COVID-19 cases spreading very quickly in Puget Sound region

OLYMPIA –The Washington State Department of Health is announcing 1,777new COVID-19 cases today. Last week, we announced 1,000 new cases in a day for the first time since mid-summer. Last Friday, we shared a report detailing how COVID-19 spread is intensifying across the state. On Wednesday, we broke another record with 1,454 total cases in a day. Now, we’re ending the week with yet another broken record.

These numbers reflect an overall surge that started in mid-September and are very troubling as we head into darker, colder months, the holidays and respiratory virus season.

The fall surge, which is showing no signs of stopping, has erased the progress that we made this summer. Western Washington, specifically King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, are hot zones for disease transmission, and they’re following a troubling nationwide trend.  This week, the United States broke two records in as many days: more than 100,000 cases reported on Wednesday, and more than 116,000 on Thursday.

“COVID-19 is currently spreading very quickly in Washington state,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “We are very concerned that disease transmission will only grow over the next few weeks with the holidays coming up. The threat to overwhelming not just our hospital systems, but our ability to do contact tracing, is real. We need everyone in Washington state to take action now to stop the spread.”

“These increases reflect the impact of our collective decisions and behavior. Each one of us needs to take immediate action to avoid new restrictions and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed,” said Deputy Secretary of Health for COVID-19 Response Lacy Fehrenbach. “We are all tired and want to spend time with loved ones during the holidays and continue progress toward safely reopening schools, but high community rates increase the risk of every single activity we do, and unfortunately, the virus does not get tired or take holidays. We know what works to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and we’ve flattened our curve before. We must push through the fatigue and redouble our efforts to contain the virus.”

As the holidays approach, everyone should take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Limit in-person gatherings as much as you can. That means reducing the number of times you gather, how many people attend and how long you spend together. Gather outside if possible, or open windows and doors to maximize ventilation inside.
• Always wear a face covering when you’re around people who don’t live with you. This includes close friends and family. It may feel awkward to do this around people we know well and trust, but many people get COVID-19 from someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet. Even if you’re keeping some physical distance, it’s still a good idea to wear a face covering.
• Talk to your family and friends about alternate ways to celebrate the holidays. Brainstorm ideas for virtual celebrations so you can still enjoy spending time together without putting each other at risk.
• Make a safety plan for in-person gatherings. Have a conversation with your family and friends about what you’re going to do to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 when you gather.
• Stay home if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. If you’re feeling a little under the weather but aren’t sure if you’re getting sick, take the cautious approach and protect others by staying home.
• Keep up your good hygiene habits. Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face.

More COVID-19 data can be found on the DOH website and in the state’s risk assessment dashboard. Additional resources for the holidays are available at coronavirus.wa.gov/gatherings.

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection. 

Rep. Robinson to Seek Appointment to Senate in 38th District

State Representative June Robinson to Seek Appointment to State Senate in 38th District

Public health professional and legislative budget and affordable housing leader to seek position vacated by retiring Senator John McCoy

EVERETT – State Representative June Robinson (D-Everett) has announced that she will seek the recently opened seat in the State Senate in the 38th Legislative District, which includes the communities of Everett, Marysville and Tulalip. The seat is open following the retirement this week of incumbent Senator John McCoy. Robinson, who has served since 2013, initially won appointment to the house seat McCoy vacated when he entered the Senate.

“While I am saddened that my friend and colleague John McCoy is leaving this seat mid-term, I am excited for the opportunity to continue his advocacy for our communities in this new capacity,” said Robinson. “John has been a mentor and leader on so many issues – from making sure our schools are funded and provide truly equitable access to learning and advancement, to expanding affordable health care options in rural and Tribal communities. I’ll pledge to continue this work, while bringing my own public health and affordable housing record to the Senate.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Robinson – a public health professional and affordable housing leader – was already focusing her legislative efforts on the short and long term issues that will follow in the wake of the pandemic. As first vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Health and Wellness Committee, she is particularly engaged addressing upcoming budget challenges and the health and economic impacts to families, businesses, and vulnerable populations.

“This next legislative session is going to be challenging on many levels,” said Robinson. “We will need to balance shrinking revenue with increased necessity to assist families and small businesses with urgent recovery needs. It will require both new revenue and strategic cuts to maintain progress we’ve made in this state with education, mental health, and other investments with the immediate impacts of lost sales tax revenue.”

If selected, Robinson will campaign for election this November to finish the remainder of McCoy’s current term, which expires in 2022.

“I’ve always enjoyed campaigning and discussing priorities with the people I work for in Olympia,” said Robinson. “With the challenges of distancing and keeping people safe and healthy, I’ll find new ways to reach out, and look forward to discussing this new role and new challenges with neighbors throughout the district. I am grateful for this opportunity, and look forward to the appointment process.”

Advocate Anderson to Run for State House in 44th

LAKE STEVENS – Non-profit Exec. and Local Advocate Anne Anderson today announced for State Legislature, running for District 44 Position Two. Anne is seeking the seat after Incumbent Representative Jared Mead- (D Milk Creek) was appointment to the Snohomish County Council this afternoon.

“We have enormous challenges in dealing with the health and economic crisis of COVID-19,” Anderson said. “I want to bring my 25 years of non-profit, non-partisan leadership to work for our local community. We all need to come together to beat this virus and to rebuild our economy.”

Anne is no stranger to public service. Anderson has been an advocate for the environment, education, and local victims of crime. She serves as Executive Director of Victim Support Services, but you may remember her as the former Executive Director of our Lake Stevens Food Bank. 

I recently spoke with Anderson and she shared the following about her plans, “In Olympia, I’ll work to attract living wage jobs, respect taxpayers with strong fiscal responsibility and honor our working families by giving them a hand up – not a hand out. Transportation and infrastructure are of utmost importance. The time we spend commuting is time that would be much better spent with our families or engaging in our communities. There has been plenty of talk. It’s time to get to work!”.

Anderson is no stranger to putting in the hard work for our community. She helped craft important legislation such as Breakfast after the Bell, and the critical farm Bill.

She launches her campaign with the endorsements of:

• Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers
• Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Cornell 
• Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan
• State Senator Steve Hobbs
• Lake Stevens City Council Member Anji Jorstad
• Lake Stevens City Council Member Mary Dickinson
• Former Mayor of Snohomish Karen Guzak 
• Former Mayor of Lake Stevens John Spencer
• Washington State Board of Health Member Kurt Hilt
• Local Business Owner Shane McDaniel

Tobacco and Vapor 21 begins January 1st

State officials remind public Tobacco and Vapor 21 begins January 1, 2020

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health is reminding the public that Engrossed House Bill 1074 goes into effect on January 1, 2020, when it will become illegal to sell tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21. This reminder comes amid a state investigation into lung illness related to vaping – which has identified 12 cases to date – and a recent State Board of Health emergency rule banning the sale of flavored vapor products.

Watch Secretary Wiesman’s video message on the new tobacco and vapor 21 law.

“Tobacco and Vapor 21 will help protect the health of our young people,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “Teenagers are vaping and using nicotine at truly alarming rates. No one solution can reverse this trend, but this law is an important step that will prevent thousands of Washington kids from developing a lifelong addiction to nicotine.”

In 2018, one in five Washington 10th graders and almost one in three 12th graders reported using vapor products (Healthy Youth Survey). Nearly all people who smoke begin smoking before age 21—while their brains are particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Raising the legal age of sale will help protect young people by preventing them from getting tobacco and vapor products from peers who are 18, 19, or 20 year olds.

Tobacco kills more than 8,000 Washingtonians each year. Washingtonians can get free help to quit smoking or vaping by contacting the Washington State Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by accessing a smartphone app at www.doh.wa.gov/quit. Parents and schools can find more information about how to address youth vaping at www.youthnow.me/schools, and the public can learn more about the new law at www.doh.wa.gov/tobacco-and-vapor-21.

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection. After hours and on weekends, call 360-236-4440.

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Board of Health passes emergency ban on flavored vapor products

State Board of Health passes emergency ban on flavored vapor products

OLYMPIA – Today the Washington State Board of Health passed an emergency rule banning the sale of flavored vapor products or any products that will be used to create a flavored vapor product. The rule takes effect on October 10, 2019 and lasts for 120 days. The Board of Health and Department of Health will work closely with the Liquor and Cannabis Board on plans for implementation and enforcement now that the emergency rule is final.

“This is a critical part of our response to the youth vaping epidemic and the outbreak of vaping associated lung injury in Washington and throughout the country,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman, who is also a member of the board. “While we don’t yet know the exact cause of the lung injury, we know these products are not safe and we must act quickly to protect young people.”

Earlier this month, Governor Jay Inslee signed an executive order directing the department to ask the board to adopt this emergency rule and take other actions to address the outbreak of vaping associated lung injury. There are currently seven cases in Washington and over 1000 nationwide. The outbreak is concentrated in young people. Nationally, the median age of patients is 23. Five of the seven Washington patients are between 10 and 29 years old.

“We know from our health impact review of House Bill 1932 that flavors get adolescents and young adults to start vaping and smoking, and the health effects of added flavors in marijuana vapor products have not been well researched,” said Keith Grellner, chair of the State Board of Health. “Eliminating flavors from these products is an important first step to better protecting the health of people in Washington, especially to prevent and discourage youth and young adults from starting or continuing to vape unknown, unspecified, untested and unverified chemicals.”

In addition to the emergency rule, the department is investigating the outbreak, taking steps to warn consumers of the risks of vaping, asking health care providers to report all suspected cases and expanding educational campaigns to raise awareness of the hazards of vaping, including an emphasis on the high risk of buying and using products from the illegal market.

The healthiest option is to not smoke or vape. Regardless of the ongoing investigation, if you don’t use e-cigarettes or vapor products, you should not start doing so, and youth, young adults and pregnant or breastfeeding women should never use them.

Adults who use e-cigarettes, vapor products or other tobacco products and are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. Resources are available at www.doh.wa.gov/quit. For those trying to quit marijuana, resources for quitting are available at www.warecoveryhelpline.org.

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.

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Seattle HEMPFEST Takes ‘Major Hit’ from Expedia

Seattle HEMPFEST struggles against last-minute denial of service road use expected to impact businesses on the Seattle waterfront

Seattle, WA – World’s largest annual cannabis protestival is threatened with extinction by travel giant Expedia’s denial of access.

“The Seattle HEMPFEST® is taking place this year but with an extreme burden that will be disruptive to waterfront businesses and locals in the area. Hempfest has made good faith efforts to negotiate solutions, but so far even the most modest accommodation has been rejected by Expedia,” says Seattle HEMPFEST director, Vivian McPeak.

“Forty-five days before the event, Expedia informed us via the Port of Seattle that they are not allowing HEMPFEST access to the road it has used for 25 years to bring supply vehicles, vendors, and staff into the back of the event. Expedia is blocking access because they say HEMPFEST will interfere with their construction and employee vehicle traffic for a few days,” he continues.

“First Expedia took away all of HEMPFEST’s parking, now they are declining access for its production. This last-minute denial is costing Seattle HEMPFEST thousands of dollars in extra fees and is creating a logistical nightmare likely to lead to unnecessary traffic snarls on a major arterial along and near the central waterfront.”

Over 100,000 attendees are expected at the August 16, 17, 18 Seattle Special Event, now in its 28th year, and the 25th year at its current venue, Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks. Expedia’s denial of access may jeopardize the future of this historic event.

“Expedia purchased the former Amgen facility that is adjacent to Centennial Park and is undergoing a massive development project. Seattle residents have been severely impacted by the recent relocation to the city by giant tech companies, threatening the city’s culture, history, and historic buildings as gentrification and congestion runs rampant across the city,” says McPeak.

At Expedia’s bidding, the Port of Seattle, which issues a permit for HEMPFEST to use Centennial Park, is only granting Hempfest use of the north service road Alaska Way West between the hours of 7 PM and 4 AM ―impossible hours to load event equipment such as staging, fencing, scaffolding, portable toilets, tent canopies, and wash stations in and out of the venue. Organizers believe Expedia is working to end the world-renowned free speech event. Organizers are hoping last ditch efforts to secure just band load-in and parking will be accepted.

June Packed with Sports Events Throughout Snohomish County

June Packed with Sports Events Happening Throughout Snohomish County

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Washington – June is the month for a variety of sports event happening throughout Snohomish County. From Stanwood-Camano Island to Snohomish, from Everett to Lake Stevens to Monroe, the next three weekends have a total of eleven sports events happening.

The upcoming weekend, June 15-16, hosts a variety of sports events in Stanwood-Camano Island, Snohomish and Monroe. The Stanwood/Camano Soapbox Derby, will be held Saturday at the Arrowhead Ranch. The racers, ages 7-17 years old, will compete in either the stock or super-stock division based on their age. Each division winner will receive a trip to the National Soap Box Derby Race in Akron, Ohio. FlowRider Pro/AM Competition, part of the USA Flow Tour, will be held at the Snohomish Aquatic Center, Saturday, and have Pro boarders from around the region. Competition begins at 12 pm. The Snohomish Aquatic Center has the only indoor surf simulation machine in the Pacific Northwest.Evergreen Half Marathon and 5 Mile, Saturday morning, is a USATF Certified Downhill Point to Point half Marathon and 5 Mile Run on the Centennial Trail. The race is being held in Historic Downtown Snohomish. Bubble Run has a new location for 2019. The race is scheduled from Sunday, June 16^th at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. Run through colored bubble bogs and have fun with your friends!

The weekend of June 21-23 is another busy weekend with sports events in Everett, Lake Stevens, and Snohomish. Emerald City LANFest Resurrection is coming to the Angel of the Winds Arena, June 21-23. Emerald City LAN Fest is an opportunity for gamers to gather and compete. The 26^th Annual Greater Seattle Boomerang tournament will be held at Lake Stevens Community Park, Saturday, June 22^nd. All are welcome to attend and experience the best of the Northwest boomerang. The annual Snohomish United Invitational, hosted by Snohomish Youth Soccer Club, will have over 100 U9-U19 Boys & Girls soccer teams competing over the three days at Stocker Fields in Snohomish.

Another jam-packed weekend, June 28-30, of sports events are happening in Everett and Monroe. Everett Figure Skating Club is hosting their annual Star Spangled Skate at Everett Community Ice Rink, Friday – Sunday. Several skating events will happen throughout the three days including Solo Dance Events, National Qualifying Series – Singles and Adult Events. Crazy Monkey USA Kettlebell Championshipswill be Saturday, June 29^th, at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center in downtown Everett. This event is part of the 2019 International Kettlebell Organization World League Series. This annual kettlebell competition is expecting over 80 competitors throughout the Pacific Northwest Region. TriMonroe Triathlon, USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Elite National Qualifier, will have over 250 junior development triahletes from across the United State competing at Lake Tye Park, Monroe, on Saturday, June 29^th.

Sports events that have been held in Snohomish County are the 2019 Ice Fest Skating Competitionwith over 500 skaters, 9^th Annual Harvey Cup Boys Lacrosse tournament, and the 13^th Annual LUAU AAU Basketball tournament with 156 teams.

About Snohomish County Sports Commission

The Snohomish County Sports Commission (SCSC) is the sports division of the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. The SCSC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. The Snohomish County Sports Commission works to enhance Snohomish County’s economy, image as a premier sports destination, and way of life for its residents by attracting diverse regional, national and international athletic events, assisting existing athletic events, supporting development of new athletic events and facilities, and marketing recreational and leisure activities to athletic event organizers and participants. For more information, visit www.snocosports.org.

Transportation budget heads to Governor

OLYMPIA – The Senate passed the Transportation budget Sunday with unanimous support.

ESHB 1160 will now head to the Governor for his signature.

“This budget addresses the transportation needs of our state in a fiscally responsible way,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, chair of the Senate Transportation committee. “This was a good, bipartisan effort to keep our promises and move our state forward.”

There are several highlights and new investments made as part of the $9.8 billion, two year plan including the continued delivery of projects first adopted as part of the 2015 Connecting Washington transportation package.

New investments include a $35 million investment in the creation of a project office and pre-design work to continue the work for the replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge across the Columbia River. This will begin the reevaluation of scope, schedule, and budget for a reinvigorated bi-state effort.

Additional investments include providing $35 million in savings and $20 million in toll revenue to advance the design and complete right-of-way acquisition for the I-405 north end completion. This along with the funding provided by SB 5825, will be sufficient to complete this project. Several projects had funding advanced including $40 million for the SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway project and $17 million for I-90 Snoqualmie Pass.

The Department of Transportation and the City of Tacoma are partnering in clean-up efforts to address the clearing of debris, hazardous material and implementing safety improvements along state highways within Tacoma city limits. This combined investment of $1.015 million will improve public health and safety and remove debris from right-of-ways.

Ferry investments include providing for the start of building a new 144-car hybrid electric vessel as well as the conversion of one existing ferry. The ferries division was provided $495,000 for the planning work needed to prepare for hybrid-electric vessel terminal charging investments. The Colman Dock project in Seattle and the Mukilteo terminal also received additional funding to keep those projects moving forward. Also included is $160,000 for a vessel noise reduction study aimed at helping protect the endangered southern resident orcas.
The Commute Trip Reduction program received a $1 million investment for a new first/last mile transportation demand management pilot program and $1 million for the continuation of a small businesses transit pass incentive.

With continued issues with maintaining a stable Washington State Patrol force $4.2 million was funded for a third cadet class and a position was funded for a recruitment and retention captain position.

“I’m proud of the bipartisan cooperation and outcome of this budget,” Hobbs said. “This is a good budget, but it is a bare-bones budget. Our state has many transportation needs and lack the means to meet them. Fish culverts, replacement of the I-5 bridge in Vancouver, the US 2 Trestle in Snohomish County and many other projects large and small across the state.”

Via: Aaron Wasser et.el.

Senate Honors ‘Powerhouse’ LS Eagles Softball

Senate honors Lake Stevens Eagles softball for advancing to 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

OLYMPIA – The Lake Stevens Eagles have become something of a regional softball powerhouse over the last several years.

Since 2013, the Eagles have won either gold or silver at the annual Special Olympics Washington State Softball Tournament. In 2018, the Eagles’ success landed them in the Special Olympics USA Games where they placed fourth in the nation.

On Wednesday, in recognition of this accomplishment, the state Senate ran aresolution honoring Lake Stevens for its success on the diamond.

“Having been born and raised in Lake Stevens, I can tell you that this team is a source of pride for everyone,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs, the resolution’s sponsor. “These kids worked so hard and accomplished so much. They are an inspiration to our community and it is my honor to share their accomplishments with the rest of the state.”

Seattle served as host for the 2018 Special Olympics, which marked the 50^thanniversary of the games. The event drew over 4,000 athletes and coaches to the Emerald City from across the nation to compete in 14 Olympic-type events.

The Eagles made more news last spring as actor Chris Pratt, a Lake Stevens native,raised money to help the team cover expenses during their run to the national games.

“The last year has been such a rewarding experience for our whole community, but it has been extra special for the families who got to watch their sons and daughters compete at this level,” said Hobbs, whose son Truman plays for the Eagles. “I think I can speak for every parent of a Lake Stevens Eagle that this summer provided us with memories that we will never forget.”

Lake Stevens Eagles roster: Walter (Ole) Aurdal, Traci Baughman, Casey Condit, Matt Condit, Tyler Duim, Scott Hayford, Truman Hobbs, Dawson Kellar, Lance Kleisath, Xaphya Madden, Nikki Osbjornsen, Jaimi Robertson, Darrell Zimmerman.

Coaches: Patty Studdard, Chuck Griffis.

Silvertips Recall Affiliated Player, Center Lucas Cullen From West Kelowna (BCHL)

For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2019

EVERETT, Wash. – The Everett Silvertips (@WHLSilvertips), seven-time U.S. Division champion of the Western Hockey League, and general manager Garry Davidson announced today the team has recalled center Lucas Cullen from the West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL). Cullen will wear jersey #11 and is on the Silvertips roster under an affiliated player (“AP”) category.

Cullen, 19, was second on West Kelowna with 26 goals and tied for fourth with 50 points (26g-24a) in 49 games, additionally ranking second on the team in postseason points (10) in 7 games while finishing as the leader with seven goals.

The native of Kelowna, British Columbia has 48 games of experience in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen, earning four goals and five assists over the course of three seasons (2015-18). He appeared in a career high 37 games in 2016-17, earning eight points.

Cullen was originally selected by Calgary in the fifth round (95^th overall) in the 2014 WHL Draft.

The Silvertips return to play on Friday to finish the regular season with a home-and-home series which begins on the road, 7:05pm in Victoria (KRKO / WHL Live / TuneIn app). The Tips end the regular season on Fan Appreciation this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. in downtown Everett before an expected sellout crowd. Tickets for all Silvertips home playoff games are on sale now at www.everettsilvertips.com/playoffs.

Silvertips “Game A + B” playoff packs are on sale now at www.everettsilvertips.com/tickets, with the first round scheduled to play in downtown Everett starting on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 22-23. The Silvertips first round opponent and remaining schedule will be announced soon.

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