5/22: Gabriel Silberblatt, Gault School Community Engagement

By rebecca No comments

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Gabriel Silberblatt explains the ways in which Tacomans can have a say in how the McKinley neighborhood’s historic Gault Middle School building can be preserved and renewed as it enters its next incarnation as a community asset. Community Survey here!

Interview begins at  10:57.

STATE

  • Adams, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Spokane counties have been authorized to move to phase 2 of reopening, bringing the total number of counties to 14.
    • Both King and Pierce Counties are still in Phase 1.
  • The state Employment Security Department is assuring Washingtonians that while our state may have been targeted by a fraudulent unemployment claims scheme, no breach of the ESD system has occurred and no information has been stolen from ESD.
    • Fraudsters appear to have used information previously stolen from other sources, including the 2017 Equifax data breach, to file false claims
    • Info on how to report fraud is found at the ESD website at ESD.wa.gov, and via phone at 800-246-9763 (but expect long wait times for the phone line)
    • ESD recommends setting up an account on its site, even by employed individuals, so the department can send out alerts if fraudulent claims are being filed using one’s Social Security number.
  • Per order of the state Health Insurance Commissioners, all state-regulated health insurers are required to continue the following practices through at least June 21st:
    • Cover expanded telehealth options
    • Cover all medically necessary diagnostic testing for flu and other viral respiratory illnesses billed during a provider visit for COVID-19 without copay, coinsurance or deductible.
    • Treat drive-up testing sites for COVID-19 as a provider visit with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.
    • And waive or expedite prior authorization requirements for home health care or long-term care facility services
  • The Transportation Safety Administration has announced that air travelers in the state should expect changes in airport security screening:
    • Travelers may be instructed to use the pass reader on the podium to scan both paper and electronic boarding passes instead of handing them to a TSA officer
    • You may be asked to place carry-on food items in clear plastic bags and place those bags into a separate bin at the checkpoint.
    • Prepare to maintain a 6-ft distance between yourself, employees, and other travelers throughout the screening and waiting process
    • As feasible, place items from pockets like keys, wallets, and cellphones into carry-on luggage to reduce frequent touching of bins during screening

MT RAINIER

  • The Washington State Department of Transportation has opened State Routes 410 and 123 between Enumclaw and Packwood
    • Visitors to Mt Rainier National Park can now access trailheads along these roads and hike in the park, making sure to park vehicles in designated roadside parking areas.
    • Except for the Nisqually Road to Paradise, park roads are open to non-motorized vehicles like bicycles unless snow plowing is occurring or unless otherwise posted.
    • Visitors should expect limited restroom facilities and be prepared to pack out their trash.
    • The Nisqually Entrance to the Park remains closed, as does State Route 410-East over Chinook Pass to Yakima.
    • No recreation above 10,500 feet is permitted at Mt. Rainier.
    • More information and updates can be found at NPS.gov/mora and on twitter @MountRainierNPS.

TACOMA

  • Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital has published resources and videos aimed at helping parents and caretakers talk to children about personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings, and other ways to protect oneself from infection.
  • Tacoma City Council is postponing the 34th Annual City of Destiny awards, originally slated to take place this May, for later in the summer as a virtual ceremony.
    • The format will highlight this year’s award recipients and feature local performers.
    • Information on the date and time of the ceremony will be released at a later date.
  • This Sunday, 2nd Cycle Community Bike Center is hosting a Bike & Seek event where cyclists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to bike around the city looking for prizes that will be hidden in 6 different locations.
    • Clues for each location will be announced on the day of the event at 1pm via 2nd Cycle’s facebook page.