News from and about King County… from COVID-19 updates to community news affecting our daily lives.
Dear Friends:
Today’s e-news includes information on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a pause on the state’s reopening plan, COVID-19 vaccine updates, the King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program, funding opportunities for restaurants and immigrants, and more.
Washington Trivia:
This multi-generational family built several homes in the Puget Sound region and transformed neglected properties into oases in South King County. Who are they?
(Answer is at the bottom)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Proclamation
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. I recently met with Federal Way Mayor Emeritus Mike Park to present a proclamation of solidarity with our AAPI neighbors amid the rising hate crimes against their communities. This proclamation was introduced at a King County Council meeting in an effort to collectively condemn violence and harassment.
 With Federal Way Mayor Emeritus Mike Park
King County remains in Phase 3 of the reopening plan
On Tuesday, May 4th, Gov. Inslee announced that King County will remain in Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan for the next two weeks, along with a two-week pause on movement for any county in the reopening plan. The decision was made in consultation with the Department of Health, and reflects current data suggesting Washington’s fourth wave has hit a plateau. Read more here.
 Guidance for spectator events and religious organizations
On Monday, May 3rd, Gov. Inslee approved an update to the guidance for spectator events and religious and faith-based organizations that allows facilities to increase capacity by adding sections for vaccinated attendees. Read more here.
COVID-19 vaccine updates
New vaccination site in Federal Way
Kaiser Permanente Washington has opened a vaccination site at the Federal Way Medical Center, the latest in the King County Vaccination Partnership Network. To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.kp.org/covidvaccine. You do not need to be a Kaiser Permanente member to schedule an appointment.
Washington Department of Health to offer Uber, Lyft codes to vaccine appointments
The state Department of Health is partnering with Lyft and Uber to get people to their vaccine appointments to help remove transportation barriers for people who have not been vaccinated yet. Read more in the KING 5 news article here.
King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program
The King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP) began its first phase of enrollment last week and is now accepting applications from landlords with 5 units behind in rent. Outreach and enrollment of individual tenants and small landlords with less than 5 units behind in rent will begin on May 17th. For details, visit the EPRAP’s page or contact the EPRAP Team at 206-263-3481 or DCHSRentalAssistance@kingcounty.gov.
US Small Business Administration offers Restaurant Revitalization Fund
On Monday, May 3rd, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications for an emergency assistance program for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. For more information, visit SBA’s website.
Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is accepting applications for the second round of assistance for immigrants who are financially affected by COVID-19 and are not eligible for federal financial relief or unemployment insurance. Applications will be accepted now through May 21st. Eligible community members can apply by visiting ImmigrantReliefWA.org or calling 844-724-3737. Application assistance is available in various languages via community partners listed on the homepage.
 New all-electric Metro Community Van in Algona and Pacific begins May 9
On Sunday, May 9th, the new all-electric Algona-Pacific Metro Community Van will begin recruiting for volunteer drivers and accepting trip ideas from residents. Click here for more information about this program and how to schedule a trip.
Closures on I-5 for Federal Way Link construction
Crews working on the Federal Way Link Extension will be closing one southbound lane on I-5 from Kent/Des Moines Road to South 272nd Street for geotechnical exploration as part of light rail construction. The nighttime closures will take place from May 10 to 13 from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. The HOV lane on and off-ramps to I-5 at South 317th Street in Federal Way will also be closing beginning at 11 p.m. on May 7 through 5 a.m. on May 10. This closure will allow construction of drilled shafts in the roundabout at South 317th Street and 28th Avenue South.
Weekly Health Updates
Vision health in the era of COVID-19
A recent report called attention to the relationship between pandemic-heightened screen time and problems with our eyes and vision. Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, refers to the eye- and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged use of digital screens. More concerning are the potential long-term problems in younger people such as myopia (near-sightedness) and overarching health issues including disrupted sleep patterns, obesity, and socialization.
 The American Optometric Association recommends practicing the 20-20-20 rule and having regular comprehensive eye exams.
Updated CDC Guidelines for fully vaccinated people
Recent CDC guidelines highlight the personal benefits of being fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, which is defined as two or more weeks following the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech second dose, and two or more weeks following the J&J Janssen single dose.
Resources for victims of Domestic Violence
As we begin to see the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, let us not forget our neighbors, loved ones and friends who are suffering from domestic violence, particularly amid this pandemic. If you know someone who needs help, please share the resources below:
Social Treatment Opportunity Programs or STOP WA is a state-licensed and nationally accredited treatment program. Its Kent Treatment Center focuses on mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, domestic violence treatment and anger management. Call 253-234-1190 or email kent.clerical@stopwa.com for support.
Northwest Family Life is a network of faith-based counselors who assist individuals and families find hope and heal from domestic violence, trafficking, trauma, and related issues. Call 866-427-4747 for 24-hour support.
You can also visit King County’s Domestic Violence website for additional resources.
King County COVID Vaccination Update
As of today, there are 1,248,950 residents who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 853,646 residents who are fully vaccinated in King County, bringing the total of all administered doses to 2,041,546. For more information, visit the King County COVID Vaccination 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.
To 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.
King County COVID-19 Case Update
Yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 334 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 99,754. In addition, Public Health reported 5 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 1,532.
    Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Washington Trivia Answer:
For four generations, the Powell family has invested in building homes, raising families, and giving back to the community. It began when Monte Powell’s grandfather, H.H. Benton, founded what is known today as Powell Homes and built hundreds of homes and apartments stretching from Snohomish to Tacoma.
In 1992, Monte and his wife Diana purchased a 40-acre land that was previously used as dumping grounds and worked with King County to restore the soil. After successfully doing so, they eventually turned 2-acres of this land into a garden oasis in Federal Way known as the PowellsWood Garden.
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Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.
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