Please join me on Facebook Live on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. for the next Q&A with Cassie. I've received a lot of questions about the City's budget so I plan to focus on that. I'll share a quick update on the City’s current financial situation and our outlook for next year, then answer questions from the community. If you have a question, please send it my way via the simple form here. I also encourage you to tune in to next week’s City Council Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting. Both are great ways to engage in the budget process, learn more about the financial challenges we face as a City, and the options we’re exploring to address them. You can stay up to date on our budget and opportunities to get involved on our website.

Be safe. Be well. 

A friendly reminder from Everett Parks

Summer is here, the sun is out and the beaches are calling! If you're heading to the water to cool off, please remember to follow public health guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Beaches can get crowded so bring your mask in case you bump into others
• Keep a safe distance from others outside your household
• If there are too many people to maintain 6 feet of distance, find another spot or come back another time
• Stay home if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive

It will take all of us doing our part to slow the spread of illness. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and healthy!

Parking in Everett

As businesses continue to reopen and customers return, parking availability has decreased and complaints about parking violations have increased. In response, Everett’s Parking Enforcement will ramp up their patrols and enforcement efforts city-wide beginning in August. Those in violation can plan on being issued tickets. Marked curbside pickup stalls will remain approved for temporary parking.

Float Find coming to Everett Parks

The annual Float Find looks a little different this year and Everett Parks & Community Services is excited to partner with Schack Art Center for some safe, outdoor fun this season! During the month of August, Schack volunteers will hide 200 specially-marked orange frisbees throughout Everett parks which can be redeemed at Schack’s downtown Everett location for a beautiful, handblown glass float of your choice. Visit Schack's website every Saturday in August at 10 a.m. for that week’s hiding spots. Please remember to wear your mask, keep a safe distance from others and be good park stewards during your search.

Remote learning recommended for start of school year

Snohomish Health District Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters issued a recommendation to Snohomish County public and private schools administrators to plan for distance learning for the start of the school year. Given the continued upward trajectory of COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County, Dr. Spitters stated that reopening schools for in-person classes at this time poses a substantial risk to the school and the surrounding community, especially its medically vulnerable members. Visit your school district’s website, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington State Department of Health’s schools information page to learn more.

Pause on advancing Safe Start phases extended indefinitely

Governor Jay Inslee has extended indefinitely the pause on counties advancing phases in the state’s Safe Start plan. Due to the increase in cases, hospitalizations and deaths throughout the state as shown in the recent statewide situation report, Inslee stated that it would be irresponsible to continue opening until the virus is back under control. We can all do our part to help slow the spread of illness, save lives and open up: cover your face, keep a safe distance from others, avoid large gatherings, and stay home and get tested if you are sick. 

Changes to Safe Start guidance for food and beverage establishments

The Snohomish Health District’s Food Safety Team issued new guidance to restaurants, taverns, breweries, wineries, and distilleries based on changes to the governor’s Safe Start plan. Changes include:

• Indoor dining is limited to members of the same household; outdoor dining is still available for individuals from separate households
• Alcohol sales must end at 10 p.m. until phase four
• Table size is limited to five people from the same household 
• Bar-area seating is prohibited in all phases
• Indoor service and/or consumption of alcohol at taverns, breweries, wineries and distilleries is prohibited while the restrictions are in place; liquor licensees are restricted to outdoor seating only
• Breweries and wineries that also have a restaurant permit may continue restaurant operations pursuant to the safety requirements for restaurants

Liquor licensees who want to add outdoor seating to their premises can visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board website.

CORONA survey to address community needs

The State Department of Health (DOH) invites your participation in its Community Recovery-Oriented Needs Assessment, or the CORONA survey. The survey aims to assess the behavioral, economic, social and emotional impacts, and the needs of communities across the state, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey results will inform immediate, long-term and ongoing actions that DOH and local health jurisdictions can take to address the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on community members. RGo to wacoronasurvey.com to take part in the survey. To take the survey by phone, call 855-530-5787; interpreters are available to assist. The survey is voluntary and confidential. 

COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County

Visit the Snohomish Health District’s website for up-to-date information on COVID-19, including updated case count information like the chart below that illustrates the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Snohomish County by date.

NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY BY DATE

Utility assistance

Utility assistance is available to eligible individuals and families through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program provides energy payment assistance through a network of community action agencies and local municipalities. Visit the state Department of Commerce’s LIHEAP page to learn more, apply, and find a directory of utility providers who can provide more information and resources for those in need of help with utility bills.

 
Information and resources are a phone call or text away

The Washington 211 COVID-19 call center is a general information line for community members to find information and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, as well as resources for families, businesses, students and more.

 
Payroll Protection Program applications due Aug. 8

The deadline for small businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan is just around the corner. This US Small Business Administration program is designed to help small businesses keep their workers on the payroll. The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs (at least 60% of the forgiven amount), interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The last day to apply is Aug. 8, but don't wait until then as it may take time to gather documentation and information lenders may need before they can submit your application. Learn more and apply.

 
Virtual student services for EVCC students

Everett Community College (EvCC) is offering virtual student services to help assist students with advising, enrollment, financial aid, scholarships and information about student life, diversity and equity. Services are available to EvCC students over the phone, tablet or home computer. Virtual Support hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Students can visit EverettCC.edu/helponline for more information and resources. 

Mask up and stay 6 feet apart

The number of people getting COVID-19 every day in Washington is higher now than it has ever been, and hospitalization rates and deaths are rising throughout the state. The good news is, changing our personal behavior makes a difference and we have all the tools we need to stop the spread of this deadly virus: cover your face, keep a safe distance from others, wash your hands often and stay home if you’re sick. When we stay at least 6 feet away from others and cover our faces, the tiny droplets that we exhale as we breathe, cough or sneeze are much less likely to travel away from us and make others sick. Learn more about how face covers and 6 feet of distance help protect you and others from illness in the Department of Health’s recent blog. 

Get counted: respond to the 2020 Census

If you haven’t completed the 2020 Census, there’s still time! Just over 66% of Everett households have responded to the 2020 Census already, but it’s important that every person is counted. It only takes a few minutes, your answers are secure, and participation will impact our region and communities for the next decade. Employees from the Census will start following up with residents that have not completed their 2020 Census. They are hired from your area and their goal is to help you and everyone in your home be counted. If you respond online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020 today, a census taker is less likely to have to visit your home to collect your response. Together, we can ensure federal funding for essential resources like health care, public safety and education stays in our communities.

Save the date

National Night Out usually usually occurs the first Tuesday in August, bringing together neighbors, community members, police and local government and organizations for an evening of getting to know each other and summer fun. Gatherings are not allowed right now, so National Night Out is tentatively rescheduled for October, so save the date! A big part of community safety is staying safe and healthy by limiting our social gatherings to slow the spread of illness. We will all get together again when it is safe to do so.

Vote

The last day to return your ballot for the primary election is Aug. 4– make your voice heard! Returning your ballot is easy: simply mail it by Aug. 4 (no postage required, must be postmarked 8 p.m. on Election Day) or drop it off at a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, it’s not too late. Check out the Snohomish County’s elections webpage to find information, resources and guides for registering, casting your ballot and viewing results. The YWCA also created an online Voting Center where you can register to vote, check your voter registration status and find information on different candidates.