Washington State Ferries to honor veterans Wednesday with moment of silence

Monday, November 9, 2020

Washington State Ferry and Mt Baker
Photo by Mike Remarcke

At 11:11am on Veterans Day, November 11, Washington State Ferries will observe two minutes of silence to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Following the moment of silence, all operating vessels underway will sound their whistles to salute all former military personnel, including the many veterans who work for WSF or ride the boats each day.

“This will be our fifth consecutive year commemorating Veterans Day with a moment of silence and our whistle salutes,” said Amy Scarton, head of WSF. 
“We want to continue this tradition of thanking and supporting veterans and service members who have sacrificed for our country. We are fortunate to call some of them our coworkers as they continue to provide protection and safety for their fellow Washingtonians every day.”

WSF, a division of the WSDOT, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries nearly 24 million people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world.



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Forget Thanksgiving: COVID-19 cases spreading very quickly in Puget Sound region

Washington state case counts


The Washington State Department of Health is announced over 1,700 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. 

Last week, they announced 1,000 new cases in a day for the first time since mid-summer. Last Friday, they shared a report detailing how COVID-19 spread is intensifying across the state. On Wednesday, we broke another record with 1,454 total cases in a day. Now, we’re ending the week with yet another broken record.

These numbers reflect an overall surge that started in mid-September and are very troubling as we head into darker, colder months, the holidays and respiratory virus season.

The fall surge, which is showing no signs of stopping, has erased the progress that we made this summer. 

Western Washington, specifically King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, are hot zones for disease transmission, and they’re following a troubling nationwide trend. This week, the United States broke two records in as many days: more than 100,000 cases reported on Wednesday, and more than 116,000 on Thursday.

“COVID-19 is currently spreading very quickly in Washington state,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. 
“We are very concerned that disease transmission will only grow over the next few weeks with the holidays coming up. The threat to overwhelming not just our hospital systems, but our ability to do contact tracing, is real. We need everyone in Washington state to take action now to stop the spread.”

“These increases reflect the impact of our collective decisions and behavior. Each one of us needs to take immediate action to avoid new restrictions and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed,” said Deputy Secretary of Health for COVID-19 Response Lacy Fehrenbach. 

“We are all tired and want to spend time with loved ones during the holidays and continue progress toward safely reopening schools, but high community rates increase the risk of every single activity we do, and unfortunately, the virus does not get tired or take holidays.

"We know what works to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and we’ve flattened our curve before. We must push through the fatigue and redouble our efforts to contain the virus.”

As the holidays approach, everyone should take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:
  • Limit in-person gatherings as much as you can. 
  • That means reducing the number of times you gather, how many people attend and how long you spend together. 
  • Gather outside if possible, or open windows and doors to maximize ventilation inside.

Always wear a face covering when you’re around people who don’t live with you. This includes close friends and family. It may feel awkward to do this around people we know well and trust, but many people get COVID-19 from someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet. Even if you’re keeping some physical distance, it’s still a good idea to wear a face covering.

Talk to your family and friends about alternate ways to celebrate the holidays. 
  • Brainstorm ideas for virtual celebrations so you can still enjoy spending time together without putting each other at risk.
  • Make a safety plan for in-person gatherings. 
  • Have a conversation with your family and friends about what you’re going to do to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 when you gather.
  • Stay home if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. 
  • If you’re feeling a little under the weather but aren’t sure if you’re getting sick, take the cautious approach and protect others by staying home.
  • Keep up your good hygiene habits. Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face.

More COVID-19 data can be found on the DOH website and in the state’s risk assessment dashboard. Additional resources for the holidays are available at coronavirus.wa.gov/gatherings.



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Case updates November 7, 2020

Case updates November 7, 2020


United States
  • cases 9,808,411 - 93,811 cases since last report
  • deaths 236,547 - 1,072 deaths since last report

Washington state - *DOH does not report deaths on the weekend
  • cases 117,331 - 1,320 since last report
  • hospitalizations 8,803 - 8 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,439 - 0 since last report

King county
  • cases 30,866 - 451 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,639 - 4 since yesterday
  • deaths 811 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 743 - 8 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 111 - 1 new
  • deaths 65 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 92 - 3 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new


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Backyard visitors

Photo by Tanja Norsk

Tanja Norsk was surprised to see three raccoons in her back yard - not just traveling through but hanging out and enjoying the sun. 

With humans staying inside to minimize exposure to coronavirus, deer, raccoons, and coyotes are reclaiming the daylight hours. 

We stay in - they come out.

Raccoons are not particularly dangerous to humans but dogs and cats that get aggressive with them do not usually fare well.

Do not leave food sources outside - if you feed your own animals outside pick up the food after they are done. The only wild creatures that should be fed by human are small birds.

--Diane Hettrick



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AG Ferguson: Court orders $490,000 go to authentic veterans' charities after judgment against Washington-based sham charity


A Pierce County Superior Court judge ordered a charity that deceptively claimed to help veterans to pay a total of nearly $1 million in restitution and financial penalties.

The sham charity’s sole officer, Michael Friedmann, told consumers and donors their donations would benefit veterans and their families when none of the money raised did.

In her order, Judge Elizabeth Martin specifically noted the “deceptive” and “abusive” conduct by Fallen Hero Bracelets and Friedmann, who falsely held himself out as a military veteran. She said he and his company unquestionably violated the Consumer Protection Act 1,240 times and also violated the Charitable Solicitations Act tens of thousands of times. 

The judge permanently prohibited Friedmann from nearly all activity in the charity and nonprofit sectors. He is also banned from forming for-profit business entities in the state and cannot register, own, manage or operate any e-commerce site. Friedmann did not appear before the court when the judge imposed the penalties.

The court ordered $504,000 in restitution. The office was able to identify 51 affected consumers who filed complaints to organizations such as the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. 
Just over $13,000 will go to those consumers harmed by Friedmann’s conduct. 

Because Friedmann did not respond to any requests for information to identify additional customers as part of this lawsuit, leading to this default judgment, the court ordered the remaining restitution be paid to charities, honoring donors’ intent.

The Attorney General’s Office will receive nearly $491,000 of that money to send to nonprofits and charities that assist military families or law enforcement who died in the line of duty.

The court ordered an additional $322,000 in civil penalties that will go to the Washington state general fund. Friedmann must also pay nearly $169,000 in attorney costs and fees.

In November 2018, Ferguson sued Spanaway-based Fallen Hero Bracelets asserting that they misled customers into believing their purchases were benefiting veterans’ charities like ones for separated families, service animals or children’s scholarships. Further, when consumers and donors asked Friedmann where their items were or questioned him, he then would verbally abuse them or threaten them.

“Michael Friedmann used the service of our country’s bravest to personally profit,” Ferguson said. “When anyone questioned him, he verbally abused then sued several of them. My office took him to court for his illegal activities and we won for Washington’s veterans and consumers.”

This lawsuit was part of Operation Donate with Honor, a nationwide sweep coordinated in 2018 by the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of State Charities Officials.

In the sweep, Ferguson and Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman joined officials from around the country to combat veterans’ fundraising fraud through education and enforcement.

The lawsuit is also part of the Military and Veterans Initiative, Ferguson’s longtime effort to support and educate military service members and veterans about their rights and the resources available to them.

Fallen Hero Bracelets deceived consumers about helping veterans

Fallen Hero Bracelets sold bracelets engraved with names of soldiers killed in action, along with hats, pins, badges, coins and pens. Its now-defunct website claimed it used proceeds from sales to help veterans, including providing scholarships to children of soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, giving trained service dogs to soldiers suffering from severe PTSD and helping families dealing with separation and divorce.

Fallen Hero Bracelets did not provide any scholarships, trained service dogs or assistance to families, nor did it give any money to any of its 40 claimed beneficiaries. Fallen Hero Bracelets advertised that it made over 1.2 million sales worldwide between when it started in September 2015 and when the court ordered Friedmann’s businesses closed in November 2018.

In addition to not providing any money to charity, Friedmann sued customers who complained about slow delivery.

For example, a consumer in Washington bought a $40 t-shirt on Friedmann’s website. When she did not receive her purchase for more than 60 days, she complained to her credit union. Her credit union then sent a chargeback notice to Friedmann.

Friedmann eventually sent the shirt. The consumer returned it, wanting her money back. Next, Friedmann reported the customer to four different collection agencies, which promptly dropped the collection efforts after the consumer showed proof of the return. He then sued the consumer for $1,182.50 and the credit union for $5,000 in small claims court.

The Attorney General’s Office received 26 complaints concerning Fallen Hero Bracelets, almost all of which referenced the same conduct by Friedmann: delivery delays, being unable to contact Friedmann regarding order status and harassment as a result of consumers complaining or returning items.

Protect Yourself from Scam Charities

Scammers can use charities to prey on generosity. Do plenty of research before donating money. To make sure a charity is legitimate:

Consumers affected by these charities’ deceptive conduct or any other charity or business, may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office at https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.



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Historic Fircrest Chapel under consideration for landmark status

 

The chapel is nestled in the woods - Photo by Janet Way

Fircrest, on 15th Ave NE, is now a rehabilitation center owned by the state Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS). The site was originally a Naval Hospital during WWII, which is when the beautiful chapel was built. (See previous article)

The chapel is now under consideration as an historical landmark and the public is invited to comment at the Landmarks commission zoom meeting November 19, 2020 at 4:30pm. Written comments may be submitted to the address at the end of this article.

Interior of chapel - Photo by Janet Way

Landmark Nomination Hearing for Seattle Naval Hospital Chapel at Fircrest School

You are invited to make a comment at the hearing and offer pertinent information about the history and value of preserving this beautiful historic gem in Shoreline, built during WWII in 1944. Both the building along with some of its surrounding native landscape is under consideration for this Landmark nomination.

The surrounding native forest was specified in the original vision and the creation of the building by base commander, Captain J.T. Boone. Also, the building interior with its custom designed original woodwork furnishings are part of the nomination.

The Public can be part of the process to get Historical Landmark Status for the Chapel at Fircrest by submitting written comment - but need to do so as soon as possible.


Shoreline Landmarks Commission Notice of Public Hearing to consider Landmark nomination of the Shoreline Naval Hospital Chapel in the City of Shoreline.

DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING 
NAME AND LOCATION OF NOMINATED PROPERTY 
  • Naval Hospital Chapel, 1902 NE 150th Street Shoreline, WA 98155
OWNER: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services - Fircrest School 15230 15th Ave NE Shoreline, WA 98155 and Washington State Department of Natural Resources 

DESCRIPTION/BOUNDARIES OF SIGNIFICANCE PCL B SHORELINE:

The 3.08-acre proposed boundary encompasses the chapel building; directly associated walkways; the curvilinear driveway servicing the building; the hillside descending to and including the associated lower parking area; the immediate landscape and the forest setting. 

Questions, written comments or requests for copies of documents may be directed to:
  • King county Department of Natural Resources and Parks Historic Preservation Program 
  • 201 S JACKSON STE 700 SEATTLE WA 98104 
  • 206-477-7976 
  • ssteen@kingcounty.gov


Correction: the address of the chapel is 1902 NE 150th Street, Shoreline, WA 98155



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We did it! Celebration on Bothell Way

Photo by Dennis Day
 
Not quite the same numbers as the big cities around the country, but the same degree of excitement for these citizens who stood on Bothell Way Saturday to celebrate the results of the national election.


Photo by Dennis Day



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Sunset over the water and through the trees

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Sunset by Jan Hansen


A spectacular sunset Saturday night as seen over Puget Sound...

Photo by Jo Simmons

and through the trees of Highland Terrace.



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Pink Patch Project continues through “Movember”


The Lake Forest Park Police Department is raising funds through October and November for both the Pink Patch Project for breast cancer awareness and “Movember” for prostate cancer research. 

Police Officers wishing to participate in “Movember” donate $50 and are allowed to grow mustaches / beards for these two months. The Movember Foundation and Cancer Lifeline Seattle are the two charities the Department is supporting this year.

If you would like to purchase a patch or coin, please email Lt. Rhonda Lehman or give her a call at 206-957-2852. Patches are $10 and coins are $10.



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Case updates November 6, 2020

Case updates November 6, 2020


United States - not updated
  • cases 9,581,770 - 117,988 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 234,264 - 1,135 deaths since yesterday

Washington state - *DOH does not report deaths on the weekend
  • cases 116,011 - 1,770 since last report
  • hospitalizations 8,795 - 4 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,439 - 0 since last report

King county
  • cases 30,415 - 418 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,635 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 811 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 735 - 16 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 110 - 0 new
  • deaths 65 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 89 - 0 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 3 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new


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Book review by Aarene Storms: Grand Theft Horse

Grand Theft Horse by G. Neri, illustrated by Corban Wilkin

Gail Ruffu's life had always centered on horses: riding them, caring for them, training for them. She was a respected racehorse trainer when she became part-owner of Urgent Envoy, a promising young Thoroughbred horse. 

The horse's co-owners pushed Gail--and Urgent Envoy--to race early and fast. He sustained a minor injury, one that would heal completely given time. But the other owners wanted to win.

That's why, on Christmas Eve 2004, Gail stole her own horse.

Her memoir, as told in comic book format by her cousin G. Neri, is the story of how Gail Ruffu became the first person in a hundred and fifty years to be charged with "Grand Theft Horse," a legal case that went all the way to the California Supreme Court.

The dramatic story will ring absolutely true to horse lovers of all ages. I'll be putting my Advance Reader's Copy in the mail to somebody tonight. It goes on sale next week; buy it for the horse lover in your life. Or for yourself. Either way, it's a winner.

No sex, no cussing, some violence (towards people and animals), some (horse) drugging situations. Strong female protagonist, and great artwork.


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



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Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College would like to hear from you

Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College wants to hear from you!

Complete the short survey below to help Continuing Education plan for future classes and better serve our community's needs.

Click here to take the survey.

Please enter your email at the end of the survey to be entered into a drawing to win a $10 gift card.



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So, who'd you vote for Carl?

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


Carl wisely remained close-beaked.
--Gloria Z Nagler



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Finding a way forward: Join LWV for a discussion of the film "The Reunited States"

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County is partnering with the Seattle-Everett Braver Angels Alliance to sponsor what we hope will be a helpful and healing discussion following the election. 

We will come together for a discussion of the documentary film The Reunited States.

Date: Friday, November 13, 2020
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm

The Reunited States is an inspiring documentary about bridge-builders who are helping Americans heal across political and racial divides. Director Ben Rekhi, in collaboration with Mark Gerzon and Mediators Foundation, has created a compelling and inspiring film about mending the political, racial and cultural divides in our society.

Based on the book "The Reunited States of America: How we can bridge the partisan divide" by Mark Gerzon, the documentary follows four people on a journey to discover how each can work to heal the divisions that have been created over time.

We invite you to view this film (on your own) and engage in a panel discussion about how we as a movement can relate and respond to the issues it raises.

The film director, Ben Rekhi, and two of the cast members, Susan Bro and Erin Leaverton, will join us.

Register through EventBrite. You will be sent a link to view the documentary on your own, and a link to join the online discussion.




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Gallery North November 2020 exhibit by artists Lonni Flowers and Melinda O’Malley

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Gallery North announces its November 2020 exhibit “Creatures Great and Small” by artists Lonni Flowers and Melinda O’Malley.


Aqua dragon bowl 
by Melinda O'Malley
The two artists have teamed up to create a show featuring animal art with paintings in watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, and unique jewelry and silk scarves along with incredibly creative pottery. Both artists are lifelong animal lovers who approach their art to exhibit that love.

Melinda O’Malley is a talented ceramic clay artist who is recognized by her functional and beautiful creations, many of which feature both real and mythical creatures.

Melinda’s very popular dragon teapots are created one scale at a time and finished in a variety of glazes so that each one is a unique work of art.

Other animals grace covered dishes, bowls, mugs, and purely decorative sculptures.

Mudbath by Lonni Flowers
Lonni Flowers
has won numerous awards for watercolor, acrylic, and silk painting. Her artwork was dominated from youth by horses, but has evolved to include all types of animals from domestic to African wildlife. 

Lonni’s fascination with color and texture have pushed her to experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques to express the joy of creation. Her silk painting and jewelry making continue that exploration and all of her artwork says, “Joy”.

She has spent many years passing on that joy by teaching a variety of artistic mediums both publicly and privately.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no opening reception for “Creatures Great and Small," however the show will be held available for viewing at Gallery North from November 1st through November 30, 2020 from 11am to 5pm. The gallery has taken many precautions to protect our public and our artists. Please stop by for a visit to see this special show.

About Gallery North: In continuous operation for nearly 60 years, Gallery North is one of the longest running artists’ cooperative galleries in the nation. It continues its mission to promote and sell local art in the heart of beautiful downtown Edmonds. 

Located at 401 Main Street, Edmonds, Washington, Gallery North is open Tuesdays through Sundays each week. For further information, visit the Galley North website at www.GalleryNorthEdmonds.com or contact Gallery North at 425-774-0946.



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Trail blocked in Paramount Open Space Saturday

Photo by Joel Dames


Joel Dames found the trail in Paramount Open Space blocked by a large tree branch, most probably felled by our recent high wind gusts.

Joel struggled over the branch, then took this photo. 

He said, "I came north up the trail from Paramount Open Space and the branch blocks the trail near the top at NE 151st."


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LFP takes to the streets to celebrate the election



People took to the streets all over the United States to celebrate the outcome of the presidential election.

In Lake Forest Park, they gathered at the corner of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way. Glen Milner, who sent these photos, said "Folks driving by were expressing their excitement."


"When I went to the street corner this morning in Lake Forest Park, I knew that Joe Biden had won but it completely escaped my thoughts that there would be a spontaneous celebration. I hope this will be a new and positive turning point for our world."



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Wind and water


It's amazing what the wind will do on Puget Sound. This scene is a little more than choppy water. Marc Weinberg caught the breaking wave at just the right moment.





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Book review by Aarene Storms: Art Matters

Art Matters by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell 

Short, sweet, and insightful, this brief book offers advice for creators of all ilks.

"The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before," is just the beginning. Chris Riddell's wistful pencil drawings make Neil Gaiman's words even better.

This book would make an excellent gift (graduation, perhaps?) for somebody else (ahhhh, that teacher who helped you!) or for yourself (because you deserve nice things). Read it, share it, know it, enjoy it.

Highly recommended for all the things, readers ages 10 to adult.


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




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Preparations underway to renovate Shoreline Soccer Field B

Removing the artificial turf from the field

Photos by Gidget Terpstra

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, King County health officials worked closely with City staff to place an Assessment/Recovery Center (ARC) on Shoreline B Soccer Field at Shoreline Park north of the Shoreline Center.

The rolls of turf are stacked neatly to one side of the field

The ARC has been removed and as agreed upon, King County is restoring the field to its original or better condition. 


King County is working with Field Turf, the City, and the Shoreline School District to coordinate the replacement of the existing field.


Field repair and replacement is estimated to be completed by February 2021.

Not quite done yet.


The turf being removed will be recycled by Artificial Grass Recyclers and sold as recycled turf.

Updated 11-10-2020

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Need stress relief? Take a walk

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan


Do you feel the need to vent? Or would you rather go climb a pole? 

Vactor truck - Photo by Cynthia Sheridan

Either way, get out and take a walk... there’s plenty going on in the neighborhood

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan


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Proceeds from new novel will aid Shoreline non-profit supporting anti-trafficking


Shoreline business owner Matthew Fairfax
and author Gabrielle Yetter in Cambodia
British author Gabrielle Yetter releases her new novel, Whisper of the Lotus, to support Justice and Soul, an anti-trafficking organization based in Shoreline, WA. 

Proceeds for the sales of the first 57 days of Gabrielle Yetter’s book will be donated to Justice and Soul Foundation

The Foundation’s academy and salon in Cambodia trains and employs survivors of the sex trafficking trade, as well as vulnerable youth. 

Profits from the Western-style salon provide academy scholarships for new students, who learn cosmetology, business management, team building, and independent living skills. 

Author Gabrielle Yetter met Matthew Fairfax while living in Cambodia and watched him co-create the Justice and Soul Foundation. (See previous article)

But as Matthew Fairfax, President/CEO of Shoreline’s James Alan Salon and Spa points out, sex trafficking and exploitation “isn’t just there, the problem is right here in Washington state.” 


Inspired by her experiences while living in Cambodia, the book is about Charlotte Fontaine, a young woman who travels to Phnom Penh to visit her best friend and meets a mysterious elderly man on the flight. 

When she arrives, she discovers a land of golden temples, orange-clad monks, and kind-hearted people, then realises many things are not what they seem— including her own family relationships that bubble to the surface through a series of revelations. It is being released on November 9, Cambodian Independence Day.

“I wanted to share some of the exotic charm of the country in my book,” Gabrielle said. “After experiencing what it felt like to live there, it quickly became my soul home and I wanted to take readers into my Cambodia. 
"I have included a number of fascinating real-life characters— some of whom are named, such as SomOn, our tuk-tuk driver, who became a friend, and I’ve woven actual-life situations into the story.
“Throughout the book, Charlotte is on a quest that takes her through dusty back alleys and shimmering pagodas where she meets people who provide insights into her own strengths and imperfections: a sleazy café owner, a compassionate Buddhist monk, an elderly Cambodian who survived the Khmer Rouge, and a woman who reminds her of her mother. And all of them play a role in teaching her different things about herself.”

Whisper of the Lotus is a multi-layered story full of memorable characters and the sights and senses of a magical country. It is a story about friendship and family, love and identity, a tale about no matter how far you travel, the path will always lead you back to yourself. 

It has been described as having “the feel of a good Armistead Maupin novel mixed with the spiritual overtones of Dan Millman's Way of the Peaceful Warrior,” and one reviewer wrote, “Yetter's story is mystery, romance, and thriller all in one, and the tendrils of an unexpected encounter weave through them all”.

Whisper of the Lotus was long listed in the 2019 London TLC (The Literary Consultancy) Pen Factor writing competition.

A former journalist, Gabrielle wrote The Definitive Guide to Moving to Southeast Asia: Cambodia and The Sweet Tastes of Cambodia (a book about traditional Cambodian desserts and provincial travel) and was a regular contributor to Khmer440, Latitudes, AsiaLife and Expat Advisory. She also wrote two children's books, Ogden The Fish Who Couldn’t Swim Straight and Martha the Blue Sheep, which were illustrated by Cambodian artists.

In 2012, Gabrielle and Skip co-wrote Just Go! Leave the Treadmill for a World of Adventure based on their experiences of moving across the world.

Whisper of the Lotus is available for purchase as a paperback or ebook on Amazon. She can be reached through her website at gabrielleyetter.com 

Gabrielle Yetter's contact email address is gabirich2003@yahoo.com



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Classifieds: Ronald Wastewater District Notice of Public Hearing


RONALD WASTEWATER DISTRICT 
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON

THE DISTRICT’S PROPOSED 2021 BUDGET AND RATES 

November 10, 2020 at 6:00pm 

Via Zoom Conference

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of Ronald Wastewater District will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of receiving public comments on the District’s proposed 2021 budget and rates.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Time: 6:00pm. Near the beginning of the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners

Location: Via Zoom conference (any member of the public wishing to join the Zoom meeting, please email the District Administrator, Douglas Wittinger at dwittinger@ronaldwastewater.org for a link to the meeting.) 




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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Our electoral process

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here



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Wind gusts bring down trees

Friday, November 6, 2020

Photo by Heather McLaughlin

WeatherWatcher Carl Dinse reports that his Richmond Beach weather station recorded a wind gust of 35mph around 11pm Thursday night, November 5, 2020 - and another strong gust Friday morning.

Photo by Heather McLaughlin


These two trees went down about two blocks apart on NE 195th St and 25th Ave NE.

Thanks to Heather McLaughlin for sending in these photos.



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Case updates November 5, 2020

Case updates November 5, 2020

United States
  • cases 9,581,770 - 117,988 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 234,264 - 1,135 deaths since yesterday

Washington state - *DOH does not report deaths on the weekend
  • cases 114,241 - 1,691 since last report
  • hospitalizations 8,791 - 7 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,439 - 8 since last report

King county
  • cases 29,997 - 532 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,633 - 4 since yesterday
  • deaths 811 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 719 - 6 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 110 - 0 new
  • deaths 65 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 89 - 0 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 3 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new


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Councilmember Dembowski applauds passage of Harborview Bond measure

Harborview photo courtesy UW
King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski issued the following statement as returns showed that King County voters had overwhelmingly approved the Harborview Bond package to pay for critical upgrades and maintenance of the world-class healthcare facility:

“I want to thank the voters and taxpayers of King County for approving the new Harborview Bond. We are going to build a nation-leading Behavioral Health Institute, modernize the emergency department, add respite and shelter beds, and build new patient rooms to reduce crowding and improve care.

“King County residents have shown again that they value this public hospital, its dedicated workforce of front-line caregivers, and our essential mission of serving those with the toughest medical problems, and patients who face the greatest barriers to accessing health care. This investment reflects our community’s compassion and wisdom and shows why King County is such a great place to live.”

Dembowski sponsored the bond work group scoping motion, No. 2018-0319, served on the planning group that prepared the bond package project scope during 2019-20, and co-sponsored the implementing bond ordinance No 2020-0176.



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City of Shoreline moves forward with assumption of Ronald Wastewater District

Ronald Wastewater District Headquarters
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The City of Shoreline has started the final process to complete the assumption of the Ronald Wastewater District.

The decision to move forward comes following a recent Washington State Supreme Court decision ruling against the District’s claim that the Point Wells area in Snohomish County was in its service area. The Shoreline City Council had delayed completing the assumption until the ruling was issued.

(See previous article)

The District’s Board of Commissioners will continue to work collaboratively with the City on completing the assumption. Over the next few weeks, City staff will put together a recommendation for the City Council on final steps for completing the assumption by April 30, 2021. 

The City entered into a service contract with the District in 2017 to operate the utility on behalf of the District. Since that time, the District’s Board of Commissioners has continued to approve the annual budget, set rates, and provide oversight for the utility’s capital improvements.

The assumption of the District will be a seamless transition for ratepayers, as the City has been collecting the utility payments and providing services for the utility for the past three years. Bills will come directly from the City following assumption. The City will continue to operate and maintain the wastewater utility.

The State Supreme Court’s ruling issued October 15 essentially says that the inclusion of Point Wells, which is outside King County’s geographic service area, without the involvement of Snohomish County, Olympic View Water and Sewer District, and the Town of Woodway is void because it exceeded King County Superior Court’s adjudicative authority. In other words, King County Superior Court couldn’t make a ruling on the transfer because it was outside of King County’s borders.



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Incumbent 46th Legislative District Democrats both win with more than 80% of vote

Reps Gerry Pollet and Javier Valdez
By Evan Smith

Incumbent 46th Legislative District Democratic State Reps. Gerry Pollet and Javier Valdez both are headed for re-election, with each taking more than 80 percent of votes cast in the Tuesday election for their positions.

Ballots counted through Friday show Pollet leading Republican Eric Brown by an 84 percent to 16 percent margin and Valdez leading Republican Beth Daranciang by an 82 percent to 18 percent margin.

King County elections officials have counted ballots from 89.45 percent of the 46th District’s registered voters.

The results show little change from the August primary when Pollet outpolled Brown by an 86 to 14 percent margin and Valdez topped Daranciang by an 83-17 percent margin.

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

The Democratic incumbents had been helped by greatly outspending the Republican challengers. Pollet has raised $48,190 and spent $28,470 to Brown’s $4,947 raised and $5,843 spent. Valdez has raised $70,019 and spent $48,988 to Daranciang’s $1,972 raised and $1,372 spent.



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Students thank the community for 7,000 pounds of food for Hopelink

7,000 pounds of food for Hopelink

On October 31, 2020 students from both Shorecrest and Shorewood combined to host a community food drive to benefit the Shoreline Hopelink Food Bank.

The students made it a friendly competition between the schools and turned out in force to both donate and accept donations at the drive-thru event at the Shoreline Center.

Following is their letter thanking the community for the enormous success of the project.


Dear Beloved Members of the Shoreline Community,

Thank you for your generous donations to the Shorewood / Shorecrest October Food Drive. We were able to collect over 7,000 pounds of food items and donate them to HOPELINK. All this would not have been possible without the caring hearts of this community.


At a time when the sharing of kindness is especially in need, we cannot express enough how much we appreciate your help and support during this difficult time. Through these words, we hope that our gratefulness and thankfulness delivers well to the genuine hearts of the Shoreline community, as well as our wishes for the health and well-being of all.

Once again, thank you.

With warm regards,
Shorewood and Shorecrest High School


Second from right, Otis, the mascot for the Shorecrest Scots, joins with the Thunderbird mascot from Shorewood and a few friends at the drive-thru food drive at the Shoreline Center which collected 7,000 pounds of food for the Shoreline Hopelink food drive.




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Jazz Vespers Sunday: Balm for the soul


Are you in need of some balm for your soul? 

This Sunday, November 8, 2020 Jazz Vespers returns with just that! 

Seattle native Jay Thomas and LFP's own Jean Chaumont combine talents in an outdoor session that features original pieces by each musician, arrangements of other works, and some improv. 

Thomas brings a medley of instruments to the mix: sax, flute, trumpet and flugelhorn! 

Join us from 5 - 6 pm, this Sunday, streaming live from the Jazz Vespers Facebook page.

http://originarts.com/artists/artist.php?Artist_ID=148



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