Case updates September 23, 2020
United States
- cases 6,916,292 - 41,310 cases since yesterday
- deaths 201,411 - 1,136 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - *no death reports on weekends / holidays
- cases 84,238 - 1690 since last report
- hospitalizations 7,357 - 8 since last report
- deaths* 2,080 - -0 since yesterday
King county
- cases 21,803 - 126 since yesterday
- hospitalizations 2,342
- deaths 758 - 0 since last report
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
- cases 601 - 10 new
- hospitalizations 105 - 1 new
- deaths 63 - 1 new in previous 24 hours
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 67 - 2
- hospitalizations 4 - 1 new
- deaths 1 - 0 new
Call for Philip Morris!
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| Photo by Gloria Z Nagler |
For those of you younger than I -- and there are many:)-- the "call" was a popular cigarette commercial in the 50s
--Gloria Z Nagler
--Gloria Z Nagler
[For the visually impaired: a brown bird (a grosbeak) with three rows of large white dots on his wings is in profile on a sturdy, angled branch. His body appears to be plain yellow on his breast but his back has muted, thick scribbled dark lines running from head to tail. His head is brown, with white racing stripes.
His thick beak is open so wide that it's the width of his head and his black eye looks like it's popping out. Ed.]
Book review by Aarene Storms: Under the Broken Sky
Natsu is only twelve years old and her sister Asa is even younger when the Japanese army comes to her village and conscripts all the men and boys to fight in the war.
But when the Japanese lose the war, the whole village flees the incoming Soviets, walking across Manchuria in hopes of finding a new home.
Their story is bleak, and seems hopeless most of the time, but Natsu is stubborn.
Here's one short poem from the middle of the book:
Water is as precious
as food here. The well
is iced over this morning.
We throw the portrait
of the emperor into the fire
to melt the ice so we can drink
the water, so we can warm
ourselves. At least he's good
for something, finally.
The publisher's blurb on the book cover makes it seem like selling Asa to a Russian family so that she will be fed and survive is the center of the narrative, but really, it's a small scene towards the end, and quickly resolved. The rest of the story is not so easily resolved, especially in light of refugees facing similar perils in the modern world.
For best results (unless you know a lot more about the history of Manchuria in WWII than I did), read the author's Afterword before the rest of the book to gain some historical perspective on the story.
Death, fear, bullying, blood, starvation. Implications of sexual situations but nothing on the page. For readers ages 14 to adult.
Read more...
Here's one short poem from the middle of the book:
Water is as precious
as food here. The well
is iced over this morning.
We throw the portrait
of the emperor into the fire
to melt the ice so we can drink
the water, so we can warm
ourselves. At least he's good
for something, finally.
The publisher's blurb on the book cover makes it seem like selling Asa to a Russian family so that she will be fed and survive is the center of the narrative, but really, it's a small scene towards the end, and quickly resolved. The rest of the story is not so easily resolved, especially in light of refugees facing similar perils in the modern world.
For best results (unless you know a lot more about the history of Manchuria in WWII than I did), read the author's Afterword before the rest of the book to gain some historical perspective on the story.
Death, fear, bullying, blood, starvation. Implications of sexual situations but nothing on the page. For readers ages 14 to adult.
Aarene Storms
Teen Services Librarian
King County Library System
astorms@kcls.org
Bastyr Center for Natural Health offers Wellness Coaching as a free service
Throughout the last six months, many people have been dealing with increased stress, attempting to practice self-care, and struggling to maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, and/or work colleagues.
As the U.S. continues to navigate the uncharted waters, financial worries hampering the ability for people to seek help is still prevalent and organizations are stepping up to help.
Bastyr University, the leading naturopathic university in the U.S., is offering free services to local communities to help residents deal with the current situation as well as the future.
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| Bastyr Clinic offers free wellness coaching |
The Bastyr Center for Natural Health is offering Wellness Coaching as a free service. While a $5-20 donation to the university is requested, no one will be turned away during this time.
Their wellness coaches support people in achieving specific goals in their personal wellness. Coaching goals may include:
- Dealing with stress related to COVID-19 changes
- Enhancing mindfulness practices
- Creating healthy self-care practices while staying home
- Improving relationships and social connection.
The clinic is ideally suited to provide short-term wellness coaching via online video meetings. Sessions are 45-minutes long, and typically meet once each week for no more than 10 weeks. Student coaches are supervised by a licensed mental health clinician who oversees the sessions. Supervisors may refer for counseling services if appropriate.
For those interested, forms to be filled out can be found here
Non-filers: Expect a letter about your stimulus check
If you don’t usually file a tax return, or didn’t file a return for 2018 or 2019, you might not know you could qualify for an economic impact payment.
You might be one of the nine million people getting a letter from the IRS letting you know how to register on their website to claim your payment by October 15, 2020.
If you get this letter from the IRS, it’s legit. Go only to the IRS’s real website at IRS.gov/EIP, or call them directly at 800-919-9835 to register to claim your payment.
Why? Because the IRS will not text, email, or call you about your economic impact payment. And they’ll never ask you to pay a fee to get your money.
Visit the IRS’s website to find out more about stimulus payments. And be sure to tell the FTC if someone pretending to be from the government contacts you.
Read more...
If you get this letter from the IRS, it’s legit. Go only to the IRS’s real website at IRS.gov/EIP, or call them directly at 800-919-9835 to register to claim your payment.
You only have until October 15.
But if someone claiming to be from the IRS calls, emails, or texts about helping you get your stimulus payment, that person is running a government imposter scam on you. Hang up, and don’t respond to or click on any links in texts or emails.
Why? Because the IRS will not text, email, or call you about your economic impact payment. And they’ll never ask you to pay a fee to get your money.
Visit the IRS’s website to find out more about stimulus payments. And be sure to tell the FTC if someone pretending to be from the government contacts you.
New Shoreline Community College Online Class - Digital SLR Photography for Beginners
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| Digital SLR photography for beginners at Shoreline Community College |
You'll explore what the different settings on your DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or mirrorless camera can do and how to get creative by making purposeful choices.
The course will cover basic topics such as: shooting modes, exposure, lighting and composition, depth of field, aperture, shutter speed, flash, and more.
Each week, you will practice the techniques taught in class and observe and critique work from fellow classmates. Point and shoot with confidence while learning in a fun and supportive environment!
Prerequisites: Students must have a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or mirrorless camera with both automatic and manual controls, and the ability to remove and switch out lenses. (Only one lens is needed, but it must be removable.) Students will also need the ability to transfer images to a device - either by using a cable connection or a memory card reader - to share their work.
Fee: $139
Dates: September 29th - November 3rd (Tuesdays)
Time: 6:30 - 8pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Click here to view the full details for this course and register today! Questions? Please email continuing-ed@shoreline.edu
Prerequisites: Students must have a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or mirrorless camera with both automatic and manual controls, and the ability to remove and switch out lenses. (Only one lens is needed, but it must be removable.) Students will also need the ability to transfer images to a device - either by using a cable connection or a memory card reader - to share their work.
Fee: $139
Dates: September 29th - November 3rd (Tuesdays)
Time: 6:30 - 8pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Click here to view the full details for this course and register today! Questions? Please email continuing-ed@shoreline.edu
Notes from Shoreline council meeting Sept 21, 2020
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| Pam Cross, reporter |
Notes by Pam Cross
The meeting was held remotely using the Zoom platform.
Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
All Councilmembers were present.
Proclamation
Mayor Hall, on behalf of the City Council, recognized that September 12-19, 2020 was Welcoming Week in the City of Shoreline.
It is noteworthy that one in five people who live in Shoreline were not born in this country, and nearly half of the students in the Shoreline School District are youth of color.
The spirit of Welcoming Week supports the City’s goal to be an inviting, equitable, and safe community for all.
Report of the City Manager’s Office, Debbie Tarry
COVID-19 Update
Please continue to take prevention measures seriously.
Face coverings are required in all indoor public places, and outdoors when you may be unable to maintain six feet of distance from others. Businesses are required to enforce the use of face coverings for all customers and visitors. Masks are also required in common spaces like elevators and public hallways, even when you are alone in those spaces. The safest thing you can do is to stay home if at all possible.
Practice physical distancing of six feet or more, minimize contact with those outside of your home, wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and avoid large gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces.
Get tested at the first sign of illness.
Help name a park!
Shoreline is getting two new parks:
Remote Learning Camps
Registration is still open for full-day camp opportunities for kids and teens that support Shoreline Schools District’s remote learning. Free for qualifying families. The camps started Sept 14, but there is still room available. More information is available at shorelinewa.gov/registernow
Climate Change Champions Series
This free series is taking place on Tuesdays over 7 weeks. You can attend any or all parts. The City of Shoreline is partnering with Washington State University to offer this educational and action series. Most seminars will have two speakers and last up to two hours with opportunity for online discussion.
For more information: shorelinewa.gov/climate
Free Fall Gardening Seminar: Fall Prep for a Luscious Lawn
Shoreline is partnering with local gardening experts to help you learn to revive and restore your lawn this fall. The first one is this Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30pm featuring Ladd Smith who will cover key lawn care practices to help you grow a healthy lawn naturally. You need to RSVP at shorelinewa.gov/calendar and more information is available there as well.
Public Reminders
The PRCS/Tree Board will meet Thursday September 24, 2020 at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place remotely. On the agenda is strategic priorities - cultural services and public art, and a discussion of a proposal for a park improvement bond. For information on how to participate, go to shorelinewa.gov/calendar
Council Reports
none
Public Comment
Due to the number of speakers, time was limited to 2 minutes each. Complete comments can be listened to in the video of the meeting available on the Shoreline website. Written comments are also available.
The following speakers were opposed to location of the planned Enhanced Shelter (previously referred to as the Navigation Center) at 163rd and Aurora:
Vinay Venkatesh, Shoreline
Ed Jirsa, Shoreline
Joanne Godmintz, Shoreline
Barbara Twadell, Shoreline
Margaret Willson, Shoreline
Larry Pfeil, Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline
Guruprasad TG, Shoreline
Chris Chalcraft, Shoreline
Nancy Pfeil, Shoreline
Speakers in support of the Enhanced Shelter:
Jason Metcalf-Lindenburger, LFP
Stephanie Henry, Shoreline
Pastor Kelly Dahlman-Oeth, Kirkland. Pastor of Ronald Methodist Church in Shoreline
Rebecca Jones, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees, spoke in support of keeping Shoreline’s landmark trees near the pending WSDOT office project
Approval of the Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.
The Consent Calendar adopted unanimously by roll call vote.
ACTION ITEMS
ACTION ITEM 8(a) QUASI-JUDICIAL: Approving Preliminary Formal Unit Lot Subdivision No. PLN19-0133, Dividing Three Existing Parcels into Nineteen Unit Lots at 18002, 18008 and 18016 12th Avenue NE
Law requires any written or oral ex parte communications be disclosed before councilmembers can participate in a quasi judicial procedure. Councilmembers confirmed they had nothing to disclose. A quasi-judicial body is a non-judicial body which can interpret law.
Cate Lee, Associate Planner, gave the staff report
Blue Fern Townhomes is a Formal Subdivision because 10 or more lots are proposed for creation. A Preliminary Formal Subdivision is a Type C action for which the Hearing Examiner holds an open record public hearing and makes a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council is the final decision-maker and can accept, deny, or modify the Hearing Examiner’s recommendation. The public hearing was held on July 29, 2020 by the Hearing Examiner. Therefore, no further public comment can heard.
The lot is zoned Mixed-Use Residential 35’ (MU-35) and is located in Station Area 3 in North City.
DISCUSSION
Motion and second to approve the subdivision.
This is what Council decided two years ago, believing it will be a great addition to North City. Street and sidewalk improvements will be at a corner that will be a major connection between the new transit station and the North City business district. We want the hundreds of people walking past there to go to the restaurants, the bars and the shops.
Single family homes in Shoreline are priced too high for many first time buyers. This development will provide a more affordable alternative to a single family home.
Item passes unanimously.
ACTION ITEM 8(b) Adoption of Ordinance No. 896 - Amending Certain Sections of Shoreline Municipal Code Title 20 to Permit Professional Offices in the R-8 and R-12 Zoning Districts.
This was last discussed at the August 3, 2020 Council meeting.
Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner, gave the staff presentation.
On December 9, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 881 which adopted two Comprehensive Plan Amendments. The amendment in question, amendment #3, added “professional offices” to Land Use Element Policy LU2.
The purpose of amendment #3 is to allow professional offices through the use of a conditional use permit, to clarify the definition of professional office, and to add indexed criteria to address impacts to adjacent residential use.
The Amendatory Motions proposed by Council:
Remove indexed criteria #1, in order to allow more professional offices throughout the City by removing the requirements that they be located on an arterial and next to a commercial zone.
Remove indexed Criteria #5, making the number of vehicles allowed consistent with home offices. Staff asks: if amended, should commercial vehicle parking be in addition to required parking for the professional office? If commercial vehicles utilize the required parking spaces, employees may be forced to park on the street, which is what we want to avoid.
Remove indexed Criteria #9, sign regulation should not be more restrictive than for a home office. This would allow internally lit signs.
DISCUSSION
Motion and second to approve Ordinance 896.
Motion and second to remove criteria #1 (not require arterial or adjacent commercial).
As more people work from home, having more places for professional offices makes a lot of sense. Removing Criteria #1 would allow professional offices on 145th. 145th is not a Shoreline “arterial” because it’s on the border. But it is a state highway and actually is one.
The original amendment would allow 92 properties to add a professional office. This change will allow them on 303 properties. Professional offices do bring more traffic and more lighting, creating an increase in activity. So having them near areas that are already busy seemed fine. Without this limitation, you have an office here or there throughout the City.
This would benefit the neighborhood as long as professional office owners are good neighbors. But we can’t know who that will be. Maybe we should start small and expand later, rather than starting big and having to cut back. We should revisit at a later date and consider expanding then.
303 parcels out of 20,000 is still small and this could be an opportunity to correct what turns out to have been a mistake in 20th century urban planning. Our cities were designed when people went to factories to work and then returned home. Current worksites are not like that. We are a service economy, not a manufacturing one, and many people can work from their home. A CPA, for example, can easily work out their home. If the CPA is successful, they may want to hire one or two others and suddenly they can no longer work out of their home office. Without the option of a professional office, they will be forced to find office space.
It’s better for the environment living closer to where you work and it also will result in supporting local restaurants at lunchtime.
Vote to remove Criteria #1. Passes 4-3.
Councilmembers Chang and McConnell and Deputy Mayor Scully opposing.
Motion and second to remove criteria #9 (allow internally lit signs).
Sign standards are in sections 20.50.530 through 20.50.610 of the Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC). Table 20.50.540G details information such as allowable sign area and dimensions by zone. The Code sections relating to signs can be found online at: www.codepublishing.com/wa/shoreline/
Professional offices should not be treated differently than home offices.
Internally lit signs look too commercial. Actually we should prohibit for home offices from having them as well. We have to think about how we’d feel if it was across the street from our house. We haven’t had any complaints about internally lit signs from home offices, however with 303 potential locations, we may have complaints arise. Nighttime businesses need the lights. Daytime businesses don’t have the same need since they’re basically 9-5. A lot of signs will certainly degrade the appearance of the neighborhood.
Vote to remove Criteria #9 (allowing internally lit signs). Fails 5-2.
Councilmember Roberts and Deputy Mayor Scully supporting.
Questions about indexed Criteria #5 (number of vehicles)
Does “storage of vehicles” mean overnight?
Reply: any parking either day or night. It’s not a defined term. The intent is “day or night”.
Is “a vehicle” limiting to one? Shouldn’t it be the same as home office occupation? And why is it limited to fewer than a home residential site that can have six in addition to those in a garage or carport?
Reply: It’s just that the use is presumed different. Impact-wise you have to think commercial vehicles would be coming in and out more often.
Where did 14,000 lbs, height of 9’ and 22’ length come from?
Reply: it’s about the size of a class 3 box truck. It’s listed in our home office occupation code.
Is a van with a logo a commercial vehicle?
Reply: no
So just one vehicle of this size can be stored on the location?
Reply: limited to two in the home office occupation code.
Move and second to modify Criteria #5 since the home office occupation allows for storage of 2 vehicles.
We tend to think of a home business as referring to a single office. But home office occupation could include an entire floor of a home and possibly another person. They shouldn’t be penalized for changing to a professional office.
Report of the City Manager’s Office, Debbie Tarry
COVID-19 Update
Please continue to take prevention measures seriously.
Face coverings are required in all indoor public places, and outdoors when you may be unable to maintain six feet of distance from others. Businesses are required to enforce the use of face coverings for all customers and visitors. Masks are also required in common spaces like elevators and public hallways, even when you are alone in those spaces. The safest thing you can do is to stay home if at all possible.
Practice physical distancing of six feet or more, minimize contact with those outside of your home, wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and avoid large gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces.
Get tested at the first sign of illness.
Help name a park!
Shoreline is getting two new parks:
- 709 N 150th St in the Westminster Triangle Neighborhood
- 1341 N 185th St in the Meridian Park Neighborhood
Remote Learning Camps
Registration is still open for full-day camp opportunities for kids and teens that support Shoreline Schools District’s remote learning. Free for qualifying families. The camps started Sept 14, but there is still room available. More information is available at shorelinewa.gov/registernow
Climate Change Champions Series
This free series is taking place on Tuesdays over 7 weeks. You can attend any or all parts. The City of Shoreline is partnering with Washington State University to offer this educational and action series. Most seminars will have two speakers and last up to two hours with opportunity for online discussion.
For more information: shorelinewa.gov/climate
Free Fall Gardening Seminar: Fall Prep for a Luscious Lawn
Shoreline is partnering with local gardening experts to help you learn to revive and restore your lawn this fall. The first one is this Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30pm featuring Ladd Smith who will cover key lawn care practices to help you grow a healthy lawn naturally. You need to RSVP at shorelinewa.gov/calendar and more information is available there as well.
Public Reminders
The PRCS/Tree Board will meet Thursday September 24, 2020 at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place remotely. On the agenda is strategic priorities - cultural services and public art, and a discussion of a proposal for a park improvement bond. For information on how to participate, go to shorelinewa.gov/calendar
Council Reports
none
Public Comment
Due to the number of speakers, time was limited to 2 minutes each. Complete comments can be listened to in the video of the meeting available on the Shoreline website. Written comments are also available.
The following speakers were opposed to location of the planned Enhanced Shelter (previously referred to as the Navigation Center) at 163rd and Aurora:
Vinay Venkatesh, Shoreline
Ed Jirsa, Shoreline
Joanne Godmintz, Shoreline
Barbara Twadell, Shoreline
Margaret Willson, Shoreline
Larry Pfeil, Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline
Guruprasad TG, Shoreline
Chris Chalcraft, Shoreline
Nancy Pfeil, Shoreline
Speakers in support of the Enhanced Shelter:
Jason Metcalf-Lindenburger, LFP
Stephanie Henry, Shoreline
Pastor Kelly Dahlman-Oeth, Kirkland. Pastor of Ronald Methodist Church in Shoreline
Rebecca Jones, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees, spoke in support of keeping Shoreline’s landmark trees near the pending WSDOT office project
Approval of the Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.
The Consent Calendar adopted unanimously by roll call vote.
ACTION ITEMS
ACTION ITEM 8(a) QUASI-JUDICIAL: Approving Preliminary Formal Unit Lot Subdivision No. PLN19-0133, Dividing Three Existing Parcels into Nineteen Unit Lots at 18002, 18008 and 18016 12th Avenue NE
Law requires any written or oral ex parte communications be disclosed before councilmembers can participate in a quasi judicial procedure. Councilmembers confirmed they had nothing to disclose. A quasi-judicial body is a non-judicial body which can interpret law.
Cate Lee, Associate Planner, gave the staff report
Blue Fern Townhomes is a Formal Subdivision because 10 or more lots are proposed for creation. A Preliminary Formal Subdivision is a Type C action for which the Hearing Examiner holds an open record public hearing and makes a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council is the final decision-maker and can accept, deny, or modify the Hearing Examiner’s recommendation. The public hearing was held on July 29, 2020 by the Hearing Examiner. Therefore, no further public comment can heard.
The lot is zoned Mixed-Use Residential 35’ (MU-35) and is located in Station Area 3 in North City.
DISCUSSION
Motion and second to approve the subdivision.
This is what Council decided two years ago, believing it will be a great addition to North City. Street and sidewalk improvements will be at a corner that will be a major connection between the new transit station and the North City business district. We want the hundreds of people walking past there to go to the restaurants, the bars and the shops.
Single family homes in Shoreline are priced too high for many first time buyers. This development will provide a more affordable alternative to a single family home.
Item passes unanimously.
ACTION ITEM 8(b) Adoption of Ordinance No. 896 - Amending Certain Sections of Shoreline Municipal Code Title 20 to Permit Professional Offices in the R-8 and R-12 Zoning Districts.
This was last discussed at the August 3, 2020 Council meeting.
Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner, gave the staff presentation.
On December 9, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 881 which adopted two Comprehensive Plan Amendments. The amendment in question, amendment #3, added “professional offices” to Land Use Element Policy LU2.
The purpose of amendment #3 is to allow professional offices through the use of a conditional use permit, to clarify the definition of professional office, and to add indexed criteria to address impacts to adjacent residential use.
The Amendatory Motions proposed by Council:
Remove indexed criteria #1, in order to allow more professional offices throughout the City by removing the requirements that they be located on an arterial and next to a commercial zone.
Remove indexed Criteria #5, making the number of vehicles allowed consistent with home offices. Staff asks: if amended, should commercial vehicle parking be in addition to required parking for the professional office? If commercial vehicles utilize the required parking spaces, employees may be forced to park on the street, which is what we want to avoid.
Remove indexed Criteria #9, sign regulation should not be more restrictive than for a home office. This would allow internally lit signs.
DISCUSSION
Motion and second to approve Ordinance 896.
Motion and second to remove criteria #1 (not require arterial or adjacent commercial).
As more people work from home, having more places for professional offices makes a lot of sense. Removing Criteria #1 would allow professional offices on 145th. 145th is not a Shoreline “arterial” because it’s on the border. But it is a state highway and actually is one.
The original amendment would allow 92 properties to add a professional office. This change will allow them on 303 properties. Professional offices do bring more traffic and more lighting, creating an increase in activity. So having them near areas that are already busy seemed fine. Without this limitation, you have an office here or there throughout the City.
This would benefit the neighborhood as long as professional office owners are good neighbors. But we can’t know who that will be. Maybe we should start small and expand later, rather than starting big and having to cut back. We should revisit at a later date and consider expanding then.
303 parcels out of 20,000 is still small and this could be an opportunity to correct what turns out to have been a mistake in 20th century urban planning. Our cities were designed when people went to factories to work and then returned home. Current worksites are not like that. We are a service economy, not a manufacturing one, and many people can work from their home. A CPA, for example, can easily work out their home. If the CPA is successful, they may want to hire one or two others and suddenly they can no longer work out of their home office. Without the option of a professional office, they will be forced to find office space.
It’s better for the environment living closer to where you work and it also will result in supporting local restaurants at lunchtime.
Vote to remove Criteria #1. Passes 4-3.
Councilmembers Chang and McConnell and Deputy Mayor Scully opposing.
Motion and second to remove criteria #9 (allow internally lit signs).
Sign standards are in sections 20.50.530 through 20.50.610 of the Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC). Table 20.50.540G details information such as allowable sign area and dimensions by zone. The Code sections relating to signs can be found online at: www.codepublishing.com/wa/shoreline/
Professional offices should not be treated differently than home offices.
Internally lit signs look too commercial. Actually we should prohibit for home offices from having them as well. We have to think about how we’d feel if it was across the street from our house. We haven’t had any complaints about internally lit signs from home offices, however with 303 potential locations, we may have complaints arise. Nighttime businesses need the lights. Daytime businesses don’t have the same need since they’re basically 9-5. A lot of signs will certainly degrade the appearance of the neighborhood.
Vote to remove Criteria #9 (allowing internally lit signs). Fails 5-2.
Councilmember Roberts and Deputy Mayor Scully supporting.
Questions about indexed Criteria #5 (number of vehicles)
Does “storage of vehicles” mean overnight?
Reply: any parking either day or night. It’s not a defined term. The intent is “day or night”.
Is “a vehicle” limiting to one? Shouldn’t it be the same as home office occupation? And why is it limited to fewer than a home residential site that can have six in addition to those in a garage or carport?
Reply: It’s just that the use is presumed different. Impact-wise you have to think commercial vehicles would be coming in and out more often.
Where did 14,000 lbs, height of 9’ and 22’ length come from?
Reply: it’s about the size of a class 3 box truck. It’s listed in our home office occupation code.
Is a van with a logo a commercial vehicle?
Reply: no
So just one vehicle of this size can be stored on the location?
Reply: limited to two in the home office occupation code.
Move and second to modify Criteria #5 since the home office occupation allows for storage of 2 vehicles.
We tend to think of a home business as referring to a single office. But home office occupation could include an entire floor of a home and possibly another person. They shouldn’t be penalized for changing to a professional office.
This amendment just limits it to one vehicle. Now we have a motion to change to two.
So the rest of the questions aren’t really up for discussion. We can always clean up definitions later. And the Planning Commissioner can interpret in the interim.
Vote on changing from one to two commercial vehicles.
Passes: 6-1. Deputy Mayor Scully opposing.
Vote on Ordinance No. 896, as amended.
Passes unanimously 7-0
STUDY ITEM 9(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 901 – Amending Certain Sections of the Shoreline Development Code to Provide for Commercial Space on the Ground Floor of Multifamily Buildings
Presentation by Steve Szafran, Senior Planner andCate Lee, Associate Planner
An online survey was conducted April 17 to May 17, 2020 to better understand community preferences and priorities regarding ground-floor commercial requirements. The Planning Commission held two study sessions on this topic on June 18 and August 6, 2020, and there was a Public Hearing on September 3, 2020.
The Comprehensive Plan already includes support for ground floor commercial. 21 jurisdictions around the region have some form of code requirements for ground floor commercial and most include incentives to promote ground floor commercial pedestrian-oriented retail.
Our online survey showed the most favored uses for ground floor commercial are: restaurant, coffee shop, bakeries, brewpubs, and services such as salons. Least favored: adult facilities, marijuana operations, and tobacco/vape stores. Pawn shops and check cashing were added.
As incentives for restaurants, we have offered a height bonus and a hardscape increase.
Minimum ceiling height and minimum depth are necessary for restaurants.
The Planning Commission recommendation included Ordinance 901 as well as recommending a vacant commercial space registry, future code amendments to encourage commercial development of spaces in existing buildings, grant program for the owners of restaurants to incentivize new development, and activate rooftops for commercial use.
Potential adoption is scheduled for October 19, 2020.
DISCUSSION
Could the restaurant space be used for an arcade or dining hall layout? Could this space be broken down for multiple restaurants?
Reply: This is just the minimum size of the shell before bathrooms or anything. It can be configured any way they want and the builder can always use more space.
Vacant commercial registry is a necessary and good idea to let us know what vacant spaces exist here and think how can they be used. It allows the city to take a more proactive approach to filling spaces. People looking for space could go to the website and see what’s available. It would be interesting to have some feedback on this issue. It’s not part of these regulations but a good topic for additional discussions.
In order to fill these spaces, especially for start-ups, the rent has to be low. It will take a while for businesses to build up in this area. A building owner who can rent out housing at market rate is not going to let retail space remain vacant. That means that the cost of the residential space is going to be slightly higher but right now the market will bear that.
We are granting “incentives” because they are in a particular zone. Everyone gets the 8’ height bonus just by being in the zone. If everyone gets it, it’s not an incentive. But if they put in a restaurant ready first floor that includes ADA compliant bathrooms (common facilities are acceptable); A central plumbing drain line; A grease interceptor; and A ventilation shaft for a commercial kitchen hood/exhaust, then they get an 18’ bonus. Correct?
Reply: Typical ground floor commercial requires 10’ height. Restaurants require 18’. Multifamily new construction in the particular zone gets the 8’ height bonus so they are not penalized for building something we now require.
And all buildings currently require a first floor with a commercial height requirement of 12’.
Reply: Right
So it sounds like we’re creating a new zone and calling these things incentives when they are actually required.
When we say certain commercial business are not allowed because they’re not “family friendly,” some of these business are already in commercial buildings. We have to be careful saying no to some of these businesses, eg., pawnshop. Would it be allowed in a commercial building right next door?
Reply: Yes
What if new construction has two bottom floors of commercial, with residential above. Could a pawn shop go on the second floor?
Reply: Yes
We don’t want empty first floors.We don’t want adult venue stores, but they but could be in commercial building right next door. Shoreline Place is concerned about filling their retail space — especially since COVID-19 has caused some of this to fall through. Maybe we don’t want to limit who they can rent to. They may be unable to rent the space. Some of the existing space is vacant now.
The best way to address restricted occupancies is by zoning. There are already zoning limitations for some types of business, such as marijuana retails stores. So this needs to be addressed, but we were trying to get around the delay of the Comprehensive Plan so too much time didn’t go by before we added commercial first floor requirements. As more applications are received and permits are granted, the less time we have to get these new changes incorporated. Maybe should think of this as pilot project.
Reducing required parking as incentive. Did staff consider this?
Reply: since the commercial occupants are unknown, staff set a standard parking ratio for commercial spaces. It’s one parking space for every 400 sf which is much lower than required if they eventually put in a restaurant, which is one space for every 75 sf. So using this standard ratio is actually providing an incentive for a restaurant.
This is scheduled to be brought back for adoption on October 19th. Councilmembers are asked to present any additional amendments or any other questions for staff to them to staff within the next week
STUDY ITEM 9(b) Discussing the 2020 Resident Satisfaction Survey Results
The results will be publicized on the City’s website and through its monthly newsletter, Currents.
Presentation by Eric Bratton, Communications Program Manager, and Chris Tatham, CEO of ETC Institute.
There were 50 slides with the presentation. It can be found as an attachment to the staff report for this discussion item on shorelinewa.gov
This is the 10th survey of Shoreline. The goal was to receive 800 surveys but we actually received 946. The main point is Shoreline results have stayed steady, unlike the rest of the country. In spite of the challenges caused by the pandemic, residents continue to have very positive perceptions of the City and city leaders. Satisfaction with City services is higher in Shoreline than most other U.S. cities, rating above the average in 26 of the 37 areas that were assessed. Satisfaction with the overall quality of City services rated 16% above the U.S. average.
Details of these major findings can be viewed in the actual report:
#1 Residents have a positive perception of the City
#2 Dissatisfaction with city services has not increased during the pandemic.
#3 Satisfaction with city services is much higher in Shoreline than in other cities
#4 Priorities for improvement: the City’s response to homelessness; the quality of human services; the quality of police services. (We didn’t even ask about homelessness in 2018.)
#5 Streets, sidewalks and housing
#6 Effects of COVID-19 (survey was done in June)
DISCUSSION
Homelessness - Do we want the City to do more? Or do we want the City to do less?
Reply: Unfortunately, we can’t really get that type of information. We tried using a follow-up with another similar city, only to find out the answer came back 50% wanted more and 50% wanted less from their city.
Police services - survey predated the problems that have occurred in Shoreline. So are we seeing nationwide focus rather than Shoreline specific?
Reply: Shoreline hasn’t changed. Most people were satisfied. There’s media input to consider as well. The City needs to communicate what it is doing to keep residents safe.
There are a lot of neutral responses. Thank you for pointing out that neutral can mean the respondent is unsure. It’s important to focus on the red (dissatisfied). It’s not a bad thing to have a lot of neutral answers.
This survey was finished before any discussion of Shoreline’s enhanced shelter. Not a single opponent of the Enhanced Shelter has said that homelessness is not an issue in Shoreline. They recognize that there are problems here that need to be addressed. The dissatisfaction is with the location. When first discussed, we talked about working with a lot of North King County cities (Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, and LFP) because it is a site to serve all of them. The survey, if taken now, might have very different responses regarding City communication and satisfaction.
Meeting adjourned
Night of Wonder Saturday to benefit Wonderland
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Tune in for a special livestream event featuring Seattle Seahawks Legend Curt Warner, and help us raise funds for Wonderland!
In this time of COVID-19, we are seeing a 50% drop in new referrals as many children and families are falling through the cracks. You can help close the gap and also ensure that all families have access to services regardless of their ability to pay.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind livestream event! Former Seahawk Curt Warner will share his remarkable journey from football stardom to the challenges of raising children with disabilities. You can participate in this unique event via a live chat during the Q&A session hosted by Q13 News anchor Matt Lorch.
Put on your finest dress (or sweatpants if that’s your preferred style these days) and join us live for Night of Wonder September 26th! This event will also include live auction, so if you love bidding, register now and be ready to outbid the competition Saturday night!
You can attend this event from anywhere, so spread the word to your family and friends and invite them to support Wonderland!
Read more...
Case updates; Resources to manage mental/emotional health
Public Health – Seattle and King County has shared some resources on managing mental/emotional health during the pandemic (and beyond).
- Crisis Connections provides many resources and support for anxiety, loneliness, recovery, and more. Language interpretation in more than 155 languages is available. Call 866-427-4747 or text HOME to 741741 for support.
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline provides trained counselors and support for stress, anxiety and more. Support available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUS to 66746. Spanish-speakers can call the hotline and press "2" for bilingual support. Interpreters are available for 100 other languages.
- The Boys Town National Hotline is a free resource and counseling service that assists youth and parents 24/7, year round, nationwide. Spanish-speaking counselors and translation services for more than 100 languages also are available 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-448-3000, text VOICE to 20121, or email hotline@boystown.org to connect.
- King County's Department of Community and Human Services provides publicly funded mental health and substance use services to low-income people in need.
- Additional resources and mental health resources can be found on Washington State Coronavirus resources website.
Case updates September 22, 2020
United States
- cases 6,874,982 - 49,285 cases since yesterday
- deaths 200,275 - 813 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - *no death reports on weekends / holidays
- cases 82,548 - 1154 since last report
- hospitalizations 7,349 - 87 since last report
- deaths* 2,081 - 44 since yesterday
King county
- cases 21,677 - 113 since last report
- hospitalizations 2,346 - 11 since last report
- deaths 758 - 5 since last report
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
- cases 591 - 1 new
- hospitalizations 104 - 1 new
- deaths 62 - 0 new in previous 24 hours
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 65 - -1
- hospitalizations 3 - 0 new
- deaths 1 - 0 new
Councilmember Dembowski: Make sure your voter registration is up to date
Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day. Take a few minutes to make sure your voter registration is up to date or register to vote if you have not already. If you have moved recently, you will likely need to update your registration.
You have until October 26, 2020 to register online or by mail, in time to vote in the November 3, 2020 presidential election. To give yourself and our Elections team plenty of time to get you your ballot, I encourage you to check your registration or register to vote today.
If registering online is a challenge or you miss the deadline, Washington state allows voters to register in person at an election vote center until 8:00pm on Election Day.
We are fortunate that here in King County, we have had an accessible, safe, and secure vote by mail system in place for years. King County Elections is prepared and well positioned to conduct the November 3 election, where voter turnout is forecasted to be record-breaking.
As voters, it’s important we understand the role we play to help ensure a smooth and accurate election. Here are some voting tips from King County Elections Director Julie Wise:
As Director Wise advises, please vote early! I am a big fan of placing my ballot in a ballot drop box. In fact, in 2016 I partnered with Director Wise to expand access to ballot drop off locations, while ensuring geographic equity and convenience for voters. We now have over 70 ballot drop boxes in King County. About half of all ballots were returned to our drop boxes in the August 2020 primary election.
You can find a list of drop box locations here.
We are fortunate that here in King County, we have had an accessible, safe, and secure vote by mail system in place for years. King County Elections is prepared and well positioned to conduct the November 3 election, where voter turnout is forecasted to be record-breaking.
As voters, it’s important we understand the role we play to help ensure a smooth and accurate election. Here are some voting tips from King County Elections Director Julie Wise:
- One of the most important things voters can do is make a plan to vote. Take two minutes now to make sure your registration is up-to-date. Set an alarm for October 19 – this is when you should have received your ballot. If you haven’t go online or give us a call at (206) 296-VOTE to get a replacement.
- You can track your ballot to make sure that your vote was counted. Use the My Voter Information tool on the King County Elections website. If there is an issue with your signature, you’ll be able to see it and correct it to ensure your vote is counted.
- Vote early! This is what’s going to help us stay ahead of any USPS issues and post as many results as possible on Election Night.
As Director Wise advises, please vote early! I am a big fan of placing my ballot in a ballot drop box. In fact, in 2016 I partnered with Director Wise to expand access to ballot drop off locations, while ensuring geographic equity and convenience for voters. We now have over 70 ballot drop boxes in King County. About half of all ballots were returned to our drop boxes in the August 2020 primary election.
You can find a list of drop box locations here.
Local drop boxes at Lake Forest Park City Hall, Shoreline Library (in back), and in the rain garden corner of the 192nd Park n Ride on Aurora.
Jobs: WSDOT Property and Acquisition Specialist (In-Training)
Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is looking to hire a dedicated Real Estate professional to join the successful Property Acquisition and Relocation team at our Northwest Region Headquarters in Shoreline.
As the Property and Acquisition Specialist (PAS), this position will assist in negotiating acquisitions needed for highway construction from commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial parcels, supporting our federally mandated Fish Passage program.
This position will act as the lead agency representative to property owners and the public, coordinating the flow of information and activities between owners and staff from other disciplines for each assignment. Property acquisition and relocation of displacees are among the final activities to be completed before a project can be advertised, therefore delays can significantly impact the project schedule.
As the agency's public representative, this role will support the WSDOT mission by developing relationships and providing timely information to stakeholders. We are looking for someone who has an extensive background in real estate with an emphasis in eminent domain acquisition.
See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK
See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK
Exotic flowers: Love Lies Bleeding
Amaranthus caudatus, also known as love-lies-bleeding. Thought to be from the American tropics.
Flowers grown by Diane Cerretti. Photos and occasional watering by Doug Cerretti.
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Brief power outages Wednesday during wind event
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| Seattle City Light has information on how to prepare for extended power outages here |
Around 8pm people in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park were starting to comment on flickering lights. When your lights flicker, it usually means that someone has lost power downstream from you, so I checked the outage map.
The wind gusted to around 30mph and it was enough for a tree to take out power for almost 200 people in Lake Forest Park.
An equipment failure in Shoreline left a dozen without power near the 4-Corners business district on Richmond Beach Road.
The power was restored by 1am. Only a few north Seattle locations are out at 2am but it's still windy.
Read more...
Orb weaver web necklaces
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
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| Photo by Colleen Weum |
I am so puzzled by the orb weavers this year. I received several photos like this recently. I have never seen an orb weaver create a necklace like this. Obviously there is web in the center because that's where the spider is sitting.
Maybe the webs have always looked like this - but what makes the outer area so distinct?
I really like orb weavers. They guard my front door every year and keep most of the little flying things out of my house. There are sometimes a couple of them and we often have to have discussions about where they can build and where they can anchor their webs.
[Yes, I talk to spiders. I also talk to inanimate objects. Get over it.]
This year there is a large one who anchored her web on the hand rail. I broke that strand and she wisely moved up and away but still near the door and the porch light. Yesterday, I realized that she was sharing or overlapping her web with a smaller orb weaver. And today there were three of them, working peacefully with small webs side by side.
I haven't seen a flying creature in a week.
I have to find the Spider Man and have him tell me what's happening.
--Diane
Read more...
Case updates September 21, 2020
Case updates September 21, 2020
United States
- cases 6,825,697 - 39,345 cases since yesterday
- deaths 199,462 - 438 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - *no death reports on weekends / holidays
- cases 83,193 - 645 since last reports
- hospitalizations 7,314 - 52 since last reports
- deaths* 2,070 - 33 since last reports
Sorry - can't reach King county websites
Lake Forest Park police report; 55th Ave NE; map of police activity year to date
From the City Administrator
We have heard reports from citizens and the businesses that there is an increase in suspicious persons, vehicles, and activity.
On September 8, 2020 alone, there were several reported incidents, to include numerous vehicle prowls, mail theft, and a residential burglary.
In the residential burglary (which occurred in the 19200 blk of 53rd Ct NE), the suspect entered a vehicle and used a stolen garage door opener to access the house. Another incident in the 5400 blk of NE 197th Pl reported a similar MO, though the homeowner is unsure if entry was made to the house.
These reported incidents occurred overnight.
Police Activity From January 1, 2020 to September 16, 2020
It has been a busy (and different) year. We created a "heat map" of this time period to show the locations where officers had calls for service. Generally, the city is covered fairly evenly in calls for service, although the darker areas show increased calls.
The calls for service include all responses, including officer-initiated activity. Activity varies from traffic complaints, traffic stops, citizen contacts, to criminal activity.
LFP City Council meeting Thursday
The agenda for the Lake Forest Park City Council meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020, 7pm is now available on the City's website.
City Hall is currently closed and this meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom. See page 2 of the agenda for instructions on how to participate.
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The council will hear a presentation on the Town Center - Burke Gilman trail connector.
Agenda item:
Resolution 1780/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Amendment No. 1to the Professional Services Agreement with V+M Structural Design Extending the Contracted Time to Complete Phase 1: Type, Size and Location Study for the Town Center to Burke-Gilman Trail ConnectorProject
Agenda for Shoreline council meeting Sept 28, 2020
By Pam Cross
8(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 894 - Granting a Non-Exclusive Franchise to Comcast to Construct, Maintain, Operate, Replace, and Repair a Cable System Over, Along, Under, and Through Designated Public Rights-of-way in the City of Shoreline.
Shoreline is currently served by two “land line” cable television providers, Comcast Cable and Ziply (formerly Frontier Cable). While Ziply only serves the northwestern portion of Shoreline, Comcast’s Service Area encompasses the entire City.
8(b) Discussion of Resolution No. 463 - Amending the Employee Handbook.
The numerous housekeeping, clarifications, and revisions can be viewed online at shorelinewa.gov
Information here about how to view the meeting and submit comments.
Drive-in movie in Lake Forest Park will support relief efforts in Beirut
Carpool Cinema for Beirut Explosion - The Princess Bride
Friday, September 25, 2020
6:00pm – 9:30pm PDT
Town Center at Lake Forest Park
17171 Bothell Way NE
Teja Raichur and Laila Rabaa, juniors at Shorecrest, have scheduled a drive-in screening of the popular movie The Princess Bride.
They are currently working with a non-profit organization called Preemptive Love. Preemptive Love works in various parts of the Middle East to provide food, shelter, education, medicare, and other emergency needs, particularly in places significantly affected by war.
With the help of generous sponsors and several individuals in our community, we are able to cover the costs of this event and donate all funds raised from the movie tickets directly to Preemptive Love to feed families in Beirut.
Your ticket secures your car a spot at the movie. The screening will begin around 7:15pm and you may come as early as 6:00pm. You only need to purchase one ticket per car!
Tickets here.
Please come out to have a fun night out with your friends and family and learn more about our cause!
Read more...
Please come out to have a fun night out with your friends and family and learn more about our cause!
Senior Center Tele Café Wednesday: Let's talk dementia
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 2pm
LET’S TALK DEMENTIA with Trevor Duncan, Psy.D., ABVE/D, IPEC, CDMS
Sage Assessment, Counseling, and Consulting, LLC
What is dementia? Discuss and explore tips with Trevor Duncan on how to communicate and interact with a person who has been diagnosed with dementia. Trevor specializes in Neuropsychological & Psychological Evaluations, Forensic Vocational Expert, Vocational Evaluations.
Tele Café is a Zoom social hour, a chance to visit while staying home and staying safe. Grab a cup of coffee and pull up to chat with your friends from the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Meeting ID: 859 8484 8513
Password: senior2020
Check out what's coming the rest of September!
9/30 Ingredients for Longevity with Christy Goff, MS, RDN, CD
Dietitian for Living Well Alliance Team | Pacific Medical Centers
Read more...
Tele Café is a Zoom social hour, a chance to visit while staying home and staying safe. Grab a cup of coffee and pull up to chat with your friends from the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Meeting ID: 859 8484 8513
Password: senior2020
Check out what's coming the rest of September!
9/30 Ingredients for Longevity with Christy Goff, MS, RDN, CD
Dietitian for Living Well Alliance Team | Pacific Medical Centers
ICHS Clinics receive 2020 Immunize Washington Awards
International Community Health Services (ICHS) has been recognized for its success protecting children through vaccination.
All four of ICHS’s medical and dental clinics were honored with gold or silver level awards in the 2020 Immunize Washington Provider Recognition Program.
ICHS Clinic | Child Immunization Rates | Teen Immunization Rates |
Holly Park | 86% | 92% |
Chinatown-International District | 99% | 93% |
Shoreline | 93% | 82% |
Bellevue | 79% | N/A |
“Immunizations provide a safe, proven defense to help parents make sure children grow up strong and healthy,” says Dr. Asqual Getaneh, ICHS chief medical officer.
“They provide almost complete protection against serious diseases like measles, which still plagues some U.S. communities. Not only that, but getting vaccinated helps protect everyone, even those who are not vaccinated, by contributing to herd immunity and lowering the overall risk of infection.”
One component of ICHS’s success was proactive outreach efforts by Carmina Caoile, ICHS population health coordinator. Caoile made phone calls to ICHS patients and answered questions about cost. In Washington, youth younger than 19 can receive immunizations for free.
Caoile also represented ICHS at local health fairs to share educational materials and developed a ‘Super Kid’ incentive to make immunizations less scary. Young patients became an “ICHS Super Kid” after getting shots, complete with fun costumes, photos and certificates.
“Our young patients really enjoyed dressing up and posing for photos” Caoile shared. “Having a reward at the end motivated them to do their part to help fight disease.”
Research shows that healthcare professionals are the most trusted source of information for parents when it comes to vaccines for their children.
The full 2020 Immunize Washington awardee list can be found here. This year marks the fifth consecutive year that ICHS has achieved gold status.
About ICHS
International Community Health Services (ICHS) is a nonprofit community health center providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health services to improve the wellness of King County’s diverse people and communities. Since its founding in 1973, ICHS has grown from a single storefront clinic in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District with deep roots in the Asian Pacific Islander community, to a regional health care provider employing more than 600 people and serving over 32,000 patients at 11 clinic locations.
Shoreline's Hannah Schink celebrates 100th birthday
“Try to enjoy life and pass that enjoyment on as much as you can,” said Hannah Schink, who celebrated her 100th birthday on September 10, 2020.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its many restrictions, Aegis Living Callahan House found a way for Hannah to celebrate her special day in style.
With a safe space outfitted by the memory care community—the Aegis Living Outdoor Living Room—Hannah visited with her two children and their spouses, enjoyed a champagne toast and was celebrated with 100 cupcakes, life-size balloons and a yellow rose floral bouquet from her late husband Chester.
Before he passed, Chester ensured Hannah would have flowers delivered on every holiday and birthday for the rest of her life. He had his children promise for every holiday and birthday they would buy their mom flowers and tell her they were from him. Hannah was very proud to take a picture with her flowers from “her Chester.”
The Aegis Living team surprised Hannah with a special poster from her hometown Molalla, a place near and dear to her, along with a signed and framed 100th tribute.
"My friends presented a marvelous party," Hannah noted. "It was touching to have it all taken care of, and I was very thankful for my family to be there.”
Hannah is an inspiration to us all, keeping spirits high and encouraging everyone to enjoy the gift of life every day.
--Photos from Aegis Living Callahan House in Shoreline
Flowers for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
The court thanks those who left a thoughtful tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the front of the King County District Court—Shoreline Courthouse
--District Court Judge Marcine Anderson
Case updates September 20, 2020 - U.S. only today - delay in state data
"We believe the issue started with data posted on 9/21. As a result, we have rolled back the COVID-19 data dashboard and the COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard to reflect the data posted on 9/20.
"At this time, we do not know exactly which data are impacted and we are working to identify and correct the problem.
"We apologize for any confusion this delay may cause. We plan to update our dashboards tomorrow afternoon (9/22)."
Case updates September 20, 2020
United States
Read more...
"We apologize for any confusion this delay may cause. We plan to update our dashboards tomorrow afternoon (9/22)."
United States
- cases 6,786,352 - 37,417 cases since yesterday
- deaths 199,024 - 270 deaths since yesterday
Flu during COVID-19: Why it is critical to receive a flu shot this year
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| Dr. Sang Won Pacific Medical Centers |
By Dr. Sang Won, Pacific Medical Centers
Because we predict that both the flu virus and COVID-19 will be spreading this fall and winter, healthcare professionals strongly recommend that everyone who is 6-months and older receive a flu vaccine.
The flu can cause a variety of symptoms, including respiratory syndrome, chest/abdomen pain, body aches, fever, and cough – all of which can lower one’s immune system.
These symptoms, along with a lowered immune system, make COVID-19 infection easier.
While it is always important to get the flu shot – especially this year as we battle COVID-19 – it is also important to note that flu vaccines do not cause the flu. It is made up of the inactivated virus, meaning it is no longer infectious.
While it is always important to get the flu shot – especially this year as we battle COVID-19 – it is also important to note that flu vaccines do not cause the flu. It is made up of the inactivated virus, meaning it is no longer infectious.
While some fraction of recipients may get muscle aches, fever and headaches, you are not getting the flu as a result of the vaccine.
The process of getting a flu shot this year will be slightly different. At Pacific Medical Centers, you will need to make an appointment before you can receive a flu shot.
After you receive a flu shot, you can further decrease your chance of contracting the flu by following these steps:
Read more...
The process of getting a flu shot this year will be slightly different. At Pacific Medical Centers, you will need to make an appointment before you can receive a flu shot.
After you receive a flu shot, you can further decrease your chance of contracting the flu by following these steps:
- Avoid close contact – continue practicing safe, social distancing
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- If you are sick or have flu-like symptoms, limit your contact with others until you are feeling better or fever-free for 24-hours
Update: apologies to Dr. Won whose name was listed incorrectly in the photo caption and byline.
LFP Budget and Finance Committee meeting for public comments on Mayor's budget proposal
Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
The purpose of this meeting is to gather public comments on the Mayor’s Proposed 2021-2022 Biennial Budget which can be seen HERE (106 pages)
This meeting will be held virtually. City Hall is currently closed to the public.
This meeting will be held virtually. City Hall is currently closed to the public.
Page 2 of this document has information on how to submit comments and how to view the meeting.
Kenmore - Lake Forest Park food drive fills the shelves at Kenmore food bank
Carl Lunak, Emergency Manager, Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCO), reports that the recent Kenmore - Lake Forest Park food drive was a great success.
It was held on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Kenmore Fire Station.
The food bank in Kenmore is now stocked up for the next month or two. Hopelink in Shoreline is only asking for fresh produce or cash donations at this time.
Lunak said "We have offered further assistance if either of them need it."
Thanks to the community for their support!
Elections in the time of COVID-19
Here are some questions we’ve encountered about how we’re handling the upcoming election in the midst of a pandemic.
How do I vote in a COVID-19 world?
The great news is that we already vote-by-mail in Washington State.
How do I vote in a COVID-19 world?
The great news is that we already vote-by-mail in Washington State.
If you are already registered to vote, your ballot will be mailed to you automatically about three weeks before Election Day. You can fill it out in the convenience of your home and then either drop it in the mail or return it to any of our more than 70 ballot drop boxes across the county.
Not yet registered? No problem. Up until eight days before Election Day you can register online or by mail. If it’s within eight days of Election Day, you do have to come in-person to a Vote Center to get registered. Vote Center locations will be offering both curbside and walk-up service to ensure that both our staff and voters stay staff.
What should I do if I need to register to vote?
If you aren’t yet registered to vote, don’t wait so you don’t have to come in-person! Up until eight days before Election Day you can register online or by mail. After the eight day deadline, you do have to come in-person to a Vote Center to get registered.
The deadline to register to vote online is October 26 for the November 3 General election.
Not yet registered? No problem. Up until eight days before Election Day you can register online or by mail. If it’s within eight days of Election Day, you do have to come in-person to a Vote Center to get registered. Vote Center locations will be offering both curbside and walk-up service to ensure that both our staff and voters stay staff.
What should I do if I need to register to vote?
If you aren’t yet registered to vote, don’t wait so you don’t have to come in-person! Up until eight days before Election Day you can register online or by mail. After the eight day deadline, you do have to come in-person to a Vote Center to get registered.
The deadline to register to vote online is October 26 for the November 3 General election.
Can I vote in-person?
We will have Vote Center locations open for in-person voting with a variety of COVID-19 precautions. That said, we strongly recommend that voters take advantage of our vote-by-mail system and cast their ballot from the safety of their home.
We will have Vote Center locations open for in-person voting with a variety of COVID-19 precautions. That said, we strongly recommend that voters take advantage of our vote-by-mail system and cast their ballot from the safety of their home.
If you need a replacement ballot you have a variety of options:
Voters with a disability will be able to cast an independent, private ballot on our accessible voting units at any Vote Center. Units will be spaced for social distancing and staff will provide service in a way that keeps everyone safe.
- You can access your ballot online and print a replacement through our online ballot marking program,
- If it’s more than a week out from Election Day you can request a replacement ballot be mailed to you,
- Starting a week prior to Election Day you can pre-order a replacement ballotfrom a Vote Center and we’ll bring it out to your vehicle when you arrive.
Voters with a disability will be able to cast an independent, private ballot on our accessible voting units at any Vote Center. Units will be spaced for social distancing and staff will provide service in a way that keeps everyone safe.
Can I register and vote online?
If you have a Washington State ID you can register to vote or update your registration online up until eight days before Election Day. After the eight day deadline, you do have to come in-person to a Vote Center to get registered. If you do not have a Washington State ID, you can register to vote on a paper form and mail it to us. We must receive the paper form by the eight-day deadline, regardless of postmark date.
While you can’t cast your vote online, you can access your ballot and print off a replacement through our online ballot marking program. You will still need to return it either by mail or at one of our ballot drop box locations.
What kinds of changes have you made because of COVID-19?
King County Elections has adapted both our service models and our physical space to keep our staff, visitors and voters safe.
- Changes to our facility include installing barriers and plexiglass between work and customer service stations, creating one directional aisles and hallways, upgrading our HVAC system to ensure better air recycling, and implementing temperature screens for all employees and visitors to the building.
We’ve also re-envisioned our service to focus primarily on curbside and outdoor walk-up service. For voters who need to come in-person, either to register or get a replacement ballot, we’ll also offer the option of “pre-ordering” your ballot or “pre-registering” to reduce the amount of time voters will spend on-site.
Once on-site, voters will check-in with curbside staff who will get their information and direct them to parking location. The Elections team member will then process their registration and/or print their ballot and return to the voter’s vehicle with materials in hand. The voter is welcome to fill-out their ballot right then-and-there and drop it in the drop box or take it home to complete later.
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