 News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.
Dear Friends:
Today’s update includes information about the Seattle Thunderbolts cricket team, the King County Auditor’s request for community input for future audits, a King County van donation to Mission Africa, the Regional Homelessness Authority’s public input survey for their 5-year plan, our in-person “Good Eggs” breakfast in Federal Way, the Auburn Noon Lions glasses donation, and much more.
Washington Trivia:
This University of Washington alum was influential in the development of doppler ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in vascular medicine. Who was he?
(Answer is at the bottom)
Cricket Recognition: Seattle Thunderbolts
On June 21st, I was honored to offer a recognition of the Seattle Thunderbolts as they kicked-off their minor-league cricket season in King County. With a worldwide audience of over 2.5 billion fans, cricket is a sport that has been growing in popularity in King County as our region has diversified with new residents from South Asia, the United Kingdom, and Oceania.
At a time when so many things are challenging, sports bring people together and give us something to celebrate. Our region is blessed to have many sports options—football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey and now, cricket.
 At the Council Chambers with King County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Claudia Balducci, Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Joe McDermott, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Cricket Co-owner Vijay Beniwal, local business leader David Malik, and members of the Seattle Thunderbolts Cricket team
King County Auditor seeks community suggestions for future audits
The King County Auditor’s Office is looking for input from the public as it plans its work for the next two years. The office launched a new website where people can suggest agencies and activities to be audited, as well as make specific suggestions for improvement. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the community input page and share ideas and suggestions. Ideas submitted before August 15th will be considered for inclusion in the next work plan.
The King County Auditor’s Office conducts oversight of county government through independent audits, capital projects oversight, and other studies. Past audits have included reviewing Sheriff’s Office traffic stops, the county’s senior tax exemption program, Metro bus safety, pandemic planning, labor relations and much more.
Mission Africa receives retired King County van
It’s that time of the year! The King County Council has once again approved the allocation of retired Metro surplus vans to eligible non-profit organizations and local governments. One of the recipients in District 7 is Mission Africa, a non-profit organization that serves African immigrants and low-income families in South King County communities for the past 16 years.
 Mission Africa Executive Director Ndudi Chuku, Donation Faith Center Director Anthony Chibeuze, and African Working Group Executive Director Wakocco Kamnah shared some fun stories as they take delivery of a retired Metro van, part of the Van Grant Program that I started in the 1990’s.
 Mission Africa Executive Director Ndudi Chuku, Donation Faith Center Director Anthony Chibeuze, African Working Group Executive Director Wakocco Kamnah, Pro Se Potential Director of Operations Kechi Amaefule, and African Community Alliance Member Emmanuel Dolo showed me the QR code on the back of their “new” van, which people can easily scan to learn more information about their mission in South King County.
Regional Homelessness Authority seeks public input on their 5-year Plan
The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (RHA) is seeking input and feedback on its 5-Year Plan through multiple engagements with service providers, elected officials, city human services staff, neighbors, businesses, coalitions, and people experiencing homelessness this summer. For more information on how to participate, click here.
Good Eggs breakfast with newly appointed King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall
After 27 months, my “Good Eggs” breakfast meetings returned in-person, with newly appointed King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall as the guest speaker. South King County community leaders, elected officials, and members of law enforcement had the opportunity to meet and engage in a dialogue with Sheriff Cole-Tindall as she takes on the role of Sheriff.
 L to R: With Jeff Stock Jr., Debbie Christian, Jeff Stock Sr., King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang, Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla and Jason Fiorito
King County experts discuss extreme heat mitigation plan
A year after a heat wave killed over 30 people in King County, officials are working to develop an extreme heat mitigation strategy to prevent further loss of life. Right before the 2021 heat wave scorched the county, it released the findings of a heat mapping project that found Auburn, Kent and portions of Seattle were disproportionately affected by high temperatures. Lack of tree canopies and an abundance of hard surfaces like pavement in those areas trap heat and exacerbate extreme temperatures.
On June 27th, officials from several King County departments discussed the work they’re doing to help residents prepare for future heat waves, which are expected to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change. The results of the heat mapping project will guide the county’s strategy for extreme heat mitigation. Read more here.
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New recycling & waste transfer station coming to south King County in 2026
King County’s Solid Waste Division is in the final stages of designing a new recycling and waste transfer station that will replace the existing Algona Transfer Station. Staff will be out in the community this summer to share more about the project, highlight updates to the design and plans for the public art installations, and answer your questions as they look forward to wrapping up design. For more information about their upcoming events and open house, click here.
 An aerial rendering of South County Recycling and Transfer Station
Auburn Noon Lions Glasses Donation
Every year, in partnership with King County Metro, I donate over a thousand glasses to local organizations like the Auburn Noon Lions and Federal Way Lions Club, who distribute them to various charities. These unclaimed glasses lost on Metro buses are donated to organizations in South King County to support the needs of community members who cannot afford the cost of new glasses. As someone who has used glasses for a long time, I know how expensive they are. It is such a great opportunity to work with Metro and the Auburn Noon Lions in providing a new purpose to these glasses.
 With Auburn Councilmember and Auburn Noon Lions Club President Bob Baggett, Former Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, and other members of the Auburn Noon Lions Club
4Culture’s 2022 Collections Care Grant
4Culture’s Collections Care grant program is now accepting applications. The Collections Care grant supports the work of King County non-profit heritage organizations by providing the funds necessary to assess, organize, catalog, clean, repair, document, digitize, and, ultimately, preserve heritage resources in King County. The deadline to submit applications is August 10th at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Chieko Phillips at 206-477-6811 or chieko.phillips@4culture.org, or visit https://www.4culture.org/grants/collections-care/.
Public art call for South King County transit corridor
4Culture wants to know: is your art good enough to be experienced by commuters throughout South King County? In collaboration with King County Metro Transit, 4Culture, the “cultural funding agency for King County,” is looking for an artist or art team to develop public art for the new RapidRide I Line transit corridor that will connect Auburn, Kent and Renton. The deadline is July 13th, 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Jordan Howland at 206-263-1589 or jordan.howland@4culture.org, or visit https://www.4culture.org/grants/rapidride-expansion-small-but-mighty/.
Sound Transit approves light rail station names in Kent, Federal Way
Kent Des Moines Station, Star Lake Station and Federal Way Downtown Station will be the official names for the new light rail stations under construction. The Sound Transit Board approved the names at its June 23rd meeting. The three stations will serve the 7.8-mile extension from Angle Lake in SeaTac to Federal Way scheduled to open in 2024. Read more in the Federal Way Mirror article here.
Dr. Faisal Khan appointed Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County
On June 29th, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the appointment of the next Director of Public Health–Seattle & King County, Dr. Faisal Khan.
Dr. Khan has been a leader in public health at global, state, and local levels throughout his 25-year career. He comes to King County from Missouri, where he served as acting Public Health Director for St. Louis County Department of Health. He previously served as the department’s Director and as the Director of Communicable Disease Control. Dr. Khan begins his new role September 6th. Read more here.
Non-Profit Corner
Below are some organizations located in our area where your donations go a long way:
Auburn Food Bank
930 18th Pl NE, Auburn, WA 98002
Donations accepted in person Monday-Friday (8:00 am to 3:00 pm)
https://www.theauburnfoodbank.org/
Auburn Valley Humane Society
4910 A St. SE, Auburn, WA 98092
1123 E Main St., Auburn, WA 98002 (Thrift Store)
To donate supplies, call 253-545-0314 Monday-Saturday (10:00 am – 6:00 pm), Sunday (11:00 am – 5:00 pm).
https://www.auburnvalleyhs.org/
Bloodworks Northwest
1414 S 324th St., Suite B101, Federal Way, WA 98003
Whole blood and apheresis donations are accepted Monday-Tuesday (10:00 am to 6:00 pm), Wednesday, Friday-Saturday (8:00 am to 4:00 pm), and Sunday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm). To schedule a donation appointment, call 253-945-8660 or 800-398-7888 or visit https://schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/
Bridging a Gap (BAG)
33313 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Food donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
St. Luke’s Church - 515 S 312th St., Federal Way, WA 98003
Communities in Schools - 1825 S 316th St. Federal Way, WA 98003
Red Canoe Credit Union - 33616 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003
https://www.bridgingagapfw.org/get-involved/
Federal Way Senior Center
4016 S 352nd St., Auburn, WA 98001
To volunteer, please call 253-838-3604 or email director_fwsc@hotmail.com.
https://www.federalwayseniorcenter.org/
FUSION Décor Boutique
1108 S 322nd Pl, Federal Way, WA 98003
Donations are accepted Tuesday-Saturday (10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Please call beforehand at 253-839-4045 with a description of the items.
https://www.fusiondecorboutique.com/
Multi-Service Center Food Bank
1200 S 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98003
Donations may be dropped off at the warehouse Monday-Friday (8:30 am to 4:00 pm)
https://mschelps.org/getinvolved/donations/
The Salvation Army
26419 16th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Open Monday-Thursday (9:00 am to 4:30 pm) and Friday (9:00 am to 12:00 pm)
https://federalway.salvationarmy.org/federal_way_corps
Health Update
Babies and children 6 months and older can now get COVID-19 vaccine
Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for emergency use for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Vaccine sites are awaiting supplies and shifting operations to serve the youngest patients, so not all vaccine locations will be ready immediately to give vaccinations to this age group. Check kingcounty.gov/vaccine for updates and to schedule appointments.
King County COVID-19 Case Update
Yesterday, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 1,063 daily average positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 471,077. In addition, Public Health reported 2 daily average deaths, bringing the total in the county to 2,910.
Recent data may be incomplete. For the most current information, visit the King County COVID Daily Summary Dashboard here.
Order free COVID home test kits: www.covidtests.gov | https://sayyescovidhometest.org/
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 King County.
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.
Find your King County Council district here.
With best wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Washington Trivia Answer:
Donald Eugene “Gene” Strandness was an American physician, professor, and research scientist, who was heavily involved with doppler devices built by bioengineers at the University of Washington. He envisioned the potential uses of doppler ultrasound as a tool in the diagnosis of vascular disease.
Dr. Strandness’ research established much of the clinical grading criteria in the field of vascular ultrasound. Prior to his work, the only vascular imaging available to physicians would have been arteriograms, which are x-rays read from radiopaque dyes injected directly into the bloodstream. Today, based on the technologies and practices Dr. Strandness developed, vascular ultrasound is a well-established field. He was recognized as a pioneer in the field of vascular surgery, and as a "founding father" of the University of Washington School of Medicine and Medical Center. |
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Born in Bowman, North Dakota, his family moved to Olympia, Washington due to economic hardship. He attended Olympia High School and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1950. He received his medical degree in 1954 from the University of Washington. He died at his home in Bellevue in 2002.
Photo source: https://www.ob-ultrasound.net/strand.html
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