Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on our recent virtual community forum with Public Health Director Patty Hayes, the Ukraine Holodomor Day Recognition, the state’s updated school guidance for in-person learning, the King County Parks Youth and Amateur Sports Grants, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did Beaux Arts Village get its name?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Virtual Good Eggs Community Forum with Public Health Director Patty Hayes

South King County state, local and community leaders and members had the opportunity to hear the latest update from Seattle and King County Public Health Director Patty Hayes on a virtual community forum on Tuesday, December 15th. Patty provided an update on COVID-19 cases and trends in King County as well as restrictions and projections for vaccine rollout in the county. Patty and her team have been working around the clock since March to help our community contain and defeat the virus. You may watch the recorded version of the forum on my Facebook page.



With Public Health Director Patty Hayes.



With South King County community leaders.


Ukraine Holodomor Recognition

One of the big changes to South King County has been the growing Ukrainian population, as well as emigrants from former republics within the USSR. Last week, I had the opportunity to recognize the Holodomor Memorial Day with Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. I want to thank Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk and Honorary Consul Valeriy Goloborodko of the Ukraine, and Bishop Viktor Prokhor, Superintendent of National Slavic District of Assemblies of God, for joining me to receive a recognition from King County and a proclamation from the city of Federal Way.



With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk, Honorary Consul Valeriy Goloborodko and Bishop Viktor Prokhor.




First doses of vaccine arrive in King County

Public Health – Seattle & King County is one of several healthcare providers receiving limited quantities of COVID-19 vaccine this week. The initial vaccine doses received will be offered to paramedics and emergency medical technicians who can then be deployed to vaccinate others, as well as to staff who are working in high risk settings. Additionally, vaccines will be offered to long term care staff whose organizations are not registered for the vaccine through a federal pharmacy program. You can read more here.


Governor announces updated school guidance for in-person instruction

Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced new recommendations that update the metrics to inform local school district decisions for in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read more here.




King County Parks Youth and Amateur Sports Grants

King County Parks is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for youth sports capital projects and programs that promote sports, physical activity, and outdoor recreation. A new round of youth sports grants and the online grant platform will open January 4, 2021 and will be available for access on their website. Required Letters of Interest (LOI) for this new funding opportunity for capital projects and programs and applications are due by noon on January 27th. Please review the Grant Program Guidelines before you proceed with an LOI.




No post-Thanksgiving COVID-19 surge, signs of flattening curve in Washington

As coronavirus infections remain widespread, Health Department Secretary Dr. John Wiesman and Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy said new cases and hospitalizations appear to be flattening a bit. The state has not seen a jump in cases related to Thanksgiving gatherings. However, they warned people to remain cautious and to stay home for the holidays because another surge on top of current case levels could strain hospital capacity. Read more about this in the Q13 Fox article here.


Washington unemployment rate in November was six percent

According to latest numbers released by the Employment Security Department, the unemployment rate in November was six percent, which is the same as October’s. Private sector employment increased by 2,600 jobs while government employment decreased by 2,500 jobs. Read more about this in the KOMO News article here.


King County Case Update

Yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 363 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 55,212. In addition, Public Health reported 6 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 954.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Born from the idea of the Northwest Beaux Arts Society to create an art colony and develop art appreciation in the Northwest, the society started the Western Academy of Beaux Arts in the old University Building in downtown Seattle.

According to HistoryLink, the members of the society had a broader vision than just forming a school and wanted to start an art colony where they could work and live together. As the University Building was scheduled for demolition, the society needed a new home, thus Beaux Arts Village was born. Fifty acres of prime real estate south of the Bellevue community served as the location for the Beaux Arts Academy, workshops, a clubhouse, and other community buildings.



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.