Case updates May 20, 2020

Thursday, May 21, 2020

As of May 19, there are 18,971 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state.

United States
  • 1,528,235 known cases
  • 91,664 deaths
Washington state
  • 18,971 known cases
  • 3,125 hospitalizations
  • 1,037 deaths
King county
  • 7,617 known cases
  • 530 deaths
Shoreline
  • 355 known cases
  • 54 deaths
Lake Forest Park
  • 30 known cases
  • 0 deaths


Read more...

Dembowski: Shoreline Assessment and Recovery Center may be dismantled in July

Shoreline recovery center
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


County councilmember Rod Dembowski emailed a notice yesterday

I have been deeply moved by the support Shoreline residents have shown for the Shoreline Assessment and Recovery Center. As neighbors of the facility, they have exemplified the meaning of “community.” 

The Center was the first in the nation and a model for how to set up similar facilities to care for those needing to self-isolate or recover outside the home or who were without a home. Shoreline residents have understood that quarantine and isolation for these individuals not only provides them with a safe environment, but also keeps the broader community safe by containing the virus.

The Center has been a success, housing 25 people a night during its peak. The number of people needing the site has been in decline recently, thanks to your efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, and as a result, Public Health is ending operations. If there is an increase in cases, Public Health is prepared to ramp back up again if needed.

A lease for the field site housing the Center ends in late June, and if all goes well and cases continue to decline, the facility will be dismantled in early July. The County will repair any damages, and the field will be restored to its former glory. The City of Shoreline will be eligible for a portion of $500,000 in mitigation funds I was proud to help secure in the County’s recent emergency budget for local governments to recover from hosting isolation facilities.

I can’t thank our community enough right now for the way we’ve responded to this global pandemic. I feel honored to represent you and our region on the County Council.

--Rod Dembowski



Read more...

Heart of the Party: Republicans meet on Zoom May 28

WSRP Second Annual 'Heart of the Party' Virtual Reception featuring Members of Congress Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Dan Newhouse (invited)

Virtual Zoom Meeting (link will be provided after registration)

Thursday May 28, 5 PM - 6 PM

Suggested Donation: General - $40, Grassroots Club Member - $25

REGISTER NOW!




Read more...

Time to Laugh: Wearing fir

From CapCap on Imgur

You can see that the passengers near this person are completely shocked.




Read more...

Ten counties in Phase 2 and ten more can apply under revised criteria



Gov. Jay Inslee today announced new criteria for additional counties to apply for variances to move to Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan.

Under the plan, smaller counties can apply for a variance from the order which would allow them to open even more businesses than allowed statewide. Counties are now eligible to apply if they have less than 10 new cases per 100,000 residents over a 14-day span.

Under the new criteria, 10 additional counties will be eligible to apply for a variance. They are: Adams, Clark, Clallam, Island, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, San Juan, and Spokane.

The new criteria are similar to the guidance released by the CDC for reopening regions nationwide. Increasing the counties eligible for variance will allow for increased economic activity around the state while also prioritizing the health and safety of workers and customers to limit the spread of COVID-19.

10 counties have already been approved to move into Phase 2. 

Twenty-two counties in the state are eligible in total. Combined, these counties represent 30% of the state.


Read more...

LFP budget and finance committee meets virtually Thursday 6pm


City of Lake Forest Park
City Council Budget and Finance Committee 
May 21, 2020
6 - 7:30pm

This meeting will be held virtually. City Hall is currently closed to the public.

AGENDA

Committee Members: John Resha (Chair), Tom French, and Semra Riddle

COVID-19 Fiscal Impact Discussion

Budget Calendar for the 2021/2022 Biennial Budget

Director’s Report

Reading of Written Citizen Comments

Click here for instructions on how to submit written comments

Committee Discussion Documents and Attachments - see pages 3-4

1. April 2020 Budget Monitoring Dashboard
2. Budget Calendar for the 2021/2022 Biennial Budget

Instructions for participating in this meeting virtually:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92475531448

Meeting ID: 924 7553 1448



Read more...

Author John Grisham visits Lake Forest Park virtually

Robert Sindelar of Third Place Books and
John Gresham, best selling author on
Zoom author event


By Cynthia Sheridan

Well-known author John Grisham has written over 30 novels, such as The Firm, with nine of these stories being made into movies. His latest novel Camino Winds was introduced to Third Place Book readers in Lake Forest Park via ZOOM, with an interview between Grisham and Third Place manager Robert Sindelar.

Mr. Grisham spoke for forty-five minutes, outlining his law career and how it prompted him to begin writing legal thrillers.

Since 1990 his work has attracted over 300 million readers, and is printed in 40 languages. 

He credits his agent, his wife and his long-standing relationship with Doubleday Books for this incredible record.

Grisham’s current novel, Camino Winds, is the second in a series of life and turbulent weather on the Gulf Coast.

The story follows a community of colorful writers hanging around a bookstore, the quirky store owner and the rare books black market. 

Also discussed was the highly popular “Theodore Boone” children’s book series- created by Grisham after his daughter became a teacher and was looking for suspenseful kids’ books.

Throughout the interview, ZOOM participants were able to ask questions of the author, using the CHAT option. 

Mr. Grisham offered two suggestions for writers: outline the entire story first and write at least one page every day.

The Firm, published in 1991, was Grisham's first big success as a novelist and marked the beginning of his writing career. It was made into a movie starring Tom Cruise.



Read more...

State Patrol concerned about increase in motorcycle fatalities

Motorcycles don't have the safety features of cars
Unsplash.com
For a motorcycle rider, what could be better than warm spring weather, sunny days, and open roads? 

For too many riders in Washington, recent lower traffic volumes have led to higher speeds and tragically, to an increase in rider deaths. 

In 2020, 12 of the 17 motorcycle fatalities on Washington roads occurred during the month of April. Speeding was a common factor in these almost always preventable collisions.

Speed is usually the answer. There has been a significant increase in high speed violations by both cars and motorcycles. Speeds in the mid to upper 100’s have been observed with one vehicle traveling 192mph. At these speeds, the chances of being involved in a collision increase dramatically, and the severity of the collision is often deadly.

In 2019, there were 92 motorcycle fatalities, the most since 1982. 

Leading factors contributing to these numbers were speed, inexperience as demonstrated by a lack of proper license endorsement, and driving while impaired. 

Driving while impaired is always dangerous, but when the impaired person makes a choice to operate a motorcycle, the danger rises significantly. 

The operation of a motorcycle takes more mental focus and physical coordination than driving a car. Focus and coordination are severely diminished by intoxicants and drugs. Motorcycles also lack many of a car’s safety devices such as seatbelts and airbags to protect a rider in a collision. Even “minor” motorcycle collisions can have major consequences.

No need for speed

WSP would like to remind all motorcyclists that open roads do not mean you are free to open the throttle. Enjoy your ride but stay safe, obey speed limits, wear safety gear, be visible to other drivers, pay attention, and always ride sober.

We would also like to remind all motorists that no matter how busy the roadways are or are not, speed is the number one factor in traffic fatalities. Slow down. The life you save may be your own.

--Washington state patrol




Read more...

2020 Back to School Event - helping a thousand children get ready for school


The Shoreline Back to School Consortium is excited to hold its 19th annual Back To School (BTS) Event to support a successful start to the school year for our K-12 students.
Each year the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park (LFP) community comes together by donating backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and hygiene products for this event and plans to serve over 1,000 students!

  • Please Note: This year’s event will be different due to COVID-19. To ensure the health and safety of BTS event attendees and volunteers, changes are being made to follow state and district level guidelines. Please make note of the changes included below.

Event Information:

Where: (NEW LOCATION) Meridian Park Elementary, 17077 Meridian Ave N

When: Saturday, August 22 from 12:30pm - 4:00pm

Who: Students who attend Shoreline School District schools and students that live in the Shoreline School District boundaries.

IMPORTANT: This year, parents and guardians are requested to send only one representative per family; please leave children at home.

What will be provided: One family representative will be able to pick up a backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, socks, and underwear for each student in Pre-K - 12th grade. 

This year, we are sorry that we will not be able to hold the resource fair (including lunch) or provide haircuts.

To Register for the BTS Event: To attend the August 22nd event and receive supplies, visit the BTS website, or call The WORKS information line at 206-393-4916 and leave a message. School Family Advocates can assist with registration, too. 

Each backpack is filled with grade appropriate school supplies


To Support the BTS Event: There are many ways to support this event and our students:

  • Donate Critical Items: This year’s most needed school supplies are: Large backpacks, composition notebooks, earbuds, pointed and blunt tip scissors, fine line color markers, and scientific calculators. A full list of items can be found HERE  In July, drop off donated items:

  • Volunteer: Opportunities to volunteer prior to or on the day of the event will be posted on the Back to School Consortium website: http://www.btsconsortium.org/ or feel free to leave a message on The WORKS information line, 206-393-4916.
For more information or if you have questions, visit the BTS website

THANK YOU to our Back to School Consortium Members: 
  • The Center for Human Services; 
  • City of Shoreline; 
  • Dale Turner Family YMCA; 
  • Hopelink; 
  • Ronald United Methodist Church; 
  • The Salvation Army; 
  • Shoreline Community Care; 
  • Shoreline School District; 
  • Rotary of Lake Forest Park;
  • The WORKS of Shoreline PTA Council. 
  • The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary participated for many years.


Read more...

Child abducted in Lynnwood is recovered in Mountlake Terrace

Photo courtesy Lynnwood Police
Picture is of outside of Lynnwood apt on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 where a man is accused of threatening his estranged wife with a gun, firing rounds into a wall and leaving with their 5 year old child. 

Suspect was arrested 45 mins later at a Mountlake Terrace residence and everyone is safe!

--Lynnwood Police



Read more...

Jobs: Day Camp Leader

City of Shoreline

Extra Help – Day Camp Leader
Sixteen (16) Day Camp Leader positions are available
This position is open until filled, first review June 3rd

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Scope of Work:

Provide direct instruction, leadership and supervision at Camp Shoreline Summer Camp and School's Out Day Camps taking place during Shoreline School District School year breaks for children (ages 5-12). Assist in planning activities and lead participants in a variety of activities, including visual and performing arts, sports, creative movement, team and individual games and special events. Position will work a maximum of 40 hours each week during summer camp and school year break camps with planning hours, as needed, prior to camps.

View job announcement with program dates and apply



Read more...

National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Shoreline June 5

Mayor Will Hall wears orange to raise awareness
about gun violence. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

On Monday, May 18, Shoreline Mayor Will Hall proclaimed June 5, 2020, National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Shoreline

It will be a day to honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence, and to declare that we as a country must do more to reduce gun violence. 

Mayor Hall encourages all citizens to support their local communities' efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives. 

Every day, 100 Americans are killed by guns and on average there are nearly 13,000 gun homicides every year. 

You are 25 times more likely to be killed with a gun in the United States than people in other high-income countries. Support for Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes hand-in-hand with keeping guns away from dangerous histories.

To help honor the more than 100 Americans whose lives are cut short and the countless survivors who are injured by shootings every day, a national coalition of organizations has designated the first Friday of June 2020 as the 6th National Gun Violence Awareness Day. 

Anyone can join this campaign by pledging to Wear Orange on June 5, 2020, to help raise awareness about gun violence.



Read more...

Seafair shuts down for the year but schedules for 2021

Milk carton derby - cancelled
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


As part of the Seattle summer experience, the non-profit Seafair has been creating lasting memories for the Northwest community for generations. Given the uncertainty surrounding public health safety, and combined with guidance from local and state governments, Seafair is rescheduling its major events to next year.

If you hold tickets for any event, Seafair will be in contact with you via email shortly. Seafair is committed to be a catalyst to reunite community and celebrate again in 2021.

Canceled events for this year include the

  • Fourth of July celebration at Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park 
  • Milk Carton Derby
  • Seafair Triathlon
  • Torchlight Run
  • Torchlight Parade 
  • Seafair Weekend Festival

Neighborhood events run independently of Seafair and will announce their own decisions.

Seafair is rescheduling its major events to next year. Already, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are confirmed for August 6-8, 2021, and the Fourth of July fireworks show will be back, bigger than ever.




Read more...

Bartell's still has Girl Scout cookies


When the pandemic interrupted the Girl Scout cookie sale, Bartell Drugs took over and moved the cookies into their stores, to sell for the Girl Scouts.

So far we've sold 101,318 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, which is just over 1/3 of our goal of 300K!! Thank you so much for your support thus far - lots more cookies out there if you still need your cookie fix!

Help them meet their goal - eat cookies!

Local Bartells:
  • Shoreline - Gateway Plaza N 185th and Aurora
  • Lake City - corner of NE 125th and Lake City Way
  • Edmonds - Westgate 100th and Edmonds Way


Read more...

Northwest Folklife Festival virtually this weekend May 23-25

Wednesday, May 20, 2020



Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center are excited to announce the schedule for From Home to Home: Northwest Folklife Festival, taking place virtually on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2020 at nwfolklifestreaming.org.

Presented by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, this virtual festival features 6 program channels and a virtual marketplace that will bring together over 30 perfomances and 30 local vendors all on one platform to celebrate our folklife.

From Home to Home: Northwest Folklife Festival
Saturday, May 23 - Monday, May 25, 2020
Suggested Daily Donation: $20 per person | $30 per family
Committed to Access for All | Powered by Your Donations





Read more...

Bunny in front yard

Bunny in front yard - 15 May 2020 - Tanis Coralee Leonhardi


Everybody has bunnies this year. As long as they don't eat everything, they are cute.


Read more...

Case updates May 19, 2020

King county cases and deaths by age group


Another 200 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Washington, bringing the total number of cases to 18,811, including 1,031 deaths.
United States

  • 1,504,830 known cases including 24,481 new
  • 90,340 known cases 933 new deaths
Washington state
  • 18,811 known cases including 200 new
  • 1,031 deaths
King county
  • 7,582 known cases with 53 new
  • 529 deaths including 6 yesterday
Shoreline
  • 353 cases
  • 54 deaths
Lake Forest Park
  • 30 cases
  • 0 deaths


Read more...

Low-flying Gypsy moth spraying on Tuesday buzzes Richmond Beach and Innis Arden

Cloud cover forced the pilot to stay low
Photo by Jan Hansen from Innis Arden


Weather again delayed the start of the spraying in Woodway for gypsy moth caterpillars. When it cleared enough for the plane to take off and start its runs, the cloud cover forced the pilot to fly lower than the previous spraying.

How close was it?
Photo by Wayne Pridemore in Richmond Beach


The pilot set up his runs as far south as Innis Arden this time.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Richmond Beach

The spraying was completed in about 40 minutes and the pilot took off to surprise nearby businesses in south Everett as he set up runs to spray the Boulevard Bluffs neighborhood there.

The product being sprayed is non-toxic, but sticky. It can be washed off with soap and water.



Read more...

Cast of thousands in run for governor

A cast of thousands file for office!

By Evan Smith

If you want to vote for the American Patriot Party, the New-Liberty Party, the Cascadia Labour Party, the Propertarianist Party, the StandupAmerica Party, or the Fifth Republic Party, you’ll get your chance in the Aug. 4 primary election.

Candidates claiming all of those party preferences were among the 33 candidates who filed last week to run for governor. One has withdrawn.

Among the 15 Republican candidates, two will appear on the ballot as preferring the “Trump Republican Party”; another the “Pre2016 Republican Party.”

Some candidates chose the “States No Party Preference” option, but others said they preferred the “Independent Party” Two claimed the “Independant Party.”

Both the Green Party and the Socialist Workers Party have candidates for governor, but the Libertarian Party’s only two statewide candidates are for lieutenant governor.

Four years ago the Libertarians had candidates for six of the eight statewide partisan offices and provided the general-election opponent for Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Many of this year's candidates took advantage of eased requirements to file during last week’s filing period.

Usually, candidates need to pay a filing fee of 1 percent of the office’s salary or submit an equivalent number of signatures. But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Jay Inslee eliminated the minimum number of signatures requirement.

In addition to the 37 candidates who filed last week to run for governor, 12 filed for lieutenant governor before one candidate for each office withdrew.

Ordinarily, those candidates would need to pay the $1,821.79 filing fee or get the 1,822 signatures on petitions to run for governor, or come up with $1,111.80 or 1,112 signatures to run for lieutenant governor.

Filing for state offices ended Friday, May 15.

The 36 candidates for governor include incumbent Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and four little-known Democrats and the 15 Republicans.

Among those 15 Republicans, state Sen. Phil Fortunato and former Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed are the only ones with significant fundraising. The best known Republican, however, is initiative promoter Tim Eyman, who has an established network of followers that he will use to promote his campaign, probably while he uses his campaign for governor to promote an initiative. Eyman, the longtime anti-tax activist, is making his first bid for elected office after decades of working to slash government funding through dozens of voter initiatives.

Perennial candidate Goodspaceguy is one of the candidates for governor who list their affiliations as “Trump Republican Party.”

The top two vote getters in each race in the Aug. 4 primary — regardless of party — will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

Former Bothell Mayor and real estate developer Freed has raised more than $580,000, compared with about $180,000 for Eyman, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Freed’s fundraising totals include more than $190,000 of his own money.

Loren Culp, the police chief of Republic, Ferry County, who attracted attention for refusing to enforce a voter-approved 2018 gun-control initiative, has raised nearly $295,000, including $34,000 from small donors, the most of any GOP gubernatorial candidate.

The candidates who place in the top two in the Aug. 4 primary move on to the Nov. 3 general election.

CORRECTION: The number of candidates in an earlier post was incorrect.



Read more...

Notes from Shoreline Council meeting May 18, 2020

Pam Cross, reporter

Shoreline City Council Meeting
May 18, 2020
Notes by Pam Cross

Pursuant to Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, in an effort to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Shoreline City Council Meetings will take place online using the Zoom platform and the public will not be allowed to attend in-person. You may watch a live feed of the Meeting online; join the Meeting via Zoom Webinar; or listen to the Meeting over the telephone.

Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm
All councilmembers were present.

Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update

Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order has been extended to May 31st. No gatherings are allowed and City Hall and recreation facilities remain closed to the public. All public and private gatherings are prohibited. Playgrounds, sports courts, picnic shelters, and ball fields remain closed. The Richmond Beach Saltwater Park parking lot also remains closed. Crossing the railroad tracks on foot is against the law and extremely dangerous. Use only allowed crossings. Police will continue to conduct emphasis patrols.

The current Phase 1 of Reopening allows for retail with curbside pickup, car washes, auto sales, landscaping, and current construction. Stay home unless it’s essential to go out (for groceries, medical appointment, or a job). Continue to practice social distancing while walking or visiting city parks. And wear a mask when social distancing is not possible.

King County Public Health directs residents to wear a face covering in any indoor or outdoor space where you may be within 6’ of someone who does not live with you. Face coverings should be made of cloth - do not use medical masks. Your mask should cover your nose and mouth at all times. Businesses are required to post signage of their rules regarding masks.

Additional information including FAQs: kingcounty.gov/masks

If you need help:
  • Hopelink Food Bank and Supplemental Weekend Food Support are food resources. Call 206.385.9385 before 5pm on Wednesday for Friday delivery
  • Statewide moratorium on evictions
  • Utilities will remain on
  • Unemployment benefits have been expanded
  • Health Benefits Exchange is enrolling
  • Call 211 for other resources
You can sign up for email alerts at shorelinewa.gov/alerts

Additional information available at:
Public Reminders
  • The May 21 Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled.
  • In honor of Memorial Day, there will be no Council meeting on Monday, May 25.
  • The PRCS/Tree Board will meet via Zoom on Thursday, May 28 at 7PM. Comments can be submitted online, by email, or through the postal service.
There were no Council Reports

Mayor Hall mentioned the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mount St Helens.

The Mayor stated that he frequently issues Proclamations on behalf of the the City Council. There are two types: (1) calendared proclamations that are formally presented to individuals during Council meetings and are listed on the agenda, and (2) uncalendered proclamations that are awarded without appearing on the agenda. In order to promote visibility of uncalendered proclamations, the Mayor will begin announcing these at Council meetings.

Proclamations
  • The week of May 16-22, 2020 is proclaimed Safe Boating Week in the City of Shoreline.
  • June 5, 2020 is proclaimed National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Shoreline.
There was no Public Comment.

A motion was approved to amend the agenda to include as a Study Item the extension of Temporary Emergency Order #5. This order suspended the ban on retail use of plastic bags.

The agenda as amended was approved unanimously.
There was no Consent Calendar.

ACTION ITEMS

Action Item 7(a) Public Hearing and Approving Community Development Block Grant Funding to Hopelink in the Amount of $188,739 and Lake City Partners in the Amount of $15,000 in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency

Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn, Grants Administrator, presented the staff report

The Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, was created under HUD Title 1 in 1974. Shoreline receives approximately $322,000 per year allocated as follows:
  • $70,840 for Shoreline and King County administration
  • $80,500 Major Home Repair Loans
  • $16,100 Housing Stability Program
  • $154,560 Capital Projects Funding
The Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $190,388 of CDBG funds for the City of Shoreline. These CDBG CARES Act funds are referred to as CDBG-CV. There is no limit for use on human services, there is a limited 5-day public comment period to avoid unnecessary delay, and funds must be used in response to the COVID emergency.

Shoreline has access to an additional $32,435 in repaid home repair loans from the Federal Block Grant Program. Staff recommends that the City Council hold the required public hearing and then move to adopt the allocation of CDBG-CV and reprogrammed CDBG funding to Hopelink (for financial assistance) in the amount of $202,063 and Lake City Partners (for hotel vouchers) in the amount of $15,000. The $5,710 balance goes to King County for administrative fees. In the event FEMA or other funding becomes available for Lake City Partners, the $15,000 will go to Hopelink. It should be noted that King County reduced the amount of administrative fees normally charged.

Public Hearing opened for public comment.

There was no public comment. Extra time was made available for people who wanted to call in their comments.

Hearing closed.

Discussion

Motion and second to approve funding.
Council requested and received confirmation that these funds will be spent in the City of Shoreline. Councilmembers asked whether other organizations such as the senior center food program had been considered as recipients of the funds. Response: It may be possible for future funding. It is important that this money is made available as soon as possible, and rents are a huge issue. CBDG-CV funding is complicated so it would make more sense to fund the senior center food program through a different source and keep the number of CBDG-CV contracts to a minimum.

Council recessed for 10 minutes.

Councilmember McConnell had previously disclosed that she is on the board for Hopelink in an unpaid position. Margaret King, City Attorney, stated that as such, this position must be disclosed (it was) and McConnell’s vote cannot be responsible for passing a motion in favor of Hopelink.

No further discussion.

Motion passed as presented by unanimous roll call vote 7-0.

STUDY ITEMS

Study Item 8(a) Discussing the State Route 522/NE 145th Street Sound Transit Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project

Nora Daley-Peng, Senior Transportation Planner introduced
Paul Cornish, ST BRT Director, who did the presentation.

Sound Transit (ST) is transitioning from Phase 2 to Final Design/Phase 3 of the SR 522/NE 145th BRT project. Mr Cornish’s presentation briefed Council on the project’s progress, main changes to the design, and the next steps toward project implementation.

The project currently includes eight station pairs in the north Lake Washington area, with stops in Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell, and a service connection to Woodinville. This report is too highly detailed to try to summarize here. The project scope and schedule update included timeline and opening date changes due to COVID-19. Meetings and community outreach were impacted by the stay-home order and social distancing. Online open houses, phone calls and other outreach continued but without the interest or effectiveness of in-person contacts.

Discussion

145th may be one of the most dangerous roads in the County. How will this project make the road safer for all users? 
Reply: The addition of sidewalks, landscaping and moving the stop away from the 522 and 145th intersection will make it more hospitable for pedestrians and transit riders. 
What about vehicle safety? There are multiple unsignalized left turns. 
Reply: We have looked at restricting left turns at some of these intersections but ran into conflicts with school bus routes. There are some plans for the future that include street widening but there are no plans to add left turn lanes. 
How confident are you of the $10M and $1M funding discussed in the staff report? 
The reply sounded cautiously optimistic. 
What about predicting ridership. It is down now, but won’t people be commuting in the future?
Reply: we don’t know. When it comes to fall out from COVID-19, we just don’t speculate.

End of discussion.

Study Item 8(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 889 - Amending Chapter 10.05 SMC, the Model Traffic Ordinance, for Clarity and to Establish a City Monetary Penalty for Parking Violations

Kendra Dedinsky, City Traffic Engineer, and Randy Witt, Public Works Director, gave the presentation

Anticipating the increased demand for on-street parking resulting from the start of light rail service, and increased density around the light rail stations, proposed Ordinance No. 889 will increase the minimum parking violation monetary penalty from $20 to $50. The current citation costs the City about $10 each.


A non deputized parking enforcement position with specialized training and equipment will be necessary. This person would probably be half-time.

Based on assumptions of limited data, and intended to be only directionally correct for discussion purposes, this program is not projected to cover all costs associated with it.

It will not reach a cost neutral balance until over 5,500 citations per year are issued. That represents about four times the total tickets issued in 2019.

The language proposed states that if a person is found in violation they shall be deemed to have committed a parking infraction and shall be subject to the $50 penalty. But police can always exercise their discretion on whether or not to issue a ticket. There is no quota requirement.

Discussion

Is $50 too high? Parking enforcement is a service to allow access to businesses and available parking for residents’ guests and service providers. It is not intended to generate revenue. However, the parking fee has to be high enough to discourage people from violating parking limitations and to prevent those who work in Seattle from parking all day on Shoreline streets for less than the cost of parking downtown.

Is the $25 late penalty too much? If you get several parking tickets in a week, many people won’t be able to afford to pay. Yes but people ticketed everyday? If they choose to park that way, maybe this is not an equity issue. Also, if the late fee it too little, people won’t make an attempt to pay the ticket. Unpaid parking tickets are a headache and additional cost to the City.

Since this program will not pay for itself, the ticket and late fees may need additional discussion. For example, the fee could be $30 now and increased to $50 when parking becomes an issue.

Staff will prepare a lower ticket price amendment for discussion when this comes back as an action item.

Study Item 8(c )-Discussion of Temporary Emergency Order #5 Suspension of Prohibition on Plastic Retail Carryout Bags

This item was added to the agenda tonight, so there was no staff report. On March 31, 2020 the City Manager issued this temporary order that is set to expire May 31, 2020. “The purpose of this Temporary Emergency Order is to provide a temporary suspension of certain provisions of SMC Chapter 9.25 Retail Carryout Bag Regulations to allow for retail establishments to provide plastic carryout bags to address the COVID-19 public health emergency.”

The public health order remains in effect. The purpose of this discussion is to determine if the suspension should extend beyond May 31, 2020 and if so, for how long.

Discussion

The main issue now is customers cannot bring their own bags into most stores. Some stores offer paper, some offer paper or plastic, and a few others offer only plastic. No numbers are available for how many stores offer plastic only.

Since King County is still in Phase 1 of reopening, it might be wise to provide the City Manager longer than a 30 day extension in order avoid doing this again next month. Perhaps until a specific time or a certain phase of reopening would make more sense.

It is essential to keep the retail workers safe. Could shoppers bring their own reusable bags and bag their own purchases so the workers don’t need to handle them? We can’t force the stores to accept reusable bags. If paper is available, should we allow plastic? We don’t know the available supply of paper bags. We have had great compliance with shoppers using their own bags and we don’t want to have to start that process all over again. Should we allow plastic? Very few stores are using just plastic.

City Manager Debbie Tarry will look into it.

Meeting adjourned 9:22pm

Note: There will be no council meeting next Monday because of the Memorial Day Holiday.



Read more...

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Marshal arts



Other cartoons by Whitney Potter viewable here under "Features"



Read more...

Virtual author event with John Grisham Wednesday at 1pm


Camino Winds, by John Grisham

Welcome back to Camino Island, where anything can happen—even a murder in the midst of a hurricane, which might prove to be the perfect crime...
Just as Bruce Cable's Bay Books is preparing for the return of bestselling author Mercer Mann, Hurricane Leo veers from its predicted course and heads straight for the island. The hurricane is devastating: homes and condos are leveled, hotels and storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people lose their lives. 
One of the apparent victims is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce's and an author of thrillers. But the nature of Nelson's injuries suggests that the storm wasn't the cause of his death: he has suffered several suspicious blows to the head.

Join bestselling author John Grisham, and Robert Sindelar of Third Place Books, for a live conversation on Wednesday, May 20 at 1pm!





Read more...

Annual Gala for the Arts goes Virtual in 2020


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council would like to thank everyone who virtually attended this year’s Gala for the Arts on May 16th! To help get in the Gala spirit, we hand delivered a “Gala in a Box” to many of our guests. Boxes included champagne, chocolate, quarantine playing cards, and customized Arts Council wine glasses.

Gala in a Box
 
Held on Zoom for the very first time, over 200 guests enjoyed breakout rooms with their friends, a State of the Arts presentation from Executive Director Lorie Hoffman, a programs highlight video, a musical performance by Taylor and Tim, and a screening of the 2020 Shoreline Short Short Film Festival winning music video by Julia and Mike McCoy. 

Lorie Hoffman, Executive Director

Gala Auction items will be available for online bidding for a week, closing out at 5pm, Saturday May 23. There is plenty of time to help us raise vital funds for the arts in our community this week. A short winner announcement will take place online at 6pm on Saturday May 23. 

 
It was amazing to see so many community members come out to enjoy each other’s company from a very safe distance. We look forward to furthering our mission of cultivating creativity and inspiring our community of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park through the arts! Thank you.

Musical performance by Taylor and Tim

Thank you to the Main Gala Sponsor, Jack Malek, Windermere Broker and Realtor. And thank you to Shoreline Rotary for being a sponsor this year!

Thank you to Kind + Co for coordinating the Gala this year! If you have any questions about the event or auction, please email: info@kindandcompanyevents.org

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


Read more...

Arrest made in Shoreline trespass / vandalism incident

Fence broken by trespasser
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police

On Monday afternoon, May 18, 2020, a resident in the 1100 block of N 166th St in Shoreline called 911 to report that an unknown man walked into his yard and broke his fence.

Shoreline PD officers responded and saw a man matching the suspect’s description in the 1300 block of N 165th St. 

The man ignored several directives to stop and ran through a backyard to elude officers.

He was eventually taken into custody in the backyard of another home, and was positively identified by the victim.

He was arrested for Malicious Mischief and Obstruction and booked into SCORE Jail.

During a search, several pill bottles containing assorted pills, suspected Methamphetamine, and a black tar substance (suspected Heroin) were found in his possession.

Additional charges are pending.



Read more...

Shoreline dentist must reimburse patients for substandard, unlicensed patient care

Ballinger dentist Khorsandi's license
has been revoked
In April 2020 the Dental Commission entered an agreement with dentist Shohreh Khorsandi (DE00007812) under which she surrendered her credential.

Khorsandi must reimburse the commission for $3,000 in expenses, and refund $25,228.90 to patients.

Khorsandi’s license was suspended in 2017 in connection with substandard patient care.

Khorsandi's practice was at 20036 19th Ave NE, in Shoreline's Ballinger neighborhood. She was originally charged in 2016 with unprofessional conduct for substandard care and billing practices (see previous article).

In 2017 when she failed to comply with the 2016 order, her license was suspended and she was again charged with unprofessional conduct (see previous article) and ordered to reimburse all patients who were charged when she was practicing without a valid license.

As she failed to comply with that order, her license has been revoked.



Read more...

Online: Wisdom Cafe -- Summer Dreams - register now for June 9

Online: Wisdom Cafe -- 
Summer Dreams

Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 2-2:30pm
For adults

Facilitated by Dori Gillam, Board Chair, Northwest Center for Creative Aging.

Come share your wisdom! These cafés provide an opportunity to converse and connect with others in discussions of universal topics such as gratitude, legacy, happiness and what gives life meaning.

Come for one session or more in a facilitated small group conversation.

What were summers like when you were a child?  How does your routine or activity level change when the weather warms up?  What will you do this summer that you haven't done in a long time?

Sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Beach Library.

Space is limited. Online registration required.

The Zoom link will be sent to you by email after 10am on the day of the event.

If this is your first time using Zoom, please visit Zoom.us to download the software you'll need. 

Questions? Call Ask KCLS from 12 - 5pm, 206-462-9600.  We also encourage you to login at 1:45pm on June 9 to test your connection and get tips for a successful experience.



Read more...

Video book review by Aarene Storms: War Horse

Aarene Storms and friends



Aarene Storms said she wanted to record this review in a peaceful, pastoral setting - but the goats had other plans.

But clearly the horse wanted in on the act, too. It is a book about a horse, after all.

Running time: 2 min 38 sec



Read more...

New time and other Memorial Day updates for LFP Farmers Market



This Memorial Day weekend brings a change to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market with a new time, Sunday from 10am to 2pm.


But while the day will be a tiny bit shorter, the market won’t be short of supplies for your happily physically distanced Memorial Day barbecues. No matter what you are looking to barbecue, the market has what you want. And many items can be pre-ordered for a speedier trip in and out.

Get your pork and chicken from Well Fed Farms, lamb from Mollie Bear Farm, and of course fresh fish from Wilson Fish. This week, Wilson Fish hopes to have salmon (both fresh and smoked), halibut, and some cod.

You know what else is great for barbecuing? Fresh asparagus! Asparagus is at its peak right now - so full of flavor, perfect to steam or grill. The market has plenty of asparagus for everyone, along with loads of other great barbecue veggies for your celebration from folks like Bautista Farm, Garden Treasures, and Alvarez Organics.

For salad lovers, Cha New Life has beautiful lettuce heads – last week they featured over 1/2 a dozen varieties. And pick-up your adult beverages from Lupine Vineyards, Lopez Island Vineyards, and Greenwood Cider.

Need something sweet to complement your meal or finish off your feast? Get frozen berries from Sidhu (fresh coming soon!), orchard fruit from Martin Family Orchard, toffee & fudge from Pete’s Perfect Toffee, and delicious baked goods from Doll House Bakery.

In addition, the market is delighted to welcome back Holmquist Hazelnuts to the lineup. The Holmquist family has been growing hazelnuts for generations, bringing their crop to markets for over 30 years. Their products include roasted, raw and flavored hazelnuts, as well as hazelnut flour and oil. So many ways to eat or cook with and enjoy.

Also returning this weekend are Sno-Valley Mushrooms with their freshly grown mushrooms and mushroom logs which you can buy to grow your own mushrooms at home. Grown in Duvall, these mushrooms are a must to have at any barbecue sautéed with some baby Walla Walla onions.

The market also features some fun newcomers like Cedar Spring Farm with delicious jams and jellies, Got Soup?, and Ke Microgreens.

The market’s Covid safety plan is in full swing with the blessing of Public Health – Seattle and King County, so you know you can do your shopping safely. Just grab your face covering and come on down!

And remember to get there in plenty of time to finish your shopping before the new 2pm closing time. See you at the market!

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is a program of Third Place Commons, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. It is located at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park at 17171 Bothell Way NE.



Read more...

Police: Thief in Shoreline leaves their To Do list behind

Try to get everything done


From the King County Sheriff's Office

What do thieves do when they're not committing crimes? They make a "To-Do" list for the next day of course!

The authentic Thief To-Do List was found after a Shoreline resident called Shoreline PD - a King County Sheriff's Office contract city - to report several bags of stolen mail dumped at their residence.

Shoreline Deputy Hsu responded, and found the hand written note in one of the bags. It's a rare look at exactly how these criminals think, and what you can do to keep your property from becoming a target.

The note reads (note: typos and bad grammar are not ours):
  • "To do list for this A.M."
  • "Have everything done 100% by 8:00 A.M.",
  • "Go to as many residential streets and get as much mail as I possibly can by 8:00 A.M."
  • "Hit any cars that's all unlocked and has no set car alarm.....Grab everything that's all good, Items to either keep for myself or if I end up finding anything that's worth money....I am going to sale the items", "Find a tent A.S.A.P to be able to hide and lay low completely 100%".

The contents of the note address what we have been saying for some time:

Pick up your mail every day. Don't leave it in the box overnight. Criminals bank on that, and steal the mail from the box before you can get to it in the morning. And don't forget to remove valuables from your car and lock it.



Read more...

Raspberries and chipmunks

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Photo by Tanis Coralee Leonhardi

Native chipmunks have mostly been pushed to the fringes by invasive species like grey squirrels. They are around but it's a rare treat to see them.

Apparently the rare treat of raspberries is the way to win their hearts and get them to hold still for a photo!

This little guy lives in the woods in Innis Arden.



Read more...

Endorsement meetings Wednesday for 32nd and 46th LD Democrats

Both the 32nd and the 46th Legislative District Democrats will hold their endorsement meetings virtually on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

The 32nd includes all of Shoreline, Woodway, a large section of southwest Sno County and northwest Seattle.

32nd Legislative District Meeting
Wed., May 20, 2020, 7:00 PM
Via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86067322896?pwd=NjdqYVJSbVNNcTAyd042YUM3c0RRQT09
Meeting ID: 860 6732 2896
Password: 321456
(Phone # +1-699-900-6833

The 46th includes all of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore and a large section of northeast Seattle, including Lake City.

The Zoom link will be the same for both meetings on Wednesday.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/707171978?pwd=SFN1cTd3NythbUsyL0g0aXRDNkxsZz09

Meeting ID: 707 171 978
Password: 061712



Read more...

Veteran honor, faithfulness and recognition with ingenuity during the COVID-19 Restrictions

Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Saturday, May 16, 2020 was a National Holiday that only few citizens were aware of, remembered or cared to recognize in some manner. Saturday also marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day started as a celebration of the five branches of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. It is now joined by the newly created Space Force. The day honors all men and women serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served our country in these service branches, including the National Guard and Reserve components.

A Veteran’s Recognition Plaza (VRP) was established and dedicated in 2016 by veterans in a newly formed Shoreline Veteran’s Association (SVA) with cooperation of the King County Council, City of Shoreline, Shoreline businesses and interested individuals.

Photo by Jerry Pickard


The Plaza is situated adjacent to the Shoreline City Hall and Council Chambers. It is a Plaza of Recognition of all the Armed Forces with sturdy, beautiful four foot high obelisks that support the individual branch of service flags placed there on national and patriotic holidays.

It is situated with memorial park benches, and spaces for over 1000 Bricks of Remembrance of those Shoreline and surrounding area citizens and family members who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

During the current restrictions on official gatherings, the SVA and local area veterans were unable to conducting any ceremony or gatherings at the Plaza as in previous years. But the Plaza was open for individuals and immediate family members from the same household to visit the Plaza with social distancing and wearing recommended PPE.

Photo by Jerry Pickard


Enter military (veteran) ingenuity, and faithfulness for honoring the Armed Forces. Individual veteran and current service member volunteers showed up at the VRP on Saturday, in proper PPE and placed their service flags in the obelisks of their service, by a solo flag carrier and escort from each of the Armed Forces. 

All other individuals were on the public sidewalk at 6-foot social distancing and PPE in observance of this brief flag placement. The veterans, current service members and their family members were very happy they could honor those in the Armed Forces, despite current social/public restrictions.

--Shoreline Veterans Association



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP