5/26: Tuesday Update

By sam No comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:34 — 3.9MB)

Subscribe: RSS

We had some scheduling issues here at KTQA, so there’s no interview today.  Check back tomorrow!

STATE

  • The Washington State Emergency Management Division advises that as more counties enter phase 2 of re-opening, maintaining 6 feet between oneself and individuals outside of one’s household remains important.
    • In public, one can visualize the length of a twin bed, a yard rake, or two grocery carts in order to estimate a 6-foot distance.
  • All boat registrations are due on June 30th, statewide.
    • New registrations and renewals can be done online at dol.wa.gov, or by visiting a vehicle & vessel licensing office, many of which remain open during the stay-home order.
    • Mail-in renewal may also be an option.
    • Customers with questions can also call 360-902-3770 or email CustomerCare@dol.wa.gov.
  • Recent legislation changed the approach distances and speeds around Southern Resident orcas.
    • Vessels must keep 200 meters away from whales, dolphins, or porpoises if they are resting or with their calf, in US and Canadian waters
    • Vessels must stay 300 yards from Southern Resident orcas, also called killer whales, on either side.
    • Vessels must stay 400 yards out of orcas’ paths, in front and behind the whales
    • Boats must slow to less than 7 knots within ½ mile of orcas
    • Operators must immediately disengage engines if whales appear within 300 yards
    • Boats should stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals
    • Similar rules apply in Canadian waters, and all information can be found at BeWhaleWise.org.

TRIBAL NEWS

  • The Quinault Nation has announced that its Quinault Beach Resort and Casino near Ocean Shores will open tomorrow to Grays Harbor residents, and on Thursday to the general public.
    • All guests must wear masks and have their temperatures taken
    • Capacity will be limited, and smoking will not be allowed.
  • The Fife location of Emerald Queen Casino has been open since May 18th, with similar safety and hygiene protocols in place.
  • The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is allowing one helper per Tribal Elder during spring fishing runs.

PIERCE TRANSIT

  • Pierce Transit has restored service along several routes:
    • Routes 1, 2, 48, 54, 500 will operate on a normal schedule Monday thru Friday
    • Many routes are beginning earlier and running later compared to the previous five weeks
    • Routes 63 and 497 have been restored but are operating on modified schedules
    • Updated timetables are available for download at PierceTransit.org.
  • The Bus Shop Customer Service Lobby at Tacoma Dome Station has reopened
  • Fare collection and front-door boarding will be reinstated on June 14th
    • Busses will still be limited to 15 passengers
  • Customer phone assistance remains open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m, at 253.581.8000.

TACOMA

  • Tonight’s Tacoma City Council Meeting for May 26 has been canceled
    • The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be Tuesday, June 2 at 5 p.m.
    • Information on how to listen or participate can always be found at CityOfTacoma.org/councilmeetings.