October 2020 Newsletter

Mayor's corner

Halloween is a favorite holiday in my family. We love dressing up, trying to make the house look spooky, carving pumpkins, sipping apple cider and all things pumpkin!
But like so many other holidays, this year Halloween will be different. The Snohomish Health District recently released guidelines stressing that traditional trick or treating is considered a high-risk activity for COVID-19 and discouraged by public health officials. I urge you all to take this caution to heart so we can help keep our kiddos and everyone in our community safe.

I know this year has felt like one disappointment after another, and that this is especially disappointing to all of the young (and young-at-heart) people in our lives. I know though that with imagination and creativity, we can still find ways to spark joy and safely celebrate the spirit of the season.

Some ideas include having an online costume or pumpkin carving contests, doing a ghoulish jigsaw puzzle together, watching your favorite scary show or having a scavenger hunt at home. Decorate holiday cakes or cookies, or see how many new pumpkin-flavored treats you can concoct. At my house, my daughter is excited to organize a Halloween movie marathon for us, with themed snacks and costumes to go with.

I know this is hard, but we’re starting to see a rise in new COVID-19 cases in our county and we need to do everything we can to keep each other safe. Please take care of you and your families. And Happy Halloween!

Warmly, Mayor Cassie

How are we doing? Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback with me at cfranklin@everettwa.gov

Comment on the proposed city council districts map

Everett’s Districting Commission approved map A-9, which provides Everett with five voting districts for city council members. The commission will reconvene for a final vote on Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. Beginning in 2021, the five districts will each elect one city councilmember, who must live in the district they represent. The remaining two council positions will be at-large (meaning they can live anywhere within the city). For more information, or to provide a comment on the proposed map, visit everettwa.gov/districting.

Get your garden ready for rainy weather

Join Everett Public Works’ virtual fall gardening series to ready your lawn and garden for the rainy season! Learn about lawn alternatives to combat moss and manage stormwater runoff on Oct. 14. Take a self-guided rain garden tour around Everett, and once filled with knowledge and inspiration, ask all your rain garden questions on Oct. 21. RSVP at Everett.eventbrite.com to get a Zoom link to the events.

The City’s rain barrel program also returns this fall to help residents catch rain and water gardens the natural yard care way. Purchase a pre-made barrel on Oct. 17, 9 a.m. – noon, at the Public Works Service Center, 3200 Cedar St. Each barrel is $55 by check only, made payable to City of Everett. No cash will be accepted.

Explore and discover Everett parks

Everett Parks launched a new program to explore Everett parks and discover the exciting treasures they hold. Follow them on Facebook, or visit everettwa.gov/expedition, for weekly adventures this fall season that take you and your crew to an Everett park to wander, explore and discover the many gems within. They’ll share stories of different parks and their exciting amenities so you can gather your walking shoes, face mask and curiosity to see for yourself. Adventure like a pro: remember to mask up, keep a safe distance from other explorers and pack out what you pack in to help keep Everett’s parks beautiful.

Respond to Everett Transit’s rider survey

What are your transit needs? Everett Transit is looking to the future and your input will help shape transit service for the March 2021 service change. Fill out the brief survey online, or pick one up on your next bus ride and drop it in the survey box.

Remember to vote this November

Voting is an easy and important way to get involved and there’s still time to get ready to vote this November! If you are registered to vote already, check your registration to make sure your information is up to date. If you aren’t registered, now is the time to do it! Washington state allows for same-day voter registration on Election Day, but why wait? Get ready to vote today so you can make your voice heard next month! Learn more, check your registration or register to vote at votewa.gov. Lots more Snohomish County-specific information and resources are also available at snohomishcountywa.gov/elections.

COVID-19 updates

Governor Jay Inslee Tuesday announced updates to the state's Safe Start plan, lifting some restrictions for youth sports, restaurants, libraries, movie theaters, wedding receptions, recreation activities and more. Learn more about the Safe Start plan updates.

In response to the Safe Start plan updates, the Everett Public Library is working to accommodate the change that allows libraries to operate at 25% capacity. They are working on plans that will provide: modified hours and limited services at the Main Library and Evergreen Branch; continued access to curbside pick-ups; online programs, services and collections for all ages; and physical distancing and health protocols, including requirements for facial coverings. Learn more.

Case rates are increasing again in Snohomish County. To help keep yourself, loved ones and your community safe and healthy, remember to mask up, keep a safe distance and avoid the three Cs: crowds, close contact settings and confined spaces. Lots more COVID-19 data and information is available at snohd.org/covid.