Free emergency child care for essential workers

Monday, April 13, 2020

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Employees who are essential workers under Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order can now access free emergency child care through a King County program to help parents who are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response.

First responders and essential workers are defined by the Governor Inslee’s March 23 Proclamation and include front-line essential medical professionals and support staff, first responders, corrections officers, transit workers, and others.

If you are an essential worker who lives or works in King County outside the City of Seattle and you are interested in accessing the free emergency child care slots, call the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center at 1-800-446-1114 and complete an intake with Family Center staff. 

After intake, a resources specialist will work to match you with an eligible child care provider that meets your family needs. The County and its partners are working quickly, and hope to have child care available by mid-April.

For those essential workers who work or live in Seattle, the City of Seattle is rolling out an Emergency Child Care program to support first responders and essential workers. If you are an essential worker living or working in the City of Seattle, visit this website to fill out an interest form.

As a reminder, employees who are telecommuting are permitted to take care of their children in the home.

Proof of eligibility is required - details HERE



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Public Health Seattle and King county case update April 11, 2020

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Originally published 4-11-2020

Washington state reports over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 and Shoreline has 200 of them.

Everyone, even people who are young and healthy, must stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Each individual’s actions affect the health of our entire community, and what we do as a community protects us all.  

Stand Together, Stay Apart

Case updates

Public Health—Seattle and King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59pm on 4/10/20.
  • 4,262 confirmed positive cases (up 145* from yesterday)
  • 284 confirmed deaths (up 7 from yesterday)

* The “new confirmed positive cases” figure we publish each day represents all new confirmed cases reported to us through 11:59pm the night prior. Some of these test results were processed on days prior but were delayed in being reported to us.

Detailed information about demographics of those who died from COVID-19 is available on the data dashboard www.kingcounty.gov/covid/data.

71 people are currently staying in King County isolation and quarantine facilities.

Shoreline:
  • 200 have positive results, at a rate of 354.8 per 100,000 residents
  • 25 have died due to illness 
Lake Forest Park:
  • 19 have positive results
  • 0 have died due to illness 
State:
  • 10,224 (up 337) have positive results
  • 491 have died due to illness


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Easter sunrise

Photo by Mike Remarcke

As you will probably not be attending an Easter sunrise service, we are providing the view for you.




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Continuing Education online through Shoreline Community College: Getting Things Done in Windows 10 (Begins 4/20)



Online Class! Getting Things Done in Windows 10

Since 2015, Microsoft has refined Windows 10 over eight major updates.

Become a Windows 10 whiz as you discover features that will improve your productivity and comfort with the system.

Get things done and customize Windows 10 to your needs aided by Brian Boston, a 30-year Windows support professional!

Long-time readers will remember Brian's tech columns for the Shoreline Area News under the tag Tech Talk.




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Earth Day At Home - Wednesday April 22

Photo courtesy KCD

Wednesday, April 22, 2020 is Earth Day! The 50th Earth Day will be a unique and somber time for the Earth. 

The shut-down of daily human life has reduced the Earth's vibrations, air pollution has dropped enough to create skyline views not seen in decades, and the city of Los Angeles currently has some of the cleanest air in the world.

But these effects are temporary. 

To restore the Earth takes all of us. And this year is no different - that's why KCD will be celebrating #earthdayathome. 

We want to see the many ways our community is finding to support natural yards, native plants, pollinators, and local food. 

So whether you're putting out mason bees, growing veggie starts, or just getting the garden going, share your projects on social media and tag them with 
  • #earthdayathome and 
  • @kingconservationdistrict throughout the month of April.


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King County to offer hotel rooms to healthcare workers impacted by COVID-19

Hotel 116 in Bellevue

In partnership with the state’s health care unions, King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci announced that the County reserved a block of rooms at Hotel 116 in Bellevue for healthcare workers who need a place to stay if they are concerned about COVID-19 exposure.

King County is partnering with Washington State Nurses Association, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, and UFCW 21 to inform their members about this resource.

“Healthcare workers on the front lines of our crisis response shouldn't have to put their families and loved ones at risk for doing their jobs. 
"I am gratified to have the opportunity to work with healthcare unions to offer housing for caregivers during this public health emergency, so they can remain safe and care for our community,” said Executive Constantine.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Eggs dyed



Yes. Eggactly, my dear Watson!




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Red Sky Gallery turns to etsy

Red Sky Gallery in Lake Forest Park Town Center had mounted their Ruth Bader Ginsburg Re-Imagined show and were in full swing for the artists' reception, when they were shut down for the pandemic.

So they've taken the show to the internet, in a miniaturized and more personal scale.

The art has been transferred to coffee mugs which are for sale on the arts and crafts sale site etsy.

Order online now

You can have coffee or tea with the Notorious RBG of your choice. Heck, buy a mug for each of your friends and have coffee together on Skype or Zoom or Facetime.

She’s known as the “queen of dissent,” a “judicial rock star” and the Notorious R.B.G. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) has made a significant impact for women in the United States. 

Honor her with imagination and send her energy for her health to stay strong! And drink her health in a mug honoring her in a whimsical fashion.

If you don't need an RBG mug, the shop has the most beautiful face masks you will ever see. Cover up in style. HERE



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Be a citizen scientist

Bash the Bug

It’s a great time to become a citizen scientist.

Welcome to Zooniverse which offers volunteer opportunities for citizens to help with science projects ranging from penguin counting to transcribing anti-slavery manuscripts.

The site was recommended by The Seattle Times Education Lab.




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Letter to ADK: We don't know when the storm will pass but at least we nurture our sun inside

Trang Huang is an International Teaching Education student from Vietnam for Alpha Delta Kappa fraternal teachers’ organization. 

Diane Thompson and Rhetta Fisk, both former teachers in the Shoreline School District, are her sponsors, with help from Alpha Delta Chapter in Shoreline and the Northwest Region of ADK.  

Trang holds a degree in International Economics and is now studying equalizing educational opportunities in underrepresented communities at the UW. 

This was her letter to Alpha Delta members at the beginning of Spring, reprinted with permission from Trang.

Trang Huang

Hi ADK family,

I hope you are doing well lately. I just submitted my very final paper for Winter Quarter last Wednesday and now in spring break.

This past month has been a whirlwind of changes, uncertainties, anxiety to me as schools were moved online, conference and events got cancelled, plans changed. 

I was left not knowing when it will end. 

In these times, lovely notes from ADK really help cheer me up and give me more motivation to move forward. Thank you for all the positivity and support.

Many of my friends studying in the US, Korea and Europe were and are in the rush to fly back to Vietnam. I decided to stay as I think social distancing and less travel will help alleviate the situation and it will get better (yes!). 

There are no cases confirmed in my little town in Vietnam yet but I am asking my parents to stay at home. Being away from them made me feel powerless as there is less I can do besides video calls and asking them to take good care of themselves. I wish things will get back to normal soon (please!). 

I was torn between each time reading the newspapers/ watching about the updates and not accessing any media to avoid negative emotions. My heart sinks when the curve kept going upwards but I found hope in each and every little story about how people are supporting one another in this  tough time.

I have so much gratitude for what I am having and thinking about how I can pay it forward to more people who need it. 

I knew an old humorous lady who is living in my building and has become her feet going out and getting some grocery every 7-8 days. My mom though being worried but also told me to not forget to look out for each other and help those who might need it most.

We don't know when the storm will pass but at least we nurture our sun inside. There is fear but there does not have to be hate. There is uncertainty but there does not have to be madness. In this turbulent time, calmness, love and kindness is what we might need the most :) You all inspired me to keep learning this lesson.

Till the time we meet. And Hello Spring!

Take good care,
Trang




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Visit your KCLS Library online

The libraries will be open again someday but in the meantime
there are wonderful online resources from all King county libraries
Lake Forest Park Library Photo courtesy KCLS


Following stay-at-home orders from Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, the King County Library System (KCLS) will extend its System-wide closure until further notice, to continue to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

"Our libraries may be closed, but KCLS is still open online," states KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum." We encourage residents to take advantage of our expanded digital collection and array of online programming, events and resources while closures are in effect."


Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a digital eCard to access KCLS’ digital collection. For those who don’t have computer or Internet access, they may connect—live—with an Ask KCLS staff member by phone at 425-462-9600 or 800-462-9600. Staff are ready to answer questions, and direct residents to helpful resources and information.

Online Programming and Events

KCLS has made some of their most popular in-person programs accessible online—and added a few new ones! Explore daily activities for all ages, from virtual story times and book clubs, to online Cat Chats, art workshops and Junk Drawer Challenges.

Two notable events will also take place online this month:

Rhyme On Poetry Contest: April 1-30
During National Poetry Month in April, KCLS is hosting Rhyme On, an online poetry contest open to all King County residents. The winning poems will be published on the KCLS website and shared on social media channels. Contestants have until April 30 to submit a poem, and three winners will be announced in each age category: Kids (ages 5 to 12); Teens (ages 13 to 18) and Adults (ages 19 and older).

Celebrate Día Online: April 26-May 2
Celebrate 10 years of Día programming at KCLS with this weeklong series from April 26 to May 2. This nationally recognized initiative promotes literacy for children of all backgrounds, and celebrates multicultural literature and stories from around the world. This year, KCLS’ Día programming moves online to help connect children and their families to multicultural books, languages and cultures. Explore the recommended diversity materials, find resources in many languages, view Día booklists, and get more information about online events on the Bibliotecas King County Facebook page.

Expanded Online Resources
KCLS has expanded online resources for students, adults, children, teens and older adults, so patrons of all ages can continue to learn, build skills and stay entertained during this unprecedented time.

Audiobooks and eBooks
KCLS is investing more funds in their digital collection during the closure—over $350,000 each month. With more eBook and audiobook titles than ever, there’s something for everyone. The Libby app makes it especially easy to download digital titles, but patrons may contact Ask KCLS for assistance if they run into technical difficulties.

Streaming Movies and TV
KCLS’ range of streaming content is helping keep families entertained and engaged while libraries are closed. Watch HBO documentaries, BBC TV, how-to films, indie flicks and thousands more on Access Video. KCLS is also offering unlimited streaming on Kanopy, and expanded streaming credits on hoopla so patrons can enjoy even more movies and TV.

Resources for Students and Parents
KCLS’ revamped K-12 web page provides links to a wide variety of educational support resources, tips and activities, from homework help through Tutor.com, to STEM learning from Tumblemath.com.

Resources for Small Business Owners
KCLS’ Small Business Resources web page links the business community to information and resources like business.wa.gov, which includes COVID-19 information and resources for Washington state businesses. KCLS is also offering virtual counseling with SCORE mentors to help navigate COVID-19 impacts to small businesses. And, as always, residents can get help filing taxes.

Online Databases and More
KCLS offers access to databases and learning resources where residents can review Consumer Reports, learn a new language or skill, read bestselling magazines, and stay up-to-date on current affairs with free, unlimited access to online newspapers, such as The Seattle Times, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

About the King County Library System
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County (outside the City of Seattle), KCLS currently has 50 libraries and more than 700,000 cardholders. In 2019, residents checked out more than 5.6 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through Rakuten OverDrive, making KCLS the No. 3 digital circulating library in the world. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal.



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Resident celebrates 80th birthday with Physically Distant birthday party

Jim and Ann Schimke at the back table with balloons for Jim's 80th birthday
Photo by Pam Cross


Shoreline resident and retired firefighter Jim Schimke had warm wishes and a chilly location for his 80th birthday.

He celebrated with his wife Ann and a few friends in their driveway on a sunny but cold day.

He tried to say it was his 60th birthday, to lots of laughter.

Neighbor and photographer Pam Cross observes that "They were all farther apart than it looks in the photo. My phone camera doesn’t show it well - especially since I had to stay a distance away too." 

Correction to photo caption: the Schimkes are sitting at the rear table, with the balloons.


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Shoreline United Methodist Church Easter Service and Little Free Pantry

Shoreline UMC Little Free Pantry
Photo by Dan Short


Shoreline United Methodist Church Easter Service

Shoreline United Methodist Church is providing “virtual services.” You can download the Easter Service by going to the website Shoreline UMC where you can find the link to the “virtual service.

They have also installed a Little Free Pantry at the entrance to the parking lot on 25th. 

This is to be used for those in the community that might have a need. Feel free take something if you need it or leave non-perishable items for someone else to use.

The church is located on the corner of 25th NE and NE 145th.



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KCSO: Want your stimulus check? Scammers do too!

Saturday, April 11, 2020



The government is sending out relief checks as part of the federal response to Coronavirus. And scammers and thieves are chomping at the bit to get their hands on your check before you do.

Here are some tips to from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid falling prey:

1. To get your check, you don’t need to do anything. As long as you filed taxes for 2018 and/or 2019, the federal government likely has the information it needs to send you your money. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are not required to file a tax return also do not need to do anything to receive their money.

2. Do not give anyone your personal information to “sign-up” for your relief check. There is nothing to sign up for. Anyone calling to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security number, PayPal account, or bank information is a scammer, plain and simple.

3. To set up direct deposit of your check, communicate only with the IRS at irs.gov/coronavirus. And you only need to do this if you didn’t give the IRS your bank information on your 2018 or 2019 return.

--King County Sheriff's Office



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Shoreline Isolation and Recovery Center will open on Sunday, April 12

Patients will occupy the Shoreline Isolation and Recovery
Center beginning Sunday, April 12, 2020
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


King county will begin bringing patients to the Isolation and Recovery Center tents on the soccer field north of the Shoreline Center on Sunday, April 12, 2020.

Harborview Hall opened yesterday, so Shoreline's opening will make five open facilities in King County serving those in our community who need a safe place to isolation, quarantine and/or recover from COVID-19.

As of Friday, April 10, sixty-seven people were staying in King County isolation and quarantine facilities.

Examples of people who may occupy the facility:

  • People who can't self-isolate or quarantine at home; for example, a shared dorm room or a person who cannot safely isolate from a fragile family member in the home (senior, immune-compromised child)
  • First responders and health care workers
  • People experiencing homelessness

Length of time for recovery varies. The onsite health care professional must approve discharge from the facility. Length of time this facility will be in use depends upon the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak and the needs in our community.

Public Health clinical staff will assess and approve all placements into isolation, quarantine and recovery sites.

County facilities created for COVID-19 emergency housing response will have 24/7 onsite security and site management, and meals and snacks and other essential needs will be provided.

Public Health-supervised care will support symptomatic and COVID-positive individuals in recovery. This will include basic nursing, monitoring of vital signs, etc.

King County does not anticipate any procedures occurring at the site beyond basic care necessary to promote recovery. Anyone needing acute care or medically necessary procedures will be transported to a licensed medical facility.

Corrected date of opening to 2020



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Beautiful Island Somewhere

Beautiful Island Somewhere
Painting by Eloise Mickleson


Eloise Mickleson, a beloved art instructor at Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, painted this image in honor of the staff, instructors, volunteers and seniors at Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

The print is titled “Beautiful Island Somewhere,’ after the song by the same title. (Hear the song)

Eloise felt ‘spirited’ to paint for her friends and students, a landscape that would bring peace and comfort to their souls.

She also sent the following message:

"I encourage all you artists to continue painting at home and share your work with your friends and family and colleagues. Stay safe and may the mercy, grace and peace of God be with you all.”



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Regulators approve COVID-19 bill assistance for Puget Sound Energy customers

Using emergency authority granted by Gov. Jay Inslee, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) today approved a proposal by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to extend existing bill assistance programs to households that have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSE’s new Crisis Affected Customer Assistance Program (CACAP) will use $11 million of previous years’ unspent funds from PSE’s Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP) to aid customers in need without affecting current programs or increasing rates.

This program allows PSE to provide the funds directly to families who would not ordinarily meet the low-income requirements for HELP without having to go through a third-party administrator.

On March 24, Gov. Inslee issued Proclamation 20-23.1, which allowed the commission to use surplus balances in electric and natural gas low-income accounts to assist utility customers throughout Washington state impacted by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I applaud Puget Sound Energy for developing this program so quickly,” said UTC Chair David Danner. “The pandemic has significantly impacted the livelihood of many families in our communities, and many will have trouble paying their energy bills. This program will get bill assistance to people who need it without delay.”

To qualify, the customer’s monthly income must be at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. After approving an application, PSE will issue a credit to the customer’s account based on the household’s energy bills from March through August 2019, with a maximum benefit of $1,000 per household.

PSE electric and natural gas customers facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply through PSE’s online portal at www.pse.com, or contact PSE by phone or mail. Customers must provide proof of income or proof of loss of income to PSE; self-employed customers should provide a self-declaration.

The program will run in parallel to the current HELP program administered by Community Action Partnership (CAP) agencies in partnership with PSE. Customers can continue to seek bill assistance through CAP agencies listed on PSE’s bill and weatherization assistance page.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PSE had already voluntarily suspended disconnections and late fees for non-payment.

Bellevue-based PSE provides electricity service to more than 1.1 million electric customers in eight Washington counties: Island, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Skagit, Thurston, and Whatcom.

PSE also provides natural gas service to more than 800,000 customers in six Washington counties: King, Kittitas, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston.

The UTC is the state agency that regulates private, investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. It is the commission’s responsibility to ensure regulated companies provide safe and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while allowing them the opportunity to earn a fair profit.



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Enrollment period extended for medical insurance

Access to affordable health care has never been more important. Many Washingtonians may lose their employer-based health plans.
In response to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Washington state, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) today announced it is extending the current special enrollment period to May 8 for individuals who are uninsured.
WA Healthplanfinder can help anyone without insurance get covered. Enrollment is open through May 8th. 

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My phone’s facial recognition is not working today :-)

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


I can't think why...





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Salomon touts success in passing legislation on foreign campaign contributions, false police reports

State Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32

By Evan Smith

State Sen. Jesse Salomon noted success in enhancing enforcement of laws on foreign campaign contributions and on false police reports when he recently looked back at the 2020 legislative session that ended in March.

Salomon said Tuesday that with the federal government not enforcing campaign finance laws, it falls to the states to fight against foreign political influence.

“I was successful in passing Senate Bill 6152, which sets up state enforcement mechanism to prohibit foreign corporations from making donations to candidates for political office in Washington state,” Salomon said.

He also noted that he sponsored the Senate version of House Bill 2632, which increases penalties for people who make false police reports in order to dispatch swat teams to false emergencies.

“With HB 2632 now signed into law, I hope this will put a stop to this disturbing scare tactic used recently by white nationalists to threaten and traumatize people of color,” he said.

Salomon said that a disappointment was having Gov. Jay Inslee veto one of his bills.

“I was able to pass through the legislature a gill-net buy-back program to significantly reduce harm to salmon runs,” he said. “Unfortunately the Governor vetoed it.”

He noted Tuesday that he was continuing to work on several other issues including these: enacting training requirements for concealed-pistol-license applicants, helping orca and salmon recovery by increasing habitat and improving fisheries management practices, criminal justice reform, and fighting climate change.

Salomon is a Democrat representing the 32nd Legislative District which includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway, part of Lynnwood, south Edmonds, six blocks of Mountlake Terrace, areas of unincorporated Snohomish county.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



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Shoreline City Council meetings cancelled - planning commission to meet

City Hall and Council Chamber
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The Shoreline City Council has cancelled its regular meeting on Monday, April 13, 2020 at 7pm and its dinner meeting at 5:45pm on Monday, April 13.

The next meeting will be a regular council meeting at 7pm on Monday, April 20, 2020.

The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 7pm.

Planning Commission Meeting

Regular Meeting


PUBLIC NOTICE: Pursuant to Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, in an effort to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Planning Commission's Regular Meeting scheduled on April 16 will take place online and the public will not be allowed to attend in-person. A live feed of the online meeting will be streaming on the City’s website, and the Commission is providing opportunities for public comment by submitting written comment or calling into the meeting to provide oral testimony.

Meeting Memorandum

Click Here to Watch Online Live Streaming Video of the Meeting

Call into the Live Meeting: (888) 475-4499 Meeting ID: 572-789-361

Click Here to Sign-Up to Provide Oral Comment at the Meeting via Calling-In

Click Here to Submit Written Public Comment

- Comment on Agenda Items
- About the Planning Commission



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Time to laugh: Dog Haiku

Photo by Daniel Sandoval on Unsplash


Dog Haiku
Author Unknown

I love my master;
Thus I perfume myself with
This long-rotten squirrel.

I lie belly-up
In the sunshine, happier than
You ever will be

Today I sniffed
Many dog butts-I celebrate
By kissing your face.

I sound the alarm!
Paperboy-come to kill us all-
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Mailman Fiend-come to kill us all-
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Meter reader-come to kill us all-
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Garbage man-come to kill us all-
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Neighbor's cat-come to kill us all!
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I lift my leg and
Whiz on each bush. Hello, Spot -
Sniff this and weep

How do I love thee?
The ways are numberless as
My hairs on the rug.

My human is home!
I am so ecstatic I have
Made a puddle

I hate my choke chain -
Look, world, they strangle me! Ack
Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack!

Sleeping here, my chin
On your foot - no greater bliss - well,
Maybe catching cats

Look in my eyes and
Deny it. No human could
Love you as much I do

The cat is not all
Bad-she fills the litter box
With Tootsie Rolls

Dig under fence-why?
Because it's there. Because it's
There. Because it's there.

I am your best friend,
Now, always, and especially
When you are eating.

You may call them fleas,
But they are far more -I call
Them a vocation

My owners' mood is
Romantic-I lie near their
Feet. I fart a big one.



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Get help with April rent through United Way of King county


If you’re a King County resident who has been impacted financially by COVID-19 and are behind on your rent, you may qualify for assistance.

Please read the qualifications below before submitting your application/

Thanks to generous donations to the Community Relief Fund and the expansion of the eviction prevention program, Home Base, one month of rental assistance is being offered. 

You may apply for this assistance if you:
  • Live in King County
  • Are behind in rent
  • Are economically impacted by COVID-19
  • Have a current monthly household income that is below these amounts (50% of Area Median Income):
    • 1 Person: up to $3,483
    • 2 Persons: up to $3,983
    • 3 Persons: up to $4,479
    • 4 Persons: up to $4,975
    • 5 Persons: up to $5,375
    • 6 Persons: up to $5,775
    • 7 Persons: up to $6,171
    • 8 Persons: up to $6,571

If you meet these requirements, fill out the online application HERE

Si el español es su idioma preferido, llame al 2-1-1. Pueden ayudarlo con la traducción y enviarle el formulario de asistencia de alquiler.

For questions, please call 2-1-1.



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Public Health Seattle and King County case update April 10, 2020

King county cases by ZIP code


Starting next week, Public Health will distribute updates through a Media Release on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays rather than daily.

Washington 211 COVID-19 Call Center: Do you need information or answers to your questions and concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

You can call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.

Case updates  

Public Health Seattle and King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59pm on 4/9/20.

  • 4,117 confirmed positive cases (up 231* from yesterday)
  • 277 confirmed deaths (up 19 from yesterday)
* The “new confirmed positive cases” figure we publish each day represents all new confirmed cases reported to us through 11:59pm the night prior. Some of these test results were processed on days prior but were delayed in being reported to us.

Detailed information about demographics of those who died from COVID-19 is available on the data dashboard.

67 people are currently staying in King County isolation and quarantine facilities.

Shoreline:
  • 187 have positive results
  • 23 have died due to illness
Lake Forest Park:
  • 19 have positive results
  • 0 have died due to illness
State:
  • 9887 (up 279) have positive results
  • 425 have died due to illness

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Saturday's Flowers from Jerry's Garden

Photo and flowers by Jerry Pickard


Lovely little blue flowers with interestingly textured leaves.




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Rob Oxford: Be positive - Stay negative

Photo by Rob Oxford


Blanchet Seniors Being Brave(s)

Designated as an essential worker I was making my rounds today when something caught my eye. Feeling the need to “investigate,” I pulled into one of the parking lots at Seattle’s Green Lake. What I saw not only made me smile, but unfortunately made me a little sad as well.

Eight vehicles had been backed together in an almost perfect circle, rounded up like wagons in an old Hollywood Western. Each had its hatch or trunk open and sitting by themselves was each cars driver. Some had a passenger, but all were maintaining a distance of much more than 6 feet.

I immediately noticed that all were girls and seemed to be of high school age. I introduced myself as a reporter for the Shoreline Area News, told them I admired them for adhering to the rules for Physical Distancing and that I’m sure their parents would be proud. I then asked if I could take their picture.

I would have loved to have gotten a few more details, but this was their time together and I wasn’t about to interfere. They told me they were students or had been students at Bishop Blanchet and that each was a Senior. At this I became slightly emotional, thinking this was probably as close to each other as these young ladies would get before the end of the school year.

As we’re all aware by now, there will be no prom for the Seniors of 2020. There will be no Senior Skip Day, no yearbook, no pranks and sadly no Graduation Ceremony. At least not the type of which we've all become accustomed.

But instead of focusing on what will not be, let us instead focus on a group of high school friends doing their best to spend time together while honoring their parents wishes.

Photo by Rob Oxford


I’m sure some of you will frown upon the fact that these ladies got together at all, that they’re not “staying inside” at the request of the Governor and by doing so breaking the rules.

Believe me, I am taking this pandemic seriously. I have friends, some who have been sick and recovered and others who have lost loved ones. So the seriousness of the Coronavirus is not lost on me I assure you.

All I ask is that you put yourselves in their shoes. Consider that they’ve been “locked up” for weeks, deprived of what it means to be a kid.

Then, consider a time when you were 16 or 17, the sun was shining brightly, but for the time being your future… maybe not so much and ask yourself, how many rules did I break?

We will get through this together. Just remember to Be Positive and Stay Negative.




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Celebrate Easter with City Calvary Chapel

Because of the covid 19 closures, City Calvary Chapel In Shoreline has been Live Streaming its Sunday services on Facebook. 

You are invited to “ tune in” this Easter Sunday at 10:00am to celebrate with them.

Look for the Facebook link at at citycalvarychapel.org



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Update: Battelle N95 cleaning machine available at no charge

Battelle decontamination system
Photo courtesy Battelle

Battelle CCDS Critical Care Decontamination System Services Now Available at No Charge.

Battelle announced that its decontamination services for N95 respirator masks will be offered at no charge to healthcare providers in an effort to help protect the workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Battelle CCDS Critical Care Decontamination System is operating on Camp Murray in Washington state.

Battelle announced that its decontamination services for N95 respirator masks will be offered at no charge to healthcare providers in an effort to help protect the workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Battelle CCDS Critical Care Decontamination SystemTM is operating in Central Ohio, Long Island, NY and Washington state. Additional systems are scheduled for operation in Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, and the National Capital Region.

Under a new contract with the federal government, the cost of decontaminating N95 respirator masks will be funded up to $400 million across 60 deployment sites.

Battelle was awarded the contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) on behalf of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The contract will cover Battelle’s associated costs of staffing and training system operators who will be deployed across the country to help process previously worn respirator masks. N95 respirator masks are in high demand with low availability. The CCDS Critical Care Decontamination SystemTM is designed to a bridge that gap until the supply chain for new masks can meet demand.

The Battelle CCDSTM uses concentrated, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) and works by exposing used respirator masks to the validated concentration level for 2.5 hours to decontaminate biological contaminates, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes the COVID-19 illness.

Battelle has started recruiting technicians to be trained and operate the systems as they are deployed. FEMA and HHS will determine where future systems will be placed for operation.

For decades, Battelle has served the military in protecting troops from chemical and biological hazards. The company operates Biosafety Level 2 and 3 labs where research is performed on live viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Battelle also has a full medical device development team that works with the FDA on a regular basis.

Battelle CCDSTM is based on research that Battelle performed for the FDA in 2015 (Richter et al., 2016) to assess the feasibility to decontaminate N95 respirator masks in the event of a PPE shortage resulting from a pandemic.

That VPHP decontamination FDA study, using the same system parameters and critical end points as the current system, was shown to result in 6-log reduction of G. stearothermophilus while not degrading the filter performance of N95 respirators for multiple decontamination cycles.

Battelle is currently conducting research to validate other equipment, including surgical masks and ventilator components, can be decontaminated using this process.

Healthcare providers that are enrolled in the Battelle CCDSTM program will collect worn respirator masks daily in accordance with an approved procedure and courier them to one of the active Battelle CCDS Critical Care Decontamination SystemTM locations.

The PPE will be labeled with a barcoded serial number for tracking the chain-of-custody throughout the process. This ensures that healthcare providers receive their own masks back. Each respirator mask will be marked with the number of times that mask has been processed.



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Shoreline on Sunday

Friday, April 10, 2020

Shoreline Place parking lots are empty



By Diane Hettrick
Photos and reporting by Carl Dinse


Carl Dinse drove around Shoreline on Sunday to document the effects of the Stay Home order from the Governor and City.

Empty lots around Spiro's


He says that the traffic on Aurora and Richmond Beach Road seemed pretty much the same as usual. But the parking lots told the tale.

Streetzeria on Richmond Beach Road


Popular restaurants like Spiro's and Streetzeria are offering takeout but their parking lots are empty.

People walking into Saltwater Park


The City closed off the parking in Richmond Beach Saltwater Park for most of the week to try to thin out the number of people on the beach. 

Streets were jammed around Saltwater Park


It may be working - Carl didn't get out of the car to check - but the neighborhood streets near the entrance to the park were jammed with cars. People walked down the hill to get to the beach.

Shoreline Place lots were empty


The lower level of Shoreline Place, where everything is shuttered except possibly the veterinary clinic, was a ghost town.

Paramount School Park
At Paramount School Park, the walkers and joggers were spaced out at the appropriate physical distance.

Connie King Skateboard Park
in Paramount School Park

But skateboarders had torn down the caution tape around the skateboard park.

Aurora Village is always its own story. We have published photos of the lines into Costco. But the lines are just as long to get into Home Depot. 

Carefully spaced lines at Home Depot


Costco, by the way, is now allowing anyone who works in the healthcare field or is a first responder like a police officer, firefighter or EMT to move to the front of any line at any of the stores' locations. Customers just need to show a membership card and an official identification card showing their role.



The dramatic difference is in the gas lines. Since we are all staying home, we're not burning gas. When have you ever seen a Costco gas line with fewer than six cars?



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