Prepare for fall sailing schedule, fare increases
The fall Washington State Ferries sailing schedule will begin on Sunday, Sept. 29. The 124-vehicle Kittitas, which is typically assigned to the Triangle Route, will be undergoing maintenance at that time, so the 90-vehicle Sealth will substitute on the route for the first month of the fall schedule, according to WSF’s Hadley Rodero.
A two-boat schedule is also in store, as the Sealth is required to undergo a U.S. Coast Guard-mandated inspection by Nov. 2, which means the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will operate on a two-boat schedule during the last week of October.
Additionally, ferry fares are slated to go up Oct. 1. Vehicle fares will increase 2.5% and passenger fares by 2%. On the Triangle Route and between Tahlequah and Point Defiance, a full passenger fare, for example, will increase to $5.65 and a 10 multi-ride pass to $45.70, up from $5.55 and $44.90 currently. Drivers of vehicles between 14 and 22 feet will pay $20.10 for a round trip, while 10-ride passes will cost $161.30, up from the $19.60 regular fare and $157.30. Another increase is slated for May 1.
Looking ahead, WSF will share more information about the latest changes to the Triangle Route this fall, and within the next few months will also begin the planning process for the replacement of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. WSF has promised robust community outreach and many opportunities to provide input.
Hear from hospital district candidates
The nine candidates running for five commissioner seats for the proposed hospital district will appear at a forum slated for 7 to 8:40 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Vashon Methodist Church. Co-sponsors of the event are the Healthcare Focus Group of Indivisible Vashon and Vashon Unifying for Democracy.
County funds mini grants for vet services
The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy has a new funding opportunity called Vets Engaged for organizations to help reduce veterans’ sense of isolation by providing opportunities for veterans and their families to strengthen their social networks. Grants of $9,999 are available; applications are accepted on a rolling basis year round.
The King County website includes examples of initiatives that might be eligible for funds, including enlisting veterans to build affordable homes reserved for other veterans to purchase, yoga meditation or mindfulness workshops for veterans or simply covering the costs for activities previously unaffordable, such as veteran families attending special events or and classes.
To apply and for more information, see kingcounty.gov/vshsl-funding.
