Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts

Letter to the Editor: Letter and Petition regarding the lack of remote learning for the Fall

Sunday, August 15, 2021

To the Editor: 

We respectfully ask Superintendent Reyes, Shoreline school board directors and our district officials to implement an in-district remote learning option (alongside full time in-person learning) effective this fall so that families and students can remain fully enrolled in the district and can continue with their trajectory of learning with minimal disruption. Given the seriousness of our public health crisis and inequities presented, we believe that this is the right direction.

We, the undersigned residents of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, believe that the health and safety of our community are paramount. The absence of an in-district remote learning option in Shoreline Public Schools during the current COVID-19 health crisis has created an undesirable hurdle in the pursuit of basic education for those who would benefit from such services, whether out of medical necessity or academic preference. Children who are under age 12 with no access to a vaccine and those who are immunocompromised are among the most vulnerable.


April Eslami
Marisa Lang
Grace Hernandez-Johnson
Maris Abelson



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Don't hesitate to call 911

To the Editor:


As one who has been there, don’t hesitate to call 911. My event was a little over a year ago at around 3am. Shoreline fire was at the house in minutes. They talk to you pleasantly and calmly while they go about their business. They told me that I needed to go to the hospital and would take me. 

I got my first and hope only ride in one of those red vans. On the way they assured me we had done the right thing calling 911 and they were pleased to have been able to come and help me and don’t hesitate to call. Doctors confirmed I had a heart attack.-- 

Bob Mathisen
Shoreline



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: If you think you are having a heart attack - never drive yourself to the hospital

Friday, August 13, 2021

To the Editor:

Regarding the article, “Lesser-Known Heart Attack Warning Signs,”

Absolutely, jaw pain can be a warning sign of heart attack. However, PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF to the hospital if you think you are having a heart attack.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. The medics are more than happy to drive you to the hospital and provide life-saving care on the way. The drive can literally kill you, or other folks on the road, and driving all the way to Bellevue could be catastrophic under the circumstances.

BTW, doctors and medics never think you are wasting their time.

This article needs a huge red flag attached to it.

Thank you to SAN for all you do for our community!

Kimberly Parker
Shoreline Fire Department



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Delay new sidewalks for Council review and public comment: 6-feet-wide-sidewalks in Single Family Residential

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

To the Editor:
 
I am correcting my public comment to City Council on May 24th about the width of sidewalks. I received information from Public Works that the Engineering Manual I quoted was from 2020.
 
In summary: ADA sidewalks are approved at 4-feet-wide; the Shoreline Engineering Manual 2020 stated sidewalks in Single Family Residential should be 5-feet-wide; the Shoreline Engineering Manual 2021 states sidewalks in Single Family Residential should be 6-feet-wide.
 
Per Shoreline’s Transportation Master Plan, Policy 38.4, page 179 “allow for flexibility in the implementation of the Master Street Plan… such as the presence of large trees.”
 
Save Shoreline Trees is not challenging the need for sidewalks but questioning the regulation for 6-foot-wide sidewalks in Single Family Residential areas. There have been many comments about the sidewalks along 5th Ave NE where 23 trees will be cut down for 6-foot-wide sidewalks. After this sidewalk is constructed, there are ten more new sidewalks in the New Sidewalk Program. 
 
Per the Comprehensive Plan, Framework Goal 7: “Respect neighborhood character and engage the community in decisions that affect them.”
 
Save Shoreline Trees has been proactive in seeking information about the New Sidewalk Program. When we asked for information about new sidewalk widths we were told to “check the website in late summer”.  And, when we finally received information about the sidewalk width for 5th Ave NE, the design was at 60%, the same time when we were informed about the number of trees to be removed.
 
Since the Transportation Master Plan is in discussion now, we ask the Council to delay the final design and installation of the 5th Ave NE sidewalks and future sidewalks so the Council can discuss sidewalk widths and provide the opportunity for citizens to make public comment. 
 
Kathleen Russell
Save Shoreline Trees Co-Chair
 
 

Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Ordinance 1222- Required Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices

Friday, July 9, 2021

To the Editor:

Lifejackets save lives.

Our beautiful part of the country, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and our extraordinary Puget Sound, affords us incredible opportunities to us to get out on the water.

All too frequently, outings on the waters of our state result in preventable tragedy. Nearly all of the fatalities on the waters of our region could have be prevented if the victim had been wearing a life jacket.

In an effort to prevent further tragedy, I sponsored Ordinance 1222 - Required Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices, Mandating Users of Human Powered Watercraft to Wear U.S. Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Devices.

It was passed by the Lake Forest Park City Council On May 13th, by a vote of 6-0.

Lake Forest Park law now requires users of “Human powered watercraft” to wear at all times a Coast Guard approved life jacket, also called a personal floatation device or PFD.

“Human powered watercraft” includes, but is not limited to: sailboats (under 20 feet in length), sailboards, paddleboards, water cycles, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, rowboats and rowing shells.

This ordinance is intended to be about outreach, awareness and education, and the first violation will result in educational outreach and a warning. Subsequent offences will result in a citation.

This is not like the state helmet law- if someone chooses not wear a helmet (and they should wear one!), they are not placing a first responder in danger. Failing to wear a lifejacket out on the water can place a first responder's life in jeopardy.

The city will be working on programs for life jacket accessibility and education about water safety at several waterfront access points.

I sincerely hope this ordinance will help everyone better understand the dangers of the water and encourage everyone to wear a life jacket.

Be safe on the water!

Tom French
Vice Chair, Lake Forest Park City Council



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Benefits of Shoreline's conifer trees

Saturday, June 26, 2021

To the Editor:

We need our tall conifers to deal with the climate crisis now AND we need thousands of new native trees, especially evergreens. Six of our last seven summers were the hottest on record [KOMO, Sept. 22, 2020] and the West is in its 2nd-worst drought in 1200 years [CBS, April 12]. Our mature conifers draw down large amounts of CO2 that would otherwise contribute to climate warming. They store the carbon and provide clean air.

Shoreline now has areas that have become heat islands due to a dominance of impervious surfaces, i.e., pavement and buildings [Climate Impacts and Resiliency Study June 2020, paid for by the City]. People residing in the heat islands are at more risk of heat-related illnesses as temperatures rise. This is an equity and social justice issue. One climate resilience strategy is to modify building design standards to encourage more vegetation and large trees to provide shading to mitigate heat island effects.

We are also having more intense winter rainstorms, and more vegetation and large trees help prevent flooding and erosion. To carry out this strategy, we need incentives for developers to design with the existing conifers, not raze them; enforcement of our current tree regulations that are often disregarded; and variances from the new 8 foot wide sidewalks. Our mature conifers can live 100+ years whereas smaller deciduous trees only live for a few decades and cannot provide what the conifers do for the environment.

Another recommended resilience strategy is to plant more evergreens wherever they can be accommodated to help maximize their benefits. Newly planted evergreen trees, depending on survival, will take decades to provide the many benefits of mature conifers. New evergreens are the best replacement trees, but no new tree is a solution for removing healthy mature trees.

Barbara Johnstone
Shoreline
Tree Preservation Code Team



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Screens are not enough to protect children

To the Editor:

Regarding the recent article on toddlers falling from windows: SCREENS are just not enough! It's recommended, and I have installed, a little barricade. It even keeps my cat safe. 

They come in various heights (some kids are climbers, you know!). My own has bars that can be temporarily removed if I need access. 

I installed it immediately after my 2-year-old grandson almost took a header onto our concrete parking lot. I've attached a website where people can look at options. And Lowe's carries some, too.


Vicki Michels
Shoreline



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Citizen input on new sidewalk widths?

Friday, May 28, 2021

To the Editor:

During the current discussions regarding the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), the Tree Preservation Code Team, a group of Shoreline residents, ask for the opportunity for citizen input to the City regarding the width of new sidewalks. 

The Tree Preservation Code Team is not challenging new sidewalks but questions the regulation for 8-foot wide sidewalks. In 2018, Shoreline citizens approved the new sidewalk prioritization program: 52% approved; 48% rejected. 

This vote confirmed that Shoreline residents have an active interest in sidewalks. The new sidewalk width is an important public discussion now since the new sidewalk prioritization program, transportation and development projects will require the removal of many tall mature conifer trees.

Shoreline’s Transportation Master Plan, Policy 38.4, page 179, “allows for flexibility in the implementation of the Master Street Plan to address site-specific, unique or unforeseen circumstances, such as the presence of bus stops, topography or large trees.” 

According to the Engineering Manual 14.2-D: “Sidewalks abutting single family residential uses shall be at least 5 feet wide. Sidewalks abutting uses other than single family residential shall be at least 8 feet wide.”

The 12 approved prioritized sidewalks include the new sidewalk along the east side of Dayton Ave N (WSDOT frontage). Groups including Save Shoreline Trees and residents along Dayton Ave N were not aware of any flexibility regarding the new 8-foot wide sidewalk despite numerous letters to the City. 

Will the new sidewalk along Westminster Way N be 8 feet wide and how many tall trees along Westminster Way N will be removed? The same question applies to new prioritized sidewalks in Richmond Beach and additional neighborhoods.

Which of the new prioritized sidewalks will be 8-feet wide? Citizens ask for the opportunity to participate in this decision process.

Kathleen Russell
Shoreline

Correction: the name of the group is Tree Preservation Code Team


Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Thank you from the Northshore Firefighters Local 2459

To the Editor:

This letter is a huge thank you to the citizens of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park from the Northshore Firefighters Local 2459! 

Your overwhelming support in the last election to Reject Proposition 1 was a landslide victory (80% rejected) and meant the world to us.

Your local firefighters are humbled and cannot thank you enough for turning out for this election. 

There is much work to be done as we plan on endorsing several candidates in the upcoming elections. Join us on our Facebook page for updates. Thank you so much again!!

Your Northshore Firefighters Local 2459

Matt Hochstein
Lynnwood, WA



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Please vote on Shoreline Parks

Saturday, April 10, 2021

To the Editor:

Two weeks ago, I completed eight years of service as a member of the City of Shoreline’s Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services/Tree Board. It has been an honor to serve my community to make Shoreline a more livable place for long-time and new residents, current and future generations, and people of all ages and abilities. Over the past year, a significant work item for the Board was to recommend a package of parks projects to the City Council to replace the expiring 2006 Parks Bond. The Council accepted our recommendation and placed Proposition 1 on the ballot in the upcoming April special election. 

I am hoping that you will join me and vote Yes on Proposition 1 to invest in park improvements, public art, and park land acquisition throughout Shoreline. Specific park projects identified in this funding package will be geographically and equitably distributed across the city to benefit underserved communities and areas not covered in the 2006 park bond measure. Park land acquisition would be targeted in light rail station areas and other parts of the city lacking critical open space. These investments are an important priority considering the anticipated population growth in Shoreline. 

Please VOTE! Due to the incredibly high voter turnout in last November’s election, a significant number of Shoreline voters need to participate in this special election to make it count. Ballots were mailed to Shoreline residents this week and need to be dropped in King County election boxes or mailed by April 27. Get your friends and neighbors to vote as well. It is up to us to make Shoreline an even better place to live than it already is. 

Please vote Yes on Proposition 1 to invest in Shoreline’s parks! 

John Hoey 
Shoreline 



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Residents will have input on park plans if Shoreline Parks Proposition 1 passes

Friday, April 9, 2021

To the Editor:

Save Shoreline Trees visited all of the parks mentioned in Proposition 1 and had subsequent conversations with City staff. These conversations focused on how Proposition 1 will affect mature trees in many of the City’s parks. City staff confirmed that while the design concepts (elements) designated for each park will not change, residents will have input on park plans if Proposition 1 passes.

Some of the most significant park improvements proposed in Proposition 1 are also the most needed. Brugger’s Bog Park in Ballinger and James Keough Park in Meridian Park, for example, have water retention issues that make these parks unusable for residents for many months. In addition to improved drainage, new proposed design elements include—in one or both parks— a walking trail, sidewalks, restrooms, new landscaping and parking.

The bond measure also provides these park amenities: a new or improved off-leash dog area (Ridgecrest Park, Shoreview Park); a new splash pad (Briarcrest Community Park, Hillwood Park); a new or improved multi-sports court (Brugger’s Bog Park, Richmond Highlands Park); and new or upgraded playgrounds (Brugger’s Bog Park, James Keough Park, Briarcrest Community Park, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Richmond Highlands Park, Hillwood Park, Shoreview Park, Ridgecrest Park). New picnic shelters and improved parking are also recommended for many of these parks.

These are just some of the park improvements the City, with input from residents, is proposing. Save Shoreline Trees— with further input from Shoreline residents— will work to ensure that if Proposition 1 passes, the existing trees in many of these parks remain in place and are incorporated into the new design elements.

You can read Save Shoreline Trees review of Proposition 1 parks here

Kathy Kaye
Member, Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: It's time for us to be there for our parks

Thursday, March 25, 2021

To the Editor:

After 37 years as a marine biologist, I switched gears to the world of native plants. Thanks to a joint training program with the City of Shoreline and Washington Native Plant Society, I became a volunteer steward. At the time, several parks were designated for restoration. I chose Brugger’s Bog, a hidden gem located in the NE corner of Shoreline. Having driven by many times, I was surprised that I had never noticed the existing meadow and forest! I became aware of the neighborhood with working families in nearby apartments AND a playground with “issues.” 

Brugger’s Bog not only serves a diverse community, but it’s also located within the Lyons Creek Watershed. Salmon return here each year after a long ocean journey to spawn in a vast area of creeks. 

Developments have brought in paved parking lots, changing the direction and flow rates of many streams. Streams following the terrain toward Lake Washington are constantly evolving. During seasonal rainfall, Brugger’s Bog playground sits for months in a seasonal pond wanting to become a bog once again.

Families arriving at the park must turn back with hopes for drier days. A new safe and accessible playground, areas to join others for ball games, and a peek at fish in the stream with children anxious to learn more about their own “backyard” wild space would be made possible with Shoreline Parks Prop 1. 

Our parks have been here for us during the past, present and now through COVID. It’s time for us to be there for our parks. Volunteer, share your park photos with homebound neighbors and locate parks on your next walk. You might find a green gem of your own. VOTE YES on Shoreline Parks Prop 1 for now and future generations who need a place to discover the outdoors.

Marla Tullio
Washington Native Plant Steward
Shoreline



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Thanks to the Shoreline Fire Department

Monday, March 15, 2021

To the Editor:

We signed up to receive our COVID vaccine shots at the Shoreline YMCA on Saturday, March 13th. Thank you to the Y and the Public Health Department for hosting the community immunization event -- it was particularly well organized.

Our Shoreline Firefighters and EMTs were giving the shots, and providing any necessary help, along with many community volunteers.

We would like to particularly thank the firefighters. They were pleasant, efficient and doing an excellent job. Our community should be extremely proud of all those who participated in providing this service,

Thanks,

Whitney and Mary Lynn Potter
Shoreline



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Families like mine need HB 1297 passed now

Saturday, March 13, 2021

To the Editor:

Enduring the pandemic from home has drastically increased the cost of living, including essential needs. Many of our working families are working from home and having the dual responsibility of providing childcare for their children. Other families are enduring the impacts of forced layoffs, job loss, and increased utility bills.

Passing HB 1297, the updated Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), could give families in our community the relief they need to get back on their feet.

Representatives in the state legislature can implement HB 1297 to aid in financial relief for working families, like mine, across the state of Washington. Additionally, the recovery rebate will help individuals and families in our communities, including our most marginalized - Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Working from home, and taking care of two kids, has drastically increased my utility bills and the cost of essential needs. Our neighbors and community members are struggling to get by during this unprecedented time, many without safety nets to protect themselves and their families.

Please, take action now by passing the WFTC, and give families like mine the financial relief they need. Let’s show our communities and essential workers that we value them; by providing our neighbors with cash to meet their basic needs and continue thriving in this pandemic.

Maya Esquivido
Enrolled Member of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation
Shoreline


Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Community and park spaces are needed now more than ever

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Shoreline Proposition 1. This bond measure will fund much-needed improvements at five parks, amenity improvements at three others, and new park space acquisition.

Many of the improvements and amenities are exciting. They reflect the growing need for standard park features, such as pickleball courts and splash pads. The inclusion of a fully accessible play area at Richmond Highlands is inspirational. 

The plan includes a sensory trail and enhanced accessibility playground that will allow all Shoreline residents to enjoy a day at the park. Add in a picnic shelter, a multi-use sports court, an open lawn, plus the existing ball field, and Richmond Highlands becomes a park everyone can enjoy.

While it may seem counterintuitive to ask for more tax dollars during this trying time, I find that community and park spaces are needed now more than ever. An inclusive outdoor space, safe recreation, a future of fun and laughter for our children – we need this. 

Shoreline has long been a community dedicated to the family through school and park investments. As the prior park bond rolls off, let’s keep this spirit alive by supporting Shoreline Proposition 1.

Joan Herrick
Shoreline



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Please vote YES to support park improvements

Sunday, March 7, 2021

To the Editor:

VOTE for PARK IMPROVEMENTS!

If you ask Shoreline residents, "What distinguishes our suburban city and makes it a great place to live?", they inevitably cite our school district and our park system as major contributors to the excellent quality of life that attracted us to this community.

When Shoreline became an independent city we inherited from King County a neglected park system that rated below 5 on a 1-10 scale. Thanks to several inspired Park Directors --- and with the support of Shoreline citizens and City Council --- we now enjoy parks of 8-10 quality and improving every year. Proposition One will enhance our system and maintain Shoreline as "A City of Parks."

In Saturday's News Mr. Eric Friedli detailed the content of Proposition One which I need not repeat here. The improvements are extensive while the cost to Shoreline homeowners is modest.

Please vote YES to support park improvements.

Robert Hauck, Shoreline resident since 1971

Robert C. Hauck
Shoreline WA



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Support Shoreline Proposition 1 - Parks for All

Saturday, March 6, 2021

To the Editor:

Every person, in every neighborhood in Shoreline deserves to live close to an exceptional park.

By voting YES on the upcoming Proposition 1 Shoreline has an opportunity to affirm its commitment to an outstanding park system. Proposition 1 is a special election in April (yes, in one month!) to support parks. With the existing parks bond expiring this year, now is the time to continue that commitment and vote YES on Proposition 1. For only $3 more per month for the average household, there will be improvements throughout the city.

Parks provide opportunities for personal reflection and solitude and families to get out and play. Parks are places where neighbors can gather to celebrate and to connect with their community. I know how much the people of Shoreline value everything parks and open spaces have to offer. I saw and heard first hand how much Shoreline residents value park amenities including walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, off-leash areas, community gardens, public art, trees, natural areas and much more.

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of previous generations, Shoreline has some of the best parks in the region. Shoreline's expiring parks bond measure provided improvements to Saltwater, Shoreview, Cromwell, Echo Lake and other parks; added park property at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, South Woods and Hamlin.

Proposition 1 provides for improvements to parks across the city. Bruggers Bog, Richmond Highlands, Ridgecrest, Hillwood, James Keough, Shoreview, East Hamlin (Briarcrest), and others. It provides funding for new facilities for people with disabilities at Kruckeberg and Richmond Highlands; it provides new off-leash areas, new pathways, public art and more. It provides funding for purchasing additional park land to provide new park opportunities as the city continues to grow.

Vote YES on Proposition 1. To learn more go to www.shorelineparksprop1.com.

Eric Friedli
Former Shoreline Parks Director
Seattle



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Praying for schools to reopen

Thursday, February 18, 2021

To the Editor,

Another night before bed praying with my sophomore son trying to assure him he will go back to high school and friends activities and real sports. Watching his and other older Shoreline Washington School District kids spirits being crushed with no hope for returning to school and more 6 hrs/day x 5 days per week “zoom online school “ is very hard.

Please SEA teachers' union / teachers / school board stop their suffering and give them some hope at least. Other school districts are planning to be open up to Grade 12 by March, Tacoma, Puyallup, etc. etc. Are we going to be last???

Andrew Carr
Shoreline


Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Thank you Briarcrest - and perhaps a sign next time?

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

To the Editor:

Thanks, Briarcrest Neighborhood for your caring, collecting and delivery to Tent City. We had a little difficulty in finding the drop-off and couldn't see a house address until a passer-by told us where to find you. Another driver was also having a hard time finding you.

If you do this again perhaps a "Tent City Donations" sign could be put in a visible place.

Again, THANK YOU

Dorothy and Bob Burns
Lake Forest Park



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: Northshore - Woodinville fire department merger to be on April ballot

Friday, December 4, 2020

To the Editor:

The Board of Fire Commissioners for the Northshore Fire Department recently approved a resolution asking voters to merge with Woodinville Fire and Rescue. The merger request will be on the April 27, 2021 Special Election ballot for voters in the communities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.

Many fire districts are merging with other agencies to be more cost-effective for taxpayers. Northshore and Woodinville Fire currently share training programs for emergency personnel, administrative positions (fire chief, deputy chief, and a chief administrative officer) and finance, human resources and IT departments. Merging would make these cost efficiencies permanent. Costs for future capital items, (such as stations and apparatus) would be less for taxpayers as well because it is shared by more property owners.

Another issue driving this request is improving service. Merging would allow better deployment of emergency personnel, and sharing of specialized apparatus and equipment when responding to emergency calls. It also would provide better training opportunities for firefighters, stronger fire prevention programs in our local schools, and more community engagement.

More information can be found on our website at www.northshorefire.com/merger-updates We appreciate you considering our request, and welcome your questions.

Thank you,

Dave Maehren, Chairperson
Northshore Fire Department
425-354-1780 dmaehren@northshorefire.com



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP