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 our recent virtual “Good Eggs” forum with Dan Satterberg, King County’s pilot program to house homeless Veterans, Office of Law Enforcement Oversight’s community meetings, King County Metro’s Safe Reform survey, health updates and more.


Washington Trivia

A former professional basketball player who attended Decatur High School is now an assistant coach at Eastern Washington University. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Virtual “Good Eggs” Community Forum with Dan Satterberg

Yesterday, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg joined us to discuss the increase in crime in King County and the challenges his office is facing as we emerge from the pandemic. I look forward to working with Dan to help our criminal justice system respond to the spike in crime as well as the case backlogs caused by COVID-19. You can watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.



With King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg



With South King County community leaders and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg


King County launches first in the nation pilot program to house homeless Veterans

The Collaborative Case Management (CCM) Pilot Program, the first of its kind in the nation, blends federal Veteran housing vouchers with King County Veterans Program (KCVP) supportive services to make stable housing possible for more than 140 local Veterans. This is a strong example of ongoing efforts to address the complex problems faced by the Veteran community, including Veteran homelessness. Read more here.


Office of Law Enforcement Oversight community meetings

As part of the hiring process for the OLEO Director, King County conducted community meetings with the two final candidates this week. To view the recorded meetings and provide feedback, please visit the following links below.

July 13th meeting | July 14th meeting | Survey for community feedback (Due on July 19th)


Creating a safer Metro

King County Metro Transit is looking to co-create a definition and vision of what it means to be safe on and at Metro, and would like to hear from the community through a survey that will run through July 25th. Visit kingcounty.gov/metro/safereform for more information.




Fred Hutch, UW Medicine, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Seattle Children’s lay groundwork for historic cancer partnership

On July 13th, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Seattle Children’s announced plans to explore restructuring their longtime relationship to accelerate admission of advancing diagnosis, treatment and pioneering of cures for cancer and other diseases. If approved, the proposed restructure would create an adult-focused oncology program, as well as a separate pediatric oncology program. Read more here.


Updated CDC guidelines for K-12 schools this fall

The CDC recently updated its guidelines emphasizing in-person learning as a priority and highlighting measures for a safe school year. In allowing for local guidance and policies, the CDC stresses they should be based on the close monitoring of community COVID-19 transmission, vaccination coverage, testing and outbreaks.


Weekly King County Health Update: Healthy bed hygiene

Our household to-do list often neglects an important chore – regularly washing our sheets. Because we spend a third of our life in bed, experts recommend a minimum weekly laundering to remove the dead skin cells, saliva, oil and sweat that accumulate on sheets and pillowcases. Dead skin cells attract dust mites and promote bacterial growth which can lead to conditions including allergies, rashes, itching, and rare skin infections. If your pet sleeps on your bed, frequent laundering may help to prevent potential fungal and parasitic infections. Some good news: unsoiled blankets and pillows do not require as frequent washing (every 6 months) and leaving your bed unmade for a while allows sweaty sheets to dry out thereby reducing bacteria and dust mites. Read these tips on optimal bed hygiene and laundering.


Federal Way Farmers Market

Regional farmers markets are great places to find local products and to meet old friends like Theodora, who previously worked in my office.



With Theodora Tom-Yao at the Federal Way Farmers Market


Road Closure: South 216th Street closed for Federal Way Link construction

Crews working on the Federal Way Link Extension will close a portion of South 216th Street in Des Moines to build a tunnel structure on the west side of Interstate 5, which will allow light rail trains to travel under the roadway. The road will be closed from July 19th through August 23rd.


King County COVID-19 Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 144 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 114,097. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 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 In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Roberto Bergensen is a Decatur High School alumnus and former University of Washington Husky shooting guard. He eventually transferred to Boise State University where he became the Big West Conference Player of the Year in 1999 and was a second round NBA draft pick (52nd overall) by the Atlanta Hawks that same year.

After his collegiate career, Bergensen played in the Continental Basketball Association and the NBA D-League for the Idaho Stampede, and won multiple MVP awards. He is the new assistant coach at EWU, where his son Rylan Bergersen is also playing.



Photo source: Goeags.com



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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