What if a car goes into a ravine? Shoreline Fire trains for the rescue

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Vehicle and driver in the ravine


By Diane Hettrick
Photos by Steven H. Robinson

What if a car goes off the road and ends up down a wooded ravine? That's not such a stretch of the imagination. We have had many such situations.

First one down sets the rope

So who rescues the driver from the vehicle? The fire department.

Crew make their way down
carrying equipment

Fire departments train constantly for every scenario they might encounter. Some training exercises are planned long in advance. Many take advantage of opportunities like vacant buildings that are going to be demolished or large, hilly parks with wild areas where you can place wrecked cars or dangle 'bodies' from trees (see previous article)

Nearing the car

Local fire departments share training. They also assist each other on calls, depending on how extensive the issue is and which department has a rig available and nearby. 

Up top, they attach the litter to
the crane on the rig


This week, Thursday through Sunday, there was a dramatic drill in the woods at Shoreline Community College hosted by Shoreline Fire and involving fire departments from Shoreline, Northshore, Bothell, Woodinville, and the security department from the college.

They have cut open the front of the car and
are extracting the driver

The exercise was to recover the driver from a wrecked vehicle in a steep, wooded ravine. The day before the exercise, Shoreline personnel placed a wrecked car in the ravine.

Now they are headed up the hill toward a spot
where the crane can be used

They ran the exercise four times, to make sure that all departments and all shifts had the chance to participate.

Now the crane takes over

One of the Shoreline chiefs volunteered to be the driver who was rescued from the car.



They used a combination of manual labor and the crane to get the driver up the hill. Sometimes crew members will accompany the litter and steady it to keep it from swinging around.

At the top of the hill

At the top, the medics will be able to treat some injuries and stabilize the driver for transport to the hospital.

Another day's work for the Shoreline Fire Department.



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City of Lake Forest Park: A renewed call for compassion

Friday, June 5, 2020

Lyons Creek Park
Photo by Carl Dinse


A Renewed Call for Compassion

Three years ago, in March of 2017, the City Council of Lake Forest Park passed a resolution declaring our city a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community. The resolution was passed during a time when some of our neighbors faced the fear of harassment, deportation, and the breaking up of their families.

This resolution was brought to us by caring residents – PTA members who were concerned for the immigrant families they had come to know in the schools – and designed to give comfort and alleviate the fear faced by our neighbors and their children.

It was based on an earlier resolution passed by the city council in October 2012, affirming the Charter for Compassion – a world-wide effort inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and brought to our city by our beloved neighbor, Ann Stadler.

As with breaking hearts we remember the tragic deaths of George Floyd and so many others, and look out across our nation and see the understandable rage and anguish of people in communities near and far, we are compelled to revisit the words of these resolutions to again affirm our core values and commit to them anew.

These are not empty words, but continue to provide guidance and meaning to all that we do as elected officials and city staff in our interactions with each other and our neighbors. They are values we ask our city staff and police officers to live out every day and we hold them accountable to these principles.

We hope that all will join us in reflecting on these core values and how each of us can make them real, so that everyone can live their daily lives without fear. We hope to stop the tragic loss of the joy and quality of life – and of life itself – in our diverse communities to bias, prejudice, and hate.

We all have work to do.

CHARTER FOR COMPASSION 

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. 

Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the center of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect. 

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others-even our enemies-is a denial of our common humanity.

We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion. We therefore call upon all men and women
  • to restore compassion to the center of morality and religion
  • to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate
  • to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures
  • to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity
  • to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings-even those regarded as enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. 

Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensable to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community

Sincerely and with the deepest compassion,

Jeff Johnson, Mayor
Phillippa Kassover, Deputy Mayor and Council Chair
Tom French, Council Vice-Chair
Mike Harden, Chief of Police

City of Lake Forest Park



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Prelude to construction in Ridgecrest: City Light moving light poles

City Light crews doing a private job in Ridgecrest


Story and photos by Patricia Hale

Arden Homes purchased a property in Ridgecrest at 16539 8th Ave NE with a single family home.

They are redeveloping the property and plan to demolish the existing house, clear-cut the trees and build 16 homes that will sell for $1 - 1.5 million each.

In order to create a central driveway to the homes, they had to hire Seattle City Light to move a light pole. SCL crews were hard at work on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.



The pole you see is the one to be relocated. The truck and its equipment are drilling the 10’ deep hole for the new pole.

They use a combination of drilling, suctioning and water power flushing to suck up the soil in the 10 foot deep hole being drilled. Everything goes into the contamination containment tanks on the back of the truck to be appropriately disposed of.



No idea at this point how deep they had gone. The had already been drilling for 1 - 1/2 hours. Soil conditions, how much rock, hard pan and soil compaction all affect how long this could take.



Once the hole is complete, big rigs come in to lift the new pole that is lying on the side of the road to perpendicular and lower it into the hole and secure it to stand alone. After a couple of days, when the pole is set, they will place cross beams and huge insulators.

Then specialized crews come in for the “high wire” act of transferring the high voltage lines from the old pole to the new one.



I am not sure if the voltage of these particular lines but have heard it is 15,000 Kv (kilo volts) of power or more. (A reader commented that it is 120,000 volts)

I imagine these guys know what they are doing, as Seattle City Light is the nation's 10th largest public power system and first carbon-neutral utility, serving more than 410,000 customers.



Arden has two projects on the same street and had to have poles moved for both projects. City Light crews worked on both projects at the same time. You can see the second crew in the background.



New pole is in place. Workers were getting the high tension lines ready to be transferred to the new pole when they return.




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COVID-19 case updates

ICHS Shoreline testing station behind their clinic
at 160th and Aurora
Photo courtesy ICHS

King county is beginning to stabilize even as cases are spiking in Yakima County. The governor is urging everyone to get tested if they have any symptoms.

Locally, ICHS has ongoing testing. Call 206-533-2600 and see our previous article.

Numbers are up in the isolation centers because they have taken in the crew of the factory fishing ship that came back to port with half of its crew infected.

The Shoreline isolation center is shuttered.

Case numbers as of June 4, 2020

United States
  • 1,842,101 cases
  • 107,029 deaths
Washington state
  • 22,729 cases
  • 3,615 hospitalizations
  • 1,138 deaths
King county
  • 8,333 cases
  • 1,475 hospitalizations
  • 564 deaths
Lake Forest Park
  • 35 cases
  • 2 hospitalizations
  • 0 deaths

Update: Shoreline numbers have been removed because they were apparently incorrect. Very possibly an error on the part of the editor / transcriber.




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Elks Drive-Thru Dinner Saturday will benefit North Helpline Food Bank

Line up at the previous Elks dinner
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Due to the large success of their last drive-thru dinner, Shoreline Elks is having another one this Saturday to support the North Helpline Food Bank (Lake City and Bitter Lake).

$15 BBQ Chicken Drive-Thru Dinner, Saturday June 6, 2020 from 5 - 6:30pm.

Dinner includes chicken quarters, corn on the cob, potatoes. Dinner served to the first 60 to come to their location at 14625 15th Ave NE, Shoreline (sorry, no pre-orders or reservations).

More details:

Shoreline Elks BBQ Chicken Dinner To Go
Saturday, June 6th 5:00-6:30pm
$15 cash/check only (no credit/debit cards)
60 dinners available -- 1st come / 1st serve
Profits benefit the North Helpline Food Bank
14625 15th Ave NE
Shoreline, Washington 98155

Note that the previous dinner sold out in 40 minutes!


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Jobs: Administrative Assistant II (Customer Response)

City of Shoreline

Administrative Assistant II (Customer Response)

The City Manager's Office is hiring an Administrative Assistant II to join the Code Enforcement and Customer Response Team division, consisting of five employees working to better the community through education and enforcement of the City codes.

This front-line job has constant and direct contact with the public and is expected to deftly handle large amount of incoming calls and communicate competently with diverse Shoreline community members and customers. The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills, the ability to make decisions on the fly while receiving, screening and directing calls, and can organize themselves to accomplish a variety of daily tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. The incumbent has to possess the ability to deliver professional, helpful and quality service to everyone consistently.

Recruitment Process:
  • Submit completed online application
  • Cover letter and resume attached to the application are required
  • Successful candidates shall be subject to an online skills assessment test, followed by an interview

POSITION DEFINITION:
To perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administra­tive, secretarial and clerical duties in support of an assigned department; to provide information and assistance to the public regarding departmental policies and procedures; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

View the job announcement with program dates and apply HERE



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Sound Transit Parking Garage approval process slowed

LFP City Hall is closed and meetings are on Zoom
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Tracy Furutani

The Lake Forest Park City Council declined to move policy recommendations submitted by the Planning Commission regarding the proposed Sound Transit Parking Garage at LFP Town Center forward, opting instead to continue a review of those recommendations.

This decision was made at the council’s Committee-of-the-Whole meeting Monday night.

“It seems to me that we’re in alignment that we’re not ready to give direction to the Planning Commission,” said committee chair and Deputy Mayor Phillippa Kassover.

The recommendations were in the form of a table that broke down the Garage project into different categories such as “Base Height – Max. 35 feet” and “Landscape all sides”, with each category being rated as either covered by the city’s building code or by general design guidelines. The categories were then further rated as whether they were required (“shall” in the language of the building code), recommended (“should”) or optional (“may”).

“I feel that the community would get more of what they want if the code is very clear up front,” said Councilmember Semra Riddle. “If I [as a developer] know what we’re designing to, we’re more successful in achieving that.”

There are two parts in getting a major project like the garage approved by the city, according to Stephen Bennett, the city Planning Director.

First, the adoption of new or modified regulations, in which the city’s Planning Department drafts code based on recommendations from the Planning Commission, which then ultimately must be approved by the City Council.

Next, the developer submits an application for a project that is submitted to the city Planning Department, who writes a report with an opinion on whether the application is in compliance with city regulations. That report goes to the Mayor-appointed, Council-approved Design Review Board, which gathers public feedback on the application, and then writes their own opinion on the project’s compliance.

With me so far? Great!

Finally, the opinions are presented to a Hearing Examiner (basically, a judge for these sorts of matters) who makes the final decision on whether the project complies with regulations, and the developer is then free to apply for various permits from the city.

“You can tell your constituents about the development proposal, but not the permit application for it,“ said Councilmember Lorri Bodi. She added that the first is a legislative function, and the second is an administrative or quasi-judicial function.

“What we do as council members is talk to our constituents,” said Councilmember John Resha, “This is the one space where [we have to say] don’t send me that extra information. [That’s] not easy as an elected representative.”

“I’d like to see this as an ongoing discussion of the ‘shoulds and ‘shalls, and see what the community thinks through public comment.” said Councilmember Tom French. “I would not feel comfortable in the quasi-judicial role.”

There could also be a development agreement, according to Bennett, which would involve the city staff negotiating with the developer about one-time variances to the building code for the specific project, while the two-part approval process was occurring simultaneously. The City Council would have to approve the final agreement. Even within this process, Bennett added, the Planning Commission would still hold a public hearing before making any report to the Council.



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Scene on the Sound: Point Wells at low tide

Low tide at Pt Wells
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Lee took the low tide photo recently. Look at the Point Wells dock in background right. It looks like you can walk to the end of the dock.

Freighters routinely dock at the end of that pier. Hard to believe, unless there's a very steep drop off.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Now compare it to this more normal high tide in a file photo by Steve Robinson and you can see just how far out the tide is.

You may also notice the coal train with its uncovered loads of powdery coal.

--Diane Hettrick

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Vehicle and pedestrian routing for Saturday's Peaceful Protest Honoring Black Lives Lost

From the City of Shoreline

On Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 to 2:00pm, students from Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools’ Black Student Unions and members of Black Lives Matter Shoreline, along with other community groups, will hold a peaceful gathering at Cromwell Park to honor George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the other Black lives lost through racial injustice.

The event will begin at 12:00pm at Cromwell Park with speeches and student performances.

Participants will then march to City Hall. They will return to Cromwell Park for the closing program.



The City of Shoreline and Shoreline Police have been working with the event organizers to ensure the safety of the participants as they march to City Hall and have created a traffic control plan.

We anticipate moderate traffic impacts between 12:30 and 1:30 as participants march to City Hall. We encourage drivers to take alternate routes through the area during this time.

There will also be a car parade for people who prefer not to march. It will leave at the same time as the march but will take an alternate route to City Hall.

Organizers are encouraging everyone to wear face coverings and to honor social distancing.



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Feathers fly

Photo by Doug Gochanour


Victoria and I were looking out our kitchen window toward an owl looking back at us.

We each had our phone cameras handy, so I took a photo of the owl resting.

Just as Victoria took her photo, a huge crow had swooped down from behind the owl and smashed into it.

Photo by Victoria Gilleland


It looked, for second or two, like a bird explosion.

Crows around here are often very noisy when an owl is near, and they "gang up" on the owl to drive it away, at the least.

In this case, the two birds flew off into trees seen in the background, to continue their discussion of territorial rights.

--Doug Gochanour



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Evan Smith: The first (candidate) will be last (on the ballot), and the last will be….

View on You Tube (4 min 6 sec)

By Evan Smith

The candidates who filed first for places on the August primary-election ballot will be rewarded with the last position on the ballot, and the last will be first or second or fourth or 16th or…

It should be as easy as 1-2-3, but state elections officials have turned 1-2-3 into 37-24-2.

Except in Lake Forest Park and the rest of the 46th Legislative District, where King County elections officials have turned 1-2-3-4 into 2-4-1-3.

Candidate lot drawing
Photo courtesy WA Secretary of State


A state elections drawing in mid-May brought No. 37 up first (see graphic), followed by 24 and 2.

That puts the first candidate to file for each office into ballot position No. 37 (last), the second into position No. 24, the third into No. 2. Finally, the 37th (and last) candidate gets position No. 16.

There actually were 37 candidates for governor. Incumbent Gov. Jay Inslee was 31st to file; the drawing gives him 17th position on the ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet.

Of course, there weren’t 37 candidates filing for other positions.

Here’s how it works in the 7th Congressional District.

The first candidate to file, Republican Craig Keller, draws No. 37; the second, incumbent Democrat Pramila Jayapal, draws No. 24; the third, Republican Scott Sutherland, draws No. 2; the fourth, Democrat Jack Hughes-Hageman, draws No. 21; the fifth (and last), Independent Rick Lewis, draws No. 35.

So, with five candidates drawing positions 2, 21, 24, 35 and 37, here’s your 7th Congressional District ballot order -- 2- Sutherland; 21-Hughes-Hageman; 24-Jayapal,; 35-Lewis; 37-Keller:

Congressional District 7, U.S. Representative
  • Scott Sutherland (Prefers Republican Party)
  • Jack Hughes-Hageman (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Pramila Jayapal (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Rick Lewis (Prefers Independent Party)
  • Craig Keller (Prefers Republican Party)

Washington's 7th congressional district includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Edmonds, along with most of Seattle and Burien, and all of Vashon Island and Normandy Park.

In the 32nd Legislative District, incumbent Democratic Reps. Cindy Ryu and Lauren Davis each drew two challengers, with each incumbent being the first to file.

For Position 1, Ryu draws No. 37; the second candidate to file, Democrat Keith Smith, making a second run for this position, draws No. 24; the third candidate, Democrat Shirley Sutton, a former Lynnwood city councilwoman, draws No. 2.

That leaves this 2-24-37 order:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1
  • Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)

Similarly, for Position 2, the first candidate to file, Davis, draws No. 37; the second candidate, non-partisan candidate Tamra Smilanich, draws No. 24; the third, Democrat Gray Petersen, draws No. 2.

That leaves this 2-24-37 order:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 2
  • Gray Petersen (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Tamra Smilanich (Prefers Non Partisan Party)
  • Lauren Davis (Prefers Democratic Party)

The 32nd Legislative District encompasses Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

Those 37-24-2 races are for governor and other statewide offices, for congressional representative and for legislative districts that cross county lines.

King County, however, did its own drawing (watch it here) that produced either a 2-4-1-3-5-6-7 ballot order or, when there are only two candidates, a 1-2 ballot order.

In the 46th Legislative District, which is completely in King County, the first of two candidates for each position, both incumbents, get the first ballot positions.

That’s true of the contest between Democratic incumbent State Rep. Gerry Pollet and Republican challenger Eric J. Brown:

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1
  • Gerry Pollet (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Eric J. Brown (Prefers Republican Party)

It’s also true of the contest between Democratic incumbent State Rep. Javier Valdez and Republican challenger Beth Daranciang:

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2
  • Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party)

Candidates for partisan offices appear on both the August primary ballot and the November general-election ballot, even when there are only one or two candidates.

The 46th Legislative District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



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Warning: High bacteria counts at Hidden Lake - quit feeding water birds

City staff testing the water at Hidden Lake
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

By Diane Hettrick

Routine testing at Hidden Lake in west Shoreline has revealed high bacteria concentrations and the lake is closed.

The City recommends that people and pets do not come into contact with the water.

Definitely do not allow your dogs to drink lake water.

The source of the contamination is likely droppings from water birds.

Do not feed water birds (or pigeons or seagulls). 

The artificial food source allows the population to increase to a level that is not sustainable. The birds become a nuisance as they move away from the water and start inhabiting and leaving their droppings in other places, such as school grounds. 

In addition, bread is junk food for birds, filling them up with food which has little nutrition. In some circumstances bread can kill birds. 

Some jurisdictions, like Mountlake Terrace, fine people who feed water birds.



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A bird's eye view

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Photo by Mary Igl


A bird's eye view of the sunset over Puget Sound.



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King County submits plan to re-open limited business activity in COVID-19 recovery

King County Executive
Dow Constantine

King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott today submitted a plan to the state Department of Health that would allow limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses and personal activities.

The county’s application includes recommendations from King County local health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin that would:
  • allow all outdoor recreation permitted in Phase 2 in Gov. Inslee's Safe Start plan
  • expand opening indoor fitness studios for one-on-one activities
  • allow restaurants to begin opening indoor seating at 25% of normal capacity
  • allow hair stylists and other personal services at 25% capacity

“Our plan to safely reopen our region’s economy is based on the latest data, recommendations by Public Health experts, and insight from communities and businesses,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We are ready to take the next careful step toward an equitable recovery that benefits everyone who calls King County home.”

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Scene on the Sound: Ok Naval experts: what is this?

Photo by Jan Hansen


This US Navy submarine was traveling through Puget Sound at about 14 knots: time 12:45 on Thursday, June 3, 2020. 

I know that she is a submarine with escort. Is this one of the SSN 774 Virginia Class special attack nuclear submarines? That or a Seawolf is my guess.

Ok readers - what are the details? Counting on you...

--Jan Hansen / DKH





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Shorecrest student awarded Alpha Delta Kappa scholarship

Piper Rosman, scholarship winner
Photo courtesy ADK

Alpha Delta Chapter of Washington State Alpha Delta Kappa is pleased to announce that this year’s winner of a $1,000 scholarship is awarded to Piper Rosman of Shorecrest High School. 

Education unites Alpha Delta Kappa members in a fellowship focusing on professional excellence, leadership development, altruism, and world understanding.

Piper Rosman exemplifies that commitment and sees teachers as some of the strongest influences in her life. 

Piper is well prepared scholastically with rigorous academics including Honors, AP, UW classes, as well as participation in volleyball, basketball, track and lacrosse.

These activities have often been complimented by her work, often as an officer, in Environmental Club, Interact, Student Government, and DECA.

Her presidency of the Shoreline Sports Foundation that works with grades 2-8 has added much to the community in terms of inclusion and service. She is a hard worker who gets things done, but doesn’t forget that she is working with people.

The College and Career Readiness Coordinator says that Piper’s high degree of compassion and empathy is evident in the way she treats not only young children, but also the adults and peers in her life.

Piper plans to attend Western Washington University in Bellingham and study Early Childhood Education.

Alpha Delta feels Piper will be a wonderful educator and truly carry on the ideals of Alpha Delta Kappa.

--Kim Haff, Alpha Delta Kappa


Correction: Piper will attend Western Washington University 



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Reminder: Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday


Shoreline Farmers Market opens Saturday, June 6, 2020 in a new location by the Bank of America at the entrance to the upper level of Shoreline Place (near Central Market).

Many vendors and an arrangement that follows state guidelines - wear a mask. It's ok to bring your own bags.



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Tidal Artist Haven Pride month spectacular

Tidal Artist Haven (TAH), the artist cooperative in North Seattle, is adapting our programming to bring virtual events to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride this June. 

Everyone will be welcome to participate in these events, but part of TAH's mission is to center the experiences of artists who are people of color, disabled people, and/or members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to our remote events, we are creating an electronic zine for Pride month to show that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can still celebrate our victories and fight for our rights even if without a parade. 

Featured works will celebrate diverse gender and sexuality; advocate for equality for marginalized groups at home and abroad and more! View the full call and submission criteria HERE

TAH kicks off our Pride events with a special open mic on Saturday the 13th at 4:00pm Pacific Time that will include music, poetry, short stories, and comedy. Each performer will get five minutes to share.

Saturday the 20th at 6:30pm we continue our monthly art hangout series with the Big Gay Remote Art Social. 

Come work on your current project, in the comfort of your own home, while connecting with other creatives! This event has a suggested donation of $10, but those who donate $25 or more will receive a swag bag including a rainbow crayon, stickers designed by TAH members, and other art supplies. 

Kits are available via contactless pickup at Tidal Artist Haven 1533 NE 145th St Seattle, WA 98125 Sunday 14th 11:00am - 3:00pm or Monday the 15th 6:00pm - 9:00pm and are limited to a first-claimed-first-served basis.

On Saturday the 27th TAH is having an Inner-Self Portrait workshop from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. While all our events are open to everyone, this event is especially for 2SLGBTQ+ folks to explore their inner selves and use art to develop strategies to reimagine how to share that with the outside world. 

Those using their own materials may attend for a suggested donation of $10. A donation of $25 or more will include velvet paper, oil pastels, drawing paper, for this workshop, which students can claim via contactless pickup at our gallery on Thursday, June 18th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm and Friday, June 19th, 11:00am - 3:00pm

To commemorate "the year there almost wasn't a Pride" TAH will also be raising funds by the sale of our Pride 2020 T-shirts and Merch. Items featuring artwork designed in collaboration by our resident artists will be available HERE. A portion of the sales from this fundraiser will be set aside specifically for scholarships for low income students wishing to participate in the above events.

More information or to register for any or all these events go to this site



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LFP Water District plant exchange

In 2019 the Lake Forest Park Water District started an annual plant exchange which was a great success.

There were many participants with a wide variety of contributions!

From now until SEPTEMBER consider taking part in this exchange as you tend your garden, and divide plants. 

Come down and peruse the plants near the entrance gate at the office at 4029 NE 178th St.

In addition to contributions remaining from last year, the District has ‘seeded’ the project with starts of:
  • Evergreen Huckleberry
  • Blackcap Raspberry
  • Salal
  • Fools Onion
  • Nodding Onion
  • Ocean Spray
  • Twinberry
  • Indian Plum

The list of guidelines is short:
  • Identify your donations as best you can with tags.
  • Bring your plants in pots. (We have 1 gallon pots available if you need them)
  • Leave as many plants as you take.
  • Please don’t bring invasive or noxious weed species (see more below)
  • The community of LFP is legendary for its gardens and generosity, let’s share the wealth here!
  • Please practice social distancing during your visit this year.

Noxious weeds -Please help control noxious weeds – King County has information and identification guides including this Citizen’s Guide. You may even be interested in using your smartphone to report noxious weeds. Details here.



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Agenda for the June 8, 2020 Shoreline City Council Meeting

Shoreline City Hall and Council Chamber
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Agenda for the June 8, 2020 Shoreline City Council Meeting

By Pam Cross

Meetings are held on Zoom and comments need be submitted in advance. Information here.

ACTION ITEM 8(a)

Adopting Public Emergency Resolution No. 460 - Establishing a Program Funding and Implementation Plan for the City’s CARES Act Relief Funds and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for Coronavirus Relief Funds

On April 27, 2020, Governor Inslee announced that the State would award almost $300 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds to local governments not eligible to receive a direct allocation. Shoreline’s award is $1,691,100 for Shoreline’s response to the COVID-19 emergency. This meeting will determine how the Relief Funds awarded will be programmed.

TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT WILL FOLLOW THE STAFF REPORT

STUDY ITEM 9(a)

Annual Discussion with the Planning Commission

Council will be joined by the Planning Commission for this annual review of the Planning Commission’s work achieved and work plan projects for the next couple of years. Most of the items on the Department and Planning Commission work plans have been approved by Council and do not have a resource or financial impact, including the Housing Action Plan, Ground-Floor Commercial Development Code Amendments, and the Point Wells Subarea Plan Comprehensive Plan amendments.

STUDY ITEM 9(b)

Discussing Potential Changes to Community Transit (CT) Blue Line

Emmett Heath, Chief Executive Officer of CT, will present an overview of the Blue Line Expansion project, analysis of three proposed alternative routes for the Blue Line in Shoreline, and next steps toward project implementation.

The CT Blue Line currently provides service primarily along State Route 99 (Aurora Avenue) between Everett Station at the northern end and the Aurora Village Transit Center at the southern end. In 2024, CT intends to extend the Blue Line to integrate with Sound Transit’s Link light rail system, which will include new stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood. Extending the Blue Line will move the existing stop from the Aurora Village Transit Center to the Shoreline North/185th Link Light Rail Station. Staff recommends (B) keeping the Aurora Village Transit Center with express service to Shoreline North/185th Station.



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LFP Farmers Market news - cherries, berries, increased SNAP Market Match and more

Collins Family cherries at the
LFP Farmers Market Sunday

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is swinging into gear in June with new hours and an increase in SNAP Market Match just as delicious seasonal fruit begins to arrive.

This Sunday, 10am – 2pm, head to the market to get your first cherries of the season. Collins Family Orchard will be there with Early Robins and Chelan cherries, plus pink lady apples!

If you’re in a very berry mood, stop by Sidhu Farms, Hayton Farms, and Garden Treasures for some tasty strawberries.

Then drop in to Doll House Bakery where they’ll have fresh shortcake just perfect for your strawberry shortcake delight.

Other vendor highlights include Alvarez Organics, who will bring fresh organic peas, and Wilson Fish who say the salmon looks amazing this week – perfect for baking or BBQ.

Don’t forget that many of the market vendors are now accepting pre-orders to speed up your visit to the market. Check out the vendor list on the Third Place Commons website for more information.

In addition to the cherries and berries, SNAP recipients have another reason to rejoice. Starting this Sunday, June 7th, SNAP Market Match will increase from $10 to up to $25 per customer per day through the month of June.

That means that if you bring your EBT card to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market now through June 30th, you will receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $25 in SNAP Market Match currency to use on fresh fruits and vegetables, including all those cherries and strawberries. If you shop the market every week in June, that’s $100 of free produce!

In addition, the farmers market is looking for a Market Set-up Assistant to help set-up and tear-down the market each week. 

The position needs someone strong and dependable, with reliable access to a vehicle large enough to transport market supplies from the back of the mall to the front (and back again) each week. 

Pays $75 per market day for 2-3 hours of work total. 

Read more on the Third Place Commons jobs page.

Remember that the LFP Farmers Market has been redesigned for safety this year, and you can’t get better ventilation than the out-of-doors. So don’t let a little rain hold you back. This is the Pacific Northwest where we laugh at rain!

Just grab your face covering and head to the market Sunday, 10-2. 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.



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Cromwell Park on a sunny day

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

All the other photos we've published of Cromwell Park, at 180th and Meridian by the courthouse, have been filled with people and vendor booths. It's the site for Celebrate Shoreline and Swingin' Summer Eve.

It's deserted now with all summer events cancelled. But we get a chance to see how beautiful it is.



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Shorecrest High School Grad receives her M.D. and named to the prestigious 2020 Husky 100

Khalida Arif, M.D. / UW Husky 100
Photo courtesy UW Med
A member of Shorecrest High School’s 2008 graduating class, Khalida Arif, M.D., is a 2020 graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine, and was named to the prestigious UW Husky 100 list.

Khalida, now Dr. Arif, successfully completed a doctor of medicine degree in May and participated in the first virtual Physician’s Oath and Hooding Ceremony, the medical school graduation, in the school’s 74-year history.

She will be starting a residency in internal medicine at UW next month.

The Husky 100 celebrates outstanding University of Washington undergraduate and graduate students who made or are making the most out of their Husky Experience.

The 100 exceptional UW students were chosen for actively connecting what happens inside the classroom with what happens outside the classroom—blazing pathways between subject matter and their practical experience.

They embrace innovation and tackle challenges with passion and creativity, and they are motivated and mindful leaders who work toward a more just and equitable world. That certainly describes Dr. Arif.

Khalida Arif came to Washington state with her family in 2000 from Pakistan. Her passion for medicine began at a young age after witnessing her family’s struggle to access basic healthcare both in Pakistan and the U.S. 

Khalida double-majored in biochemistry and physiology as an undergraduate at UW and went on to work at Harborview Medical Center before being accepted to attend the University of Washington School of Medicine – one of the top two medical schools in the country for primary care and family medicine training.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors who provided me with guidance and the support I needed to help achieve my goals and dreams. It was not always easy finding those mentors, especially in the medical field when very few, if any, look like you,” she said.

To pay forward the mentorship Khalida received over the years, she began supporting the next generation of students of color. Through Alliance for Equal Representation in Medicine she mentored minority pre-medical students and provided mock interviews to help disadvantaged applicants with their UWSOM interviews. 

At Doctor for a Day events, she was able to share her story with middle and high school students and encouraged them to pursue a higher education in medicine.

Outside of her medical training, Khalida volunteered at student run clinics and health fairs to help communities who face barriers to accessing adequate healthcare. These experiences have shown her that there is still a significant amount of work left to do in both diversifying the field of medicine and improving marginalized communities’ access to basic healthcare.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Silence is golden


Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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Letter to the Editor: Be part of the solution

To the Editor:

I’m writing to invite my fellow white citizens to show up, and take responsibility for freeing ourselves and our whole community from the shackles of history, guilt, and inertia. I’m asking us each to make a daily commitment of non-violent action, in order to be part of the solution to the intractable problems so evident to us right now.

I call myself to account for that every morning, and try to live it daily in my personal practice, in the actions that I take whether it is writing a letter like this or it is deciding where I give or spend money, or participate in civic action. I’m doing that so I can fully exercise my responsibilities as a person who has responsibilities as part of a democratic society. For me, governance starts with self-discipline, expressed in care for the well being of myself and the whole.

AND I join hearts and hands with my allies of color as you do what you need to do. For I believe we cannot change our country without belonging to the whole sorry mess. I believe we need to link hearts and hands to create a world that actually works for all- Us humans-and all the beings we live with on this beautiful planet.

I’m 89 years old. I’ve spent much of my life working for justice, against racism, and all the other isms that separate and divide us. I’ve worked to build Dr. Martin Luther King’s beloved community in many places, for many years. I try to be accountable for my life and actions. I am very fortunate that my dear family is multicultural with a variety of beautiful skin colors.

I am unutterably sad that we are in this horrible place where so many of us wake up to the devastation of our families, dreams, homes. And I also say to myself, you are here now because what you are and what you do matters.

So to ALL my allies of all skin colors and cultures, I offer my gifts and love to BE part of the solutions. And I join with and encourage others like me to step up everyday in our daily lives.

Love and optimal health to you and your loved ones!

Anne Stadler
Lake Forest Park



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Public Health answers questions about protesting and COVID-19

Marchers at Lake City demonstration wearing masks
Photo by Mark Mendez

From Seattle - King County Public Health

For people who have attended protests or large gatherings, we’ve provided some answers to questions about the protests and the spread of COVID-19.

Q: If people chose to attend a protest, are there steps to take to help lower the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in our community?

A: Outdoor gatherings are lower risk than indoor gatherings. The larger the gathering, and the longer you’re there, the higher the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

People who have been at group gatherings should monitor their health for 14 days afterwards. Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested right away, whether they’ve been at a protest or not. Call your medical provider. If you don't have one, contact ICHS Shoreline Clinic, 206-533-2600 (Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese)

Remember that physical distancing and other measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 are not all-or-nothing – even if you attended large group gatherings, it’s just as important that you continue to stay home whenever possible, remain at least 6 feet away from others and wear a face covering when in public, wash your hands, and avoid touching your face.

Q: Do people who have attended protests need to get tested for COVID-19?

A: If you currently don’t have any symptoms, you do not need to get tested right now. However, if you develop even mild symptoms such as a cough, congestion or runny nose, you should contact your health provider to help evaluate symptoms and need for testing. There are numerous low-barrier testing sites for people who cannot access testing through their regular health care provider.

ICHS Shoreline Clinic drive through testing, 206-533-2600 (Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese) Anyone who has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 should also be tested.

If you’re having trouble accessing COVID-19 testing, or have other medical questions related to COVID-19, call our info line at: 206-477-3977.

Q: During protests, what should I consider about how to protect myself and our community? 
  • Do not attend any gatherings or protests if you are ill or have symptoms of COVID-19. And, remember that COVID-19 can spread from people who do not have symptoms as well as from those who do.
  • Wear a cloth mask or face covering. This helps protects those around you, and others wear face coverings to help protect you.
  • Stay 6 feet or more away from others.
  • Carry hand sanitizer and use it often.
  • Avoid touching objects and surfaces that others have touched.
  • Do your best to avoid situations where people are shouting or singing, as these activities can spread more virus into the air.

Q: What are the ways to reduce risk of exposure when traveling to an event?

A: Public Health continues to recommend that people stay home as much as possible. If you must go out, walking, biking, or driving alone in a personal vehicle are the best travel options to reduce risk of COVID-19. However, these options are not available to everyone. If you need to drive multiple people in a private vehicle, here are tips to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. If you’re using public transportation, remember to wear a face covering, enter through the back door, maintain 6-feet of distance between yourself and other passengers, and reserve the front for passengers in need of priority seating.

Q: Will these protests affect King County plans to begin safely reopening, as announced on Friday?

A: No. As Executive Constantine announced, Public Health is planning to submit an application to the State to reopen to a modified Phase I. We will continue to closely monitor disease trends in the coming weeks to determine whether we can continue to move forward safely with reopening.

Q: How do we collectively support emotional health in this difficult time?

A: This is an extremely difficult time for many, and may place a particular burden on Black people in our community. Tending to the emotional and mental health needs of your community and yourself are an important part of public health, especially now. 

Witnessing this trauma repeatedly effects mental health, especially for communities of color. Check-up on friends, family and community, as well as checking in with yourself. The Washington Counselors of Color Network lists therapists of color in Washington state. Take a look at this blog post for more mental and emotional health resources.



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Peaceful protest scheduled for Saturday to honor Black lives lost


Join Shoreline area families in a peaceful protest to honor George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the Black lives that have been stolen from us.

Saturday, June 6, 2020 beginning at noon, Cromwell Park 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline. Car caravan and march at 12:30pm 98133.

All are welcome. Feel free to come early at 11am to make signs — bring materials if you have them.

Please wear masks and honor social distancing and each other's safety. For those concerned for their health, please join us in your vehicle for a car parade (assemble at Cromwell Park at 12:30pm).

Schedule · Saturday, June 6, 2020
  • 12:00 PM  Gather and Welcome Program at Cromwell Park
  • 12:30 PM   March to City Hall and Shoreline Police Department
  • 1:30 PM  Closing Program at Cromwell Park
Sponsored by Black Lives Matter - Shoreline



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