Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on the Small Business Assistance Grant for businesses in unincorporated King County, free face masks distribution at all Safeway locations in King County, King County Sheriff’s data dashboards, and more.

Washington Trivia

When was the incorporation of Pacific, Washington?

(Answer is at the bottom).



Small Business Assistance Grant for Businesses in Unincorporated King County

Small businesses in unincorporated King County will get another opportunity to apply for a King County Small Business Assistance Grant starting Friday, August 21st through September 4th. These grants are for businesses that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic and are located in unincorporated parts of King County (outside of cities). The updated requirements mean more businesses are potentially eligible for grant money than during the first round. Visit kingcounty.gov/LocalBusinessHelp for more information.

Free Face Masks at all King County Safeway Stores

King County has partnered with Safeway and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 21 to distribute 750,000 free face masks at Safeway locations throughout King County starting today. Customers at the 59 Safeway locations in King County can obtain two free reusable masks per person in their household, for up to 12 masks total, while at the check stand. Disposable masks will also be available at all stores for customers who may have forgotten or misplaced their masks. For a list of other mask distribution sites in King County, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/maskdistribution.

King County is working hard to ensure that masks are available to those who need them.

King County Committee Votes to Forward Educational Improvement Plan

Today, the King County Council’s Committee of the Whole recommended approval of the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) implementation plan to the full Council.

I want to thank Dr. Alan Spicciati of the Auburn School District and Dr. Tammy Campbell of the Federal Way School District, as well as Dr. John Mosby of Highline College and Dr. Suzanne Johnson of Green River College for their strong advocacy on behalf of this plan. The implementation plan will have a direct impact on their school districts and institutions and will help improve access and outcomes across South King County.

King County Sheriff Launches Data Dashboards

The King County Sheriff’s Office launched new interactive, user-friendly data dashboards, setting the bar for transparency in police complaint data nationwide. Developed and maintained by Police Strategies LLC, the dashboards allow the public to search for data from 2014 to 2019, and navigate how complaints are investigated and resolved. The data includes the type of incident, origin of complaint (internal or community), type of employee (sworn or professional), rank, and status (whether currently employed). The data is also searchable by precinct, so community members can learn more about concerns regarding how service is experienced where they live. Dashboards are found here.



Weekly King County Health Update: Washing Chicken Spreads Germs

Washing raw chicken before cooking is a common household practice that is often thought to help with food safety. We know that chicken can harbor serious germs such as Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria, which can cause us to become sick. In as little as 6 hours, these germs can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and can become so severe that it forces us to be hospitalized.

However, the CDC recommends not washing your chicken. Washing doesn’t kill the bacteria on the chicken, and instead can spread these germs to your sink and throughout your kitchen. Even if you clean your sink afterward, you might not be able to get rid of all the germs and if you then wash other food like vegetables or fruits in the sink, these germs may get onto your food or your hands. To kill the bacteria, you must cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165° F. You can always use a thermometer to confirm this.

If you would like to learn more about keeping your kitchen space safer, please click here.



King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 53 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 18,877. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 712.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answer:

With its roots linked to the rivers that flow through the valley of South King County and North Pierce County, the City of Pacific was officially incorporated on August 10, 1909.

In the 1880s, the abundance of hops, also known as seed cones, throughout the White River Valley brought prosperity to local communities. It was used as an ingredient in making beer. But in 1891, an epidemic of plant lice destroyed the hops, abruptly ending the harvest in less than a year. Fortunately, the completion of the Seattle-Tacoma Interurban Railway in 1902 brought growth and development to the White River Valley area. The railway ran from Georgetown in south Seattle to downtown Tacoma, passing by the towns of Renton, Kent, Auburn, and Pacific.

Like Algona, Pacific was platted by real-estate developer Clarence Hillmann in 1906. Wanting to promote the area as serene, rural, and a logical growth area for Seattle, Hillman named it Pacific, which means peaceful.