Inslee issues emergency proclamation that limits large events to minimize public health risk during COVID-19

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Gov. Inslee announced restrictions on gatherings
at a press conference Wednesday
Photo courtesy Governor's office


Gov. Jay Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans Wednesday at a news conference in Seattle to minimize COVID-19 exposure, particularly in counties hit hardest by the virus.

Starting Wednesday, events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state.

This order applies to gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational activities.

These include but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers and similar activities.

“This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can’t wait until we’re in the middle of it to slow it down,” Inslee said. “We’ve got to get ahead of the curve. One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.”

“We recognize this new limitation will impact thousands of people, their plans, and their investments in these events,” Inslee said. “However, this is one of the most prudent choices we can make to keep people safe in this rapidly evolving health crisis. We want to do all we can to protect Washingtonians.”



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Sheriff's Office: don't call 911 to report large gatherings

Gatherings of People related to COVID-19

The King County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind community members that live in our jurisdiction or contract cities not to call 911 or our non-emergency line to report gatherings over 250 people.

Concerns about public gatherings should be directed to public health at coronavirus@kingcounty.gov.

Updated contact information from KCSO

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Public Health: Guidance for retail businesses

From Public Health Insider

Under an order from King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, Public Health—Seattle and King County prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people. In addition, this local order is prohibiting public events of less than 250 people, unless measures are taken by event organizers to minimize risk.

For retail businesses — such as grocery stores, drug stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and other retail establishments, along with transportation businesses — Public Health has issued a Guidance document that details how to comply with the new order. Retail and service operators should follow previous guidance and this additional guidance.

The new Guidance document is based on guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) a.

Some key elements of the new Guidance

We now encourage employees, onsite contractors and customers to:

  • Stop handshaking – use other non-contact methods of greeting
  • Clean hands at the door and schedule regular hand-washing reminders by email
  • Promote “tap and pay” to limit handling of cash
  • Create new habits and reminders to avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes
  • Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly
  • Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
We encourage businesses, including retail and service operators, to think creatively about how to avoid crowding, which could include:
  • Use booking and scheduling to stagger customer flow
  • Use online transactions where possible
  • Follow guidance about limiting attendance at larger gatherings, including managing ingress, egress, and lines within the establishment
Handle food carefully
  • Limit food sharing
  • Strengthen health screening for staff who handle food directly and their close workplace contacts
  • Ensure staff who handle food directly and their close contacts practice strict hygiene
For transportation businesses, taxis, and ride shares
  • Keep windows open when possible
  • Increase ventilation
  • Regularly disinfect surfaces
More information can be found in the detailed Guidelines document.

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Shoreline Schools closed through at least March 27


Statement from Rebecca Miner, Superintendent Shoreline Public Schools

Dear Shoreline Schools Families and Staff,

I know that the past two weeks have been stressful for many in our community because of the continued spread of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. I am grateful to all of our staff and families for navigating this situation with our school district.

Up to this point, we have followed the guidance of our medical experts at our local and state health departments in our approach to responding to the community health crisis. As this situation changes by the hour, it has become clear that we cannot continue to address this issue with isolated, short-term closure of our schools. At this time, we can no longer maintain staffing levels required to continue school operations across the district.

Beginning tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, all schools in Shoreline Public Schools will be closed through at least March 27. This includes the cancellation of all out-of-district transportation and athletic practices and competitions. 

All school offices will be open tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, to allow for parents, students and staff to be able to retrieve medication and other essential personal items that they need to have with them while schools are closed. Beginning Friday, all staff access to the schools will be limited to administrators and maintenance/operations staff.

We expect to receive further guidance from state officials regarding this decision in the coming days and will provide an update as soon as we are able.

I want to assure you that this is not a decision I have made lightly or without considerable thought and consideration. As a superintendent, I regularly make challenging decisions and this has been the most difficult in my career. 

I recognize and understand the impact this will have on our families, particularly those who are most vulnerable. We will be offering food service for students at Central Kitchen (located inside Hamlin Park off of 15th Ave. NE, directions HERE) and Shorewood High School (17300 Fremont Ave N.) from 11:30-12:30 each weekday.

Additionally, we are working on plans to determine what childcare options we may be able to offer. We will be sharing more information about that as soon as plans and details are finalized.

Additional information will be coming to staff and families in the coming days and I appreciate your attention to our communications. We will share this information via email, as well as posting on our website and social media channels.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Miner
Superintendent



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Varied stances for a Varied Thrush

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

..and on the other foot


(Alack and alas, she'll be gone North soon)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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International Women's Day demonstration over I-5 combines causes

Linda Van Citters Maureen Lofgren Tina Carpenter Sylvia Kawabata


Combining their desire to bring attention to two worthy causes, International Women's Day and the WA state presidential primary, these ladies spent a few hours on the 195th Street pedestrian overpass bridge on Sunday.



Signs, flags, smiles and creative voter encouragement in abundance!


And a political viewpoint!



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Rep. Davis bill eases admission to treatment for substance use disorder and detox services

Rep. Lauren Davis D-32
The Washington House of Representatives gave final approval to House Bill 2642 by Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline).

The legislation prohibits health insurance plans offered to public employees, Medicaid enrollees, or those on the commercial market from requiring prior authorization for admission to residential substance use disorder treatment or withdrawal management (detox) services. 

It also directs the Health Care Authority to develop an action plan to improve the transition of clients between levels of care, allowing clients to move directly from hospitalization or incarceration to treatment.

“This represents a seismic shift in our substance use disorder system of care. It is imperative that we take advantage of the window of willingness when a person in active addiction makes the courageous decision to choose treatment. 
"If we fail to provide these individuals with access to care within that window, we may never have a second chance,” said Rep. Davis. 
“Families pray for the day when their loved one in active addiction finally asks for help. Then, they’re told to wait weeks or months for an assessment, insurance pre-authorization and a bed date. 
"People are dying of preventable overdose from a treatable brain disease because we fail to provide them access to care when they need it most. When we provide rapid access to addiction treatment, recovery happens,” she continued.

The legislation is supported by the Association of Alcoholism and Addiction Programs of Washington State and four of the state’s managed care organizations that provide health coverage for Medicaid recipients, including Amerigroup, Coordinated Care, UnitedHealthcare, and Community Health Plan of Washington.

The House and Senate health care committees heard heart-wrenching testimony from parents whose children died when they were not able to get the help they needed during their window of willingness.

View the public testimony here:
Jan 29, 2020 House Health Care and Wellness Committee
Feb 21, 2020 Senate Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health and Long Term Care Committee

The bill passed with a unanimous final House vote following unanimous passage by the state Senate. The House initially approved the legislation with a near unanimous vote of 94-4. It now heads to Governor Inslee’s desk for his approval and signature.



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Register for Arts Council summer camps

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is pleased to present another summer of great camp programming! We have a long-standing tradition of offering camps that are unique in focus with jazz and theatre. We pride ourselves on not filling time, but offering substance to our campers! More camp details, including class descriptions and registration: www.shorelinearts.net.




Mini Edition Arts Camp: Two Day Acting Intensive: July 6 - 7, 2020

9am - 4pm | Shoreline Center | Cost: $155 - $170

Registration is open to all students grades 6 - 8.

Start your summer off in the spotlight! In this fast-paced workshop, we will explore scenes and monologues through energetic theater games and performance. Also, actors will gain a foundation in audition readiness by learning skills for the professional world. No experience is required but creative imagination is a must. Get ready for fun and a self-confidence boost!

Instructor: Rachel Street

Rachel Street caught the acting bug at the tender age of 6, and she’s been acting ever since. She has worked at Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles, taught and directed in numerous theaters in Costa Rica, Hawaii, Vermont, and Seattle. A drama teacher at Rainier Beach High School, her current partnerships include the 5th Avenue Theatre, Book-It Repertory Theater, Seattle Repertory Theater and Intiman Theatre. A resourceful and dynamic teacher, she loves making the imagination come alive!



Shoreline Jazz Camp: August 10-14, 2020

9am - 3pm | Shorecrest High School | Cost: $350

Designed for campers in grades 7th-12th.

Learn and play with the pros!

Young musicians learn and play with some of the region’s most accomplished teachers and performers. The camp includes instruction in large and small ensembles, and a series of master classes to refine their individual skills and understanding of Jazz. 1 year on an instrument is required, 2 years is preferred.

Instruments include trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, bass, drums, and guitar.

Camp Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for camps. Additional details are listed on the Arts Council’s website.


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.


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Open House Saturday at HumanFirst Health and Movement Chiropractic and Sports Rehab Clinic

Patrick Silva DC 

Shoreline's very own sports chiropractic clinic, HumanFirst Health and Movement, is almost a year old! Come celebrate with Dr. Patrick Silva at his Open House on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 10:30am – 12 noon. Email: drpatrick@humanfirsthealth.com



HumanFirst Health and Movement is a Premier Chiropractic and Sports Rehab Clinic focused on delivering personalized chiropractic care, soft tissue work, and rehab exercise therapy for those in need. HumanFirst keeps your care simple, straightforward, and effective. Every treatment is customized to you and your healing process.



We'll be chatting about the most common aches and pains in our society, the state of modern sports chiropractic, and how HumanFirst keeps their patients healthy and happy through it all!

HFHM’s Mission is to enable all humans alike to live happier and healthier lives by providing access to quality conservative healthcare tools and knowledge. Before all else – race, religion, sex, gender, orientation, nationality…we are all human.

Did you know?
  • 1 in 2 Americans have a musculoskeletal condition
  • Over 20% of the population suffers from low back pain
Good news! We’re here to help.



Chiropractic is among the safest and most effective choices in the healthcare world. Our team focuses on the accurate diagnosis and treatment of joint and soft tissue issues, acute or chronic. All of our care is evidence-based, conservative, and holistic.

What does this mean?
  • You get the benefit of the latest, greatest, and most effective aspects of modern healthcare without the use of drugs or surgery!



Dr. Patrick K. Silva is a Board Certified and Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic with a focus on Sports Rehab, practicing in the beautiful US Pacific Northwest.

Building on his preceptorship with the Seahawks’ chiropractor (Dr. Jim Kurtz) in 2016, Dr. Patrick has designed his practice around the numerous soft tissue techniques, movement systems, and rehabilitative paradigms that modern sports science has to offer.

Dr. Patrick is also a Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator (COEE), a Certified Professional Trainer (CPT), and a regular blog contributor to the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT).



Long term goals for Dr. P include going through CCSP and DACBSP programs, and travelling the world teaching seminars.

In his spare time, Dr. Patrick enjoys DIY projects and stays active via the martial arts, soccer, dodgeball, archery, parkour, and gaming.

COVID Safety Awareness Note:
  • If you are sick, you should stay home.
  • If you have underlying health risks you should stay home as you should avoid crowds.
  • Wave and smile instead of shaking hands or otherwise touching.




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LFP regular council meeting Thursday but work session cancelled

Lake Forest Park City Hall
Photo by Steven H Robinson
The Lake Forest Park City Council will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7pm, at City Hall.

The scheduled work session has been cancelled.

Councilmembers will hear the Covid-19 proclamation, review the minutes, pay the bills, hear reports, then go into executive session on pending litigation.

Residents can watch council deliberations on a live stream here. Recordings of meetings will eventually be posted at the same location.

Email all the city councilmembers at once: citycouncil@cityoflfp.com
and the mayor: mayor@cityoflfp.com



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Lake Forest Park response to Coronavirus

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
From City Administrator Phillip Hill

On March 5, 2020, Mayor Johnson signed a local proclamation for the existence of a Public Health Emergency, with respect to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

This emergency proclamation is not a cause for alarm, but a formal step in a process that facilitates the City’s coordination with other agencies, including the State Department of Health and Public Health-Seattle and King County, and grants the City access to additional resources if needed. 

The issuance of the proclamation provides for the preparation and carrying out of plans for mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in response to the situation, per Lake Forest Park Municipal Code Chapter 8.15. Currently, the City of Lake Forest Park is:
  • Continuing to work closely with lead agencies and the King County Public Health District, to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Staff continues to work closely with our health districts and is now meeting regularly to streamline communication and prepare, should conditions change here in our community.
  • First responders play an important role in response to the virus and our first responders are taking appropriate safety measures to protect personnel and the public while responding to medical emergencies. For additional information on what fire agencies across King County are doing in response to COVID-19, visit the King County Fire Chiefs Association website

As a member of the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo), the administration is meeting at least twice a week with the City of Kenmore, Northshore Utility District, and Northshore Fire to coordinate information and efforts in response to the Public Health Emergency with respect to the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The NEMCo Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is not currently operating, but may in the future should the response require more frequent coordination among the agencies.



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In The Garden Now…. Creeping Forget-Me-Not

Blue-Eyed Mary
Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

When Blue-Eyed Mary starts to bloom spring can’t be far off. The flowers are small but an intense blue that can’t be missed on a stroll through the late winter garden. The blossoms are larger and a brighter blue, but quite similar to those of its cousin Forget-Me-Not.

While Forget- Me-Not plants will typically last a year or two and freely reseed, Blue-Eyed Mary is a reliable well behaved perennial. We’ve enjoyed these easy to grow late winter bloomers in our dry shady garden for many years. However, they are very adaptable and will grow in a fair amount of sun as well.

Plants are 6 to 8 inches high and stay in a compact clump. They can be used to edge a garden bed and as a fine evergreen to semi-evergreen ground cover under taller perennials, grasses and shrubs. Ours are planted next to a garden path and meander among the ferns there.

Blue-Eyed Mary can be a colorful, long lasting, trouble free addition to just about any garden!

Botanical Name: Omphalodes verna

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com)



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Blood drive Saturday by Shoreline City Hall

A blood drive is coming your way and we need donors to commit to saving lives!


Sign Up Here!

Bloodworks leaders and physicians are working to address the concern that as fears of coronavirus heighten, low donor participation will harm the blood supply.

“We can’t allow what’s happening to blood inventories in other countries affected by COVID-19, where they’re seeing sharp declines in donation, to happen here,” said Curt Bailey. 
“Our community strives to maintain a four-day supply of blood. A sudden drop in the blood supply will have consequences and put surgeries and patients at risk. If you’re healthy and haven’t donated recently, please make an appointment to donate this week and plan to become a regular donor so the blood supply is always strong.”

Information is available at Bloodworks to help answer questions or concerns people may have about donating blood.

Don’t forget: Eat before and after you donate, stay hydrated, bring your photo ID or donor card
For other drive locations or questions about eligibility: BloodworksNW.org or call 800-398-7888
The best superheroes ride in style. You should too. Donate blood for a chance to win a CAR!  For everything Bloodworks’ donors do for our community, we’re boldly showing you how grateful we are for your donations. When you donate now through March 17, 2020, you’ll automatically be entered to win your choice from nine pre-selected vehicles. 

Sponsored by Bremerton’s Haselwood Auto Group. Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry to enter the sweepstakes. See official rules or text winacar to 91985.



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Opinion: Presidential primary disappointing

A ballot box in a rain garden seems appropriate for Puget Sound
photo by Steven H Robinson


By Diane Hettrick

After the first results were released on Tuesday evening, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are in as close a race as everyone predicted.

CandidateVoteVote %
Bernie Sanders335,49832.71%
Joseph R. Biden333,41432.51%


Disenfranchised are those of us who dutifully turned our ballots in early, before our candidates dropped out of the race.

CandidateVoteVote %
Elizabeth Warren
126,093
12.29%
Michael Bloomberg
113,422
11.06%
Pete Buttigieg
59,868
5.84%
Amy Klobuchar
31,425
3.06%
Tulsi Gabbard
8,550
0.83%
Andrew Yang
4,872
0.48%
Tom Steyer
3,098
0.30%
Michael Bennet
1,561
0.15%
Cory Booker
1,054
0.10%
John Delaney
461
0.04%
Deval Patrick
393
0.04%


I'm really disappointed. I've waited for years for elections instead of caucuses and when it finally happened, the election will be decided only by the hard-core base of the leading candidates - and those who waited to vote.

So it isn't a measure of the electorate but a kind of hybrid.

Good thing the party wasn't depending on us to make the decision.

I can't help but wonder what the results would be if the rest of us had a chance to weigh in, especially with so many of the candidates endorsing Joe Biden.

There is one state that allows voters to "spoil" their ballot and vote again, but the bureaucrat in me cringes at what a mess that would be.

I'm very intrigued by ranked voting, where you vote for a first, second, and third candidate.

Interesting to see how well Michael Bloomberg did. Clearly his ads resonated with a lot of Washington voters. Michael Bennet did well, too, considering that he got in the race at the last minute.

I do like the early primary and having the candidates and pundits pay attention to Washington. I like the political ads. Every time I hear about candidate spending, I think - there's another boost for the media and the local economy.

King county results have the candidates in exactly the same order except the bottom two are switched.

The Republicans didn't allow other candidates on the ballot other than the incumbent president.

Here's the overview from the first returns:
  • Registered voters: 4,550,922
  • Ballots counted to date: 1,561,903
  • Voter turnout     34.32%
  • Estimated ballots on hand to be counted 300,046

Correction 3-11-20: I confused Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado with Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana. They were both briefly presidential candidates. Steve Bullock is going to run for the senate from Montana. It will still be an interesting race.



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Photo: Super Worm moon

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Photo by Lien Titus



According to National Geographic.com

In the north, the March full moon is also known as the worm moon, because it coincides with the time of year when earthworms begin to emerge from the thawing soils. That's why this equinox supermoon is also being called a super worm moon.

This week has Daylight Saving followed by a Super Moon Worm Moon followed by Friday the 13th.



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AARP Tax-Aide suspends services at local libraries

AARP Tax-Aide no longer available
Tax Help at the Shoreline and Richmond Beach Libraries has been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

AARP Tax-Aide has decided to suspend tax preparation services at these locations until further notice.

This decision was made to help protect the health and safety of our clients and our volunteers. 

At this time, we do not know when, or if, we will resume tax services for this tax season.

We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to see you again in the future.

If you are willing to travel outside King County, you can find other free tax help locations with the AARP site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.

You can find information about filing your own return for free.

Taxpayers who are due a refund can file their tax return at any time without penalty. If you cannot complete your tax return before the filing deadline and either know you will not be due a refund or are unsure, you may apply for an extension of time to file. Use form 4868 available on www.irs.gov. When you apply for an extension, you have until October 15 to file your tax return.

The current tax filing deadline is April 15, 2020.



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LFP residents can register for City of Shoreline recreation programs and summer camps this week

LFP residents can take advantage of recreation programs offered through the City of Shoreline. 
Lake Forest Park residents are eligible for a 24-hour early registration period prior to the start of each season’s programs plus an 8% discount on all program fees (not rentals) through the entire year!

This year, the City of Shoreline is separating the Summer Camp registration from the overall Spring/Summer Class registration.

Registration will also only be online or over the phone due to the the facilities being closed.

Lake Forest Park Residents early registration for 2020 Summer Camps is Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 8:00am and early registration for Spring/Summer 2020 Classes is Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 8:00am. 

To receive notices of the early registration dates, sign up for reminders through the City’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

The City of Lake Forest Park offers scholarship reimbursements for eligible youth and specialized recreation participants who reside in the City and are registered for and attend cultural, recreation, or aquatic programs and camps. For more information, go to our webpage or call City Hall, 206-368-5440.

Reminder, there will be no in person registration due to the facilities being closed. 

Other registration dates include:
  • Camp registration for Shoreline residents – 3/10
  • Camp registration for Lake Forest Park – 3/12
  • Camp registration open to everyone – 3/13
  • Program registration for Shoreline Residents – 3/17
  • Program registration for Lake Forest Park – 3/19
  • Program registration open for everyone – 3/20

Click here to view Recreation/Registration info!



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Jobs: Anthropology instructor

Shoreline Community College is recruiting for the following position:

Instructor – Anthropology (Tenure Track)

Date of first consideration: April 12, 2020

Job description and application

Interested applicants may apply at www.shoreline.edu/hr for our full-time and part-time positions. It’s easy to search for open positions using the search bar and filtering tools.



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Wow, I could swear I just saw the Boeing 737 MAX fly by!

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


(Of course, Lydia's mistaken...that jet is still grounded:)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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CANCELLED: Memorial to co-founder to be dedicated at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Mar 21

Tony Angell
Photo courtesy Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
This event has been cancelled

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation will dedicate a memorial to its co-founder at 2pm, Saturday March 21, 2020.
It will feature a bronze raven, sculpted by Lake Forest Park resident Tony Angell, perched on a basalt column.

The ceremony will be held on Art Kruckeberg’s 100th birthday and is open to the public. He was 96 when he died.

Dr. Kruckeberg, long the chairman of the UW botany department and a prolific writer, started the garden with his wife Mareen in 1958. 

It is now home to more than 2,000 species on four acres in Richmond Beach and is owned by the City of Shoreline.

Both Art and Mareen Kruckeberg were active with local horticultural societies and helped form several that are still active today, such as the Washington Native Plant Society, the Hardy Fern Foundation, the Northwest Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society and the Northwest Horticultural Society. 

They collaborated on the creation of Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, a classic gardening guide, named one of the top 50 gardening books of all time by the American Horticultural Society.

Artist Tony Angell, who helped to illustrate Dr. Kruckeberg’s The Natural History of Puget Sound Country, will be the featured speaker. He will address the role of ravens in his life, the role of Raven in Indigenous cultures, and the role of his raven in Art and Mareen’s garden.

A reception will follow the ceremony. The Garden is located at 20312 15th Ave NW in Shoreline.



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Judge blocks new Trump Administration effort to allow release of 3D-printed ghost guns in AG Ferguson lawsuit

3D printed gun
From the Office of the Attorney General

A federal judge has granted Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s request to block the Trump Administration’s latest effort to allow 3D-printed gun files to be released on the internet. 

These files would allow plug-and-play access to 3D-print unregistered, untraceable firearms that can also be very difficult to detect, even with a metal detector. 

Untraceable firearms are sometimes called “ghost guns.”

Judge Richard Jones, a George W. Bush appointee, ordered a preliminary injunction while Ferguson’s multistate lawsuit continues in Seattle in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

In his order, Judge Jones wrote:

“The Court must acknowledge the grave reality that is likely to occur without injunctive relief. As the agency’s specific findings in the record show, the proliferation of 3-D gun files on the internet likely renders ineffective arms embargoes, export controls, and other measures used to restrict the availability of uniquely dangerous weapons sought by those seeking to commit acts of terrorism or other serious crime — implicates serious national security and public interests.”

“These downloadable guns are unregistered and very difficult to detect, even with metal detectors," Ferguson said. 
"If the Trump Administration has its way, these ghost guns will be available to anyone regardless of age, mental health or criminal history. For the second time, we have blocked that effort in court. We will keep fighting back against this unlawful, dangerous policy as many times as it takes.”

As a result of Ferguson’s previous multistate lawsuit, a federal judge in Seattle struck down the Trump Administration’s prior attempt to allow the release of the files.

After losing in court, the Trump Administration is trying again, this time by publishing new rules that would transfer regulation of 3D-printed guns from the State Department to the Department of Commerce, effectively allowing their unlimited distribution.

In the rules, the administration acknowledges the dangers posed by the distribution of 3D-printed gun files: “Such items could be easily used in the proliferation of conventional weapons, the acquisition of destabilizing numbers of such weapons, or for acts of terrorism.”

However, due to loopholes in the Commerce regulations, the agency will lack the power to regulate 3D-printed guns in any meaningful way.

The judge’s order blocks the Trump Administration from transferring the 3D-printed gun files to Commerce and requires the State Department to continue regulating them while the multistate lawsuit continues.



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Letter to the Editor: The Shoreline pool

To the Editor:

I worked for the UW for 30 years, they have three main pools all over 50 years old. One of the pools is about 100 years old.

These pools have been rebuilt over and over again. Buildings can be repaired, pools can be rebuilt, there is no reason to tear down the building or the pool. 

My wife and I are being forced out of Shoreline after living here for 53 years. We can no longer afford the taxes. Our property taxes have gone up 1400 dollars this year alone.

I will campaign to not support a new pool in Shoreline before we have to move somewhere else.

James Malchow
Shoreline



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King County Public Health report for March 9, 2020


Public Health report March 9, 2020

With a number of viral respiratory germs circulating right now, Public Health – Seattle and King County urges King County residents to take precautions if they are ill, but not to assume it is COVID-19. Together, we can slow the spread and reduce the risk of the disease in our community.

Public Health is reporting 33 new cases today. The official case count total in King County is now 116. In addition, three new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 20.

There are a number of viral respiratory germs circulating in King County right now, including seasonal influenza. We understand the desire of people who are currently sick to be tested for COVID-19, along with those who fear they may be infected with COVID-19 but are currently asymptomatic.

However, not everybody who feels ill needs to be tested, particularly if you have mild illness. Healthcare providers determine who should be tested, based on specific symptoms. While testing is becoming more available, there are still limitations in the ability to quickly collect and process tests.

For now, if you have mild symptoms (cough, fever), you need to stay home and stay away from people.

Public Health – Seattle and King County continues to prioritize our attention where the need is the greatest including addressing urgent issues at Life Care, other long-term care facilities and congregate settings with highly vulnerable people.



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English for Work classes to be offered at Shoreline Hopelink


Do you have clients who would benefit from improved English skills in order to find work?

Registration for Hopelink’s spring quarter “English for Work” classes is now open! Clients can contact us to register for orientation at 425-250-3007 or englishforwork@hopelink.org.

Orientations begin the week of April 7th at the Hopelink center in Shoreline. The attached flyer includes class dates, times, and locations.

Links to translated versions of the attached flyer can be found here: Arabic Farsi Japanese Khmer Korean Mongolian Portuguese Russian Spanish Turkish

This FREE English for Work 10-week course is designed to help immigrants and refugees who speak some English improve their language skills while they prepare for work.

Students develop their speaking, listening, reading, writing, and technology skills; receive one-on-one advising; and participate in mock interviews conducted by local employers.

Every quarter, many of our students find jobs. Employers know about us, and frequently make us aware of job openings. In addition, Hopelink volunteers often help to connect students with employers in the business community.

Feel free to contact Hopelink at 425-250-3007 or englishforwork@hopelink.org with any questions.


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King County Elections answers questions about Tuesday's presidential primary election - no snarky comments please

Monday, March 9, 2020

Ballot drop box at LFP City Hall. Others at
192nd park n ride and Shoreline Library
Photo by Sarah Phillips
From King County Elections

We are getting lots of questions today, here's answers to a few.

  • You can still register to vote in person until 8pm Tuesday night (except ballots have to be in by 8pm) - doing so Monday reduces your chance of having to wait in line. There is a vote center at Kenmore City Hall and here are the others.
    • If you're sick but still need to register to vote, please do not visit a voting center. Call 206-296-VOTE.
  • If you're returning your ballot today or tomorrow, we recommend using a drop box as pick up and processing times vary for USPS and you need the all-important on-time postmark. There are 70 drop boxes in KC. Find them here: ballot drop boxes
  • You can mark your vote with any pen you'd like.
    • You MUST select a party on the return envelope - it's required to have your vote counted.
    • Do not write a snarky comment or any name on the opposite party's write-in line. Under the state's voter intent guidelines, that counts as a vote and can reject your ballot
  • If you have returned your ballot already, there's no way to change your vote
    • If you still have your ballot and would like to change your vote, you can unseal, put a line through bubble and name, and then fill in the new bubble, reseal, and return. Need help? Have a question? Give us a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683)

As of Monday morning, we're at about 35% turnout for King County. We projected 40% for this election and are on track to exceed that.



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46th District Democrats Mar 18 meeting will be online only

The 46th District Democrats have cancelled the in-person version of their Wednesday, March 18, 2020 general meeting and will replace it with an online presentation/conference for that evening.

The executive board is currently working to put that together, and will be sending more information this weekend.

Questions about the caucus or running for delegate can likely be answered here. For any further questions, email chair@46dems.org

The board is currently in discussions about future meetings, if COVID-19 containment measures prevent us from gathering in groups past March.

The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, April 15, 2020.



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SAT testing at Shorewood cancelled

Due to restrictions on community events in Shoreline Public Schools, the SAT testing that was scheduled to take place on March 14, 2020 at Shorewood High School has been canceled due to restrictions on gatherings due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Information will be posted if or when the event is rescheduled.



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Photos: Jerry's garden

Photo by Jerry Pickard


Jerry Pickard has a beautiful flower garden - and is sharing it with us.




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American Legion Post 227 hosts Officer Evan Buetow

Evan Buetow on duty in the U.S. Army in his unit's Comm. Center.


By Jerry Pickard

On Tuesday, March 3. 2020 American Legion Post 227 hosted King County Sheriff's Officer Evan Buetow who related his time in the U.S. Army deployed in Iraq and a second tour in Afghanistan.

He also related his association with deserter Private Bowe Bergdahl who was a member of Sergeant Buetow's team in Afghanistan.

Evan's unit crossing a stream. 


In Iraq he was deployed with 1-501 Parachute Infantry Regiment in Fallujah and Karbala from 2006 to 2008. He described Iraq as HOT! 

After his deployment to Iraq his unit returned to the U.S. for a year of training and then they were deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.

Not long after his unit deployed, Private Bergdahl was assigned to Evan's squad. Evan was his Team Leader and immediate line supervisor. Evan at first thought Bergdahl was an ideal soldier as he was always studying manuals and regulations; however Bergdahl didn't make friends with other squad members or participate in after hours activities.

Little kids like soldiers. They have candy and gum.

While on patrol near a small Afghan village Bergdahl was assigned to a post and scheduled to report for duty at 06:30. When the Sgt. of the guard went to wake him to man his post he wasn't in his bunk nor anywhere in the squad area.

School children reported seeing him walking away from the area without any of his field gear on. An extensive search did not find him. An extensive search of north Afghanistan was conducted with many false leads but Bergdahl was not found.

Six soldiers died in the search before it was called off. It was later determined that he had been captured and transported to Pakistan within hours of his desertion.

Evan became a deputy in the King County Sheriff's department
Evan returned home and was Honorably discharged. He became a deputy in the King County Sheriff's Department.

Five years later in a prisoner exchange with the Taliban, President Obama freed five Taliban terrorists in exchange for Bergdahl.

When it was determined that Bergdahl was a deserter and not a hero he was court martialed. Evan and other members of his squad were called to testify. Bergdahl was convicted and sentenced to several years in prison.

In a media storm Evan was called to appear on CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and ABC news outlets and many publications to relate the true events of this significant incident.

Photo by Jerry Pickard

Photo by Jerry Pickard

After his presentation Major General Ray Coffey presented Evan a Commander In Chief's Challenge coin, and Post Commander Larry Fischer presented him with a Certificate Of Appreciation.

Photos provided by Evan Buetow except as indicated.



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