Book review by Aarene Storms: Mighty Jack and Zita the Space Girl

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Mighty Jack and Zita the Space Girl by Ben Hatke (graphic novel)
(Mighty Jack #3, Zita the Spacegirl #4)

What could be better than a new Zita the Spacegirl graphic novel?

Only this: Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl : together in one action-packed story full of aliens, giants, goblins, magic, science, and all the other wonderful stuff that Ben Hatke crams into his fabulous graphic novels.

If you like Zita or Jack, you're going to love this book. If you don't ... what's wrong with you, srsly? :-)

Fighting between the heroes and various blobby bad guys, but no blood, no cussing and no nekkidness. Highly recommended for all creatures, ages 8 to adult.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org



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Senior Shopping Hours

By Diane Hettrick

Grocery stores are creating special shopping hours for senior citizens. Following is a handy chart that someone created. I don't know the source, so let me know if anything is wrong.

Update: 
  • Safeway hours are 6am to 9am
  • Shoreline Central Market, 15505 Westminster Way N, has Senior Shopping hours Monday and Wednesday, 7am - 9am. Check out their website for their latest COVID-19 info and adjusted regular store hours: https://central-market.com/shoreline/ They are sanitizing their carts and baskets for customers.



From what I am hearing, these special shopping hours are very crowded - but not as crowded as when the store is opened to everyone.

Senior line at Costco
Photo by Margy Palo


You have to be able enough to stand for a long time. The line for senior shopping at Costco went to the end of the parking lot.

It sounds like everyone is trying to get to the stores when they first open. I've heard many stories about no lines and few customers in the afternoon.

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan

However, the check out lines can take a long time. This photo was taken in the North City Safeway.

Online shopping is a bit of a challenge right now, too, as the stores and services like Instacart are swamped with orders. Waiting time can be 3-5 days and there are system glitches.

Shelves are still being stripped bare. Now might be the time to try something new that's not so popular.



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Shoreline man makes 3D printed face shields for medical personnel

In November, he made a blue lion.
Now he's making face masks.
Photo courtesy Joel Telling

3D printing guru and Shoreline resident Joel Telling is, not surprisingly, stepping up to the plate to create 3D face masks for medical personnel.

Joel has a YouTube channel followed by thousands, where he does demos on how to make things with a 3D printer.

Now he has turned his attention to face masks, so crucially needed in this pandemic.

KING 5 told the story - see it here

He used his contacts to find a pattern and is now sharing the instructions with his network so other people can start making masks.





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Wednesday's flower

Photo by Steve Schneider


These are so beautiful - I can almost smell them. Too bad about my perfume allergy.
Hyacinths.

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King county district court in Shoreline closed

Shoreline District Courthouse
Google
All King County District Court Community Court operations are closed until April 27, 2020, or further order of the court. 

All hearings scheduled from March 17, 2020, through April 24, 2020, will be rescheduled and notice will be mailed.

Due to COVID-19, the King County District Court in Shoreline will remain closed until at least April 27, 2020, or further order of the court. 

The Shoreline Community Court will also remain closed.

The KCDC – Shoreline is located at 18050 Meridian Avenue N, adjacent to Cromwell Park. The Community Court was held in the council chamber at Shoreline City Hall.

“The King County District Court's 25 courtrooms collectively handle more than 100,000 matters each year for both the county and the cities that contract with us for court services,” says Judge Donna Tucker, King County District Court Chief Presiding Judge. 
“Because so many people typically come and go through our courthouses every day, it was crucial that we drastically curtail when and where we are open to keep our employees and the public safe during the pandemic.”

Court users can find the latest information on changes to court operations and services online at COVID-19 Impacts to King County District Court or by calling (206) 205-9200.

King County District Court (KCDC) is the largest court of limited jurisdiction in Washington State.  KCDC holds court and provides public access at 9 courthouses throughout King County: Auburn, Bellevue, Burien, Issaquah, King County Courthouse (Seattle), Redmond, Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent), Shoreline, and Vashon Island (one day per month); as well as at the King County Jail in Seattle (jail calendars only).




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NEMCo drive-thru food drive Thursday at Northshore Fire in Kenmore

As many of you are aware, our local first responders and medical professionals are running short on medical gloves, aprons, gowns and masks.

If you happen to have a supply tucked away that you would be willing to donate, NEMCo is setting up a way for that to happen.

Additionally, with so many staying home and unable to work, our local food banks are in need of donations as well.

NEMCo is setting up a one-day only, four hour opportunity to collect donations. This will be a drive-thru setup, making it easy to drive in and hand off items to a volunteer.

Thursday, March 26, 2020 9am to 1pm at the Northshore Fire Department in Kenmore, 7220 NE 181st St.

Useful food items include:
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Soup
- Top Ramen
- Juices
- Cereal and Oatmeal
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken)
- Peanut butter and Jam
- Pancake mix and syrup
- Chili
- Pasta and Sauce
- Beans
- Boxed or Pouch Potatoes
- Cookies
- Gluten free items



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Notes from Shoreline city council meeting March 23, 2020

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Mike Remarcke

Shoreline City Council Meeting
March 23, 2020

Notes by Pam Cross


Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm

All Councilmembers were present. City Councilmembers participated in the meeting remotely by calling into an online video conference. There were some minor technical problems for this first fully remote Council meeting.

PROCLAMATION

Proclamation Declaring March 31, 2020 Cesar Chavez Day in the City of Shoreline.

Mr. Chavez founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with Dolores Huerta, launching one of our Nation's most inspiring social movements.

The Mayor reiterated Council’s empathy for those who have been directly affected by the coronavirus.

Governor Inslee issued an order for everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary to go to a grocery store, a doctor or an “essential” job. Walks are acceptable. All public and private gatherings are prohibited. This is the best way to fight this disease.

Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry

Citizens are reminded that when it is necessary to go out, they should observe social distancing guidelines (6’ away from others). Please follow the guidelines posted by individual businesses. For additional information: Shorelinewa.gov/COVID

Parks: playgrounds, sports courts, picnic shelters and ballfields are closed. Parks including ballfields are open for walking only with social distancing.

The assessment and recovery buildings on Shoreline B field: the exteriors are complete, but there is additional work that King County is doing to get them ready for occupation. They will be used only if needed. Based on what we have been told, this should not occur for at least another week.

The City will be going to “essential services” only in accordance with the Governor’s order. An update for City services is available online.

You can sign up for email alerts at shorelinewa.gov/alerts

Council Reports

Deputy Mayor Scully attended a 40 person conference call for the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council. They approved a major grant to study predator fish in Lake Union. Additionally a heavy rainfall washed out a berm that needed to be removed from a river, returning it to a natural state.

Public Comment (remotely)

Krishnakant Nammi, Shoreline, spoke in favor of prioritizing a plan for replacement of the pool.

Barbara Johnston, Rebecca Jones and Kathleen Russell, all of Shoreline, spoke in favor of protecting the trees on Dayton Ave. N. 

There were 104 written public comments that are available on the City website.

Agenda

The agenda was approved unanimously and revised to include an item called “Procedural Issues” to modify the agenda. This is necessary to improve the use of remotely attended meetings.

Procedural Issues for this meeting:
  • Move to suspend voice vote and use roll call vote when a vote is necessary for remote meetings. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Move to suspend rules to omit flag salute when meeting remotely. Passed 6-1 with Deputy Mayor Scully dissenting.
  • The Consent Calendar was adopted, without discussion, unanimously.
    • Note: The agenda was revised just prior to this meeting to include the two Action items.
Action Item 8(a)

Adoption of Public Emergency Resolution No. 456 Authorizing the City Manager to Issue Temporary Emergency Waivers or Suspensions of Regulatory Obligations in the Shoreline Municipal Code Necessary to Preserve Life, Health, and Safety Related to COVID-19

Margaret King, City Attorney, did the presentation.

The City Manager oversees that laws and ordinances are followed but she cannot waive them. Patterning after recent authority given to the Governor, this resolution would allow the City Manager to waive the enforcement of certain laws in the event of an emergency. For example, the City Manager has had to close facilities and revise sick leave policies, among other things, as a result of the current pandemic. This proposal will provide the authority to do this on a temporary basis, and would expire in 14 days unless further extended by Council.

Public Comment required: there were no comments

Motion and second to adopt Resolution 456

Discussion

This is patterned after the Governor’s situation, but is different because the legislature only meets a couple of times per year. If an emergency happens when the legislature is not meeting, there is no way for the Governor to easily call back the legislature. Council meets weekly, making it easier to call an emergency meeting. However it’s not easy for staff to prepare a resolution or ordinance, have it reviewed by the City Attorney, prepare a staff report, and schedule a public meeting. Sometimes immediate action is required. While broadly written, it is assumed that this authority will be used for limited emergency details like permits that should not be held up by procedure. However, this resolution gives a broad scope of authority to the (not elected) city manager when that authority actually belongs to the Council. This is not a reflection on the city manager’s abilities or integrity. The resolution does include a requirement to advise Council in the usual way, and requires posting on the website as notice to the public.

The city manager kept Council well informed during these past two weeks. Nothing has been done without a consultation with someone such as Council, the Governor.or the Department of Public Health.

The current resolution reads: “City Council (can) terminate an order of suspension/waiver at any time if the Council believes the action was not necessary to preserve and maintain public life, health, welfare, or peace.”

Proposed amendment will increase length of city manager’s temporary authority from 7 to 14 days and eliminate the termination language. “The City Manager's order shall expire 14 days after issuance, unless a majority of the City Council votes to extend the order.”

Discussion: Council is elected to make policy, and the city manager and staff run the City. This resolution makes it possible for the city manager to run the City during an emergency. In an emergency situation it may be more important for staff, the Department of Public Health and the Governor to protect the public than to have the majority of Council rule on a decision. On the other hand, it is possible for broad authority to go beyond the intent of the resolution, especially under the stress of an emergency situation. Controls must be included.

This proposed amendment fails by a vote of 3-4.

In Favor: Councilmembers Roberts and Robertson, Deputy Mayor Scully
Opposed: Councilmembers McGlashan, McConnell and Chang, Mayor Hall

Action item without above amendment

Passes: 6-1 with Councilmember Roberts dissenting

STUDY ITEMS

9(a) Discussing Public Emergency Resolution No. 455 – Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Residential Tenant Evictions

Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental Manager, provided the presentation

Because of the coronavirus emergency, jobs are being lost and many people are unable to pay their rent. Failure to pay rent can result in eviction which increases homelessness that prevents self isolation and control of the spread of the virus. Most recently the Governor has prohibited residential evictions across the State until April 17, 2020.

Discussion

People are losing jobs and can’t pay their rent. The City wants to keep people housed and eliminate the stigma of eviction when you are powerless to control the cause. But there’s only so much government can do without bankrupting landlords at the same time. Landlords are not always large corporations - many are owners of 1 to 6 properties and they rely on rental income to make their mortgage payments. This moratorium applies only to residential renters. There are people who are losing jobs and unable to pay their mortgages and small businesses who have had to temporarily close and can’t pay rent. This is a large problem and it won’t disappear in 30 days. Now that there is action by the Governor, it doesn’t seem necessary for Shoreline to step in. The moratorium could be extended for some time - and the State has more money and is in a better position to help than the City. There is no need to layer on top of County and State regulations. We should support the Governor and the task force that created this action. We should continue look towards helping with rental assistance.

This resolution was put together before the Governor’s action. If the moratorium is not extended, the City could step in at that time (confirmed by the city attorney).

Council agreed to wait and see what the Governor does in 30 days. If necessary, this can then be brought back as an Action item.


9(b) Discussing Resolution No. 449 Expressing the City’s Support for the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) Joint Climate Commitments

Autumn Salamack, Environmental Services Coordinator did the presentation

The City of Shoreline was a founding member of the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) in 2011. Today there are 18 member organizations representing more than 80% of King County residents. The updated Joint Commitments document maintains the overarching goal of achieving 80% reduction of countywide sources of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared to a 2007 baseline.

In 2017 Shoreline’s municipal operations accounted for only 0.2% of total community greenhouse emissions. Countywide, the biggest creators of greenhouse emissions are buildings’ energy use and vehicles. To further reduce emissions, cities need to reduce fossil fuel energy use in buildings, increase the adoption of electric vehicles, and implement the new 100% clean electricity law.

The collaboration of multiple cities is beneficial in pursuing grants, funding and resources, coordinating outreach, raising the profile of climate work, and allowing shared staff training and expertise, because numbers make a greater impact.

Discussion

How does this address limiting greenhouse gas emissions to 1.5° C of global warming that was added to the comprehensive plan? It’s hard to know at this point. This is a long difficult process and current goals were finalized in 2019. Since then the State has taken action to be more aggressive in their reduction of greenhouse gas targets.

Once analyzed, it is likely current goals will need to be revised in order to get to the 1.5° C of global warming.

Shoreline should reaffirm support of its commitments. Shoreline has been a leader and needs to maintain this role while adding to the collective vision.

Coming back on consent at a future meeting.


9(c) Discussing the 2020-2022 City Council Goals and Work Plan

John Norris, Assistant City Manager, gave the presentation

The Council is committed to fulfilling the community’s long-term vision – Vision 2029 – and being a sustainable city in all respects. The City Council holds an annual Strategic Planning Workshop to monitor progress and determine priorities and action steps necessary to advance Vision 2029. Council has determined that goals are still relevant and supportive of V2029.

Discussion

The National League of Cities suggested medium size cities will see potential revenue losses of $3M this year. It’s obviously too early to know what the exact revenue projections will be, but we have a fair number of asks in our Council goals. What does our budget look like now? Are these goals reflective of where we are today instead of where we were several weeks ago? We don’t know. Hours and hours of effort are required to try to see what we could do with changing revenues. We should pass these goals and then work within our budget as it develops to do what we can do. It’s not so much the budget, as how we can provide the quality of life with a lower income.

Goals don’t address the COVID-19 emergency and the resultant economic downturn.

Moved forward on Consent to April 6th recognizing changes will be needed as COVID-19 continues to unfold.


(d) Discussion of Ordinance No. 883 Amending the 2019-2020 Final Biennial Budget to Update the Salary Table to Accommodate Additional Staff Needs for the Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Extension Light Rail Transit Project

Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, gave the staff report

Staff have started the recruitment process for additional staff needs for the Sound Transit project. The position won’t be filled in the current climate, of course, and Council consent is required.

Discussion

We will get beyond COVID-19 and we will still need light rail. Today it seems odd to move forward but this project is about the years to come.

Costs will be reimbursed by Sound Transit by the way.

Council will see on Consent April 6.

Meeting adjourned.



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Public Health Seattle and King county case update March 24, 2020

Case updates

Cases reported today are an approximation. 

Case numbers draw from a Washington State Department of Health database that is in the process of being updated. We expect to have an official count tomorrow. 

Public Health—Seattle and King County is reporting the following estimated positive cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59pm. on 3/23/20.
1277 estimated positive cases (up 107 from yesterday)
94 estimated deaths (up 7 from yesterday)



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Clouds that wander through the sky

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


"Clouds that wander through the sky,
Sometimes low and sometimes high;
In the darkness of the night,
In the sunshine warm and bright.
Ah! I wonder much if you
Have any useful work to do."

--Anonymous




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Shoreline Center closed - School Board meeting on Zoom


Beginning Tuesday, March 24, the Shoreline Center will be closed until further notice.

This does not apply to the Senior Center, which is a tenant of the school district

The closure is in response to Governor Inslee’s request for people to stay home and telecommute as much as possible to help lower the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

All Shoreline Center staff will be working remotely and checking emails and voicemails regularly. You can find the Shoreline Center staff directory HERE if you need contact information for a staff member. 

You can also email general questions to our Public Information Office HERE 

This does not impact meal service. Free meals for all children 18 and younger will continue to be available each weekday from 11:30-12:30. You can find a list of sites and additional food support information HERE.

School Playgrounds and Fields Closed

All school playgrounds and fields are closed until further notice in order to support statewide social distancing guidelines.

March 30 School Board Virtual Meeting

The regular School Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 30 at 7pm will be available for viewing online. You will be able to view the meeting HERE

Up to five members of the public will also be able to view the meeting in the Shoreline Room of the Shoreline Center. If you wish to view the meeting in person at the Shoreline Center, please email public.info@shorelineschools.org

Written public comment will be accepted online HERE until 12pm on Monday, March 30. Received written comments will be shared with the Board. No public comment will be taken at the meeting.



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Police reaction to Stay Home order

Police want to see empty streets
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
KCSO (and every police response posted so far) have the same reaction to the Stay Home order


This evening, Governor Jay Inslee ordered all Washington State residents to stay home for a minimum of two weeks in an effort to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 infections.

All non-essential businesses must close within 48 hours.

So what is our role in this? 
The Governor is not asking law enforcement, including the King County Sheriff's Office, to actively enforce the stay at home order and we see no need to do so.

Instead, if our deputies see banned gatherings, we will take an educational approach and remind people of the current restrictions issued by the Governor.

It is our hope that people will simply self-regulate their behavior and stay at home to preserve public health and safety. If you must leave home for essential activities, we continue to ask that you follow public health guidelines and practice good social distancing measures.

“Rest assured that we are continuing our work to keep communities safe from crime and responding to emergencies like we always have,” said Sheriff Mitzi G. Johanknecht. 
“We are all in this together, and together we will see our way through this crisis.”


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Disaster Assistance now available to all Washington Small Businesses Economically Impacted by COVID-19

SBA Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has amended its original disaster declaration to apply to all Washington small businesses, regardless of county.

These low-interest loans for working capital are now available to any small businesses suffering economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak.

SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.

Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 since January 31, 2020 may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75%.

SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications here

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is December 16, 2020.

Other resources:



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Republic Services announces temporary guidelines

Republic Services, which provides garbage, yard waste and recycling services for the City of Lake Forest Park has announced some temporary guidelines to protect its customers, drivers, and communities. Effective Tuesday, March 24:

Residential:

Due to health concerns for the public and our drivers, until further notice we will only collect trash that is stored in Republic Carts or personally owned cans. 

Extra trash must be bagged or stored in an additional cart or can.

If you have extra recycling or yard waste, it must be in a cart or can. We will not pick up any loose/bundled/bagged material outside a cart or can.

In addition, we are suspending all bulky waste collections until further notice.

Commercial:

Due to health concerns for the public and our drivers, until further notice we will only pick up trash that is in your container unless it is bagged. Anything outside the container that is not bagged will not be collected.

If you have recycling, our drivers will only pick up recycling that is stored inside your container. We will not pick up anything outside your container.



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Tuesday's flower

Photo by Jerry Pickard

The crocus are blooming in Jerry's Garden - always the first sign of spring.

Photo by Jerry Pickard

Jerry has them in several colors.



 

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Two Shoreline students receive awards at State PTA Reflections Art program

The Shoreline PTA is thrilled to announce that two Shoreline students have been chosen for an award at the state level for the PTA Reflections Art Program. 


Congratulations to both Taylor Draper from Lake Forest Park and Thea Jacobsen from Shorewood! 

Each category at state (Visual Arts, Photography, Dance, Music Composition, Film Production and Literature) only affords 3 winners per level (for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12).

The three award types are: Outstanding interpretation, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit.

Big congratulations to our Shoreline School winners for:


* Photography - Beauty Within 

Award of Merit
Taylor Draper

Lake Forest Park PTA



*High School Visual Arts - A Study in Blue

Award of Excellence
Thea Jacobsen

Shorewood HS PTSA



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Jobs: Dominos is hiring

Domino’s franchise-owned locations are looking to hire about 1,000 new team members across more than 100 stores throughout the Greater Seattle area. The positions include delivery drivers, customer service representatives, assistant managers and managers.

“Domino’s works hard to serve local communities across the country and Seattle is no different,” said Mike Brown, a Seattle-area Domino’s franchise owner. “Stores across this area are continuing to provide pizza to those who are looking for a delicious, hot meal, and at times like this, staffing is critical.”

Domino’s stores throughout the U.S. provide a contactless delivery option to customers, while also offering carryout to those who prefer it. To make sure service levels remain strong, Domino’s locations throughout the region need additional team members.

“While many local, state, and federal rules are closing dine-in restaurants, the opportunity to feed our neighbors through delivery and carryout continues,” said Brown. “We want to make sure we’re not only providing food to people, but also delivering opportunity to those who are looking for work.”

Those who are interested in applying for a position should visit jobs.dominos.com. To read about what Domino’s is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit biz.dominos.com/web/media/covid-19.

About Domino’s Pizza®

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world based on retail sales, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world’s top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 17,000 stores in over 90 markets.



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Ecology Youth Corps summer litter crews cancelled

The Department of Ecology has canceled its 2020 Ecology Youth Corps (EYC) summer litter crews for teens 14-17 due to the coronavirus emergency and the uncertainty surrounding the remaining school year.

The statewide closure of Washington’s K-12 schools is impacting the ability of potential applicants to assemble and submit necessary material, including required references.

Statewide directives addressing the emergency have also impacted the Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) ability to schedule interviews and conduct hiring and other mandatory meetings that consist of more than 50 people.

“Our primary responsibility is the safety of our crewmembers,” said Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program Manager Laurie Davies. “This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and only after much consideration of our current situation.”

Much of its roadside litter control responsibilities will shift to Ecology’s adult litter crews, which are already hired and deployed in some areas of the state. Adult crews are using social distancing tactics recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce their chance of exposure to the virus.

Since 1975, Ecology Youth Corps has hired more than 12,000 Washington teens, offering them work experience, a summer job, and the chance to preserve our state’s natural beauty and protect the environment. In 2019, Ecology Youth Corps summer crews cleaned almost 5,000 miles of road and picked up 1,213,250 pounds of litter.



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WorkSource offices closed - use phone or web for unemployment claims

WorkSource offices statewide are closed for in-person services due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Customers can get help from WorkSource staff by phone, through our Live Chat feature and by using WorkSourceWA.com

If you have a scheduled appointment, reach out to your local WorkSource or use Live Chat to get instructions or WorkSource information. 

Unfortunately, they cannot provide unemployment benefit information via Live Chat.

Gov. Inslee has announced that the state is waiving the one-week waiting period for out-of-work employees to collect unemployment benefits, retroactive to March 8.



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Don't be a grumbler...



Dow Constantine, County Executive, tweeted this out.

It's from the Seattle Star, October 1918. Seattle was sheltering in place during the 1918 Flu Pandemic.

Looks like the Northwest was proactive, even then.



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Lydia pointed out to me that with all the "shelter in place" time on my hands

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


... I should jolly well have time to take a backlit portrait of her -- so I did! (Anything for Lydia:)  --Gloria Z Nagler
There is an opinion that Lydia is playing a little country [foot-stomping] tune on her harmonica :-)

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COVID-19 update from County Councilmember Rod Dembowski


Rod Dembowski represents north end cities on the King county council, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore


As the COVID-19 emergency continues, I wanted to share with you highlights of the work King County is doing, the impact on our operations and opportunities for assistance. There are a number of updates below on these issues. 

Additionally, we received more news Monday during Governor Jay Inslee’s news conference. You can watch the livestream here or read his statement here

I’ve been working to identify locations in North King County to site additional Isolation, Treatment and Recovery Centers. The most notable site has been in Shoreline. In partnership with the City of Shoreline and the school district, I identified a workable field hospital site last Monday. In one week, King County has constructed temporary structures that will support a 200 bed facility. 

The Shoreline Area News has additional details here and here is the letter I wrote to constituents asking for their support for the field hospital. The county has a goal of bringing 3000 beds online to relieve pressure from our hospitals, making sure that we have capacity for those most in need.

I’ve also been working on efforts to support small businesses and individuals who have lost their sources of income. Many elected leaders throughout the region joined my letter to the Governor asking for enhanced unemployment benefits, cash assistance, and support for small businesses. Some of these measures have already been implemented.

Along with my colleagues, we are partnering with the tourism and cultural sectors, which have been especially devastated by the necessary public health orders. We are working hard to ensure that our cultural, arts, and heritage institutions survive this unprecedented situation, and that our tourism businesses will be ready to rebound.

Thank you for doing your part to combat this infectious disease by staying home and respecting recommended distances from others when you need to head out.

If you need help, please reach out.

Best wishes,
Rod Dembowski
King County Councilmember

METRO AND SOUND TRANSIT FARES DISCONTINUED AND CHANGES TO SCHEDULES
Metro and Sound Transit ended fare collections on Saturday, March 21st. This means riders will not be required to pay fares when riding any King County Metro or Sound Transit service. Passengers will also now be directed to board and exit at rear doors, reserving front door access for customers using mobility devices or who require use of the boarding ramp.

Metro and Sound Transit have reduced service on some routes. You can find out more information about the changes here.

As the new schedules roll out, buses may be running less often, during fewer hours, and/or be canceled. As such, Metro is encouraging riders to text their bus stop ID # to 62550 for to find out when the next bus will arrive.

WHITE HOUSE DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER IN WASHINGTON STATE

On Sunday, Gov. Jay Inslee shared that President Trump had declared a major disaster in Washington as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The declaration grants the state’s request for assistance with crisis counseling and training to address the impact of the outbreak on the mental health of affected Washingtonians. Other disaster assistance programs requested in Inslee’s letter remain under review by the White House, including expanded unemployment assistance and basic food benefits.

GOV. INSLEE NAMES STATE DIRECTOR FOR COVID-19 HEALTH RESPONSE MANAGEMENT

Gov. Inslee also announced Sunday that he had named retired Navy Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono as Washington state director for COVID-19 Health System Response Management. Bono is currently a senior fellow with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. As the former chief executive officer and director for the Defense Health Agency, Bono led a joint, integrated support agency that enabled all branches of the U.S. military medical services to provide health care services to those engaged in combat. She is the first woman surgeon in the military to hold the rank of vice admiral.

WASHINGTON CAMPGROUNDS CLOSED

Various state agencies on Sunday announced the closure of all state campgrounds across Washington to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Campgrounds, which include cabins, yurts and vacation houses, will remain closed through April 30.

Day-use areas and trails remain open, but due to the volume of people visiting Washington’s ocean beaches, the state is asking the public to avoid those areas. People should continue to practice social distancing when recreating outdoors.

HARBORVIEW HALL NOW A RECOVERY CENTER

King County has joined with Harborview Medical Center to plan for opening an isolation and recovery center in the county’s Harborview Hall building, located at 326 Ninth Avenue.

Harborview Hall, which is across the street from Harborview Medical Center, will be repurposed to serve as a recovery site primarily for people who do not have a home to rest and recover and who may have other health needs requiring a level of monitoring. This location will offer a very vulnerable population a safe place to recover, with onsite clinical support provided by medical center staff.

These isolation and recovery locations are all part of our continuing effort to slow the spread in our community and to preserve critical hospital beds for those with the most acute healthcare needs.

PLAYGROUNDS AND SPORTS COURTS CLOSED

King County and City of Seattle has announced we are closing playgrounds and sports courts. The closure includes playground equipment, picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, ballfields, and other active recreation locations. Playfields, however, remain open for walking and other non-team activities.

Parks, natural lands, regional trails, backcountry trails, and beaches where social distancing can be maintained remain open.

GET A PEEK INTO THE KENT QUARANTINE FACILITY

Thanks to a donation of food and supplies from Amazon, King County's Kent quarantine facility will now begin serving community members who can't isolate at home. Our staff produced a video about it. Get a look inside the center here.

FEDERAL TAX DEADLINE MOVED TO JULY 15th

Individual and business taxpayers will have an additional three months to file their taxes this year, as the federal government took more steps to help workers and business owners during the continuing coronavirus crisis. President Donald Trump on Friday directed the U.S. Treasury to move the filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. Filers will have the additional time to file and make payments without any penalties or fees.

REMINDER: STILL FILL OUT YOUR CENSUS FORMS

The 2020 Census is ongoing during the pandemic. The decennial count of all people residing in the United States is used to allocate public resources over the next decade along with representation in state and federal government.

People are encouraged to respond to the census by mail, phone or online. The more people respond via these options, the fewer workers will be sent out into the field later this year to conduct in-person counts. More information here: https://2020census.gov/

SPECIAL GROCERY HOURS FOR SENIORS, AT-RISK SHOPPERS

Many grocery stores across King County—including Safeway, Whole Foods, Target, and Uwajimaya—have announced special times of day where only seniors and at-risk people can shop. My staff has compiled a partial list of participating stores and hours on our website.

NEW STATE CORONAVIRUS WEBSITE

We just received word of a brand new website launched by the state that can be considered the definitive, comprehensive source for information on coronavirus. You can find links to official information from a wide range of trusted sources, including government and community services. Visit the site here.

FREE INTERNET ACCESS AND HOTSPOTS

We just learned that Comcast Xfinity WiFi hotspots across King County will be available to anyone who needs them for free. A map of free hotspot locations and info on how to connect is here. There are thousands of these hotspot locations across King County.

The company is also offering 60 days of free internet access for low-income families. To sign up, applicants can visit their website.

CULTURAL RELIEF FUND

I have been so inspired by all the artists, organizations, and individuals finding creative ways to respond to this crisis. At King County, our cultural funding agency 4Culture will be offering a Cultural Relief Fund of $1 million. Full details and timeline are not yet finalized, but I encourage visiting their COVID-19 site for details. They have also compiled a resource list for cultural organizations and practitioners which will be updated daily.

SEATTLE CHILDREN’S NEEDS DONATED MASKS

Yesterday I learned that Seattle Children’s is actively working to acquire more protective equipment for its providers, patients and caregivers. If you have access to any style of basic isolation masks they could use them.

They can accept curbside drop off of unopened boxes or bags of masks between 9am-3pm M-F at the Seattle Children’s Guild Association Office. That is located within the Seattle Children’s Administrative Building located at 6901 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.

After you drop off they will get these items to the hospital; please do not drop off supplies at the hospital. Please call 206-987-7000 when you arrive and they will come out to your vehicle.

RESIDENTIAL EVICTION MORATORIUM

The Governor announced Thursday afternoon that he has instituted a statewide moratorium on residential evictions for 30 days. You can read more details on the moratorium at on Inslee’s Medium page but know that the City of Seattle has already instituted a ban on evictions, and the King County Sheriff’s Office has said it won’t enforce evictions during the continuing outbreak.

UNEMPLOYMENT WAITING PERIOD WAIVED

Inslee also announced that the state is waiving the one-week waiting period for out-of-work employees to collect unemployment benefits, retroactive to March 8.

ACTION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

To help businesses impacted by the crisis, Inslee said that up to $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Funds will be made available as small grants to small businesses across the state to help prevent closure due to COVID-19. The state will also be able to waive penalties and late fees for certain late business tax payments, and a number of tax fees will be waived for both business owners and residents.

ESJ GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE

Locally, the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice released criteria for community-based organizations to apply for grants up to $25,000 to fund outreach, education, and community engagement in these critical areas: language access, health literacy, cultural sensitivity, community and ethnic media outreach, and anti-bias and stigma resources.

The grants are funded by $1 million that I voted to approve as part of emergency funding for the county’s COVID-19 response. You can read more information on the program here.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

If you missed any of my earlier updates please know we have been compiling resources to help people with financial needs during this unprecedented time. You can find all of the resources on the King County Council website, including options to download each page as a PDF if you would like to share it with others or keep it handy.



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Gov. Inslee: Stay Home, Stay Healthy

Monday, March 23, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee


Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians to announce he will sign a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home. The order will last for two weeks and could be extended.

This Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is similar to orders that other governors, in places such as California and New York, issued last week.

This proclamation will:
  • Require every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
  • Ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
  • Close all businesses except essential businesses.

“The less time we spend in public, the more lives we will save,” Inslee said.

The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses will remain open. 

People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Bans on gatherings and going out take effect immediately.

This order applies to private and public gatherings. These include some of the most deeply meaningful gatherings in communities, such as weddings and funerals.

Along with other public places, non-essential businesses with in-office personnel functions must be closed.

Inslee said it’s crucial to reduce social interactions where this highly contagious virus can spread.
Business closures must happen 48 hours after Inslee signs the order.

Many businesses can, and should, continue using telework.

All grocery stores, pharmacies, childcare facilities, gas stations, food supply chains and other things that offer people basic, crucial needs will remain open. Inslee expects businesses and residents to voluntarily comply.

He will discuss possible enforcement mechanisms in the coming days if residents and businesses do not comply.

Industries that can argue they are essential can request a special designation as an essential business. Businesses and entities that provide essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet.

“We know life will look different tomorrow in Washington,” Inslee said. “And we know tonight’s announcement affects millions of our livelihoods. But these necessary restrictions will protect us and our loved ones so that we have a livelihood to come back to. We will keep working until this is defeated.”

Food security

We want to remind people that the food supply operations — including hunger relief and nutritional support services — are essential services that will remain open and operational through this crisis; this order does not ban people getting access to food.

Remember:
  • Food banks and food pantries are essential services that will remain in operation through this restriction.
  • You can still go to a food pantry to pick up groceries but check the hours before you go. Hours of operation may vary and many hunger relief organizations are moving to new ways to distribute food, such as home delivery and drop-off sites.
  • Food bank volunteers may continue to go to work at food pantries

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Public Health Seattle and King county case update March 23, 2020



Public Health—Seattle and King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59pm on 3/22/20. 

1170 confirmed cases (up 130 from yesterday)
87 confirmed deaths (up 12 from yesterday)

These additional deaths include:

A woman in his 70s, who died on 3/21
A man in his 70s, who died on 3/21 at EvergreenHealth
A man in his 80s who died on 3/22 at EvergreenHealth
A man in his 80s, who died on 3/22 at Swedish Issaquah
A woman in her 70s, who died on 3/22
A woman in her 90s. who died on 3/22
A man in his 70s, who died on 3/22
A woman in her 90s, who died on 3/22
A woman in her 60s, who died on 3/22 at Swedish Cherry Hill
A man in his 60s, who died on 3/21 at Swedish Cherry Hill
A man in his 60s who died on 3/22 at University of Washington Medical Center
A man in his 60s who died on 3/22 at Virginia Mason

Of the 87 deaths reported, 37 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

Four people are currently staying in a King County isolation and quarantine facility.

2221 cases in the state



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Recovery Center building shells finished

Aerial Photography copyright Marc Weinberg


The two structures intended for use for the COVID-19 pandemic in King county were assembled within five days on the soccer field north of the Shoreline Center.

The temporary buildings are part of a proactive approach by County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Council to prepare for the expected wave of COVID-19 patients.

They can house a total of 200 patients. They are heated and ventilated.

A worker leaves at the end of his shift.
The buildings are unfinished inside but the HVAC
systems are in place along the side of the buildings.
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg


King county is using all means possible to identify locations for those affected by the virus. They have purchased a motel, leased another motel and continue to acquire sites.

With the majority of the population, King and Snohomish counties are the epicenter of the pandemic in Washington state.

County councilmember Rod Dembowski, who represents north end cities, including Shoreline, has assured residents that the soccer fields will be restored fully after the field is no longer needed.

Note that this field is at the other end of the Shoreline Center from the Shoreline Stadium.

The field was chosen because it is flat, well-drained, and close to parking. Other sites were considered. There is a large field next to the Stadium but it is wet and the parking is very limited. Sears is being used by Sound Transit and occasionally, the Shoreline Fire department.

Fircrest land is not suitable as the ground is not flat. Fircrest belongs to two different state agencies and the county did not want to take the time to deal with state bureaucracies.

Sports have been cancelled, both organized teams
and pick-up games, so there's no conflict for use
of the soccer field.
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg


The City of Shoreline and the Shoreline School District came to a quick agreement to work with the county for use of this land.

The buildings were constructed by a specialty firm from California which has decades of experience in this work.

King county has been working closely with the City of Seattle and the Governor to prepare. If the buildings are not needed, they will remain empty for the duration. If they are needed, they are part of the readiness that countries such as Italy wish they had.

--Diane Hettrick





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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: L.L. Bean




Whitney assures us that he washed his hands before sending in this cartoon.

Check the front page for links to topics, features (including cartoons)
A link to the open / closed list
A link to local restaurants that are providing take out







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Washington campgrounds to close through April 30

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks), Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the closure of all state campgrounds across Washington to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Campgrounds will remain closed through April 30.

The closure includes roofed accommodations like cabins and yurts.

No new campers will be allowed into Parks, WDFW or DNR lands beginning Monday, March 23. Current campers will be phased out following instructions from land officials.

Day use areas and trails remain open. Due to the volume of people visiting Washington’s ocean beaches, we are asking the public to avoid those areas. People should continue to practice social distancing when recreating outdoors.

State Parks
Campers who have state parks reservations through April 30 will be notified and offered a full refund. Visitors can find the latest information about State Park operations at parks.state.wa.us/COVID19.

Department of Fish and Wildlife
Although camping is not allowed, WDFW wildlife areas and water access areas remain open for public use at this time. However, due to theft and increased usage of their restrooms, visitors should plan to bring their own hand sanitizer and toilet paper. For the latest information about WDFW operations, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates.

Department of Natural Resources
DNR’s camping will be closed to dedicated camping areas and dispersed camping or camping outside of designated campsites. For the most up-to-date information for DNR lands, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation.




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