Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on a free document shredding and mask distribution event I am hosting in Federal Way, a status update on the King County Parks Levy, new quarantine guidance from the CDC, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did Duvall get its name?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Free Document Shredding and Mask Distribution in Federal Way

I am hosting a free document shredding and mask distribution event in Federal Way on Saturday, December 12th, from 8:00 AM to noon. In keeping with public safety guidelines, the drop-off will be done through a drive-through, and staff members will be wearing masks and gloves. Please bring as many documents as you would like to shred and share this event with your neighbors, co-workers, and friends as this will be a good opportunity to clean out your files at the end of the year. I will also be distributing face masks for free.

Federal Way Commons Mall
1701 South 320th St., Federal Way, WA 98003
Parking lot between Chase Bank and Applebee’s



With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell at the Shredding and Mask Distribution event in Federal Way last summer.


Applications Open for New Round of State Working Washington Business Grants

Small businesses struggling to survive the impact of COVID-19 can apply now for up to $20,000 in a new round of $50 million in state Working Washington grants. Priority is focused on businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019 and those most impacted by the recent public health measures, as well as businesses in sectors that have experienced significant cumulative impacts. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys, and music and event venues. Applications are due by December 11. You can apply here.


Parks Levy Briefing at Regional Policy Committee

Yesterday, I chaired a meeting of the Regional Policy Committee meeting where King County Parks provided an early update on the investments the King County Parks Levy is making across our county. This includes investments in South King County to improve the Interurban Trail South and replace the skylights at the Aquatic Center. Check out the breakdown and some highlights below!




CDC Shortens Recommended Quarantine Length

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone who is positive for COVID-19. On Wednesday, Dr. Kathy Lofy, Washington state health officer, announced that the state was in the process of updating guidance on their website as well.

Released on Tuesday, the new guidelines allow people to resume normal activity after 10 days, or seven days after they receive a negative test result. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the recommended quarantine period has been 14 days. You can learn more in this KING 5 story.


Thank you, Cyndee

When COVID-19 first struck, public information and education were critical, so I started this newsletter.

As the days stretched into weeks and months, I tried to broaden the education factor by including some Washington trivia I had collected. After I ran out of material, I turned to Cyndee Navarro of my staff who made this newsletter better and more educational by providing interesting historical material about our region and state. Thank you, Cyndee!


King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 362 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 46,173. In addition, Public Health reported 8 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 886.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

According to the Washington Secretary of State website, Duvall is named after James Duvall, an early 1870s homesteader on whose land the town was platted in 1913.

U.S. Army expeditions were the first explorers in the Duvall and Lower Snoqualmie Valley. In the 1870s, Francis and James Duvall were among the first settlers in the area. Cherry Valley was a small settlement near the future city of Duvall. Many buildings in Cherry Valley were moved to make way for the railroads in 1910 and became the future town of Duvall.