News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information about a new member on the King County Council, a partnership with FEMA on a mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit, Federal Way’s retail safety summit next month, Auburn Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular, health updates and more.


Washington Trivia

This 7-foot center graduated from Auburn High School and went on to be selected 15th overall in the 1985 NBA draft. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Welcome aboard Councilmember-elect Sarah Perry

As one of my favorite nuns used to say, the only constant in this world is change, and today I met my newest council colleague Sarah Perry who will represent much of eastern King County. We enjoyed lunch at Mama Stortini’s where I gave her a copy of Soccer Coach and player Alan Hinton’s bio: Triumph and Tragedy. The same title could be applied today at the courthouse!



With King County Council District 3 member-elect Sarah Perry


FEMA Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit coming to South King County

Gov. Jay Inslee, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, the King County Executive’s Office, Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Washington State Emergency Management Division, and King County Emergency Management, announced last week that FEMA is preparing to send a mobile vaccination unit to several western Washington communities to ensure life-saving COVID-19 vaccines are given out to the public quickly and equitably. The mobile site is scheduled to open December 20th and will operate for about 30 days. Current planned locations include Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center with additional sites to be determined. To read the press release from the Executive in its entirety, please click here.


Federal Way Retail Safety Summit Planned for January 20th

Federal Way leaders are hosting a retail safety summit to address retail crime on Thursday, January 20th, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Federal Way Council Chambers. The objectives of the meeting include building partnerships with Federal Way retailers and developing strategies to reduce shoplifting and organized retail crime. Attendees will be given the opportunity to participate in discussions with Mayor Jim Ferrell, Police Chief Andy Hwang, and other local leaders. More information regarding the meeting and the issue of retail crime in our area is available in the article written by the Federal Way Mirror here.



As a result of covid we have not had “in courthouse meetings,” so I welcomed the opportunity to sit down in person with Councilmember Kohl-Welles, Councilmember Zahilay, and Councilmember Dembowski to discuss the end of the councilmanic session.


Non-Profit Corner

As the holidays roll around, many of us are looking for ways we can help others. Below are a couple places where your donations go a long way:

FUSION Décor Boutique
1108 S. 322nd Pl, Federal Way, WA 98003
Donations are accepted Tuesday-Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Please call beforehand at 253-839-4045 with a description of the items.

Bloodworks Northwest
1414 S 324th St., Suite B101, Federal Way, WA 98003
Whole blood and apheresis donations are accepted Monday-Tuesday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Wednesday, Friday-Saturday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Call 800-398-7888 to schedule a donation appointment or click here to make an appointment online.

The Salvation Army
26419 16th Ave S., Des Moines, WA 98198
Open Monday-Thursday, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Multi-Service Center Food Bank
1200 S. 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98033
Donations may be dropped off at the warehouse Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Auburn Food Bank
930 18th Pl NE, Auburn, WA 98002
Donations accepted in person Monday-Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm



In talking with Debbie Christian of the Auburn Food Bank and others, our local food banks need our help to keep their cupboards full. Please consider a donation of money or food so they can continue this valuable work.


Auburn Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular at the Federal Way PAEC

Celebrate the holidays with Auburn Symphony Orchestra! Bring the entire family for an evening of holiday cheer and musical delight. You'll hear new music they have never played before as well as some old favorites including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mannheim Steamroller, A Christmas Carol, Sleigh Ride, and so much more! The event will take place Monday, December 13th, from 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm at the Federal Way PAEC. Click here to purchase tickets or call the box office at 253-835-7010.




Weekly King County Health Updates

Fentanyl overdose in young people

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the drug overdose epidemic has worsened in every U.S. state. In King County, 2021 is already the deadliest year for overdose deaths with an alarming increase in cases of young people ages 18 and younger. The epidemic is driven largely by fentanyl, a colorless and odorless synthetic opioid that is added to illicit street drugs, including white powders and counterfeit pills made to look like authentic prescription pills. A “drop-dead” drug, fentanyl is not readily detectable and is so powerful that just one dose or pill can result in death. Health officials encourage parents and other trusted adults to discuss the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs with their young people. Public Health - SKC offers these resources or call 1-800-790-8049.



Travel Updates

Travel requirements and recommendations are changing as people are finalizing plans for holiday travel and gatherings. Masking will continue to be required on airplanes, rail travel, and public transportation as well as in transportation hubs such as airports and indoor bus terminals through March 18, 2022. As of December 6, all inbound international travelers are required to test within one day of departure to the U.S., regardless of nationality or vaccination status. Health experts say people should consider their and their family members’ personal risk – such as age, underlying medical conditions, and vaccination status – when making decisions about traveling or gathering. Read these CDC tips for travel and gathering.


King County COVID-19 Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 455 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 176,124. In addition, Public Health reported 4 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 2,120. 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 Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Blair Rasmussen was born in Auburn and attended Auburn High School where he became the first player in school history to score 1,000 career points. He would go on to start at center for four years at the University of Oregon, where he was named to three straight All-Pac-10 teams. Rasmussen was drafted 15th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1985 NBA Draft and played eight seasons in the NBA for both the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks before injuries cut his career short. After retiring from the NBA, he and his wife Sarah raised their five children on Mercer Island, where he coached the Mercer Island girls basketball team for six years. Additionally, he was involved in many community activities, including leading the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club as executive director for four and a half years and was named Mercer Island’s Citizen of the Year in 2010.


Blair Rasmussen #41 Denver Nuggets (Photo Source: Denver Nuggets)


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