. For questions, please contact Dana Phelan at 206-263-1604 or dana.phelan@4culture.org.


Kiwanis Salmon Bake

65 years and still serving. The Kiwanis Club of Federal Way, with the benefit of Café Pacific Catering, raised thousands of dollars at our annual Salmon Bake to support children in South King County. Thanks to Deputy Fire Chief Rick Chaney and Soroptimist Linda Persha, as well as all the amazing volunteers!



With Deputy Fire Chief Rick Chaney and Soroptimist Linda Persha


Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington

Beginning October 1st, the statewide plastic bag ban goes into effect, prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastic carry-out bags by restaurants, retail, small vendors and grocery stores. If customers choose to use compliant plastic or paper bags offered by a merchant, the law requires the business charge 8 cents per bag - a sale kept entirely by the merchant. Food banks and pantries, and individuals receiving food stamps, WIC, SNAP, or other government assistance are not subject to the 8-cent charge. Read more in the Federal Way Mirror article here.


Here’s how much Olympic athletes earn for winning medals

While the International Olympic Committee does not pay monetary prizes to medalists, various countries offer monetary and non-monetary rewards to their athletes for the number of medals they win at the Olympics. Here’s a look at how much money medalists from 12 countries could take home, based on data compiled by CNBC from various national Olympic committees and sport associations. Read more in the CNBC article here.




Childhood vaccinations required for back-to-school: Free August vaccine events

Vaccinations required for school entry are available at free, convenient vaccination events beginning Tuesday, August 3rd in Federal Way, Renton, Kent, and Tukwila. King County children ages 4-18 can get all vaccines required for school entry including Tdap, DTaP, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and polio. Appointments are recommended but not required for the Federal Way and Renton events. Click here for more information.

Vaccine event dates and locations:

Federal Way | Aug 3 | 3 – 7 PM: HealthPoint TAF@Saghalie (33914 19th Ave SW, Federal Way)
Kent | Aug 7 | 10 AM – 2PM: Latinos Promoviendo La Buena Salud health fair at the Kent YMCA (10828 SE 248th St., Kent)
Renton | Aug 11 | 3 – 7 PM: Renton High School Health Center (400 S 2nd St., Renton)
Tukwila | Aug 18 | 3 – 7 PM: Showalter Middle School (4640 144th St., Tukwila)


Weekly King County Health Update: Healthy brain habits

Our brain health is strongly linked with our physical health, mental well-being, and social activity, especially as we age. For example, people with one or more chronic health conditions, who are mentally inactive, or are socially isolated often report worsening or more frequent memory or other cognitive problems. The great news is that we have the power to keep our brains healthy and our minds sharp by following positive lifestyle habits. Brain health experts recommend we focus on these essentials:

• Prevent and manage chronic health conditions – consult with your health care provider
• Exercise regularly – as little as 15-30 minutes daily can make a difference
• Eat a nutritious diet and avoid or moderate alcohol consumption
• Get enough quality sleep and minimize stress
• Stay socially connected and mentally stimulated
• Quit smoking


King County COVID-19 Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 110 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 116,788. In addition, Public Health reported 0 new deaths, keeping the total in the county at 1,681.

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:

Harrison Maurus, who attended Auburn-Riverside High School, is one of Team USA’s eight weightlifters competing at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics this week. In addition to winning the 100th medal in US weightlifting history, which he won at the Pan American Games in 2019, along with the gold medal at the World Junior Championships in 2018, he also won two bronze medals at the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships. In doing so, he broke his own youth men’s world record as well as the 20-year drought for Team USA.

Watch Maurus compete tomorrow, July 30th, 11:50 PM PST (July 31st, 3:50 PM JST)



Photo source: The Seattle Times



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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