THE VOICE - July 2009
The Newspaper of Neighborhood House
Basic Health, a state-sponsored program providing low-cost health care coverage for the working poor through private health plans, last month announced that it will increase rates for its enrollees rather than force anyone off the program.
Basic Health covers almost 100,000 Washington residents, who pay a portion of the monthly premium based on their income. The program has been hit hard by budget cuts on the part of the Legislature and the Governor.
The average enrollee currently pays $36 a month and the state pays the remaining $209. Last month the Health Care Authority, which administers the program, announced a rise in fees.
The average enrollee will pay $61.60 in 2010, and the annual deductible, now $150, will increase to $250 on January 1, 2010.
As many as 40,000 Basic Health members could have lost coverage under various options under review in the aftermath of the legislature’s 43 percent cut to the Basic Health budget.
Those options, now off the table, included providing coverage to only the lowest-income members, cutting off members based on their time with the program, or conducting a lottery.
In announcing the rate increases, Basic Health administrator Steven Hill said the rates were raised to protect the most vulnerable people while making sure
the program continues.
“We are fully aware that this decision
will impact many people in the program,”
he said. “Even a $17 a month increase can be
tough for a family struggling to get by. But
this option gives those families a choice.
No one qualified for the program will be
arbitrarily removed.”
Gov. Christine Gregoire, who proposed
cuts to Basic Health last December, supports
the decision to raise rates.
“They found a way to minimize the
number of people losing health care, but
we still have a long way to go,” she said
recently. “There are more than 30,000
Washington residents waiting to get into
Basic Health.”
Hill said the program has identified
over 5,000 people enrolled in both Basic
Health and Medicaid. Those people will
be removed from Basic Health and will
receive only Medicaid coverage. Another
3,000 Basic Health enrollees may qualify
for Medicaid. Those who do qualify will
also go into Medicaid.
By Voice Staff
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches,
it’s important to remember
local fireworks laws and fire safety in
Seattle and King County. Please remember
that all fireworks are banned in
Seattle and on Seattle Housing Authority
property.
Fireworks laws vary by city elsewhere
in King County, but all fireworks are also
banned on King County Housing Authority
property.
Because fireworks are illegal in most
parts of King County, and because of
the fire danger inherent in discharging
fireworks, the best way to view fireworks
on the Fourth of July is at one of the many
public displays held during the holiday. Most are free to the public.
Below is a list of fireworks displays in
Seattle and King County.
Fireworks displays in Seattle
Chase Family Fourth at Lake Union
www.chasefamily4th.org
Fireworks displays in King County
Symetra’s Bellevue Family 4th
at Bellevue Downtown Park
www.bellevue.wa.gov
Fireworks Spectacular at Emerald
Downs on July 3, Auburn
www.emdowns.com
Carnation Fourth of July Celebration at
Tolt McDonald Park
www.carnation4th.org
Des Moines Fourth of July Fireworks
Display at the Des Moines Marina
www.desmoineswa.gov
Enumclaw Stars & Stripes
Celebration
www.ci.enumclaw.wa.us
Federal Way Red, White and Blues Festival
at Celebration Park
www.cityoffederalway.com
Kent Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian
Park
www.ci.kent.wa.us
Celebrate Kirkland at Marina Park
www.celebratekirkland.org
Fabulous Fourth of July at Coulon Park
in Renton
http://rentonwa.gov
Tukwila Family Fourth, Fort Dent Park
www.ci.tukwila.wa.us
Fireworks safety
If you do find yourself celebrating the
Fourth of July in a place where fireworks
are legal, please remember the following
safety guidelines, as published by the
King County Fire Marshal:
• Use only approved, legal, and common
fireworks from reliable Washington
State and King County Fire Marshal
licensed retailers.
• Always have a responsible adult light
all fireworks.
• Have a charged garden hose or a fire
extinguisher handy.
• Use fireworks under outdoor conditions
only, away from buildings, houses
with wood shingles, trees and dry fields.
• Avoid aerial type fireworks.
• Light one item at a time, move away
quickly and keep a safe distance away.
• Dispose of used fireworks by first
soaking them in water.
• Ensure the safety of pets.
• Use eye protection.
• Remember your neighbors and clean
up all debris.
• If a device does not light or fire, an
adult should wait at least a minimum
of five minutes before approaching the
device.
• Remember, if it has a stick or fins and
it goes up or if it blows up, it is illegal in
Washington State.
• Rather than buying fireworks, attend
a public fireworks display when available
and make that a family tradition.
Remember, fireworks are illegal in
Seattle and many parts of King County,
and on SHA and KCHA property. When
in doubt, do not discharge fireworks.
Express Credit Union members can receive services at four NH locations
By Neighborhood House Staff
In Seattle and King County, there is
a large population of people who are “unbanked or underbanked”, meaning
that for a variety of reasons some people
do not utilize or under utilize financial
institutions. The unbanked or underbanked
sometimes use payday loan and
check cashing services that charge high
interest rates, thus perpetuating a cycle of
debt for those who are already struggling
financially.
So, why a credit union at Neighborhood
House? For over two years Neighborhood
House (and several other community
partners) has been working with Express
Credit Union to help them develop culturally
competent and relevant banking
services for the communities it serves.
Express Credit Union strives to provide
affordable financial services to low and
moderate income people in King County,
helping them to achieve financial stability.
Credit unions are different from banks in
that they are member owned and are based
on a cooperative model.
One way that Express Credit Union is fulfilling its mission is by working with
community partners like Neighborhood
House. An important aspect of the
Express Credit Union mission is their
commitment to bring banking services to
the unbanked and underbanked, which is
where Neighborhood House comes into
the picture. As a partner, Neighborhood
House provides space for Community
Service Representatives to meet with
clients to open bank accounts, apply
for citizenship loans, and discuss basic
budgeting and other important banking
services.
Beginning in June, Community Member
Service Representatives have begun
working at four Neighborhood House
locations: Yesler Terrace, Rainier Vista,
NewHolly and High Point. For the days
and times they are available, read below.
Neighborhood House is excited to be
partnering with a financial institution
that offers financial products relevant to
the clients and communities it serves.
For more information about Express
Credit Union, visit www.expresscu.org,
e-mail expresscu@expresscu.org or call
206-622-1850.
Neighborhood House locations
that offer Express Credit Union
services
High Point
Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community Member Service Representative:
Samuel Gebremedhin
Location: West Seattle Resource
Center (above the West Seattle food
bank), 3419 S.W. Morgan St.
Yesler Terrace
Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community Member Service Representative:
Maricel Valdez
Location: Neighborhood House
office, 825 Yesler Way
Rainier Vista
Every Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community Member Service Representative:
Samuel Gebremedhin
Location: Second Floor of Rainier
Vista building, 4410 29th Ave. S.
NewHolly
Every Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community Member Service Representative:
Maricel Valdez
Location: Lee House, 7315 39th
Ave. S.
Beat the heat: Safety tips for hot weather
By Public Health - Seattle & King
County
As the mercury rises this summer, be
sure to keep cool. High temperatures can
lead to serious medical problems, particularly
for older adults, young children,
people with chronic illness, and people with
weight or alcohol problems.
“When outside temperatures are very
high, the danger for heat-related illnesses
rises,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director
and Health Officer at Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Fortunately, you can
prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke if you
take some simple steps.”
Protect yourself and your loved ones by
following these recommendations:
• Slow down and reduce strenuous
exercise.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic
beverages.
• Limit your direct exposure to the sun
• Do not leave infants, children, people
with mobility challenges and pets in a
parked car, even with the window rolled
down.
Additional health-related recommendations
include:
• Do not take salt tablets unless directed
to by a physician.
• Check up on your elderly neighbors
or relatives.
• Check with your physician if you are
concerned about heat and the specific medications
you are taking. Certain medications
may increase sensitivity to the heat.
Overheating occurs when people’s bodies
are not able to cool themselves quickly
enough.
This can lead to symptoms of heat
exhaustion, including muscle cramps,
weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea
and vomiting.
If you notice someone with signs of
overheating, move the person to a cooler
location, have them rest for a few minutes
and slowly drink a cool beverage.
Seek medical attention for them immediately
if they do not feel better.
In severe instances, people can suffer
heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent
disability if emergency treatment
is not provided.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
• an extremely high body temperature
(above 103°F)
• red, hot and dry skin
• rapid, strong pulse
• nausea, confusion and unconsciousness
Gun safety should not equal gun
restriction
Dear Editor,
In the article about gun safety in the
home, there were a couple of things that
was missed. One, gun safety laws were
enacted due to children in the home. It was
mentioned in the article that you need to
keep the ammunition in a different place
than where you keep the gun.
Problem: if someone is breaking, or has
broken into your home, and you need that
gun to defend yourself, and or family, that
burglar is not going to wait for you to go
to different parts of your home to collect
gun and ammo. Also, an unloaded gun is
nothing more than an expensive club in an
emergency. Second Point is that most of us
do not have children in our homes, we live
alone, or with another adult.
And children can be taught about guns. If
you have a gun in the home, and you do not
teach your children even the impact of using
a gun, then you are not doing your job
as a parent in teaching your children right.
The Police Department can be very helpful
doing this.
I see nothing wrong with having a registered
gun that is loaded, and ready to use
in the home.
Our Federal Constitution gives us the
right to keep, and bear arms. No one has
the right to take that right away. The trick is
to keep it away from Children. That means
LOCK IT UP!
Over-regulation is another form of taking
away my right to defend my life, family,
and home.
There are gun classes all over this country,
and one of the best ones is offered by
most police departments.
I would rather be ready for any emergency,
than caught unprepared. Historical
pieces are a different story, but no one
wishes to fire a historical piece, as it might
be so old, that it would just blow up in your
hand since even gun metal weakens with
age. I hope that no one is stupid enough
to do that. Yes I believe in gun safety goes
hand in hand with gun ownership, but let’s
use common sense, not restrictive sense.
Robert Canamar
Be safe
Summer time brings with it
a rise in crime
By Seattle Neighborhood Group
Summer is here and school is out, providing
opportunities for mischief. Crime
rates and calls for police service often
rise during warmer months. Sweltering
temperatures can lead to short tempers
and annoying pranks.
Longer days and open windows also
tend to generate noise complaints. So,
here are some suggestions to keep in mind
for summer:
Lighting fireworks in Seattle is illegal.
However, a free public celebration will be
held at Myrtle Edwards Park. Events begin
at 12:30 p.m. and end with a fireworks
display at 10 p.m. Gas Works Park will
also host fireworks at 10 p.m. July 4.
Loud noises are a frequent summer
complaint. Amplified noise should be
turned down after 10 p.m. Remember,
people still have to work in the morning.
Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t
mean you can’t keep your cool. Resolve
differences with your neighbors peacefully;
encourage your kids to do the same.
However, if nearby noise disturbs you
and you don’t feel comfortable asking
neighbors to keep it down, call building
management (if appropriate) or non-emergency,
at 206-625-5011.
Remind your children if they find a gun
in the neighborhood, not to touch it. Tell
them to find an adult who can help.
Drive carefully. Kids often ride their
bikes and play on the side streets. Stay
alert!
Greet neighbors as you walk through
your neighborhood, even if you don’t
know them. Take time to chat. Neighborhoods
where people know each other
are safer.
Volunteer some time at one of your
neighborhood youth organizations or community
centers. Challenge youth hanging
out at the basketball court to a game.
Every summer, each precinct hosts a
community picnic, with free hot dogs, ice
cream, entertainment and raffles. Picnic
dates and contact phone numbers are
listed below:
North Precinct: 10049 College Way N.,
Saturday, July 11, 206-684-0850.
SW Precinct: 2300 SW Webster, Saturday,
August 15, 206-733-9800.
South Precinct: 3001 S Myrtle, Saturday,
Sept. 12, 386-1850.
West Precinct: 810 Virginia St., Thursday,
Sept. 17, 206-684-8917.
The East Precinct community picnic
was held in June.
And don’t forget, Night Out Against
Crime is Tuesday, August 4. You can register
your block with your police precinct
or over the Internet: http://www.seattle.gov/police/Nightout/default.htm.
Have fun and keep safe.
Seattle Tilth to teach container gardening, composting in downtown parks for apartment and condo dwellers
By Seattle Tilth
This summer, Seattle Tilth will teach
apartment and condominium dwellers how
to grow vegetables and herbs in containers
and how to compost food waste indoors or
on balconies or patios. The classes are great
for beginning gardeners and can also help
more experienced gardeners troubleshoot or
get new ideas. Seattle Tilth wants to show
you how to grow your own food organically
and reduce waste even if you don’t have a
yard or P-Patch plot!
Victor Steinbrueck Park, 2001 Western
Ave. Wednesdays, 5 – 7 p.m.
July 8: Basic Herb Gardening in Containers
Previous classes, conducted prior to The
Voice’s deadline, focused on “Container
Veggie Gardening 101” and “Composting
for Apartment Dwellers.”
Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
Wednesdays, 5 – 7 p.m.
July 15: Fall and Winter Veggie Gardening
in Containers
July 22: Composting for Apartment
Dwellers
July 29: Edible Flower Gardening in
Containers
Occidental Square, Occidental Avenue
South and South Main Street
Wednesdays, 5 – 7 p.m.
Aug 5: Container Stir-Fry Gardening
Aug 12: Composting for Apartment
Dwellers
Aug 19: Herbal Tea Gardening
Cascade Playground, 333 Pontius Ave.
N.
Sundays, 10 a.m. - noon
August 16: Container Salad Gardening
August 23: Composting for Apartment
Dwellers
August 30: Container Stir-Fry Gardening
Belltown Cottage Park, 2512 Elliott
Ave.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - noon
September 5: Composting for Apartment
Dwellers
September 19: Fall and Winter Container
Herb Gardening
All classes are free; participants need to
register ahead of time at www.seattletilth.org or call 206-633-0451 ext. 101.
Founded in 1978, Seattle Tilth is a
nationally recognized nonprofit organization
dedicated to cultivating a sustainable
community, one garden at a time.
In demonstration gardens and P-Patches
and other community gardens across the
region, Seattle Tilth teaches people how to
improve their environment by using organic
gardening techniques.
Garden tips for community gardeners
By Anza Muenchow
Special to The Voice
Ah. The long warm days of summer have arrived. Plants are loving this, as they can photosynthesize for 16 hours a day. Growth is dramatic.
Provide them with good soil and water and you will be rewarded. Don’t let your soils dry out because they are difficult to re-hydrate. Water the soil at least one and a half inches a week. Even if it rains a few times this month, it rarely gives us even a quarter of and inch. Long, slow watering is best because it allows the water to penetrate deeply.
Just top watering will encourage shallow rooting, so make sure the water goes deep.
Dig down six to eight inches into your beds to check your watering.
Just about any direct seeding you do this month will give good results if you keep the seed bed moist. Lettuce likes to be sown near the surface (where there is some light) so water almost daily to get good germination rate. Dill, too.
The deeper sown seeds, like beans or squash, you can water every other day. All this depends on how cloudy or rainy it is. Watch out for a roaming pack of slugs at night, as they will demolish a newly planted bed.
Is there ever too much basil in a garden? I think not. If you are a lover of basil, now is the time to get your bed established. I generally don’t plant out the basil seedlings till June. It is difficult to direct sow basil in a garden, so start yours in seed mix indoors or buy some starts from a local farmers market. Prepare your bed as if you are planting
lettuce, so lots of nitrogen source (fish meal, blood meal, or feather meal, etc.). If you added plenty of manure in the spring, then the bed may be rich enough.
Choose a sunny, protected spot in the garden. Plant out your starts on a cloudy, cool day and cover lightly with floating row cover for the first week. Keep these plants well watered, like you would a lettuce patch.
Unlike many gardeners, I do not recommend planting basil with tomatoes. I do recommend eating them together, but not growing them together.
Tomatoes don’t need as much fertilizer or water, as they have very deep roots and don’t do well with high nitrogen fertilizers. Tomatoes will be more susceptible to blight if you over fertilize with the nitrogen sources. But basil loves rich soil and warm, well watered sites.
Here are a few tips for the care of basil to have a long summer harvest. Pick basil from the top. Don’t take those large bottom leaves until later in the season. Regularly pinch off the top four to six inches, by cutting the stem just above a branching node.
This pinching will then stimulate the formation of two new leaf buds. These buds will then grow tall and you can cut the top six inches of these. Your plants will get bushy and keep producing.
Mostly, your job is to prevent the plant from flowering. If it has enough nitrogen, it will continue to give you leaves till September. For optimal leafy growth, watch for a cool, cloudy day and give your basil a foliar feeding. Mix a weak dilution of fish emulsion fertilizer in a watering can or sprayer and apply to the whole plant, leaves and all. Of
course, wait a few days till you pick and
eat the leaves as they will be quite “fishy”
tasting for awhile.
I probably foliar feed three to four times
a season, depending on the health of the soil
and the plants.
Do you need suggestions for eating your
basil? It goes in everything in the summer!
Soups, salads, sandwiches, meats and gravies,
you name it. And if I still have too
much basil, I dry it.
I love when my summer harvests give
me a taste treat in the winter months also.
I like to make and freeze small containers
of pesto, leaving out the cheese part, and
thaw for cooking all winter.
Enjoy your regular garden harvests and
keep watering this month.
Anza Muenchow is a farmer and a volunteer
with P-Patch. You can reach her by
e-mail at anzam@whidbey.net, or online at
www.mahafarm.com.
Federal minimum wage to increase
The federal minimum wage rate will
increase to $7.25 per hour effective July
24, replacing the existing rate of $6.55
per hour.
Washington state’s minimum wage
rate is $8.55 per hour.
CityClub to host mayoral debate
Seattle’s CityClub is hosting a primary
election debate this month for
candidates for Seattle mayor.
The event will take place from 6-7:30
p.m. July 23 at Rainier Square, located
at 1333 Fifth Avenue in Seattle.
More information, including pricing
and registration info, is available online
at www.seattlecityclub.org. Upcoming
events are listed in the sidebar to the
left on the Web site.
If you’re holding a copy of The Voice
in your hands right now, chances are good
— 100 percent, in fact — that Lawrence
Dennis had a part in getting it to you.
Lawrence, the longtime deliveryman
— “It’s been so long I can’t remember,” he
says, when asked how long he’s had the gig — is a sort of middle man for The Voice,
picking the papers up from Pacific Publishing
printing press in Seattle and distributing
it throughout the city and King County.
He’s logged countless miles behind
the wheel of his pickup, crisscrossing the
area, from Lake City to West Seattle to
Tukwila, to get the paper out to our 13,000
subscribers.
“It took me a couple years to figure out
my route,” he says.
Of the dozens of buildings where he
makes his drops, he adds with a laugh, “I
don’t know the names of all the places — I
just know where they are.”
'I remember riding over mountains'
Born in Atlanta in 1955, Lawrence and
his family moved to Seattle in 1959 or 1960 — he doesn’t recall the exact date.
“I remember riding over mountains, and
rain storms, and I guess that was leaving
Georgia,” he says.
He’s not been back since the family left.
In fact, since arriving in Seattle, he says
he’s not been further from the city than
Portland, Ore.
“Never been on an airplane — all my
kids have,” he says matter-of-factly. “I just
have no desire to fly.”
His daughter Latonya, 33, stepson Robert,
29, and daughter Lawrina, 21, all live in
the area. (Latonya, from a previous relationship,
lived with her mother growing up.)
It was in 1988 or 1989 that Lawrence
found himself homeless, a single dad raising
a baby girl.
He talks openly of the experience, of
staying at Sacred Heart Shelter or living
in his car, taking care of Lawrina, looking
for work.
“Her mom was in and out of our lives,”
he says. “That was a long time ago.
“I did what anybody else would do.”
A home in Holly Park
The family moved to Holly Park in 1992,
and Lawrina enrolled in Neighborhood
House’s Head Start program, where she was
a student of Miss Betty — Betty Parker, a
Head Start teacher in Holly Park. Lawrence
started doing yard and maintenance work
and picking up odd jobs in the neighborhood.
(He moved from Holly Park during
the redevelopment and is now a Section 8
voucher holder.)
He also served for a time on Neighborhood
House’s Head Start Policy Council. It
was through his work with Neighborhood
House that he learned of The Voice, eventually
leading to his role as distribution
manager. He took on the job in the late 1990s,
under then-editor Elliot Bronstein.
Not much has changed about the position,
he says, except for the volume. He used
to deliver just to SHA high-rises.
And he recalls a time when the by-mail
copies of The Voice were labeled, stamped
and sorted out of the Epstein Building in
Yesler Terrace. (A mailing house handles
that job today.)
When he’s not delivering The Voice or
working for his business (L.D.’s Lawn Care
and Services, which does contract work
for Neighborhood House and the City of
Seattle), he’s an avid fisherman.
Whatever he’s doing, it’s rare to see
him without his trademark sunglasses. (In
nearly two years of working with him, this
reporter has never seen him without his
shades.)
They’ve become as much a fixture to
Lawrence as Lawrence has been for The
Voice.
“A lot of people wouldn’t know me
if I didn’t have them on,” he says with a
laugh.
Group will prepare city for 2010 Census
By Voice Staff
It’s no fooling — Census Day is coming up on April 1, 2010. To get you prepared to stand up and be counted, the City of Seattle is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau and community groups to increase awareness and participation in the 2010 Census.
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has appointed a Seattle Complete Count Committee, made up of community leaders who will help guide the community through the census process.
Census information is vital for the federal government in drawing the Congressional district boundaries and in allocating funding for services in communities.
“It’s extremely important that everyone in our city is counted,” said Mayor Nickels. “Seattle’s Complete Count Committee will work with our community to raise awareness and to ensure everyone understands how important this is.”
The census is mandated in the U.S. Constitution to occur in 10-year intervals.
As its name implies, the Seattle Complete Count Committee is tasked with trying to get every single person living in Seattle accounted for in the upcoming census. In addition, it will focus its efforts on traditionally hard-to-reach populations, including people of color, immigrant and refugee groups, low-income people and the homeless.
To help reach these groups, the Complete Count Committee will develop census outreach materials in at least seven languages, that include: Chinese, English, Korean, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
It has also organized several subcommittees that will develop specific materials to help get the word out to these groups.
One question that often arises around census time is one of privacy — is the information collected in census polling confidential?
“Individual responses to the Census are protected by law, and cannot be shared with anyone outside of the U.S. Census Bureau,” said Kenny Pittman, Senior Policy Advisor, who is staffing the Seattle Complete Count Committee. “All census workers take an oath that the information they collect cannot be shared, by law,” he added. “The information cannot be obtained for a period of 72 years, even with a court order.”
Census workers who do share information are subject to a substantial fine and possible jail time.
In short, confidentiality is taken very seriously, according to Pittman.
He added that it is important that every person be counted in the 2010 census. As the 2010 Census Day approaches, the Complete Count Committee will provide more information, including job opportunities with the U.S. Census Bureau.
To learn more about the 2010 Census, go to www.census.gov/2010 or contact Kenny Pittman, City of Seattle at 206-684-8364 or via e-mail at kenny.pittman@seattle.gov.
These services are FREE and open to the public. Translation services are available upon request.
Visit our website: www.worksourceskc.org.
Locations Auburn: 253.804.1177 Renton: 206.205.3500 Rainer: 206.721.6000 Seattle Downtown:
206.436.8600 North Seattle: 206.440.2500 Redmond: 425.861.3700 South Seattle Community College: 206.764.5304
Do you have a couch or other item you want to sell? Take advantage of the free person-to-person classified advertising in The Voice by filling out your 24-word ad below. Remember, write only one word per line and don’t forget to include your telephone number in your ad! Mail your ad before the 18th of the month and it will be included in the next month’s issue.
Name _______________________________ address _____________________________ city _______________________________ state __________________ Zip ___________ Telephone ______________________ e-mail ____________________________________
Write your ad here (one word per line)
check the classification: ❑ items for sale ❑ autos for sale ❑ items wanted ❑ services
Mail to: PPC, 4000 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133 fax: 206-461-1285 e-mail: classmgr@nwlink.com w/subject line “The Voice”
Translated Articles from The Voice
Gadiidka dadweynaha oo bilaabay
Kaarka “ORCA”
Haddii aad tahay qof isticmaala gaadiidka daweynaha, waxaa laga yaabaa inaad mar hore aragtay in in dandan oo ka mid aha gaadiidka dad weyhan sida basaska, feerigaba inay bilaabeen isticmaalidda kaarkaas(ORCA)oo aad ku raali karto gadiidkasta oo ka shaqeeya soonaha loo yaqaan “Puget Sound” oo ay ka mid yihinn “Sound Transit”.
Inkastoo aad weli isticmaali karto lacag caddaan ah, haddana kaarkaanbaa wax bandanna kaaga dhib yar. Lacag intaad doonta ayaadna ku shuban kartaa markaad lacg ku shubanayso. Waa sida kaarkaaga bangiga oo kale.
Kaarkaa waa mis isticmaalidiisu sahlan tahay. Markaad raacayso, bus, feeri iyo weliba tareentka cusub (oo shaqo bilaabi doona bishaan 1da Luuliyo) mari kaarkaaga kaar akhriyaha.
Haddiii lacag ku filan ku jirto isgaa ka goosanaya, haddii kalena waxaadin inta kale ku bixinaysaa caddaaan.
Meelo badanbad ka heli kartaa karaka ORCA oo ay ka mid tahay xafiiska METRO ee ku yaa wadooyinka Second iyo Jackson, the Westlake customer stop oo ku taal 3rd iyo Pine, tanalka gudihiisa iyo goobo kale oo badan oo tafaariiqda lagu gado.
Waxaad macluumaad dheeri ah ka helaysaan www.orcacards.com ama webka METRO oo ah (www.metrokc. gov/transit) 1-888-988-6722.
CÔNG TY XE BÚYT CÔNG CỘNG CHO PHÁT HÀNH THẺ “ORCA”
Nếu qúi vị là một trong những người dùng phương tiện xe búyt công cộng, thì qúi vị đã để ý thấy là công ty xe búyt Metro ( và các công ty xe búyt vùng vịnh Puget Sound, gồm cả công ty Sound Transit và hệ thống State Ferry-Phà của Tiểu bang đã giới thiệu ra cách mới qúi vị dùng để trả tiền lệ phí – đó là thẻ ORCA-viết tắt của các chữ One Regional Card For All – có nghĩa là dùng thẻ này để trả tiền lệ phí xe búyt cho tòan vùng.
Trong khi mà qúi vị vẩn còn có thể dùng tiền mặt để trả tiền xe, thì với thẻ ORCA sẽ làm cho việc trả tiền xe dễ dàng hơn, khi với thẻ này được nạp một số tiền trước, giống như thẻ trả tiền debit card-của nhà bank cấp vậy. Qúi vị có quyết định số tiền là bao nhiêu mỗi khi xài thẻ.
Dùng thẻ này thì dễ dàng. Khi qúi vị lên xe búyt, xuống phà, lên xe điện LINK (bắt đầu chạy vào tháng Bảy), họặc xe lửa Sounder, chỉ cần chà lên máy đọc trên xe búyt, hay ở ngỏ trạm xe lữa hay xe điện (hoặc ở các bến phà). Bao lâu mà qúi vị có đủ tiền trong thẻ, thì hệ thống tự động trừ tiền lệ phí cho cuốc đi của qúi vị. Nếu qúi vị không có đủ tiền-988 nạp trong thẻ, thì quí vị phải có thể trả số tiền thiếu bằng tiền mặt.
Qúi vị có thể mua thẻ ở nhiều địa điểm, kể cả văn phòng phục vụ khách hàng của công ty xe búyt Metro ở góc đường Jackson và đường Số 2, ở địa điểm Westlake Customer Stop góc đường số 3 và đường Pine, ở địa điểm dưới đường hầm và ở các của hàng bán lẻ.
Có nhiều thông tin chi tiết được phổ biến trên mạng www.orcacards. com hoặc ở trang mạng công ty xe búyt Metro www.metrokc.gov/transit và qua điện thọai miễn phí ở 1888-988-6722 (1-888-988-ORCA.