Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes a video on mask wearing from Bill Nye, information on upcoming events I’m hosting in South King County, a new COVID-19 testing site in Enumclaw, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did Ravensdale get its name?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Bill Nye Video on the Importance of Wearing Masks

Bill Nye the Science Guy recently posted a video about mask wearing and its effectiveness against COVID-19. The video illustrates how masks and their fibers help stop the spread of the droplets that can carry COVID-19. You can watch the video at this link.


United Kingdom Delivers First Vaccinations

Earlier this week, the U.K. started giving out the country’s first COVID-19 vaccinations. Margaret Keenan, a retired nurse who will turn 91 next week, received the country’s first dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. You can read more here.


Increase of Internet Crimes Against Children in King County

King County prosecutors have identified the pandemic as a driving cause for an increase of internet crimes against children. Last year, there were 43 cases of internet crimes in King County. This year, there have been 68. Because of the pandemic, children are spending more time online, which has created a “perfect storm for offenders to seek out children”, according to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laura Harmon. You can read more about this and get advice on how to keep kids safe at this KING 5 story.


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.


Upcoming Flu Shot and Insurance Enrollment Events

There are numerous free and low-cost clinics throughout King County. In December and January, these clinics will connect children and adults with flu and other recommended vaccinations, as well as provide assistance enrolling in health insurance. For more information about specific events you can visit: www.kingcounty.gov/findaclinic.


Vaccine Distribution Plan in Washington

According to the state Department of Health, an estimated 200,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in our state by the end of December, with regular weekly shipments beginning in January. The state is still working to finalize their vaccine allocation and prioritization plan. What they know for sure right now is that the first phase of vaccination, called 1a, will focus on workers in healthcare settings serving patients who either have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, along with staff and residents of long-term care facilities. More updates will be coming in the future as the planning process continues. You can read more here.


Virtual Community Forum with Public Health Director Patty Hayes

On Tuesday, December 15th I will be hosting a virtual town hall with Director of Seattle – King County Public Health Patty Hayes. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some questions already submitted include:

- How will King County handle the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Why did King County open up restaurants and bars but not schools?
- What can we do to be better prepared for a future pandemic?

If you would like to participate on Zoom, email tyler.pichette@kingcounty.gov to register for the information. You can also watch the event in real time on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/petevonreichbauer.




King County Security Tips - How Secure is Your Mobile Device

Most of us have a smartphone, but how many of us really think about the security threats that can come from our use of these mobile devices? Mobile devices are vulnerable to many different types of threats. Cyber criminals are increasing attacks on mobile devices and targeting your phone using malicious applications. Using these methods, they can steal personal and business information without you having any idea what’s going on.

Even if you’ve downloaded a security or antivirus application, securing your smartphone goes beyond these services. Improving your mobile security practices is your best defense against the privacy and security issues associated with your mobile device.

How can I improve my mobile security practice? Always remember these best practices to minimize the risk of exploits to your mobile devices:

1. Ensure your phone’s operating system is always up to date. Operating systems are often updated in order to fix security flaws. Many malicious threats are caused by security flaws that remain unfixed due to an out of date operating system.

2. Watch out for malicious apps in your app store. Official app stores regularly remove applications containing malware, but sometimes these dangerous apps slip past and can be downloaded by unsuspecting users. Do your research, read reviews and pay attention to the number of downloads it has. Never download applications from sources other than official app stores.

3. Ensure applications are not asking for access to things on your phone that are irrelevant to their function. Applications usually ask for a list of permissions to files, folders, other applications, and data before they’re downloaded. Don’t blindly approve these permissions. If the permission requests seem unnecessary, look for an alternative application in your app store.

4. No password or weak password protection. Many people still don’t use a password to lock their phone. If your device is lost or stolen, thieves will have easy access to all of the information stored on your phone.

5. Be careful with public WiFi. The bad guys use technology that lets them see what you’re doing. Avoid logging in to your online services or performing any sensitive transactions (such as banking) over public WiFi.

Stop Look Think - before you click.


South Korea Study Shows Indoor Virus Spread

A recent study by South Korean epidemiologists has shown that six feet of social distance may not always be enough to blunt the spread of COVID-19. The study of airborne transmission includes a June study that recreated the conditions of a restaurant in South Korea where diners contracted COVID-19. Among those infected was a high school student who was infected after five minutes of exposure from more than 20 feet away. You can read more about the study here.


New COVID-19 Testing Site in Enumclaw

A new free COVID-19 test site opened today in Enumclaw. The site will be open three days a week and is located across the street from the Enumclaw Municipal Building at 1512 Wells St. The site provides drive-through testing as well as walk-up testing, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Visit the Public Health testing locations website for scheduling information for the Enumclaw site and other testing locations in King County.


King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 587 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 50,326. In addition, Public Health reported 2 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 905.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

According to Wikipedia, Ravensdale was originally known as “Leary” after the Leary Coal Company and John Leary, a Seattle Pioneer. The current name came from a flock of ravens who would feed on grain that had spilled from boxcars on the railroad tracks that ran through town.



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.