Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on new COVID-19 testing sites in South King County, King County Parks Youth and Amateur Sports Grants, Federal Way Link Extension updates, health and economic updates, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did Western Washington University get its nickname?

(Answer is at the bottom).

New COVID-19 Testing Sites in South King County

Two additional free COVID-19 testing sites opened in Federal Way and Tukwila. The testing centers will be operated by King County in cooperation with St. Anne Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, part of CHI Franciscan, and our local fire department partners. People are encouraged, but not required, to register for a testing appointment. While walk-ups are welcome, people can also receive a test in their vehicle. Visit https://www.chifranciscan.org/freetesting for more details on scheduling and registration at these two sites.

Federal Way

Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center

650 SW Campus Dr., Federal Way, 98023

Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tukwila

The Church by the Side of the Road

3455 S 148th St., Tukwila, 98168

Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

If you need help with registration or information on other free test sites, call the King County COVID-19 Call Center at (206) 477-3977 or visit Public Health’s testing webpage.

King County Parks Youth and Amateur Sports Grants

Save the date for the next round of applications for the King County Parks Youth and Amateur Sports Grants, which will open this coming January 4, 2021. Funding will be available for capital projects and youth programs that promote sports, physical activity, and outdoor recreation. Application materials and more information will be posted on the sports grants webpage at kingcounty.gov/parks/sportsgrants.

Sound Transit Updates

Closure on State Route 99 for Federal Way Link Construction

All lanes of State Route 99 between South 204^th Street and South 208^th Street in SeaTac will be closed for underground utility work beginning Friday, Oct. 16^th, at 8:00 PM and will remain closed through Monday, Oct. 19^th, at 6:00 AM.

Northbound drivers will be detoured around the closure by heading west on South 208^th Street, north on 24^th Avenue South, and east on South 200^th Street back to SR 99. Drivers traveling south will head west on South 200^th Street, south on 24^th Avenue South, and east on South 208^th Street back to SR 99.

Click the image and take a virtual flyover tour from Angle Lake to Federal Way.

Federal Way Link Extension Begins Heavy Construction

Last week, the Federal Way Link Extension marked the beginning of building the light rail guideway with construction of drill shafts at the site of the future Kent/Des Moines Station. Crews have spent months demolishing buildings, removing trees, relocating underground utilities and clearing and grading. Some of the most significant work has been at the Midway landfill, where 73 percent of the waste material has been excavated and replaced with clean fill material for construction of at-grade tracks. For more information on the Federal Link Extension, visit www.soundtransit.org/fwlink.

Weekly King County Health Update: Resources for your health and well-being

We have long known about the critical role our combined physical, mental and social health plays in our overall well-being. Although the current health crisis has challenged our well-being in many ways, we are not alone. King County continues to identify and provide access to the resources each person needs to live well in their communities. Taking care of yourself and others around you has never been more important. Below is a list of resources available to King County residents.

Physical Health:

• Flu Vaccine Clinics
• School Based Health Centers
• COVID-19 Comprehensive List of Resources

Mental Health:

• Suicide prevention
• Loneliness and Isolation – supporting others in crisis
• Mental Health Services: Behavioral Health and Recovery

Social Health:

• Halloween and Autumn Celebrations – King County Suggestions
• Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Thanksgiving – CDC suggestions

Other Resources:

• Food Resources – King County Map of Emergency Food Resources
• Student Support – King County Library System offers tutoring services for students

Economy and Business Update

During the summer, some businesses were able to slightly minimize the impacts of the pandemic by taking advantage of outdoor dining and activities, and families and friends were able to safely gather outdoors and at a distance. But as the season changes, we could see an increase in economic damage as these outdoor options may no longer serve businesses well. The upcoming holiday season may also trigger a spike in cases or further affect the travel industry. To learn more about possible impacts, please continue reading here and visit King County’s website for a list of business resources. 

Auburn Valley Humane Society Online Auction & Week of Giving

The Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) is inviting you to participate in their Online Auction and Week of Giving!  The signature annual fundraiser will kick-off on Saturday, October 24^th at 6:00 PM and will run through Friday, October 30^th. This is a great opportunity to support the homeless animals in our community. Make sure you get the winning bid for your dream getaway, artwork, or fun items for your furry friend!

1. Register for the event here.
2. Like AVHS on Facebook and join the Facebook event here.
3. Please consider making a gift anytime now through October 30^th. Your donation saves animals' lives! 

King County Case Update

As of yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 152 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 24,205.  In addition, Public Health reported 0 new death, bringing the total in the county to 776.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answer:

Originally known as the Northwest Normal School in Lynden, Washington, Western Washington State University was established in 1886 by Phoebe Judson. The school eventually moved to New Whatcom, now Bellingham, and was established as the New Whatcom Normal School in 1893. 

According to Wikipedia, the institution underwent various name changes such as State Normal School at Whatcom in 1901, Washington State Normal School at Bellingham in 1904, Western Washington College of Education when it became a four-year college in 1937, and Western Washington State College in 1977.

According to WWU’s website, the athletic team of the university is called the Vikings, which was the namesake of their mascot, Victor E. Viking. In 1923, Viking sailed away from his homeland in Scandinavia on a journey around the globe and eventually came upon Bellingham Bay where he decided to dock his ship to explore. He entered the Bellingham town and found himself on the campus of Bellingham State Normal School (now WWU). He fell in love with the area that he decided to stay there. He became an avid fan of Western’s athletic teams. It was said that he was so great at all sports that every coach wanted to recruit him on their team, but since he could not decide which team to join, he decided to support them all as their mascot.