| As we head into the weekend, my heart is heavy knowing the uncertainty, fear and loss our community is experiencing. It’s tragic to see cases continue to rise across our country and world. I see our city in a very different place than we were just a week ago – quiet streets, closed restaurants and storefronts, and empty schools and playgrounds. I am sad about the emergency situation we’re in, and how deeply it’s affecting us all. I also feel incredibly grateful knowing that so many of you are hunkered down, staying home and staying healthy. Thank you. This is what we need to do. This is how we fight. Although it may be difficult in this stressful time, I encourage you to use this time to take care of yourself and your family. Get extra rest, sleep in, go for a walk. Perhaps play a game with your kids, or cuddle up on your sofa and reread your favorite book. I can tell you my cats are using this time well and finding my lap or laptop whenever they can, reminding me to take a moment to breathe deeply and be grateful for my health, while I appreciate some kitten time. My daughter is missing friends and family, but I love seeing her face light up as she connects with Grandma and Grandpa via FaceTime. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Now, more than ever, is when we need to practice kindness and look for those opportunities to bring a little cheer to each other’s lives. Be safe and be well.COVID-19 dataThe City of Everett added a data set to the City’s open data portal to track the spread of COVID-19 in the US. Compiling data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering and the COVID Tracking Project, community members can view real time data and charts on cases by state and county, timelines, fatalities and recoveries. Snohomish Health District updatesVisit 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 cumulative case count for Snohomish County.Stay Home, Stay HealthyEverett Police would like to remind the public not to call 911 to report violations of the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, social distancing violations, or individuals outside of their homes. Everett Police will not actively seek out individuals failing to comply with the orders solely to charge them with a crime. Their goal is to seek voluntary compliance with the orders to keep residents safe and healthy, and will remind and educate those who are not complying, as appropriate. Everett residents may report concerns by e-mail to cv19violations@everettwa.gov. Everett Public Works updateWith measures in place to protect City staff and the community, Everett’s Public Works is prioritizing tasks considered immediately necessary for public safety, transportation and utility services, including urgent repairs, emergency response and regulatory-compliance activities. All other work not immediately necessary is delayed until further notice. Public Works continues to log service requests and will respond when conditions allow. Emergency actions to mitigate COVID-19 impactsOn March 25 Everett City Council passed three emergency actions to help mitigate the health, safety and financial impacts of COVID-19: a civil emergency order temporarily exempting Everett retail establishments from Everett’s Reusable Bag Ordinance; an emergency ordinance temporarily waiving Everett Transit fares; and an emergency ordinance to waive or defer certain utility late fees and shutoffs for non-payment.For businessesOn Monday this week, Governor Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order for all of Washington state, banning all social, spiritual and recreational gatherings, and closing all non-essential businesses for at least two weeks. If you own a business and are not sure if it is considered essential, visit the State’s website for a full list of “essential” businesses. Still have questions? Fill out their online form to clarify your status or request inclusion on the list. For people experiencing homelessnessSnohomish County and community partners are expanding shelter capacity for COVID-19 emergency sheltering to provide immediate assistance for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in Snohomish County. Expanded sheltering capacity helps protect everyone in the community against the spread of COVID-19, including people experiencing homelessness, particularly parents with children, veterans, and other vulnerable individuals. Exercise is important and Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order still allows people to go outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained. We closed our parks gates, amenities and active areas (ball fields, beaches, sports courts, etc.) this week, but Everett parks and trails are open for passive recreation. If you do go outside for some exercise, stick to nearby parks or trails for a walk, bike ride or stroll with your dog (on a leash) and make sure you keep at least 6 feet between you and others, and avoid groups and crowds. If you feel sick, stay home.Everett for EverettNeed essentials and not sure what’s open? Visit coronavirus.wa.gov to learn more about what’s open and what’s prohibited during Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. EverettforEverett.com also has a list of businesses that are open and following social distancing rules so you can shop local when you need essentials. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email |
Mayor Cassie Franklin
March 16 update on COVID-19 from Mayor Franklin
| In the ongoing effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, the governor today ordered the closure of restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities statewide. He also placed additional limits on social gatherings. The new orders go into effect tonight at midnight and are in effect through March 31. Take-out, delivery and drive-thru food and beverage services are not banned. These are unprecedented times and these circumstances are placing a tremendous burden on our local businesses, our economy and our overall quality of life. I know this isn’t easy. In fact, it’s awful. But if these very difficult, decisive actions truly slow the spread of COVID-19, our health care systems will have better capacity to respond and to save lives. The virus we’re facing is serious. Over the weekend, the number of COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County increased to over 200; the total in Washington has passed 900, and nationwide is nearly 3,500. Health officials warn these numbers could double every week – unless we take bold, immediate action. Our health care system is already overwhelmed and will not be able to keep up with increased demand for care. I therefore urge everyone in our community to take this health threat seriously, and to do your part to reduce the spread. I’m asking our local employers to encourage teleworking for all staff for whom it is feasible to do so, and take other measures to isolate workers who cannot work remotely. I’m asking our residents to avoid all non-essential interactions with others, and avoid all unnecessary travel outside the home. I’m asking those over 60, or who have weakened immunity, to please stay home and minimize your opportunity for exposure. We want you safe. And, I’m asking us all to look out for each other, and help where ever we can. That includes taking care of yourselves. Staying healthy is more important now than ever, so please practice good hygiene, get plenty of rest and exercise, and eat well. Many of our local restaurants will offer delivery or drive-thru service. We have the ability to slow this pandemic down, but only if each and every one of us does our part. The severity of this is in our hands and I know that together we can get through this very difficult time. I want us to look back on this with the knowledge that we did everything we possibly could to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community. Thank you. Mayor Cassie |
Update on COVID-19 from Mayor Cassie Franklin
| Today, as many of you heard in the news, President Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency. Governor Inslee also expanded statewide orders to temporarily close schools, prohibit large gatherings, and tighten rules for nursing and assisted care facilities. I know these may seem like drastic or scary measures. We are dealing with an unknown health threat, one that infects more people and touches more lives every day. Bold actions are needed to keep this virus at bay and our community safe. I am committed to doing everything I can to limit COVID-19’s impact in Everett. I’m continuing to work with Snohomish County Executive Somers and his team, Governor Inslee, our health experts and other regional partners to coordinate our response to the COVID-19 situation. Together we’re looking not only for ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, but also ways we can mitigate the adverse consequences. School closures, event cancellations, and social-distancing measures are impacting our local businesses, creating child-care challenges and taking a toll on our economy. We’re actively looking for ways we can help and hope to have more to share on that soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue to do your part, too. Stay informed. Wash your hands. Stay home if you’re sick. If you’re over the age of 60 or have a compromised immune system, please try to avoid places where you might get exposed. And for all of us, let’s be good neighbors to each other and help each other out. Situations like these are what truly bring out the best in us and make our community stronger. I am impressed and inspired with the response I’m seeing within our city – from the bravery of our first responders and health care workers, to the dedication of our nonprofits, innovation of our local business leaders, and the good will of our residents. I’m more confident than ever that we’ll get through this. Stay well, Mayor Cassie Resources: Stay informed. The Washington State Department of Health has set up a call center to answer any questions you have: 1-800-525-0127. You’ll also find excellent information on the following websites:Department of HealthSnohomish Health DistrictGovernor Inslee’s OfficeCenter for Disease ControlCity of Everett |
January Meeting Summary, Minutes and Photos
What an awesome turnout for our lead meeting of the year with our special guest, Mayor Cassie Franklin. Kari recorded her presentation and question and answer session. You can view it below. Also, Kristina took wonderful minutes.
THANKS so much for engaging with her and our neighborhood!
We also remembered our long-time neighbor and volunteer, GeorgaDee MacLeod. You can view her obituary and she her photo here.
Meeting with Mayor Cassie Franklin Was Terrific!
Thank you for so many people who turned out for the meeting with our new mayor Cassie Franklin. Like I shared at the meeting, a good meeting for us is around 20-25 people. A really good meeting is around 40 people. We exceeded 80! What a great feeling to see connections being made in our neighborhood and across our city. Thanks a bunch! – Kari Quaas, Chair
Meeting Minutes from January 18, 2018
Thanks to Ashley Bolden for taking some photos at the meeting!
