July 8th Community Update

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

Dear Friends:

Today’s e-news includes information on this year’s Make Music Federal Way, the final extension of the utility moratorium, grants for small businesses in unincorporated King County, the reopening of libraries, the King County Fair, and more.

Washington Trivia

A professional mixed martial artist who competes for Bellator MMA attended Decatur High School. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).

Make Music Federal Way

Recently, I was proud to support and attend the "Make Music Federal Way" event hosted by the Federal Way Lions at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. This event provided an opportunity for community members to enjoy live music from Federal Way School of Music youth, Marine Hills Folk Jam, and performances like trumpet solos from Emerald Downs’ Daniel Harrington and marching music by the Washington Diamonds Drill Team and Drumline.

Governor issues final extension of the utility moratorium

On July 2^nd, Gov. Inslee issued the final extension of the utility moratorium proclamation, which will now expire on September 30^th and will align with the end date of the tenancy preservation bridge to give Washingtonians struggling with housing payments time to prepare and seek assistance before both proclamations expire. Read more here.

Small businesses in unincorporated King County can now apply for grants

Small businesses in unincorporated King County hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to help them recover from the effects of COVID-19. These funds can be used to reimburse their business for rent, employee payroll, goods, services, and other COVID-19-related expenses. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4^th. Click here for more information or call 206-477-3800.

Public invited to participate in selection of law enforcement oversight director in upcoming meetings

The King County Council is hosting two virtual community meetings next week that will give members of the public the opportunity to ask questions and hear from the two finalist candidates for the Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight position. The meetings are scheduled on July 13^th and 14^th. You can join the meetings with the links below.

First meeting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 13^th: https://ralphandersen.zoom.us/j/95736728480

Second meeting, noon to 2 p.m. on July 14^th: https://ralphandersen.zoom.us/j/92385881089

King County Library System advances to Phase 4

The King County Library System (KCLS) advanced to Phase 4 of its multiphase reopening plan on June 30th and will gradually reopen all remaining library buildings by July 14th. KCLS currently offers modified in-building services at several libraries, contactless services at most locations, and online access to digital collections, programs, and resources. Click here for more information.

Soroptimist International of Federal Way

While we traditionally have honored the American Flag on the closest Saturday to June 14^th at the Aquatic Center, this year a few of us came together with the Soroptimists to commemorate Flag Day and support our local farmers and small business owners at the Federal Way Farmers Market.

With Sen. Claire Wilson, Federal Way Council President Susan Honda, members of the Soroptimist International of Federal Way, and community members

King County Fair 2021

The King County Fair and Junior Livestock Show will be back this summer from July 15 -18 (Thursday through Sunday) at the Enumclaw Expo and Event Center.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.kingcofair.com.

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Weekly King County Health Updates

Water Safety is key this summer

A hallmark of Pacific Northwest summers is cooling off and having fun at our lakes, rivers, beaches, and pools. As more people head out to the water, King County officials stress the importance of water safety planning as drowning deaths doubled in 2020 (as compared to 2018). Drowning is the 2^nd leading cause of child and teenage unintentional injury deaths. Drowning deaths are 100% preventable by following this expert information and water safety tips.

Preventing Delta variant infection

CDC and NIH Directors, Dr. Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, recently stated that being fully vaccinated is the best defense against the Delta variant which is 60% more transmissible, suspected to cause more serious disease, and is rapidly emerging as the dominant strain in the U.S. Health experts urge everyone to consult with their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated as soon as they are able. WA DOH and the CDC COVID tracker provide more information about risks.

King County COVID-19 Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 115 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 113,205. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 1,671.

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.

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.

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answer: 

Benson “Smooth” Henderson is an American mixed martial artist and a former WEC and UFC Lightweight Champion. He currently competes for the Bellator MMA and is 3^rd in the Bellator Lightweight Rankings. He also received many Fighter of the Year awards from ESPN, Inside MMA, USA Today and Sports Illustrated, as well as medals from both the International and Arizona State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federations.

Inspired by his Korean mother, Benson took Tae Kwon Do lessons and attained his black belt at a young age. He was also part of the wrestling teams at Decatur High School in Federal Way and Dana College in Nebraska, where he got his double major in criminal justice and sociology and was twice named NAIA All-American.

Photo Source: The LA Times

Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office. 

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