Police and Public Safety Levy on November Ballot in Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park residents will see a temporary, six-year police and public safety levy on the November 2026 ballot. If approved, the measure would help sustain essential services residents have identified as top priorities.

The levy would fund police staffing, training, and safety equipment, 911 dispatch, jail services, prosecution and public defense, and mental health diversion programs.

State law limits the City to collecting no more than a 1% increase in property tax revenue each year, regardless of inflation or demand for services. Over the past four years, inflation alone has increased costs overall by 24%. In addition, costs for 911 dispatch, jail services, mental health crisis response, prosecution and public defense have all risen— many of them outside the City’s control but necessary to maintain police and public safety service levels.

At the same time, the cost of providing these services continues to climb —workers’ compensation rates for law enforcement alone rose 52% over the past three years and increased another 15% in 2026.

The proposed levy would appear on property tax bills beginning in 2027 at a rate of $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Exemptions are available for qualifying low-income seniors, disabled veterans, and residents with disabilities, as defined by state law.

The measure aims to establish a sustainable funding model for essential public safety services and uphold the City’s strong record of fiscal responsibility. For more information about the levy lid lift, visit cityoflfp.gov/lid-lift-info or contact City Administrator Phillip Hill at phill@cityoflfp.gov

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An incredible day at the LFP PD Safety Day at Town Center

At the start of a race

What an incredible day at Lake Forest Park Police Department Safety Day event on Saturday July 11, 2026 at LFP Town Center! 

Thanks to everyone who joined us, it was a tremendous success, with hundreds of smiling kids and parents coming together for a fun, interactive day focused on safety and community.

Checking out the public works vehicle

The kids had an amazing time racing through the bicycle and tricycle course, sharpening their soccer skills at the inflatable target, exploring our patrol vehicles and fire department apparatus, and climbing aboard Public Works tractors and backhoes. 

There was truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Helmets were funded by LFP Rotary 

A special thank you goes to the Lake Forest Park Rotary for their generous support. 

LFP Rotary members pose with Mayor Tom French on the low-rider

Their contribution allowed us to provide hundreds of bicycle helmets and water safety vests to local families, helping keep our community's children safer both on land and in the water. 

Mayor Tom French leading the way

A big thank you goes also to the city employees who assisted us in making this event a success.

Our officers had a great time meeting and interacting with everyone who attended. Events like these are a great reminder of the strong partnerships that make Lake Forest Park such a wonderful community.

An early start at the soccer target

Finally, a well-deserved recognition goes to Traffic Support Officer Amanda Johnson, whose leadership, dedication, and countless hours of planning made this event possible. 

Amanda Johnson getting her photo taken with a young participant.

Outstanding job, Amanda, and thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Safety Day such a memorable success!

--LFP PD

--Photos from multiple sources

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Child car seat check event July 25, 2026 at Senior Activity Center in Shoreline

KidVantage's certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are holding a car seat check event on Saturday, July 25th from 10am to 1pm at the Shoreline Senior Center!

There is no fee associated with the event. Donations of $10 are encouraged to help purchase car seats for local families who cannot afford them.
You can visit this page or scan the QR code to register now!
Shoreline Senior Activity Center: 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

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Travels with Charlie: Animal Safety Alert - Blue-Green algae in Lake Washington at Log Boom Park

Animal Safety Alert! Log Boom Park

Charlie and I stopped by Log Boom Park to wander by the lake. This Animal Safety Alert is posted at the Log Boom Park Pier as you walk onto the pier.

Toxic algae bloom in Lake Washington near Log Boom Park
Photo by Gordon Snyder

This showed up since our last visit here.

If you see a Bloom don’t let your Pet in the water.

Charlie says “Hey Friends - Stay Outa the Water.”
Photo by Gordon Snyder

Let’s all be careful and keep everybody safe and happy.

Cheers,

Gordon Snyder

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Safety Day at Lake Forest Park July 11, 2026

Safety Day is an event emphasizing the importance of how to safely enjoy the wonderful activities that you might find in the city of Lake Forest Park. Water safety, bicycle safety, fire, aid and more. 

With incredible support from local companies and the community, there will be bike helmets, life vests and other items to be given away. 

Activities such as a giant soccer wall, giant block tower, face painting, and more. This year we're partnering with Public Works and Republic to have a touch-a-truck station, and an educational book on multiple city projects. 

Bloodworks Northwest, the Northwest METRO SWAT Team is bringing back the Bearcat, and who doesn't love a visit from a therapy dog. Our friends from Fish and Wildlife will be there, along with the NEMCO team who will be performing a drone presentation you won't want to miss! 

One of the many new additions to this year's event is a miniature city street track where kids are suited up with a tricycle and matching helmet to navigate the streets while they learn traffic and pedestrian safety.

This year we're partnering with Public Works and Republic to have a touch-a-truck station, and an educational book booth on multiple city projects.

The event is Saturday July 11, 2026 from 10am - 12pm in the lower and upper parking lots of City Hall and the Police Department. 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

Just two hours of fun in the sun while connecting with your local first responders and the essential teams that make the city what it is.

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Stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk powdered formula

Warning from Washington Poison Center

If you have Nara Organics Whole Milk powdered formula (sold at Target), stop using it immediately. 

The FDA is currently investigating cases of infant botulism, including one in Washington.
Botulism is a life-threatening illness caused by a bacteria

  Get immediate medical care if you notice poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression

  Symptoms can take several weeks to develop
Call us with any questions! 1-800-222-1222

More information here

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Help Lake Forest Park Public Works name the new Street Sweeper

Lake Forest Park Police Department Annual “Safety Day” July 11, 2026

This year, the Public Works Department will be joining with a booth of their own.

Public Works Project Managers will be providing information about ongoing and upcoming projects as well as answering any questions the public may have. Ask us about the SR104 Roundabout!

Our Public Works rigs will be out during Safety Day! Is there a child in your life that loves big rigs? This is their opportunity to get up close and personal.

Within our LFP Fleet, our trusty Street Sweeper needs a new name. We are now accepting name suggestions via the QR Code. We are accepting names until July 10th, 2026, so don’t delay!

Or make your suggestions at this link before the deadline of July 10, 2026 at 12pm.

The top three names will be chosen by City Hall personnel, and the public will be able to vote on the final name during Safety Day.

We look forward to seeing you at the Public Works Booth on Saturday, July 11!

City of Lake Forest Park
17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

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Shoreline student inducted into AAA Washington School Safety Patrol (SSP) Hall of Fame

AAA Washington has named 10 students from Spokane to Shoreline to its AAA School Safety Patrol (SSP) Hall of Fame, recognizing their leadership and commitment to keeping their communities safe. 

Olive Woody at work by Echo Lake Elementary

These students have gone above and beyond to take care of their fellow classmates, ensuring they get to and from school without harm. 

Through its SSP Program, AAA Washington has supported thousands of students grades four through eight as volunteer crossing guards and emerging young leaders. 

The program was established in 1922 at John Muir Elementary in Seattle and has been running for over 100 years.

Now it has grown to include more than 700 partner schools and 22,000 student patrollers across the state. 

SSP program honorees were nominated by advisors of each school’s program across the state. Each year, 10 students are selected. There are 270 students in the Washington Hall of Fame since 1999.

Of the ten students, one is from Bothell and one is from Shoreline

Emil Ghandiyan, fifth grade, Tambark Creek Elementary, Bothell

"His leadership, dedication, and willingness to help others make him a role model for other patrollers and students, and he has made a positive impact on our school safety program,” said SSP advisor Suganthi Kanagaraj. Emil says being a School Safety Patroller has taught him that leadership isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about setting a good example for others. He says the program has helped him become a fearless leader.

Olive Woody, Echo Lake Elementary, has been
inducted into the AAA WA School Safety Patrol 
Hall of Fame.

Olive Woody, fifth grade, Echo Lake Elementary, Shoreline

As the third sibling in her family to serve as a school safety patroller, Olive is carrying on the family legacy with leadership and initiative. After noticing increased foot traffic over several weeks at an unpatrolled crossing near her school, she suggested adding a new patrol post – an idea that quickly turned into action. 

Her nominator, SSP advisor Allan Rand, said, “We took her feedback to heart and immediately turned this new location into a patrolled post. A perfect example of traffic safety awareness and overall leadership.”

More information on AAA Washington’s School Safety Patrol Program here

For 120 years, AAA Washington has championed safer mobility, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and showcasing Washington as an unrivaled travel destination. It has long supported communities across the Pacific Northwest, including through its School Safety Patrol program and Road Ready events.

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NHTSA Urges Families and Caregivers to Be Aware of Hot Car Deaths

Captain Deion Glover

Government and Media Relations

Contact: Trooper Rick Johnson

Phone: (425) 766-0812

Email: Rick.Johnson@wsp.wa.gov

Twitter: @wspd2pio

King County, Washington: Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges parents and caregivers to learn and share critical information about the dangers of leaving children alone in hot cars. Help NHTSA spread the word: Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock.

Since 1998, vehicular heatstroke has killed more than 1,000 children. On average, one child dies from heatstroke every 10 days in the United States from being left in a car or getting into an unlocked vehicle. While hot car deaths can happen in any month, there is typically an increase from May through September.

Hot cars are deadly: Internal vehicle temperatures can quickly rise to 50 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. Because a child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, even a cool day outside may still pose a threat to a child.

In 2025, 31 children died due to vehicular heatstroke, a decrease from the 39 children in 2024. On average, 37 children die each year because of vehicular heatstroke. Every hot car death is preventable. Toddlers and young children are more likely to climb into a hot car and become trapped, unable to get out of the vehicle. Children “gaining access” to a vehicle account for one-quarter of hot car deaths. It is important for a parent or caregiver to teach children that the vehicle is not a playground and playing in and around a car is dangerous.

Parents and caregivers think this sort of tragedy could never happen to them, Sadly, never’ does happen. Anyone can forget no matter who is taking care of the child, what their background is, or where they come from: Routines are often upended. It is during these moments of hurriedness and change in routine that many of these tragedies occur. Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock.”

NHTSA urges all parents and caregivers to take three simple steps to help prevent hot car deaths. First, when getting out of a car, make it a habit to check the entire vehicle, especially the back seat, EVERY time. Second, NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended, even for one minute. Finally, ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach.

###

www.wsp.wa.gov

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WSP: Increasing interest in motorcycle riding means increasing risks for inexperienced riders

Motorcycles can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. WSP advises new and prospective riders to get the safety training they need and to obey speed laws.

Olympia, Washington: Warmer weather often brings more motorcycles onto Washington roadways. 

The state’s natural beauty and miles of scenic byways are enticements to those seeking the open road. 

With the recent rise in gasoline prices, spring’s appeal may be even greater this year. 

That’s why the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is getting an early start on next month’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaign.

WSP wants to remind all road users that motorcycles are not only a popular form of transportation for millions, but they can also unfortunately offer an increased level of danger for riders, especially those who are inexperienced and lack the skills, training, and equipment necessary to ride safely.

National statistics show the fatality rate for motorcyclists is up to 27 times higher than that of passenger car occupants. Motorcyclists account for 15% of all vehicular fatalities in our country despite motorcycles making up only 3.5% of the registered vehicles. 

Like all vehicle types, speed is a common factor in motorcycle deaths. For comparison, speed was a factor in 33% of all motorcycle fatalities in the US in recent years, compared to 22% for passenger car fatalities.

Motorcycle clubs organize group rides. This group is at the start of the Tulip Ride

Younger, more inexperienced riders, are more likely to be involved in speeding incidents and are the most likely age group to be involved in fatality collisions. Riders ages 21–24 account for as much as 49% of the speed related fatalities nationwide.

WSP emphasizes that motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. All drivers and riders must obey speed laws, stay attentive, and operate vehicles safely and soberly.

• Drivers: Check blind spots and give motorcyclists ample space. Motorcycles have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road.
• Riders: Avoid excessive speed and erratic maneuvers. Make yourself visible to surrounding traffic.
• Family and friends: Encourage safe decision-making. Ensure inexperienced riders and drivers have proper training and equipment, and speak up if safety is a concern.

Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
Photo courtesy Keith McGlashan

The Washington State Patrol advises all motorcyclists to:

1. Always follow traffic laws.

2. Always obey the speed limit and adjust speed for road and traffic conditions.

3. Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

4. Complete rider safety education courses and maintain a valid motorcycle endorsement.

5. Always be alert to your surroundings, focused on safe movements, and ride defensively. Anticipate the mistakes of others. In a collision with a larger vehicle, you lose even if you were in the right.

6. NEVER ride impaired.

“Motorcycles lack some of the structural safety engineered into modern automobiles and depend more acutely on the rider’s skill, reflexes, and attention level,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste.

“The Washington State Patrol urges those thinking about starting to ride to get all the training you can, invest in all appropriate safety gear, and to always be keenly aware of your speed and surrounding traffic. We want everyone to get home safely, every time.”

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Shoreline council approves Meridian Park Speed Cameras

By Oliver J Moffat

In a 6-1 vote at the Monday, March 30 meeting, the Shoreline City Council authorized the city's first automated school zone speed cameras at Meridian Park Elementary.

Last year, a city report found 1,031 speeders on average school days while children were coming and going to Meridian Park and the 20 mph speed zone lights were flashing. Alarmingly, 59% of those drivers sped by Meridian Park at over 30 mph while children were arriving and leaving school.

But, while neighboring cities of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Seattle all have implemented school zone cameras, Shoreline had not.

City staff recommended a $130 base fine for speeders caught going above 24 mph with a $260 fine for speeders above 33 mph.

 
But the council voted 4-3 to lower fines to $50 for speeders going between 24 and 30 mph in the 20-mph school zone.

City staff estimated that each ticket would cost roughly $119 per infraction after accounting for operating costs, including vendor fees and court processing.

Staff warned the lower fines could result in a budget deficit, potentially requiring the city to subsidize the program with General Fund dollars.

Under state law, any revenue exceeding operating costs must be spent on traffic safety projects.

Under state law, fines must be cut by 50% for low-income speeders receiving public assistance.

Councilmember Keith Scully was the sole dissenting vote on the ordinance, and said the fines would disproportionately impact low-income drivers. 

Instead, he called on the city police department to step up traffic patrols at the school (his complete comments are available online).

The cameras are expected to be installed by the end of 2026, with tickets beginning in early 2027.

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Protection Order Portal helps domestic violence survivors and others apply for protection orders

Leaders with King County’s Protection Order Portal and affiliated program, from left: Collen McIngalls, Children’s Justice Center of King County; Chelle Hunsinger de Enciso, victim advocate; Kelsey Greer, Protection Order Advocacy Program; Leesa Manion, King County Prosecuting Attorney and Leticia Figueroa, Victim Services. Photo courtesy King County

Individuals who fear for their safety — perhaps from a threatening domestic partner, roommate or stalker — might also be afraid to publicly pursue a protection order that can shield them from interactions or harassment from that person.

So a Seattle-area government program and Microsoft partnered to develop an online portal that makes it much easier for an applicant to file the required legal documents with the courts and connects them with an advocate if needed.

The Protection Order Portal is operated by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and has served 17 people per day on average since launching in June 2024.

The completely online process “helps save lives, and it helps people feel more safe in their home environment, in their community, and fewer children are witnesses to domestic violence,” said King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion."

Video explains how to set up an account.

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Fire safety: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

It’s Fire Prevention Week!

This year’s focus: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries power so many things in our daily lives — from e-bikes and scooters to phones, laptops, and power tools. But when damaged or improperly charged, they can pose serious fire risks.
ONLY use the battery charger that came with your device or is approved by the manufacturer.
When the device or battery is finished charging, ALWAYS unplug it or remove the battery to avoid overcharging, which can cause a fire.

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Safety Day July 12, 2025 with Lake Forest Park Police Department

Get Ready for an All-New, Action-Packed Safety Day with the Lake Forest Park Police Department!

Saturday July 12, 2025, 10am to 12pm in front of Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155

We’re shaking things up this year, and you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun! 

Safety Day is back and better than ever — packed with everything you know and love plus some brand-new surprises you’ll have to see to believe.

What to Expect:
Free helmets & life jackets
Fan favorites like the bounce house & Noodle Wash!
Bigger, better bike safety course
Live music & awesome new sponsors
Mystery attractions (we're keeping them secret... for now!)
Tons of fun from our amazing community partners

Safety Day 2025 is shaping up to be our best one yet, and we can’t wait to see you there!

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Harborview Medical Center reports a surge of accidents involving two-wheel vehicles

Trying to ride down this stairway on May 10 resulted in a crash with injuries for Yann Gorbatov.
Photo courtesy UW Medicine

Harborview Medical Center reports a surge of accidents involving two-wheel vehicles, many driven by people not wearing a helmet.

Yann Gorbatov is like many 13-year-old boys: He loves playing basketball, hanging out with friends and testing the limits of his electric bicycle. 

On May 10, 2025 while trying to ride down a tall neighborhood stairway, he crashed. The accident left him hospitalized with broken bones and other internal injuries.

Yann’s story underscores a growing concern: the surge in injuries related to e-bikes and e-scooters, especially among children. Dr. Beth Ebel, a UW Medicine pediatrician at Harborview Medical Center, says the rise in accidents is alarming.

“We’ve seen increases of almost 36% from last year,” according to Ebel, who is also a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “And I would expect that we’re going to see higher numbers this year.”

Yann would have been even more seriously injured had he not been wearing a helmet.

Learn more of his story here. You can also find bike and helmet safety tips here.

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Free gun safety event for adults: Be SMART for Kids June 8, 2025

Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2pm in Edmonds 

Be SMART for Kids: 

A program for adults about the importance of safely storing firearms 

PLUS distribution of free firearm lockboxes and trigger locks

The North King-Snohomish chapter of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, in partnership with the Washington State Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, will present Be SMART for Kids, an educational program for adults focused on sharing life-saving information about safely securing firearms and normalizing conversations about gun safety on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2pm at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers Street, Edmonds, 98020. 

Free trigger locks and lockboxes will also be distributed at this event, through a partnership with the Lock It Up program sponsored by King County Public Health and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

The Be SMART for Kids campaign was launched in 2015 to raise awareness that secure gun storage—storing unloaded guns, separate from ammunition, in a lockbox or gun safe—can save children’s lives. 

Developed by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the Be SMART for Kids program helps parents and other adults discuss gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun injuries and deaths.

The program encourages parents and adults to:

• Secure all guns in their home and vehicles
• Model responsible behavior around guns
• Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes
• Recognize the role of guns in suicide
• Tell their peers to be SMART

Juliet Scarpa, Washington State Program Lead for Be SMART for Kids, will lead the discussion.

Resources:

• Alliance for Gun Responsibility
• LOCK IT UP
• Moms Demand Action
• Be SMART for Kids
• Everytown for Gun Safety

For more information, contact Juliet Scarpa, Be SMART for Kids Program Lead, Washington Chapter, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America at besmartforkidswa@gmail.com

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Hiking tips from the King County Sheriff's Office

Be very respectful if you meet this officer in the woods
Photo courtesy KCSO

The trails are calling, and hiking season is here!

But before you lace up those boots, a famous local (actually more of a legend) who is very familiar with remote areas of the PNW, wanted to share some safety tips to make your hike more safe and enjoyable:

1. Tell someone your plans - If you go missing, your last selfie isn’t going to be much help.
2. Bring plenty of water. Dehydration is no joke, and let’s face it- drinking from questionable streams isn’t either.
3. Dress for success. Layers are your friends. And for goodness' sake, save the flip flops for the beach!
4. Stay on marked trails. You might think you’re on a treasure hunt, but hidden hornet nests aren’t the gold you’re after.
5. Keep your belongings out of sight in your vehicle. We don’t love the idea of a thief breaking in and using your credit cards to fund their shopping spree.

By following these tips, you’ll have a hike that's more fun and less “Oh no, where am I?” – unless you’re into spontaneous wilderness survival.

Happy Trails!

--KCSO

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Safety for All: North City Neighborhood Association and Urbanist Shoreline conversation on street design and traffic safety May 7, 2025

Traffic crashes are on the rise here in Shoreline, across our region, and nationally. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 7 - 8:30pm the North City Neighborhood Association is partnering with Urbanist Shoreline for a community conversation on street design and traffic safety here in Shoreline. 

Come hear from Shoreline Traffic Engineer, Kendra Dedinsky, and Dustin DeKoekkoek from the civil engineering firm Toole Design, about road and street safety. 

Learn what Shoreline is doing to create calmer and safer roadways in North City, along the 175th Street corridor, and beyond.

A short presentation will be followed by a Q&A discussion, with time for socializing afterwards.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 7:00pm – 8:30pm 

at the North City Water District 1519 NE 177th St, Shoreline WA 98155

RSVP here

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Mark your calendars: Shoreline Fire Open House Pancake Breakfast & Safety Fair June 7, 2025 in Kenmore

Join us on Saturday, June 7 for a morning of fun, learning, and community connection at Shoreline Fire Department’s Open House at Station 51 in Kenmore.

This annual event is a great opportunity for families, neighbors, and community members to meet their local firefighters and learn more about fire safety and emergency services.

The event will run from 9:00am until 12:00pm and will include a free pancake breakfast from 9:00am to 11:00am. 

There will also be challenge courses for kids, a Teddy Bear Clinic, opportunities to tour the fire engine, aid car and rescue truck, and live firefighter demonstrations.

The safety fair will include King County Library, The City of Kenmore, Kenmore & Lake Forest Park PD, Northshore Utility District, Certified Car Seat Technicians, and additional exhibitors with valuable health and safety information. 

Whether you're bringing the kids, curious about the work we do, or simply want to connect with your local fire department—we hope to see you there!

Event Details:
Saturday, June 7
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Station 51 – 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 98028

Bring the whole family for:

• Pancake Breakfast
• Live firefighter demonstrations
• Fire engine, rescue truck & aid car tours
• Kids’ challenge course
• Teddy Bear Clinic – bring your own bear!
• Hands-only CPR training
• Community partners & safety info booths

Don’t miss this fun and informative morning with your Shoreline firefighters! We look forward to seeing you there.

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