Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts

‘Operation Safe Transit’ initiative focused on transit and transit locations

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

To deter and respond to security challenges, Metro more than doubled the number of Transit Security Officers, expanded their areas and routes, and moved to 24/7 coverage. They are adding more Metro Transit Police officers, too. Photo courtesy Metro Transit

King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced four arrests as part of a larger public safety initiative to make transit safer, combat crime, and provide behavioral health supports and resources, particularly along the transit corridor in downtown Seattle.

The larger initiative, known as “Operation Safe Transit,” was launched by KCSO on May 1 as a pilot program focused on targeted work on transit and at transit locations such as bus stops and station platforms.

The enforcement completed on Wednesday is an example of the type of efforts Operation Safe Transit includes and resulted in arrests of four individuals, three of whom are known drug dealers. The fourth suspect had a warrant for assault. Deputies also recovered drugs and two handguns, one of which was stolen.

Operation Safe Transit leverages years of experience and knowledge from security officers, co-response teams, and law enforcement to effectively increase public safety and combat crime. 

The Seattle Police Department, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other partners are collaborating with KCSO on this initiative. At the request of KCSO, the King County jail has made exceptions to bookings for misdemeanor crimes committed in the transit system since the operation began in May.

“Public safety requires a multi-faceted approach, with agencies, branches of government, and jurisdictions working in concert, and that is the approach we are taking to challenges at or near transit facilities in downtown Seattle,” said Executive Constantine.
“Seattle streets host Metro bus stops and Sound Transit rail stations, and we are building seamless collaboration across local governments, departments, and agencies to ensure those stations, stops, and streets are clean and safe.”

“We recognize how the situation in this part of downtown is affecting the public, as well as employees and we are taking every step possible to help improve safety in this area,” said Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindal. 

“The ultimate goal here is to abate crime and fear of crime on our transit system. We are doing whatever we can to remove potentially threatening and harmful situations and take the most dangerous people off the streets, the trains, and the buses. We want our message to be clear – if people don’t behave lawfully, there will be consequences.”

Transit riders will see increased police and security presence around Third Avenue, the King County Courthouse, Metro bus stops, and the downtown transit tunnel. Bike teams from Metro Transit and Sound Transit will also play a significant role, as their visibility often serves as a crime deterrent.

Over the past year, Metro has successfully implemented several key strategies to improve safety on transit. The agency engaged with thousands of people through the Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative, and heard a clear desire for an increased safety presence and appropriate support for community members in need.

Metro’s “Care and Presence” approach includes more than doubling the number of transit security officers to 170, establishing a group of 17 Metro Safety Ambassadors to assist riders, and coordinating with King County’s Department of Community & Human Services to deploy a team of 14 behavioral health specialists. Since its launch, the behavioral health team has made over 7,621 contacts and responded to 396 crisis or de-escalation events.

“Communities have made it clear to us that there is a need for both security and compassionate support for those who need it,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.
“Based on what we heard from you, we developed an approach to keep riders safe that focuses on ‘Care and Presence.’ We have more than doubled the number of Transit Security Officers and added Metro Safety Ambassadors to engage with riders. We also deployed Behavioral Health Specialists, who provide de-escalation, resources, and support.”

Aside from Wednesday’s work, Operation Safe Transit has resulted in 82 arrests. Half of those came from deputies who viewed criminal activity directly and made arrests in real-time. This operational work will continue to ensure those who live, work, and visit downtown see and feel the enhanced public safety impacts.


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4th Annual Safety Day a Success

Sunday, August 4, 2024

The ever popular Dunk Tank with police
chief Hardan cooling off on a hot day
Saturday, July 13th, the Lake Forest Park Police Department hosted its 4th Annual Safety Day. 

The event was a great success, drawing 400 - 500 attendees throughout the day. Over 130 life vests and more than 100 bike helmets were distributed to the community. 

Kids enjoyed free "safety bags", a bounce house, and a cotton candy machine. A big thanks to the LFP Rotary for funding the helmets and vests!

The fair provided a fun-filled day of outdoor safety education for children, featuring biking and water activities.

Goodie bags,bicycle helmets, and life vests for the kids
On this hot and beautiful day, Shoreline Fire used their truck fire hoses to cool off the kids (and parents!). 

The children participated in a bicycle obstacle course to learn about traffic safety and considerate cycling, ending with a "Bike Wash", which was a huge hit!
  • Representatives from King County Search and Rescue and LFP Police Officers discussed outdoor and water safety while giving away bicycle helmets and life jackets.
  • NEMCo joined the event to go over emergency management and show off their search and rescue tools. 
  • The Northsound Police Foundation and the Regional Crisis Response Agency also participated, adding valuable information and support.
  • Fish and Wildlife attended to provide educational material and answer questions. 
  • The US Coast Guard assisted with their interactive robot boat, 
  • Shoreline Fire offered tours of the fire truck, and 
  • LFP police cars were showcased. 
  • Food vendors Macho Burgers and Nekter Juice Bar provided delicious refreshments.
One of the highlights for many kids was throwing softballs that dunked Mayor French and Police Chief Harden in the water, watching them submerge in the cold, refreshing water while wearing safety life vests!


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Fire Safety for people with disabilities

Monday, July 15, 2024

Photo by Raychan on Unsplash
Olympia- National Disability Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 26. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, up to one in four people in the United States (U.S.) lives with a disability. 

The U.S. Fire Administration indicates 30 percent of the fire deaths that occurred between 2017 to 2019 involved a person with a disability. 

Of the 67 fire deaths that occurred in Washington State in 2023, 22 percent were reported as individuals having a disability.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) wants to reduce the risk of fire in every community across the state. 

Preparation and prevention can help your family stay safe and unharmed from fire incidents. 

Having a familiar and regularly tested evacuation plan that works for all household members is critical.

Here are some suggestions to increase fire preparedness:
  • Have an interconnected smoke alarm system.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly and conduct regular maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If you are hearing impaired, install smoke alarms that notify you of danger with flashing lights or vibrating alarms.
  • When possible, sleep on the ground floor.
  • Sleep with bedroom doors closed.
  • Have an escape plan with at least two exit options.
  • Make sure to involve all household members in your escape plan and practice regularly.
  • If you have a service animal, make sure to practice with them as well.
  • Talk to your local fire department about your evacuation plan.

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Brighter colors, new reflectors signify WSDOT work zones and vehicles

Saturday, July 13, 2024

WSDOT's new green flashing lights are more visible in foggy conditions.

You may notice unusual flashes of brilliant green light along state highways at some point. A burst of emerald light, far in the distance, through dense fog or the dark of night, may catch you off-guard. 

They come in peace – these flashes are not extraterrestrial; they’re just state Department of Transportation work trucks.

WSDOT is debuting new safety equipment, including higher-visibility flashers and new reflective warning stripes on attenuator vehicles.

Last year, the department even experimented with orange-colored road striping on I-5 to call attention to work zones. There are more than 1,200 work zone crashes in Washington state every year, and WSDOT workers are far too often endangered by reckless drivers. The department is expressing some creativity in protecting road crews.

Our crews work sometimes just inches from active traffic while repairing or improving our roads or responding to crashes. Despite warning signs, orange cones and other signals, too many people hit our vehicles or even strike our crews. We also have many near misses that don't injure anyone but are still terrifying.

Green light seems to cut through fog better than amber lights, allowing drivers to spot snowplows and salt trucks from further away in foggy or wintery conditions. 

And attenuator trucks, weighted trucks parked near work zones to absorb the impact of a wayward car, are switching out their black-and-yellow striping for white-and-red reflective striping.

These small changes may help WSDOT crews and vehicles be more visible. But Washington drivers should do their part by driving with greater care in work zones. Reckless, distracted, or impaired drivers hurt people. Slow down, pay attention, and ‘give workers a brake.’



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Reminder: LFP Police Dept. 4th Annual Safety Day this Saturday July 13, 2024

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Photo courtesy LFP
It’s that time of year when warmer weather and longer days mean more families are enjoying the outdoors. 

With the popularity of biking and swimming, ensuring community safety becomes paramount. The LFP Police Department is delighted to announce its 4th annual Safety Day on July 13, 2024, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, at Lake Forest Park City Hall in Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way..

Mark your calendars and save the date! This year’s event includes complimentary bike helmets and life jackets for kids as well as adults with disabilities (available on a first-come, first served basis), goodie bags for the children, and a bicycle obstacle course.

Bring your appetite and check out the food vendors. Grab a ticket and take aim to dunk either Chief Harden or Mayor French in the dunk tank! Proceeds benefit the North Sound Police Foundation.


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Kenmore city council unanimously opposes repeal of Climate Commitment Act - Initiative 2117

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Kenmore City Council. Back row from left: Councilmember Jon Culver, Mayor Nigel Herbig, Councilmember Joe Marshall, Councilmember Nathan Loutsis. From row from left: Councilmember Debra Srebnik, Deputy Mayor Melanie O'Cain, Councilmember Valerie Sasson

The sidewalks on 84th Avenue NE near Moorlands Elementary School don’t connect, forcing kids walking to school and bus riders taking Metro’s 225 to walk near cars.

The city of Kenmore recently received $3.1 million in CCA funds  to build new sidewalks on 84th, but those funds are now threatened by an initiative that will appear on the November ballot.

A map from the Washington State Patrol’s website shows the location of ten years of collisions near Moorlands Elementary School where new sidewalks are planned, paid for with revenue from the Climate Commitment Act

In a press release, the city of Kenmore announced the council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Initiative 2117 which would repeal Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA).

Passed by the legislature in 2021, the CCA established a market-based program to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by auctioning credits to polluters. The revenue from those sales are invested in programs that transition the state away from its dependence on greenhouse gas polluting activities.

Kenmore, like other cities in the state, expects to receive millions of dollars in CCA funds - including money for the sidewalks in front of Moorlands elementary school as well as funds for EV charging infrastructure and urban forestry.


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70% of drowning deaths in King county involved drugs or alcohol

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Open water safety

After five consecutive years of preventable drowning deaths staying at historically high levels, King County officials are urging the public to be cautious at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound in advance of the Fourth of July.

A preliminary analysis by Public Health – Seattle & King County indicates there were 30 preventable drowning deaths in King County in 2023. That annual estimate has been steady since 2019 when the number of preventable drownings nearly doubled from the previous year.

River safety

Experts say the trend is the result of multiple factors: 
  • warmer air temperatures in spring and early summer when open water remains dangerously cold, 
  • a nationwide shortage of lifeguards, and 
  • inequitable access to pools and swimming lessons. 
  • They also noted that in the past five years, 70% of King County preventable drowning deaths involved drugs or alcohol.

“Experts from several of our King County departments have identified actions each of us can take to reverse the alarming rise in drownings in recent years,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We need the public’s help to save lives this summer. It starts by being aware that rivers and lakes in our region are much colder and more dangerous than they appear."


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Prevent small children from falling out of windows - the screen is no protection

Tuesday, July 2, 2024


EVERETT, WA - In the past week, the Everett Fire Department has responded to two separate incidents involving young children falling from third-story windows in their homes.

Unfortunately, both children sustained significant injuries and required transport to Harborview Hospital for medical care. 

Since the beginning of this year, Snohomish County fire agencies have responded to six known incidents where children have fallen from windows, three of which occurred in the city of Everett. These incidents highlight the critical importance of ensuring window safety for toddlers in residential settings.

The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday evening, June 26, just after 7:30pm, when firefighters were dispatched to a home in south Everett for a 3-year-old boy who had fallen from a third-story window. 

Engine 7 and Medic 5 found the child had sustained traumatic injuries, including a head injury. The child was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett and later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. 

Reportedly, the window had been opened by an older sibling, and the young boy fell out after leaning on the screen. The child remains hospitalized at Harborview Hospital.

The previous incident took place on Wednesday, June 19, around 4:00pm, when firefighters responded to a report of a 4-year-old girl falling from a third-story window at a south Everett residence. 

The child sustained significant injuries and was transported directly to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle by a South County Fire medic. The child was released to return home at the beginning of this week. 

In this instance, the young girl fell out of the window when the screen gave way.

Window safety is crucial, especially when windows are often open in warmer months; however, as in the case of yesterday, window falls can happen regardless of the time of year or weather. Young children are naturally curious and quick, and those between the ages of two and five are at the highest risk of falling out of a window. 

Sadly, around 5,000 children are injured every year due to falls from windows, but the good news is that most of these falls can be easily prevented with some knowledge, the use of safety devices, and careful habits.

Talk to your family, friends, caregivers, and older siblings about window safety for your toddler. 

Seattle Children’s Hospital offers these simple steps:
  • Always supervise young children. Be particularly aware at family gatherings when there are many distractions.
  • Keep windows closed and locked if possible.
  • Install child safety devices on windows 6 feet or more from the ground outside. Be sure to buy devices that an adult can release in case of emergency.
  • Use child safety window stops to prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
  • Keep furniture and other things that can be used for climbing away from windows.

Inexpensive window safety devices are available for purchase at home improvement stores and online.


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Echo Lake Elementary parent's persistence makes walking to school safer for students

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Photo courtesy Echo Lake Elementary PTA
Sometimes change comes because of a season or a lapse of time. And sometimes change comes because of downright dogged persistence to make something happen. 

This week, the City of Shoreline made a big improvement to make Echo Lake a little safer for pedestrians and importantly, students who attend Echo Lake elementary. 

Concerned parent, PTA volunteer and all around amazing neighbor Ellen Ackroyd has been working to make this change. 

She reached out to the City advocating for the addition of barriers at the corner of Ashworth and 195th where there is no sidewalk or barrier from the heavily traveled street. 

And she kept reaching out until the City moved into action.

Her persistence resulted in the city erecting permanent safety lane delineators to separate the pedestrian walkway from the busy intersection of Ashworth and 195th. 

It will no doubt improve safety at this corner and is an example of what an active community member can help accomplish. Thank you, Ellen!

--Ryan Erwert


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Echo Lake student inducted into the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Philippa Bartsch from Echo Lake Elementary
Today, AAA Washington announced 10 new inductees to the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

AAA's Washington School Safety Patrol program actively seeks fourth through eighth graders to serve as volunteer crossing guards. 

Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety of their peers during their daily commute to and from school. 

Students can develop essential skills such as responsibility, leadership, and community service by participating in the program. 

In 2023, more than 22,000 students across 750 schools in Washington participated in the statewide program.

“These ten students embody what it means to be an outstanding school safety patroller and we are honored to recognize their dedication to keeping classmates and communities safe,” said Heather Snavely, CEO of AAA Washington. 
“AAA Washington’s School Safety Patrol Program is one small way to cultivate values like responsibility, hard work, and citizenship that will help shape our future leaders.”

We are excited to share that one student from Shoreline was inducted into the Hall of Fame - Philippa Bartsch from Echo Lake Elementary, Shoreline.

“Philippa actively models good patrol behavior by acting responsible and respectful while working her crossing post,” said advisor Mark Owen. 
“Philippa, simply put, really enjoys being a helper and working at a crossing post. When I asked her why she didn't want to apply to be a patrol captain she said, ‘I like helping the little kids get to school safely. Crossing guard is the best position to do that.’”

AAA Washington also awards a “School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year” each year, recognizing advisors' contributions to Patrollers’ safety and education. This year’s recipient is Debby Smith from Moran Prairie Elementary in Spokane, Wash.

Mark Owen receives AAA
 School Safety Patrol Legend Award
AAA Washington is also proud to recognize advisor Mark Owen from Echo Lake Elementary in Shoreline, with the AAA School Safety Patrol Legend Award.

“The AAA School Safety Patrol Legend Award is a celebration of those who have made an indelible mark on the AAA School Safety Patrol program within their community,” said Erin Rogers, community relations program manager at AAA Washington. 

“After 30 years of service as a School Safety Patrol Advisor, Mark is retiring, and we are beyond proud of the work he has put into making his school a safer place. For three decades, he has shown the Safety Patrollers what it means to be an exemplary leader.”


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Shoreline council micromanages 175th pedestrian project

Thursday, June 6, 2024

A sign warns pedestrians to stay off 175th street. photo by Oliver Moffat
By Oliver Moffat

On Monday, June 3, council members Keith Scully and Annette Ademasu called the city’s traffic engineers back to the council chambers to listen to input from residents concerned about trees that will be removed to make way for sidewalks and bike lanes along the 175th corridor.

“I think a check-in at this point when it’s not too late to make some changes seemed to make a lot of sense,” said council member Keith Scully about why he called for the study session while also acknowledging, “this is more council micromanagement then I usually support.”

The Shoreline city council has approved the 175th corridor project seven times since 2018; not to mention the times when the council reviewed the plan in the Transportation Improvement Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan

The city reviewed input from over 1,500 residents and incorporated the council-approved Climate Action Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Transportation Element, Complete Streets Ordinance, ADA Transition Plan, and the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan.

Although the project is complicated, there was little debate about the intersection of 175th and Meridian.

In 2003, a city risk assessment, warned it was built on pilings driven into soil that “has the potential for liquefaction” - now (twenty years later) an earthquake could still send the road “slipping and sliding” into nearby Ronald Bog along with sewage from neighborhood residents.

“While we can’t replace a mature tree, we can’t replace a life. And the safety aspects have been enumerated several times by people in the audience,” said Deputy Mayor Laura Mork. “I think it’s imperative we get phase one done to be safe as soon as possible,” she said about the Meridian intersection.

A screen shot from the city staff report shows the 51 foot bottleneck from Densmore to Wallingford where 175th squeezes four traffic lanes through rock retaining walls topped by mature conifer trees.

There was less unanimity about subsequent phases of the project - especially the 51 foot bottleneck from Densmore to Wallingford where 175th squeezes four traffic lanes through rock retaining walls topped by mature conifer trees.

Council member Annette Ademasu asked city staff to consider a proposal from Save Shoreline Trees that would shrink the sidewalks to five feet and detour bike lanes up 178th street. “That would be just a couple minutes out of the way,” she said about the 178th street bike route.

In written comments, city staff said, “eliminating bike facilities from any portion of the 175th Corridor Project is not in alignment with the City’s Complete Streets ordinance, Bike Plan (TE), and would make the pursuit of future construction funding difficult.“ 

Grant applications for bike lanes and sidewalks that meet route directness and level of traffic stress standards are more competitive.

Although Representative Pramila Jayapal recently announced she requested $3 million for 175th, the city doesn’t have the estimated $88 million needed for the project.

“What I’m concerned about is the cost,” said Council member Eben Pobee. “I don’t entirely agree with redesigning everything. That would not be a good decision financially,” he said. But he said he supported incorporating additional discreet modifications to save more trees.

Citing data from the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, council member John Ramsdell said, “the most important thing we have to do is reduce the amount of CO2 and greenhouse gasses we are emitting and that is going to be the most effective way we can save our planet. And so when I look at this report, the 175th street project, the way it is currently designed, does just that.“

“I didn’t hear one person here say we needed four lanes between Meridian and Midvale,” said Mayor Chris Roberts. “I looked and saw we have traffic volumes of about 21,000 vehicles per day in this segment… if we were to get to one lane in each direction, not only would we have reduced traffic speeds, we would make it easier for pedestrians to cross two lanes of traffic instead of four lanes of traffic west of Meridian Park elementary. We might be able to get protected bike lanes, sidewalks and buffers in the existing right of way,” he said.

An architectural rendering from the city shows the what 175th might look like with bike lanes and sidewalks

If the city meets its Climate Action Plan goal to reduce per capita driving 50% by 2050, 175th would be a good candidate for a road diet, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The conversation about 175th is not over. “I know we are going to have a discussion coming up about speed zone cameras and red light cameras. With most of that focused on this intersection. Most of that focused on this segment,” said Roberts.

At the June 10 meeting, the city council will discuss Traffic Cameras after reviewing the annual Traffic Report and  residents are encouraged to attend and make public comments.


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Transportation and Middle Housing discussed at the May 20 Shoreline Council meeting

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

The locations of three new projects added to the Transportation Improvement Plan are marked on a map

By Oliver Moffat

At the May 20 meeting, the city council approved a new Transportation Improvement Plan with some amendments, discussed Electric Scooter and Bike Sharing, and provided feedback on the Comprehensive Plan.

Every year, the city council is required to approve a list of transportation projects for the subsequent six-years. The city council made three amendments to the Transportation Improvement Plan before approval: an unfunded bike bridge to Edmonds over SR 104, proposed improvements to Firlands Way, and splitting the 185th project into separate east and west projects.

Regional bike advocates lobbied the city council to build a non-motorized bridge over SR 104 where a one mile gap in the Interurban Trail between Shoreline and Edmonds drives cyclists onto busy streets. The city council agreed to pitch in $40,000 to study the project but (given staffing shortages) the city did not sound eager to commit to yet another big bike bridge project.

One block to the east of the CRISTA retirement community and one block west of the new Canopy apartment complex is Firlands Way N. A citizen-initiated proposal could convert the road with 90 feet of city-owned right of way into a six acre, tree-lined pedestrian friendly public space. 

The proposal could be both a transportation project and a park project and bring badly needed open space to the rapidly urbanizing neighborhood near Aurora. The city council added a plan to study the Firlands Way proposal to the transportation plan.

After hearing safety concerns about 180th Street from residents in North City, council member Eben Pobee sponsored an amendment to separate the 180th and 10th Ave segments of the 185th corridor project into a distinct project called the “North City Light Rail Connector”. 

Largely symbolic, the name change doesn’t increase the priority or funding for the project, but raises the visibility of a smaller project that was previously buried inside a larger project.

 A screenshot shows council member Betsy Robertson saying “All those folks who don’t want to see the additional housing, they are all comfortably housed.”

Although it wasn’t on the agenda, the topic of what kinds of Middle Housing the city should allow came up while discussing the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Chris Roberts said he wants to “double down” and “embrace middle housing of all types” not just meet the minimum density rules required by state law. “I hope the planning commission brings back policies that give us the big version of what middle housing could look like in Shoreline. And then we can work with our affordable housing developers to say ‘okay, what do you need’ and how do we get really truly affordable housing in our city,” said Roberts.

Council member Annette Ademasu disagreed with the push for more middle housing. “I’m hearing from people out there… they don’t want to see corner to corner… townhomes. They would rather see more green space interspersed when we are looking at middle housing,“ said Ademasu.

“All those folks who don’t want to see the additional housing, they are all comfortably housed,” council member Betsy Robertson said in response. “And we have a housing crisis and we need to add more units. And Shoreline is committed to doing that,” said Robertson.


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School district warns that a man known to Edmonds Police was seen near Brookside Elementary School

Saturday, May 18, 2024

The public information office of Shoreline Public School issued this notice:


Alexander Hardisty
Our Lake Forest Park Police Department partners notified us that Alexander Hardisty was seen across the street from Brookside Elementary School today, May 16, 2024 at 8:45am. 

Hardisty was not in touch with or in close proximity to any students, as far as we are aware.

Hardisty was the subject of news and social media attention in late 2023: Edmonds Police warn school community | Edmonds man caught lurking on school grounds

If any staff member, parent, or guardian sees someone they believe to be Hardisty at or near one of our schools, immediately call 911.

As always, the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. Doors are typically locked, access is controlled at the majority of our school campuses, and all staff are trained to be on the lookout for strange behavior and to report people who should not be on campus.

Parents and guardians, if you are buzzed into a school for a meeting, early dismissal pickup, volunteering, or other purposes, please be aware of your surroundings and do not allow anyone else to follow you into the building.

Thank you for your support to keep our schools and students as safe as possible.


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Shoreline students lobby city council for safer streets

Friday, May 17, 2024

A request from St Luke elementary students asks for an improved crosswalk,
a speed limit beacon and an automated speed camera 

By Oliver Moffat

At the Monday May 13, 2024 Shoreline city council meeting, students Thomas, Solomon and Isaac from St Luke, joined a growing chorus of students and parents from schools across Shoreline asking the city council to do something about Shoreline’s dangerous roads.

The eighth grader’s request comes after a school staff member was nearly run down while crossing the road in front of the school. With assistance from city staff, police and the fire department, the students measured vehicle speeds on the roads in front of St Luke where Dayton, Greenwood and 175th Street intersect.

A graphic from a 2021 Shoreline city staff report illustrates
how pedestrian fatality rates increase with vehicles speed.

In the report presented to the city council, the students found that 70% of vehicles were going above the speed limit. The students asked the city council to improve a crosswalk, install a speed limit beacon and install an automated speed camera.

The St Luke student presentation is the latest in a growing chorus of voices from children and parents from across Shoreline who want the city council to do something about traffic safety.

On May 14, Gracie and Evelyn from Girl Scout Troop 41974, who are fourth graders at Meridian Park Elementary, wrote to Shoreline Area News about traffic safety at the intersection of Meridian and 175th Street in front of their school. Parents from Meridian Park have raised safety concerns about that intersection.

Angelina Vaughn Shorecrest Sophomore asks the city council
for safety improvements on 155th street near Paramount Park 
Angelina, a Shorecrest Sophomore, has spoken in front of the council not once, but twice asking for safety improvements on 155th street near Paramount School Park where she catches the bus.

At the November 13 council meeting, Angelina told the city council, “there isn’t a blinking light for someone to signal, or a light to stop cars if they want to cross the street. 

''All we have are orange flags that usually disappear.”

Angelina returned to the city council at the April 8 meeting and again told the city council about the danger of 155th street and asked for safety improvements. 

She also told the city council the useless orange flags had disappeared. Again.

“I really hope that we can have some sort of pedestrian sign or some sort of lights there, because the orange flags and the stop signs don’t really work,” she told the city council.

According to data from WSDOT, Angelina, Thomas, Solomon, Isaac, Gracie and Evelyn are right: Shoreline’s streets have gotten more dangerous in recent years.

Shoreline’s police department recently told the city council that the number of reported traffic collisions in Shoreline has increased by 65% and Chief of Police Kelly Park warned the city council about “highly aggressive” driving on city streets.

The city restocked orange flags at the intersection on 155th street
where a Shorecrest student raised safety concerns
Photo by Oliver Moffat

As reported on KUOW and The Seattle Times, 2023 was the deadliest year for traffic fatalities in Washington State since 1990.

While neighboring cities like Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood and Seattle have moved to lower speed limits and installed automated traffic enforcement cameras, Shoreline’s city council has rejected traffic cameras and chosen to keep top speed limits at 30 mph.

The Shoreline city council voted to set top speed limits at 30 mph in 2021 after reviewing a staff report that showed when Seattle reduced speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph the number of crashes decreased.

In 2023, the city council told staff not to install automated traffic enforcement cameras in Shoreline.

Although the city council has not moved to lower speed limits or install traffic cameras, the city has restocked the orange flags at the intersection on 155th street where Angelina crosses the street.


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Protect children from falling from windows

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Window guards are inexpensive and easy to install
Photo courtesy South County Fire

An important message for anyone with a child in your home: When our weather warms up, emergency departments get calls about children falling from windows.

It generally happens on hot days, when windows are open, and when there are distractions in the home. Visitors, family celebrations, perhaps an ill parent, or a new cleaner or babysitter.

Adults assume that the screens will prevent the child from falling; or they assume that someone else in the home is paying attention to the child. 

Screens are built to keep bugs out, not children in. Screens cannot support the weight of a child pushing through.

Here's what you can do to keep kids safer:
  1. Install window stops or guards that prevent the window from opening more than 4 inches.
  2. Move furniture away from windows to discourage kids from climbing.
  3. Always actively supervise young children.
Window guards can be purchased at hardware stores and online. 


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Public Health offers discount coupon for life jackets

Friday, May 10, 2024

Hey, King County, it’s going to be a nice weekend! 

Thinking about buying a life jacket that meets the U.S. Coast Guard Standard at a 20% discount? 

Look no further: To claim your discount, follow these simple steps:
  1. PRINT THE COUPON: visit kingcounty.gov/watersafety
  2. SHOW IT ON YOUR PHONE: 
  3. Alternatively, you can display the coupon on your phone when you visit any Big 5 Sporting Goods location in Washington. #watersafety
Stay safe in the water!

--Seattle - King County Public Health


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No Racing Zone: Automated speed safety cameras to monitor a section of NE 178th Street in LFP

Thursday, May 2, 2024

The yellow line shows the "No Racing Zone" on NE 178th St in LFP
The large building in the center is Brookside Elementary 

On December 14, 2023, the Lake Forest Park city council adopted Ordinance 23-1284, designating NE 178th Street from 25th Avenue NE to State Route 104 as a “No Racing Zone” within Lake Forest Park.

This measure was taken to enhance the safety and security of the community.

New signs along NE 178th St
Photo by Laci Graciano
Following months of deliberation and identifying safety improvements on NE 178th Street as one of the council’s top ten goals during a March 2024 Council Retreat, the city council adopted Resolution 24-1952 at a special meeting on April 30, 2024.

This resolution authorizes automated speed safety cameras to monitor a section of NE 178th Street for speed violations. The section to be monitored is the same stretch that is currently monitored for speed violations during school hours, identified by the yellow dashed line on the image.

This section of NE 178th Street is currently operating to measure for speeds exceeding 20 mph when children are present during school hours or when warning flashers are active.

Beginning June 2, 2024, these same cameras will begin measuring for speeds exceeding the posted 25 mph speed limit at all other times of the day. The city will be issuing warnings for the first 30 days of operation. After the 30-day warning period, speed violation citations will start being issued.  


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LFP Mayor: Please take the time to slow down on our local roads

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French
From Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French

Kindly do your part and set the tone on our streets for everyone, including those who visit our community. We all lead busy lives and sometimes we find ourselves running behind—this is not the time to speed on our roads.

The City Council just accepted a Safe Speed Study which will inform changes on our neighborhood streets, arterials, and connectors. This is part of a larger pedestrian and multi-modal safety program that we have been working on for more than two years.

In the coming months, watch for changes in speed limits on our roads. Smaller neighborhood streets will be reduced from 25 mph to 20 mph and to a uniform 25 mph on arterials and collectors. 

The City has also made an application to the Washington State Department of Transportation for reductions in the speed limits on our two State Routes.

Tragically, each of the past several years, the number of fatalities on Washington’s roads has increased at an alarming rate. Last year was no exception with more than 800 fatalities setting a new record for the past 30 years. For context, the State of Washington has more than 100 cities and towns that have less than 800 residents. This alarming fatality number is equivalent to the loss of an entire small community.

Speed infractions and traffic volume in our two school zones continue to climb. Near Brookside Elementary in 2022 over 1.3 million vehicles trips were logged. In 2023, traffic volume was over 1.6 million vehicles logged or a 23 percent increase.

The two school traffic safety cameras on 178th reported a 14 percent and a 12 percent increase in violations over the previous year. The increases in the number of citations near LFP elementary were smaller, but still significant.

More alarming are the recorded speeds near schools: 137 of the citations in 2023 were for speeds more than 40 mph, with the top speed being 56 mph. 

Also concerning are the 980 more citations that were issued for speeds between 35 and 39 mph. 

These citations were issued when the warning lights on the sign were flashing and when children were present on the sidewalks and in the school area.

These trends are deeply concerning.

Please do your part and slow down -- our children and loved ones depend on all of us to keep them safe.

With respect,
Mayor Tom French

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Change your behavior to protect the lives of WSDOT workers on the highways

Work zone. Photo courtesy WSDOT

As a WSDOT traffic control supervisor, Ashley Jackson designs traffic plans to create work zones for projects on our state highways. Unfortunately, traffic control doesn’t eliminate the risk our crews face in the field. Ashley and all our crews need your help.

With Work Zone Awareness Month entering its final days of 2024, Ashley’s message to every driver:
  • Get off your phones while driving.
  • Don't drink and drive.
  • And, slow down and pay attention in work zones.
Read more about Ashley, her role in creating traffic control and some of the workers she’s helping to protect in this blog.


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Scenic SR 20 North Cascades Highway now open

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

SR 20 North Cascades Highway opened after its annual winter closure on Friday, April 19.
Photo courtesy WSDOT

Following a final avalanche control mission on Monday, April 15, 2024 WSDOT reopened SR 20/North Cascades Highway on Friday morning, April 19. 

This section of SR 20 from milepost 134 to 171 closes every winter due to safety and access concerns. The road closed for the winter on November 30, 2023; spring clearing began March 25.

The 33-mile long North Cascades Highway is sometimes referred to the as the “North Cross” as the northernmost east-west route over the Cascade mountains.

Even with the highway reopened for the season, travelers should be prepared for the potential for snow and ice while traveling through the mountain passes and should keep in mind that many of the United States Forest Service and National Park Service facilities have not yet opened for the season. 

WSDOT crews will clear the road and shoulder and any pullout areas needed for maintenance work, but otherwise, there are few facilities open and no cell service through the mountain passes.


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