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Thursday, September 30, 2021

Flower garden in Richmond Beach glows in the sun


Lee Lageschulte found a glorious garden in Richmond Beach near 201st and 13th NW. Enjoy the blossoms.




All photos by Lee Lageschulte.

Get Your food business off the ground with Food Business Basics

Devra Gartenstein of the Patty Pan Cooperative at
a Farmers Market   
Did you spend quarantine baking or cooking and want to take your sweets or sourdough to the next level?

Learn how to share your culinary passion with your community in Food Business Basics, an online course offered by Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College. 

Join Devra Gartenstein, founder of Patty Pan Cooperative, and explore the planning, permits, and logistics of turning your idea into a full-fledged food business!

Check out our online course catalog to see all Fall classes or contact Continuing Education at continuing-ed@shoreline.edu for more information.



Case updates September 28, 2021

Hospitalizations in King County over time
As of September 27, 76.4% of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 69.7% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

That means that 23.6% of Washingtonians 12 and older are unvaccinated, almost a quarter of the population.


United States 
  • Total cases  43,169,823 - 106,794 new
  • Total deaths 691,517 - 1,850 new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 581,658 - 1,974 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 36,503 - 115 new 
  • Total deaths 7,654 - 63 new   

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 142,483 -  365 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 8,021 -  15 new 
  • Total deaths 1,883 -  9 new

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 34,900  - 77 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 1,727  -  1 new 
  • Total deaths 468 -   2 new  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,128 - 4 new
  • Total hospitalizations 237 -   0 new
  • Total deaths 108 -  0 new

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 464 - 0 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new


Environmental Issues Focus of Shoreline Candidate Forum on October 5


The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County and Save Shoreline Trees are co-sponsoring an online forum with the four candidates running for Shoreline City Council.

The candidates are Laura Mork, Eben Pobee, John Ramsdell and Chris Roberts (incumbent).

This forum will be held as a Zoom webinar and will be conducted according to the League of Women Voters guidelines. The date of the forum is Tuesday, October 5 from 7pm to 8:30pm.

The forum’s focus will be environmental issues, including climate conditions now impacting the City of Shoreline.

Audience questions on any subject may be submitted via the Q/A Zoom function.

Registration is required to attend this forum, either in advance or up to the start time of the forum. Register in advance for this Zoom webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EVlx1iMGT7OCbFTeHuk1uA

Co-Sponsors: League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, and Save Shoreline Trees

For more information:


Oktoberfest Saturday in Richmond Beach - outdoor / in person - all invited

RBCA will be partnering with Vault 177 to host the first-ever Richmond Beach Oktoberfest benefit event. This will be an outdoor in-person event, hosted at the Spin Alley/Vault 177 parking lot, 1430 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA 98177

Ticket packages begin at $21.00.

Authentic German sausages, a variety of locally produced German beers, pretzels, kids meals, and music will be offered by Vault 177 and friends this October 2, 2021 from noon to 5:00pm.

All proceeds will directly benefit the Richmond Beach Community Association (RBCA), which supports events, a community newspaper and information resources, and activities that help keep the Richmond Beach community connected and engaged.

Join your community, friends, and neighbors at this festive event. For more details and tickets to the event, visit: https://www.richmondbeachwa.org/store/p1/2021-Oktoberfest-Ticket



Blessing of the animals this Sunday at St. Dunstan's

In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, St. Dunstan’s will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the 10:00am service.

Animals will be welcomed into the sanctuary with worshipers to be blessed and anointed. Please plan to keep animals safe and controlled with leashes or cages, as appropriate. 

This is a joyful celebration of God’s creation and love.

All are welcome at St. Dunstan’s, The Church That Feeds People.



Mercy Haub's cancer fundraiser garners $4,000 icing 'winners'

This student was prepared for icing
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

If you were at the Shorewood football game on Friday, you likely noticed some people getting buckets of ice poured over them. 

That was all part of an “icing” fundraiser organized by Mercy Haub, with support of the Shorewood Interact Club, to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Blood Cancer and Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. 

In total, over $4,000 was raised during the weeklong fundraiser involving students and staff voting on who should be “iced” during the football game.

This is not the first time Mercy has helped raise a substantial amount of money to support leukemia and lymphoma research and support. Prior to her own cancer diagnosis last fall, Mercy led a team that raised $32,000 last year. As a part of a commitment she made to her fundraising team if they met their goal, Mercy then shaved her head and donated it to Wigs for Kids.
 
Just weeks after that fundraiser, Mercy was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma herself. Thanks to the same organizations and research she had helped raise money for in the past, Mercy successfully completed her chemotherapy in March.
 
You can read more about Mercy’s incredible journey and generous spirit in this Seattle Children's newsletter article https://pulse.seattlechildrens.org/community-gathers-to.../.

And see our previous article about the event HERE



Animal Medical Center of Seattle (in Shoreline) introduces Urgent Care Service

Animal Medical Center of Seattle (in Shoreline) introduced its Urgent Care Service on Monday, September 27, 2021.

While our 24x7 Emergency Department will treat your pet for life-threatening conditions, our Urgent Care department can help pets who have non-life-threatening situations but still need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Also, unlike our emergency services where patients are triaged based on the severity of their case, our Urgent Care service is by online appointment only, which is completely scheduled on our website!
 
To schedule an appointment with our Urgent Care team a $125 non-refundable exam fee will be necessary to pay to hold your spot (additional charges will be discussed after the veterinarian has examined your pet).
 
To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3AueCOd

The clinic is located at 17518 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155 in the North City Business District.



Last Shoreline Farmers Market on Saturday - but Harvest Markets scheduled for October 30 and December 18

Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday
Photo courtesy SFM

Saturday, October 2, 2021 is the last Shoreline Farmers Market in their regular season. The market is held at Shoreline Place on Westminster Way.

This year they will be holding two Harvest Markets: October 30th and December 18th with food trucks, live music, farms, crafts, games for the kiddos, and more. Mark your calendars!



Seattle Genealogical Society Fall Seminar October 16


Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) Fall Seminar - online
Saturday, October 16, 9:00am - 3:00pm Pacific Daylight Time (Noon - 6:00pm Eastern)

Ari Wilkins is a nationally recognized genealogist. 

Her topics will be--
  • Black and White Southern Families in Southern Plantation Records
  • Mysterious Relatives
  • Reconstructing Communities Using Sanborn Maps, Census Records, and City Directories
  • Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities

Registration is through Eventbrite: https://sgsfallseminar2021.eventbrite.com
Tickets are $40 for SGS members, $55 for non-members.



Sound Transit Board selects Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects to be built

Stride 3 bus rapid transit line to open in 2026

BRT - Bus Rapid Transit
BAT - Business Access and Transit lane
SR-523 is NE 145th
SR-522 is Bothell Way
Stride is the name of the Sound Transit express bus lines; ours is Stride 3
S3 - Stride 3

The Sound Transit Board has selected the route, station locations and roadway improvements for Stride bus rapid transit on I-405 and SR-522/NE 145th. Stride BRT lines are scheduled to open in 2026 and 2027.

Stride BRT will include three lines:
  • S1 – 1-405 South from Burien to Bellevue, service scheduled to begin in 2026
  • S2 – I-405 North from Bellevue to Lynnwood, service scheduled to begin in 2027
  • S3 – SR 522/145th from Shoreline to Bothell (S3), service scheduled to begin in 2026

“Stride BRT will not only improve transit commutes for many thousands of riders on the I-405 and SR 522 corridors, but connect seamlessly to Link light rail at four separate stations and to local bus services,” said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. 

“Our work to expedite these improvements will include close collaboration with WSDOT, our regional transit partners and the many cities along the Stride routes.”


SR 522/NE 145th BRT

The Stride S3 line will operate along a nine-mile corridor between the Shoreline South/148th Link light rail station and the SR 522/I-405 Transit Hub, with separate connecting service options to Woodinville. 

Buses will use Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes on SR 522, and BAT lanes, general purpose lanes and bus queue bypass lanes on SR 523/NE 145th Street.

There will be 12 stations across five cities, including:
  • NE 145th Street at 15th Avenue NE
  • NE 145th Street at 30th Avenue NE
  • SR 522 at NE 153rd Street
  • SR 522 at NE 165th Street
  • SR 522 at Ballinger Way
  • SR 522 at 61st Avenue NE
  • SR 522 at 68th Avenue NE
  • SR 522 at 73rd Avenue NE/Kenmore Park and Ride
  • 98th Avenue NE at NE 182nd Street
  • NE 185th Street at 104th Avenue NE
  • Beardslee Boulevard at University of Washington Bothell/Cascadia College
  • Beardslee Boulevard at NE 195th Street

Roadway improvements, including sidewalk improvements where roadways are widened will be made in Shoreline/Seattle, Lake Forest Park and Bothell.

In order to focus available financial capacity on expediting the opening of the new Stride lines, three planned park-and-ride facilities are scheduled to be opened later:

  • New parking at the Lake Forest Park Town Center – scheduled for 2044
  • Additional parking at the Kenmore Park-and-Ride lot, potentially delivered by King County Metro – scheduled for 2034
  • New parking in downtown Bothell – scheduled for 2034

Find details for both BRT projects at I-405 BRT | Project map and summary | Sound Transit and SR 522/NE 145th BRT | Project map and summary | Sound Transit.

Both projects are approaching 30% design. Construction of some elements of the project have already begun.

The Sound Transit Board selected the Bus Rapid Transit Maintenance base project to be built in August 2021. The facility will be located in Bothell on the east side of 20th Ave SE just south of 214th St SE in the Canyon Park business park.

Correction: SR 523 is 145th and SR 522 is Bothell Way

WeatherWatcher: Stormy week ending with a sunny weekend

 

Rainy day at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
Photo by Carl Dinse.


The past two weeks have been making up for our extra dry summer. We've accumulated well over 3 and a half inches of rain over that short period. Our average monthly rainfall for September in Shoreline is 2.2 inches, so we are well above that this year. 

Rainfall at the Northridge/Echo Lake Station for September 2021

Temperatures are trending slightly below average for most of the month, but I'd say that's normal and well within our natural variation. September is a wild card month for weather. Some years it's nice and sunny the entire month with other years being gloomy, grey, and misty for most of the month.

Daily high and low temperature at the Northridge/Echo Lake Station for September 2021.

Forecast: Currently we have another storm moving in for Thursday, bringing us more steady rain and some breezy conditions for the day. Expecting between a half inch and one inch of rain Thursday afternoon into the evening hours. Winds in the morning are expected to be in the 10 to 20 mph range backing off in the afternoon hours as the steady rain moves in.

Thursday night the storm moves out of the area leaving us with partly cloudy skies overnight. Friday is expected to be breezy, with wind gusts to 25 mph but partly sunny. Still cool though with highs in the upper 50's to low 60's.

Saturday and Sunday we are expecting mostly cloudy skies, but only a slight chance of showers. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid 60's on both days, with lows dipping near 50°F. The start of the next workweek appears to remain cloudy with a chance of showers at times through next Wednesday.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Gallery North October 2021: Lynnea Mattson, Watercolorist, presents “Landscapes, Animals, and Birds, Oh My!”

Elephant in watercolor by Lynnea Mattson
For the month of October (1st-31st) Gallery North is proud to feature an exhibit by our own member watercolorist, Lynnea Mattson. 

Her theme for the month is “Landscapes, Animals, and Birds, Oh My!”

A watercolorist for 16 years, Lynnea (besides teaching her craft) continually takes workshops to introduce herself to new ideas and hone her skills. 

Cougar watercolor by Lynnea Mattson
Her animals and birds are sharply and brightly realistic, revealing their unique personalities, while her landscapes are more free-flowing.

“Painting in watercolor,” says Lynnea, “releases my joy in the essential beauty of animals, birds, and nature. I want my viewers to feel these moments in my paintings.”

The public is invited to meet the artist on Sunday October 10, 2021 from 11am-5pm, the Third Thursday Artwalk on October 21st from 5pm-8pm, and on Thursday October 28th from 11am-5pm.

First sight of Venice
Watercolor by Lynnea Mattson
About Gallery North

In continuous operation for 60 years, Gallery North is one of the longest running artists’ cooperative galleries in the nation. 

For further information, visit the Galley North website at www.gallerynorthedmonds.com, or contact Gallery North at 425-774-0946.

It continues its mission to promote and sell local art in the heart of beautiful downtown Edmonds. 

Located at 401 Main Street, Edmonds, Washington, Gallery North is open seven days a week, 11-5. 



Online Adult Programs available every week via the King County Library System - all free


The King County Library System KCLS has put many of their programs online so that it's possible to discuss books with a Woodinville club, get genealogy help from the South King County group, take arts classes, and get Medicare advice - all from your computer.

The following programs are available every week but these are specific to the Week of October 4, 2021

Here are resources if you need help finding something or signing up:
Visit kcls.org/events to see all events and filter by age level, type of program, and date.

Programs available every week:

Daily Arts Activities by SilverKite!
https://bit.ly/KCLS_SilverKite

Day and topics vary – check the link above for schedule.
Description: For all ages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Silver Kite Community Arts is offering online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours and performances FREE for KCLS patrons. We hope that by offering these opportunities, we are providing stimulating creative engagement opportunities and social connection during this challenging time.

Register at silverkite.us/kcls You will see "GUEST AREA." Enter KCLS2020 for the password and choose your classes. You will receive an email confirmation with a list of supplies and access instructions before the class.

Your Next Job
https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/civics-and-social-services/your-next-job

Monday--Friday, 10am-5pm
Description: For adults. Get free one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions online or by phone. We can help you find your next job or learn new skills.

For speakers of Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya and Vietnamese.

If you have a question or need help, 206.386.4636.

Register for an appointment at SPL's Your Next Job page:
https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/civics-and-social-services/your-next-job

In partnership with The Seattle Public Library, Sno-Isle Libraries, Seattle Jobs Initiative, Puget Sound Welcome Back Center, Building Our Bridge and Korean Community Service Center.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities is available by request. Please contact the library at least seven days before the event for ASL interpretation, captioning services and/or other accommodation for online programs. Send your request to access@kcls.org.

Plaza Comunitaria-Tutorías para adultos/Tutoring for Adults
https://bit.ly/KCLS_Plaza

Monday, 10am-1pm; Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm; Saturday, 10am-1pm

Description: Mientras las bibliotecas están cerradas, llámenos para comenzar sus estudios desde su casa.

Comunicate con Teresa, 425.369.3443, tlcid@kcls.org

Programa individual para personas adultas de cualquier nacionalidad. Recibe ayuda virtual gratuita en español de un tutor voluntario. Consigue tu certificado oficial de primaria y secundaria de la SEP (Secretaria de Educación Pública de México). Horarios flexibles, dependiendo de la disponibilidad de tutores.

Individualized program for adults of all nationalities. Free virtual tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults seeking to obtain their elementary and/or middle school official diploma from the SEP (Mexican Secretary of Public Education). Flexible hours, depending on tutors' availability.

Digital Navigator Appointments
https://bit.ly/KCLS_TechTutor

Tuesdays, 1-7pm; Thursdays, 10:15-10:45am

Description: Would you like help to do something on the computer or online – setting up email, filling out a form or getting on social media? Do you need affordable options for getting your own computer, device or in-home broadband connection? A Digital Navigator can help achieve your tech goals. In a 30-minute appointment online or by phone, your navigator will help you find ways to learn the skills you want or understand your options for the in-home connection you need.

To make an appointment to meet online or by phone to get one-on-one help with your questions, call 800.462.9600 or click here: https://rooms.kcls.org/appointments/digitalnavigators

Talk Time
https://bit.ly/KCLS_TalkTime

Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm; Wednesdays, 7-8pm; Thursdays, 10-11am

Description: Practice speaking English with other English language learners online!
Learn about American culture and meet people from around the world, while connecting from home!
Register with your email and we will send you the link to join the Zoom meeting.

Community Resource Center
http://bit.ly/KCLS_Resource_Center

Tuesdays, 1:30-3pm; Wednesdays, 2-4:30pm
Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 (walk in help available at Auburn Resource Center, 2818 Auburn Way N)

Description: ALL ARE WELCOME! GET THE HELP YOU NEED AT THE VIRTUAL RESOURCE CENTER.

We are living in stressful times and you may find yourself in need of support.

Log-in or call for free information and access to:

*Cash assistance *Employment and training *Education *Housing *Food assistance*Health / medical care *Legal assistance *Dispute resolution *Mental health treatment *Substance use treatment *Transportation / ORCA Lift

Online Access: Log in via Zoom anytime during the listed open hours. Use - https://tinyurl.com/virtualresourcecenter

Meeting ID: 930-683-3892, Password: 459890

Telephone Access: If you do not have computer access, contact the Virtual Resource Center at one of the following phone numbers during open hours. 253-215-8782

In collaboration with The City of Shoreline, The City of Redmond, The City of Auburn, and King County District Court.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Class
https://bit.ly/ESLKCLS

Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 28-December 14, 6-8:50pm. No class on November 11 and 25.
Description: For immigrants, refugees and U.S. citizens in the state of Washington.

Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills with an experienced instructor.

This class is for high beginner and intermediate level students.

Please register. You will be sent a Zoom link. To register, for more information or technology concerns, contact the instructor, Alex Griffin, agriffin@highline.edu.

Closed captioning is available for online events. Captioning is auto-generated. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request for all events. Contact the library at least seven days before the event if you need accommodation. Send your request to agriffin@highline.edu.

Questions about Medicare?
https://bit.ly/KCLS_SHIBA

Every other Wednesday, 12-4pm. Please follow the link above for specific dates.
Description: For adults. The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioners (OIC).

SHIBA's trained and impartial volunteers are available to assist consumers with their Medicare related questions. Register online for a one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone.

Genealogy Help with Eastside Genealogical Society
https://bit.ly/KCLS_Genealogy

Wednesdays, 1-3pm
Description: Are you just beginning your family history research? Or have you hit a wall in your research? Wherever your ancestors are from, volunteers from Eastside Genealogical Society are waiting to assist with genealogical research. You can arrange a virtual help appointment by registering here. You will be contacted via email with a weblink to enter your individual teleconference help session at least 1 hour before your session. Please register at least 24 hours before the help session.

Small Business Counseling-Navigating COVID-19
https://bit.ly/KCLS_SCORE
Day varies – check the link above for schedule.

Description: For adults. One-on-one counseling with a SCORE mentor to help you with your startup or assist with your existing business including navigating COVID-19. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Register online for a virtual one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone or computer.

A SCORE Counselor will email you about your meeting preferences.



Case updates September 27, 2021 - case graphs for Shoreline and Lake Forest Park

COVID-19 cases in Shoreline

As of September 27, 76.4% of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 69.7% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

That means that 23.6% of Washingtonians 12 and older are unvaccinated, almost a quarter of the population.

COVID-19 cases in Lake Forest Park


United States 
  • Total cases  43,051,429 - 83,959 new
  • Total deaths 689,534 - 1,142 new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 579,684 - 2,191 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 36,388 - 175 new 
  • Total deaths 7,591 - 63 new 

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 142,118 -  253 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 8,006 -  27 new 
  • Total deaths 1,874 -  8 new

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 34,823  -  63 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 1,726  -  5 new 
  • Total deaths 466 -   2 new  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,124 - 5 new
  • Total hospitalizations 237 -   1 new
  • Total deaths 108 -  0 new

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 464 - 1 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new


Shoreline Police: Since she's now wanted, she'll need what she stole to get the heck out of Dodge


On the morning of Friday, September 10, 2021 at 10:36am, a Shoreline deputy responded to the 1000 block of NE 165th St for a theft report.


The homeowner had been expecting a package but had not received it. He reviewed his RING camera, which captured this unknown female entering his fenced property through a latched wooden gate. Pretty gutsy.


The woman walked up to the homeowner's porch and sat down for approximately 40 seconds to rest. She then got up and took the package from the porch. The time stamp on the video is dated 09/09/2021 at 4:56pm.


The package contained a black colored carry-on luggage bag.


If you have any information on the suspect's identity, please contact our 24-hour non-emergency number at 206-296-3311 and reference case #C21028528.

--King County Sheriff's Office



AG Ferguson: Reed Hein to pay $2.61 million to resolve timeshare exit scheme lawsuit

Deceptive ad from Reed Hein and Associates
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 that Kirkland-based timeshare exit company, Reed Hein and Associates LLC, must stop its deceptive timeshare exit practices and pay $2.61 million to Washington.

If the company violates the terms of the consent decree, it will be required to pay an additional $19 million — a total judgment of $22 million. 

Reed Hein also retracted and apologized for statements made in response to the Attorney General’s lawsuit.

The Attorney General’s Office will use Reed Hein’s $2.61 million payment to provide restitution to Washingtonians harmed by Reed Hein’s timeshare exit scheme and for partial reimbursement of his office’s litigation costs. The amount of restitution each individual receives will depend on the number of claims and the severity of harms suffered due to Reed Hein’s conduct.

The consent decree, filed in King County Superior Court, stems from Ferguson’s 2020 lawsuit. One key issue in the lawsuit: Reed Hein deceptively advertised a 100 percent money-back guarantee. In reality, many customers struggled to obtain refunds, and are still denied refunds even after the company failed to deliver for years.

More than 2,800 Washingtonians entered into contracts with Reed Hein, paying thousands in upfront fees, ranging from just under $3,000 up to tens of thousands of dollars per “exit.” Many of these individuals are still waiting for an exit from their timeshare years after signing their contracts.

More information here



New recreation registration program expected to be online on Thursday

Spartan Gym photo by Jim Stichka
The City of Shoreline’s transition to a new recreation/rental registration system is taking longer than expected. 

They now expect the new system to become available for rentals and registrations by 8:00am on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

Once the transition is complete, the online registration page will have a new look. 

All your past account information will be there. You will use your same username (your email) to access your account; however, you will need to create a new password. When accessing the new system for the first time, it will send a link to your email to set a new password.

You can also visit shorelinewa.gov/recreation on Thursday for more information and to find a link to the new registration system. As always, call at 206-801-2600 with any questions. 

Spartan Recreation Center will be open for regular hours during this time:
  • Monday – Thursday: 7:00am to 8:00pm.
Pre-registration isn’t required to attend open gym times and to use the weight room.



Agenda for Shoreline Council meeting October 4

Shoreline City Council 2021

By Pam Cross

The October 4, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Shoreline City Council includes two action items and two study items.

Action Item 8(a) Action on Ordinance No. 944 – Amending Ordinance No. 776 and Ordinance No. 694 Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 3.27 for Property Tax Exemption Conditions Within the Light Rail Station Subareas and Within the Multifamily Tax Exemption Areas (MFTE)

The Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program is the City’s main affordable housing program.

At their September 13, 2021 meeting, Council discussed proposed Ordinance No. 944 which would remove the December 31, 2021 sunset to the MFTE program in the light rail station areas, establish a 20-year MFTE program, and provide for a 12-year MFTE extension option. 

Under current regulations, a project located in MUR-45 and MUR-70 zones may choose to participate in the City’s 12-year MFTE program if they provide a minimum of 20% of their units as affordable units. 

Unique to the station areas, projects within MUR-45 and MUR-70 zones must provide affordable units for 99 years even though the property-tax exemption available only lasts 12 years.

At the end of the 12-year period, this developer would still be required to maintain a minimum of 10% affordable units for 87 years.

Action Item 8(b) Action on Resolution No. 483 - Requiring Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations as a Qualification of Employment or Public Service with the City of Shoreline, as a Qualification for Providing Contracted Services at City Facilities, Authorizing the City Manager to Develop Additional Rules and Parameters for Implementing this Requirement, and Establishing a Deadline of Full Vaccination by December 1, 2021

As of September 22, 2021, the City of Shoreline has 221 employees (regular and extra-help) on payroll and 187, or 85%, of those employees have provided proof of being fully vaccinated. 

This does not include the Shoreline Police Department, as they are King County employees. The City’s workforce is supplemented by contractors who provide in-person services within City facilities, appointed members of City Boards and Commissions and elected City officials. The City, to date, has not collected proof of vaccination from these individuals.

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 941 - Repealing Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 9.25 Retail Carryout Bag Regulations Due to State Preemption

The 2020 Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 5323, now codified as Chapter 70A.530 Carryout Bags, enacting a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. RCW 70A.530 contains language that expressly preempts implementation of a local carryout bag ordinance such as Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 9.25.

Study Item 9(b) Discussion on Joining the Race to Zero and the Local Governments for Sustainability - ICLEI150

The City Council adopted the City’s Climate Action Plan in September 2013, thereby committing to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2020, 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2050 (below 2009 levels). 

A 2019 evaluation of the City’s GHG emissions revealed that we are not on track to meet those targets. Council action to prohibit fossil fuels – including natural gas – in new commercial construction, per the August 16th City Council discussion, would satisfy this requirement. Staff is looking for feedback from Council on joining the Cities Race to Zero and ICLEI150.

Link with instructions to attend meeting, comment, see full agenda with staff documents:



Shorewood Swimmers get fourth win

Shorewood and Meadowdale swimmers on the blocks,
ready to race. Photo by Kristi Lin.
By Coach Susie McDowell

Shorewood swimmers extended their record to 4-1 with a solid 119-48 win over Meadowdale Tuesday, September 28, 2021. 

The home meet was held at the outdoor Innis Arden pool and luckily, the rain subsided for nearly the entire meet. 

Cameron Bell was a double winner with season bests in the 200 IM (2:24.78) and the 500 free (5:45.01). 

Other individual Thunderbird winners were 
  • Amanda Nouwens in the 50 free (26.53), 
  • Evie Hoff in the 100 fly (1:11.22), 
  • Brooke Anderson in the 100 free (1:01.31), 
  • Katie Freshwater in the 100 backstroke (1:09.10), and 
  • Malaina Mirabueno in the 100 breaststroke (1:17.67).
Shorewood’s next contest is against 4A powerhouse, Jackson, on Thursday, October 7.


Kruckeberg fundraiser falls short - can you help?

Kruckeberg walking tour photo by Wayne Pridemore

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation held its annual fundraiser September 26, 2021 at The Lodge at St Edwards Park in the newly renovated historic art deco building.

This year, garden friends gathered to reconnect and contribute to KBG operations and a specific FUND-A-NEED goal to raise $30,000 to increase educational programming at the Garden.

This past year we were so grateful for easy access to nature that nurtures body and spirit. 

To ensure that nature is protected now and preserved for the future, we plan to expand programming for children and adults. 

We raised $26,120 on Sunday but there is still time for those who missed this opportunity to donate to this FUND-A-NEED at  https://www.kruckeberg.org/donate/



Update your Apple products right now to protect from a security vulnerability in older iPhones and iPads

By Diane Hettrick

Apple discovered a security vulnerability in its older iPhones and iPads that would allow hackers to install spyware that would give them access to everything on your device.

They didn't announce it until they had the updates in place to block the spyware, but there has been no suggestion that any such breaches have actually occurred.

Regardless, it's a good idea to keep all your devices updated to the most current version.

I updated our laptops as well. 

I discovered that even though I've selected the option to "automatically install updates" only the iPad was up to date. My MacBookPro sent me a message but didn't install until I prompted it. Our iPhones 5 and 6 didn't bother to mention any problems and they were not updated.

I'm sure there must be some settings somewhere that I need to change - but everything is up to date now.

Devices affected include:
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPad Air
• iPad mini 2
• iPad mini 3
• iPod touch
 
If your device is not prompting you to update, you can trigger the update manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on your device.

This vulnerability is a particularly nasty one. I figure it's our comeuppance for being smug about viruses all those years.



Your cedar tree is not dying

Normal, seasonal change in Western Redcedar trees

Story and photo from WSU Extension Puget Sound Forest Stewardship

It's that time of year when the western red cedars (and all the other conifers -- but it's most visible in the cedars) do their fall housekeeping. Trees that look like this are NOT dying. 

Just like their deciduous counterparts, evergreen conifers shed foliage in the fall. However, they are only shedding their innermost foliage, which is their oldest foliage. 

This foliage may be several years old. Over time, the photosynthetic productivity of foliage decreases due to shading from newer foliage, internal wear-and-tear, and dirt that accumulates. 

Abscission of the older foliage occurs when it costs the tree more to maintain them than it’s getting back via photosynthesis, or if the tree would obtain a net gain in productivity by transferring resources from the older needles to the newer, more productive needles. 

When it is time for the abscission of older foliage on evergreen conifers, the foliage will turn color and fall off the tree, similar to what happens to the foliage on deciduous trees. 

This is a normal part of conifer growth which will resolve itself with the changing of the seasons. 

This seasonal phenomenon tends to be highly visible in western redcedar because of the nature of its foliage; it has overlapping scales for foliage instead of individual needles. Thus, instead of small individual needles turning color, entire branchlets turn color.



Tuesday, September 28, 2021

In the Garden Now: Arnold’s Promise Witch Hazel


Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Arnold’s Promise always provides fabulous fall color. This year that color arrived early!

Maybe our heat dome at the end of June and the very dry summer impacted fall color in our gardens this year.

Enjoy that glorious color when and where you find it!



LFP residents who want the discount with Shoreline must call Spartan Rec Center to get on to new registration system

Photo by Jim Stitchka

New Recreation Registration Software System with the City of Shoreline

The City of Shoreline’s Recreation Department will be using a new registration system starting on September 29, 2021. 

This new system will require all Lake Forest Park residents who would like to receive the LFP discount to call the Spartan Recreation Center. 
This must be done prior to being able to receive the discount with a registration. 

All late fall 2021 quarter and winter 2022 quarter programs (registration starting in December) require this to be done to complete any online registrations with the discount.

Please call 206-801-2600 starting September 30 for address verification and apply the Lake Forest Park resident discount to your account.

For any questions, contact the Spartan Recreation Center team at 206-801-2600.

Click Here for Additional Information and Updates



Fallen tree in Northcrest Park

 
Photo by Seattle Poppy

This hazardous tree in Northcrest Park decided to take care of itself instead of waiting for the Parks department.

This is a beautiful park with a nice walking trail. It is located at 827 NE 170th St, Shoreline, WA 98155 in the block across from Ridgecrest Elementary School. It is lined with houses that back onto the park.



North City Tech Meetup October 4: Two Machine Learning Projects You Can Build at Home

North City Tech Meetup October 4th Presentation
Two Machine Learning Projects You Can Build at Home

Monday, October 4, 2021, 7 to 9 PM
Online Zoom Meeting

Free and open to everyone


Machine Learning you can try at home – Two Examples

Presenters:
  • Jen Foxbot
  • Benjamin Cabé

Two Microsoft employees will cover two beginner-friendly technologies for building, training, and deploying custom machine learning models on edge devices like the Raspberry Pi computer or Arduino microcontrollers.

We will start with Jen Foxbot who will give an overview of Lobe, using her recent project of using Lobe and the Raspberry Pi to use machine learning to identify whether your refuse is trash, recyclable or compostable, as she wrote about in her article “Clean Up your Act” in Make Magazine, Volume 11.

Lobe https://www.lobe.ai/ is a free, easy to use system for training machine learning applications.

The Raspberry Pi is a very low cost standalone computer that is, nonetheless, powerful enough for machine learning applications. Jen will show how these can work together for practical and educational AI projects at home.

Next, Benjamin Cabé will join us to discuss his project “Second Sense”, also from Make Magazine, Volume 11, where he uses TinyML to build a machine learning electronic nose that you can train to identify nearly any scent.

TinyML https://www.tinyml.org/ focuses on optimizing machine learning (ML) workloads so that they can be processed on microcontrollers no bigger than a grain of rice and consuming only milliwatts of power.

Presenter Biographies:

Jen Foxbot

Jen Fox has a B.A. in Physics from Occidental College and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA. Fox is an engineer, a maker, and an educator. After dabbling in dark matter, Fox settled into engineering and inventing to solve problems related to climate change and social justice. Combining her varied interests and passion for learning, Fox founded FoxBot Industries in mid-2015 to provide an arts-based approach to STEM education. Fox recently accepted a full-time position at Microsoft to run a team doing maker-related work and manages FoxBot Industries on the side.


Benjamin Cabé

Benjamin is a Program Manager and Technical Evangelist at Microsoft in Toulouse, France, with 15+ years of experience working in Open Source and IoT. Benjamin helped grow a vibrant open source community –Eclipse IoT– of hundreds of developers and dozens of deeply engaged companies from scratch.


No RSVP required, but appreciated, on our Meetup.com page for this event:

https://www.meetup.com/northcitytech/events/

Zoom Meeting Information

Topic: Two Machine Learning Projects
Time: October 4, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81711021145?pwd=eGZLMEFNdzI1QS85TytmaWFBeUQ4QT09

Meeting ID: 817 1102 1145
Passcode: 721876

The North City Tech Meetup

The North City Tech Meetup is a free meetup, usually the first Monday of each month at one of our local libraries: Lake Forest Park, Shoreline or Kenmore. People of all levels of interest and experience are encouraged to attend. There is always time for introductions and discussions. Skip the traffic and join with your fellow north-enders once a month for interesting presentations and discussions.

Group site: https://www.meetup.com/northcitytech/

For the time being all North City Tech Meetups will be online using Zoom.