Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Want a say in Spokane’s parks? This board seat is open

Be sure to catch Sashay and Slay on the Spokane Patch calendar

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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Good day Spokane! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Want a say in Spokane’s parks? This board seat is open
  • How did Spokane’s Christmas Tree Elegance smash another fundraising record?
  • What changes did Spokane demand before renewing its SCRAPS animal shelter deal?

Also on today's calendar: The Official Christmas Bar Crawl - Spokane and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Spokanefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Spokanefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 42 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Sunday: A bit of snow and rain, temps: high: 42, low: 36.
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 44 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Spokane Seeks Applicants for Park Board (spokanecity.org) — Spokane residents are invited to apply for an open volunteer seat on the City’s Park Board, which oversees policy and finances for Parks & Recreation. Applicants must live within city limits, expect about 12 hours of work a month, and be ready to help guide the future of Spokane’s park system starting as early as February 2026.
   

2. Christmas Tree Elegance raises nearly $550K in another record-breaking year for Spokane Symphony (spokesman.com) — A long-running Spokane holiday tradition just delivered a big boost to local arts access. Christmas Tree Elegance raised about $546,000 for the Spokane Symphony this year, helping fund free student concert tickets and performances in parks, libraries, hospitals, and senior centers across the community. Organizers say growing volunteer power and attendance keep pushing the event to new records.
   

3. Despite continued concerns about euthanasia policies, Spokane approves new contract with SCRAPS (spokesman.com) — Spokane has renewed its five-year contract with the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, adding new requirements for advance notice before any animal is euthanized due to capacity and for publishing euthanasia policies. City leaders say the deal buys time to pursue reforms or even a city-run shelter, while long-running concerns about euthanasia practices and oversight continue.
   

4. Two inmates who died from overdoses at Spokane County Jail identified (khq.com) — Two men who died from suspected overdoses at the Spokane County Jail earlier this week have been identified, while a third inmate survived after receiving Narcan. Investigators are still determining what drugs were involved and the exact causes of death. Officials say Narcan has already been used 38 times at the jail this year, with 35 hospital trips for overdose symptoms.
   

5. Spokane Valley hopes automated cameras will catch, deter school-zone speeders (krem.com) — If you drive through Spokane Valley school zones, expect cameras soon and steeper consequences for speeding. City Council has approved automated speed enforcement, with fines starting at $145 and potential locations near Centennial and Bowdish middle schools. Officials hope to have cameras running by next school year, mirroring Spokane’s existing photo enforcement to slow drivers and protect kids.
   

📸 Around Spokane

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Spokane

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Sunday December 21
  • Sashay and Slay
    Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W Sprague Ave, Spokane
    2:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Spokane Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Wind storm.
    First thing in the morning, routine to let the dogs out. I went out & checked the fence first, just in case it was compromised by the storm. All was… (Nextdoor Morgan Acres)
  • 2 questions- anyone have any ideas on how to temporarily support fencing that came down in the wind?
    We’ll have to figure out a permanent fix but for now my neighbors need to be able to let their dogs out. Other question, how do you find out whom… (Nextdoor Audubon Spokane)
  • Alaska Airlines posted a job opening for Ground/Ramp Service Agent in Spokane. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Forklift Operator Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Spokane. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Spokane here.

Ok Spokane! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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