7/15: Elyse Rylander, Rainbow Conservation Crew

By sam No comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:42 — 11.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Elyse Rylander discusses the Rainbow Conservation Crew, a program of Northwest Youth Corps designed to facilitate LGBTQ youth getting involved in environmental conservation and outdoor recreation while creating supportive, chosen family.

Interview begins at 14:18.

TAX DAY

  • Today, July 15th, is the deadline to file federal income tax.
    • The deadline had been extended from April 15th due to the pandemic.
    • Free filing is available online at irs.gov

STATE

  • The governor has extended the pause on any counties across Washington moving to the next phase of reopening until at least July 28th.
    • The governor also noted that a rollback of reopening allowances, and a return of some restrictions, are potentially in our future, similar to what California and Oregon have announced in recent days.
  • The Washington Emergency Management Division is hosting a public preparedness webinar on July 21st at 11:30 am to talk about how to prepare for all hazards during COVID-19.
    • Topics include financial preparedness, mental health support, online safety and about strategically shopping, not over-buying.
    • More info is at bit.ly/DRWAwebinar and on the Washington Emergency Management Division facebook page, and you can also email public.education@mil.wa.gov
  • The state Employment Security Department will continue to focus on outbound calls through July 19 to resolve unemployment claims issues.
    • Individuals can still submit weekly claims by phone using the automated system, or call the general questions hotline at 833-572-8400 for help, but these agents do not have access to individual claims
    • Individuals can also report fraud at 800-246-9763
    • Job search requirements remain optional through Aug. 1st while collecting unemployment
  • The State Department of Health released a report today showing that reopening schools may lead to a significant increase of COVID-19 in the population.
    • A simulation showed that schools in King County may be able to reopen without sustained epidemic growth if protective countermeasures, such as physical distancing, use of masks, and reduced mobility of individuals in the greater community, and if community-wide COVID-19 transmission is low.
    • Without any countermeasures, the number of new COVID-19 cases in King County could double over the first three months of school openings.
    • The full report can be found at DOH.wa.gov in the “newsroom” section.

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Pierce County residents age 20-29 are showing a larger COVID-19 infection rate compared with their segment of the population, and the health department urges young and old alike to continue staying physically distant from those outside one’s household, and wearing masks when interacting with others.
  • Pierce County Parks is facilitating a Quarantine-19 Virtual Fun Run, where residents are challenged to complete 19 kilometers between August 1st and August 19th.
    • Runners, walkers, and users of wheeled transportation may sign up and learn more on Pierce County Parks facebook page, or go to PierceCountyWA.org and look for the Parks and Recreation page.
    • Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s annual Freedom Fest, which was postponed from July 4th to late August, has been canceled due to unsafe levels of coronavirus in the community.
      • JBLM’s Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department is looking at the possibility of hosting smaller outdoor events, such as movies or live music, where attendees would be able to maintain physical distance.

TACOMA

  • Today, July 15th, is the last chance to apply for Tacoma’s Rental Housing Assistance lottery
  • Metro Parks Tacoma continues to offer free lunches for kids from noon to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday, at Franklin, Portland Avenue, South Park, Wapato, and Wright Parks, and at the Verlo Playfield.
  • Tacoma Public School families in need of food assistance beyond youth meals can call 253-571-7980 to be linked with resources for food box pickup every Wednesday throughout the summer.