Yesterday I had the honor of speaking with some very inspiring young people, as the guest speaker at the first Youth Forum hosted by the City’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB).
 
I was inspired by these young leaders who shared their experience serving on the YAB and what it’s meant to them, personally and as a group. Though this group launched less than a year ago, they have accomplished so much, especially during this time that has been so darkened by COVID-19. Their connections to YAB guided many of them to participate in other City boards and commissions, as well as other local organizations within the region.
 
During the forum, we also took questions from young residents who tuned in and shared their concerns about equity, education, police reform and the City’s budget crisis. Their thoughtful questions and perspectives on these issues were impressive. I helped create the Youth Advisory Board last year for exactly this reason: to provide a space for them to discuss issues and explore and recommend solutions. I believe that when you have big, difficult problems to solve, it’s important to have as many perspectives at the table as possible, and having that youth perspective is especially important. Not only are young people some of the most creative and innovative thinkers, but their generation will inherit the effects of whatever actions we take, or don’t take, so their voice matters greatly. Young people deserve an opportunity to understand and participate in decisions that affect their future.
 
This was the last meeting for many of our current YAB members, as they are moving on to college, jobs or other ventures. I want to thank each and every one of them for their work this year, and for laying the groundwork for future young leaders to participate in city government. Best of luck to you all!
 
We are now recruiting for new Youth Advisory Board members, so if you are (or if you know) a young person with an interest in learning more about the City of Everett and ways to engage in regional issues, we’d love to hear from you! More information about YAB and how to apply can be found on our website. 

Pack it out to help keep Everett parks beautiful

We’ve seen an increase in trash left behind in our parks this season as more community members take advantage of the warm sunshine and fresh air. When visiting parks for some summer sunshine and play, please help us keep Everett’s parks beautiful and clean by taking your trash with you to throw away at home. Pro tip: bring an old grocery bag with you when you head to the park so you have a way to store and transport your trash when you leave. If you’d like to help pick up trash at our parks, contact Cory Rettenmier at crettenmier@everettwa.gov.

Virtual reading and presentation with "Paris Never Leaves You" author Ellen Feldman

Join the Everett Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. for a free online program with Ellen Feldman, the author of “Paris Never Leaves You” and several other novels. Moving between wartime Paris crushed under the boot of the Nazi Occupation and 1950s Manhattan giddy with postwar abundance and optimism, “Paris Never Leaves You” is the award-winning story of one woman’s struggle to save her infant daughter and herself. Copies of the book are available from the Everett Public Library. RSVP to the Aug. 25 event online or by calling 425-257-8000.

City budget Q&A with Mayor Cassie

In case you missed it, Mayor Cassie Franklin hosted a live Q&A on Facebook about the City’s 2021 budget. She provided an update on the City’s current financial situation and an outlook for next year, and answered budget questions from the community. You can watch the full Q&A to get updated on the City’s 2021 budget at everettwa.gov/askcassie and on the City’s YouTube channel.

Take a “book walk” through the park

The Everett Public Library invites families to take a “book walk” through the park to enjoy story time outside. Along the Book Walk, families will find pages of a story on outdoor signs along a path. From Aug. 15-28, visit Hauge Homestead Park on Silver Lake, located at 1819 121st St. SE in Everett, look for the numbered yellow signs, then follow the path with your family and read the pages aloud together. The stories will change throughout the program and plans are underway to feature a Book Walk in another park. Learn more.

CDC director asks people to commit to fighting COVID-19

In an interview with WebMD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield provided an update on efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and spoke about the importance of getting a flu shot later this year. He also asked people to do four simple things to slow the spread of COVID-19: “wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands and be smart about crowds.” He warned that if the country doesn’t do those four things, we could experience the worst fall season for public health we’ve ever had. See the video and interview transcript to learn more.

 
$43 million in relief funds to help immigrants and agricultural workers

Governor Jay Inslee announced two new Washington state funds to help workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Immigrant Relief Fund which will to assist Washington residents who are unable to access federal stimulus programs due to their immigration status, and the Food Production Paid Leave Program to assist certain food production workers who remain home when ill.  The state Department of Social and Health Services issued a request for proposals to select a nonprofit that will administer the Immigrant Relief Fund, which will then partner with community organizations to manage applications and awards of $1,000 per eligible individual. Learn more.

Everett K-12 schools announce plans for remote learning in fall

Everett Public Schools and Mukilteo School District join 11 other Snohomish County public school systems in announcing plans to begin the school year using a remote learning model. These announcements follow recommendations from state and local health officials which recommend remote learning at the start of the school year for the health and safety of students, school staff, families and the community. Visit your school district's website to learn more about what these plans mean for students and families: Everett Public Schools; Mukilteo School District.

 
Guidance for families about school and childcare during the pandemic

The Snohomish Health District has received questions and concerns from families who are planning for the start of the school year. The Health District recommends remote learning to start the school year, as well as continuing to keep children home from childcare when possible, which is important to fight the pandemic. In their latest blog, they answer key questions many parents and guardians have as they consider school and childcare options. Learn about why remote learning is recommended for the start of the school year, what that means for children and families, and much more.

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

Applications for K-12 Pandemic EBT school meal assistance due Aug. 31

Washington state students in grades K-12 who were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals last year are also eligible to receive Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), a benefit of up to $399 per student. Because schools have been closed due to COVID-19, eligible families in Washington state can receive P-EBT benefits to help buy groceries while children have been home from school. P-EBT is available regardless of citizenship or immigration status and is not considered a public charge. Families must complete a simple application through the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) by Aug. 31. Click here to apply online.

 
Tips and tricks for wearing cloth face coverings

Wearing a face cover is easy, convenient and safe. In fact, covering your face while in public is one of the easiest, least restrictive things we can do to keep our interactions with other people safe. It’s more convenient than staying home, and it makes running quick, necessary errands more safe. Pairing face covers with social distancing and keeping interactions small and brief helps slow the spread of COVID-19 and keeps you and our community healthy. Learn more about masking up, including tips and tricks for wearing face covers, to stay healthy and safe.

 
Resources for businesses

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) provides free one-on-one consultation to small businesses in need of help and support when navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. SBA’s Resource Partner Network connects business owners with professional advice from experienced local advisors.

Small businesses can also join a team of state agencies for a monthly webinar series with experts who discuss information specific to Washington small businesses. The panel of state and federal partners hold a live Q&A about unemployment insurance, returning employees to the workplace, small business relief funding, workplace safety measures and more. Catch the next webinar on Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. and the Spanish-language webinar on Aug. 27 at 4 p.m.

Encourage kids to mask up

Kids can help keep our community safe and have fun, too! As you may know, people in Washington, aged 5 and older, are required to wear face coverings when in public spaces as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Children ages 2 to 4 are encouraged, however, to wear a face covering in public with the assistance and supervision of an adult. The county’s Joint Information Center put together a helpful video with some tips and tricks to help encourage your little one to mask up.

Stop the stigma around COVID-19

Stigma hurts everyone. It creates more fear or anger toward people instead of focusing on the disease that is causing the problem. Fact: no single person, group, ethnicity or population in the U.S. is more likely to spread COVID-19 than others. Help stop the stigma in your community by knowing the facts and sharing them with others. Learn more about how you can help stop stigma around COVID-19 in your community.

 
Take the coronavirus survey for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card

The state Department of Health needs your help! They’ve launched the Community Recovery-Oriented Needs Assessment (CORONA) survey to learn how the novel coronavirus has affected Washingtonians and their families. Take the CORONA survey at wacoronasurvey.com to help the state better understand how COVID-19 has impacted you and you could receive a digital $100 Amazon gift card! To take the survey by phone, call 855-530-5787. Interpretative services are available.

Stay safe, support local