Spokane Government Blog

September Safety

Spokane Government Librarian — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:20:23 +0000

School starts soon, so adults and students need to be extra careful when driving, walking, and biking near schools. The Spokane County Traffic Safety Commission has many online fact sheets on such topics as child passenger safety, bicycle safety, and teen driving. The City Street Department’s Frequently Asked Questions list includes information on school zones and pedestrian safety. School District 81’s Transportation page links to bus route information, bus rules, and links to other transportation safety websites. - Spokane Government Librarian

Summer Parkways

Spokane Government Librarian — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:28:33 +0000

Sunday, August 22nd, is the second Summer Parkways event in Spokane, where 3 miles of Howard Street will be closed to motorized vehicle traffic from 9am to 1pm. Walkers, bikers, skaters, and other human-powered transportation will take over the street and join the celebrations. There will be bike decoration contests, fitness activities, and product demonstrations. In a related bike story, the City of Spokane has new signs that proclaim it a Bicycle Friendly Community. Also check out the new bike and pedestrian plans that are being worked on by various local governments and organizations. - Spokane Government Librarian

August Primary Elections

Spokane Government Librarian — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:38:23 +0000

The Primary Elections are coming up on August 17th, with many local offices being contested. The County Elections Office is the best place to see what offices are up for election, who has filed, and a sample ballot. The Voter’s Guide will show information about the different candidates and propositions. Remember that you can turn in your ballot for free at any public library and the STA Plaza. If you haven’t registered to vote, it is too late to vote in the primaries, but not for the November elections. You can even register online. - Spokane Government Librarian

Summer Safety

Spokane Government Librarian — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:19:48 +0000

The Spokane Regional Health District has a useful Summer Safety Checklist that includes a section on helmet and traffic safety, drowning prevention, sun safety, heat-related illnesses, and mosquito protection. And if you plan on picnicking, pot-lucking, or even going to restaurants, be sure to check out their food safety information as well. - Spokane Government Librarian

Compost Alternative

Spokane Government Librarian — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:32:58 +0000

If you don’t have the time or space to create a compost heap, the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System will soon allow you to put food scraps and “food soiled paper” into your Clean Green yard waste bins. Starting July 12th, table scraps, tea bags, vegetable peelings, and even pizza boxes can placed in the bins; for more details on what is acceptable, see their website. However, if you’re a gardener, and you’d like to create compost bins instead, SRSWS also give you some tips on building and maintaining them. - Spokane Government Librarian

Local Animal Shelters

Spokane Government Librarian — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:30:10 +0000

With recent articles about the City and County trying to combine animal control and shelter services in the news, you might want to know the various options for reporting a lost animal or adopting a pet. Right now, the City of Spokane is served by SpokAnimal CARE. Parts of Spokane County are served by SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service), whose website features information on adopting a pet from them, featured animals, a list of impounded animals, and information about pet laws and pet licenses. The Spokane Humane Society is the local nonprofit shelter. - Spokane Government Librarian

STA Website

Spokane Government Librarian — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:41:06 +0000

The Spokane Transit Authority has redesigned its website, featuring a new trip planner that will give you the best options when using the service. Just type in your times and locations. In a related story, the Downtown Transportation Alternative Analysis is looking for public input, including a meeting on June 29th. This joint project of STA and the City of Spokane is looking for ideas on how to connect neighborhoods and other areas in Downtown through public transportation. - Spokane Government Librarian

Spokane Regional Tranportation Management Center

Spokane Government Librarian — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:06:57 +0000

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council and local governments have put together a website that tracks traffic patterns and problems in real time, so you can plan your commute. The Regional Transportation Management Center includes all local traffic cameras, updated construction and traffic accident delays, and more detailed construction information, including start and end dates and alternative routes. - Spokane Government Librarian

Affordable Housing Resources

Spokane Government Librarian — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:00:18 +0000

Local governments are usually the ones responsible for administering local affordable housing programs. Spokane County’s Housing and Community Development program helps with home ownership and provides affordable housing units, including a Homelessness Prevention Program. The City of Spokane offers a similar program, including incentives to build or rehab affordable rental housing, various home repair programs for low income owners, and a mortgage assistance program. If you are looking for affordable housing options, try OneStopHousing.org for a list of all available properties. - Spokane Government Librarian

Spokane Gardening

Spokane Government Librarian — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:28:08 +0000

The Spokane County/WSU Extension Service is a great way to find out about gardening and landscaping in Spokane’s climate. Their website offers a host of information on basic gardening, pest control, sustainable landscaping, and houseplants, among others. If you have time to volunteer and want a deep knowledge of local gardening, you can apply to become a Master Gardener. If you have gardening questions, these same Master Gardeners can help you - just email them at mastergardener@spokanecounty.org or give them a call at 477-2181. - Spokane Government Librarian