AG Ferguson: Federal judge invalidates Trump Administration’s reinterpretation of Medicaid Act

Thursday, November 19, 2020


Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today after a federal judge in northern California ruled that the Trump Administration’s reinterpretation of a long-standing provision of the Medicaid Act that allows voluntary payroll deductions — such as union dues and health care premiums — from payments to in-home caregivers is invalid.

The ruling marks Ferguson’s 36th legal victory against the Trump Administration.

“The Trump Administration tried to reinterpret a 47-year-old provision of the Medicaid Act to make it harder for in-home caregivers, the majority of whom are Black, Indigenous, and women of color, to pay their health care premiums or union dues,” Ferguson said. 
“These workers care for our most vulnerable, allowing them to maintain their independence. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-home caregivers have kept people safe and out of the hospital. 
"Their work is vital and we should do everything possible to make it easier for these workers to do their jobs, not play politics with their paychecks.”

Assistant Attorney General Paul DesJardien and Deputy Solicitor General Alicia Young are handling this case for Washington.

Ferguson has filed 83 lawsuits against the Trump Administration. Forty-three of these cases are awaiting a judicial ruling. Ferguson has 36 legal victories against the Trump Administration. Twenty-two of these cases are finished and cannot be appealed. There have been two adverse decisions on the merits, both currently on appeal.



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Share your special occasion recipe for the City of Shoreline recipe page

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

By Constance Perenyi, City of Shoreline

Nothing about 2020 has been usual. The upcoming months will not be usual either. We already miss gatherings with family and friends. Whatever we celebrate this time of year just will not feel the same.

Even if we are not sitting around large tables and enjoying special food together, we can still cook our favorite fall and winter meals. Comforting food, seasoned with memories and prepared with hope for the future, is more important than ever.

What do you enjoy preparing this time of year? Is there a special occasion that calls for your special dish? Do you cook with family recipes handed down through generations? Have you blended traditions to create something new?

This is your chance to spread some joy this season by sharing a recipe. The City of Shoreline has a new recipe sharing section on our website so we can celebrate the season together.

Please send us your recipe with a photo if possible. We want to know what significance it has to you, so tell us the story of this dish. Tell us: where you got the recipe, when you prepare it, and why it is meaningful to you.

Send your recipe and story to cperenyi@shorelinewa.gov And be sure to check out all the great recipes on the City website at: shorelinewa.gov/recipes



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Preliminary design released for LFP Town Center Parking Garage

Garage plan of the view looking down onto the structure, with north (and Ballinger Way) at the top. Courtesy Sound Transit
 

By Tracy Furutani

A “very preliminary” set of drawings of the proposed Lake Forest Park Town Center commuter garage were presented by representatives of Sound Transit at the LFP City Council Committee of the Whole meeting on November 9, 2020. 

These “10 percent design” drawings show a five-level structure situated on the footprint of the current Professional Building (adjacent to City Hall) and the parking lot immediately north. The proposed garage would contain 300 parking stalls.

“There’s still strong support for the parking garage [for commuter use], according to the survey at the open house Sound Transit held in August,” said Paul Cornish, Sound Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit Project Director. He also presented a timeline for the rest of the project, with the final design being finished in mid-2023, and the construction being completed in 2026.

Because of the pandemic and its effect on revenues, Sound Transit is undergoing a “realignment,” during which its Board of Directors determines which projects will continue and what changes to timelines must occur. 

“We’re at 10 percent design and on a hold,” said Cornish, “we will wait for the realignment process as we work with the Sound Transit Board,” and does not expect the project to go further until late 2021. “We have a little time to work on this,” he said.

Garage elevation. The view looking east towards the proposed structure. Courtesy Sound Transit.

Jamie Brinkley, a sustainability planner with Sound Transit, and Amy Shatzkin, Sound Transit’s Deputy Director for Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, presented parts of the Design Criteria Manual (DCM) that Sound Transit uses for its projects, including standards on sustainability, such as lighting efficiency, stormwater management and low-water landscaping.

Other elements that may be considered in the final design are solar power installations, a green roof and walls, and the use of low-carbon concrete.

City Council members peppered the Sound Transit team with questions about the design and its alignment with community values.

“The city has demonstrated a deep concern for the protection of the environment,” said Deputy Mayor and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover. 
“Because of these deeply held community values which include the support of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure as well as mass transit, and the location of this garage, at the bottom of the Lyon and McKinnon Creek watersheds, which is above an aquifer, and within sight of the lakeshore, this Council has been asking a lot of questions about how we can partner with Sound Transit to ensure that the proposed parking garage reflects our common values around sustainability.”

“[The community wants] something iconic and joyful, not something we are putting up with,” said Councilmember Semra Riddle. “We want things to be ‘future-proof’,” she added, so if the need for parking decreases dramatically in the future, “[we] don’t want a derelict large building.” Councilmember Tom French “[encouraged] the project to be so green the region would be proud of it.”

Sound Transit appears to be committed to working with the city on the design. When Kassover asked about the use of cross-laminated timber in the structure, Shatzkin replied that, though that material does not appear in the DCM, she would have her engineers investigate its use in this project.

Council concerns about the height of the structure seem to have been met by Sound Transit. Councilmember Mark Phillips said “[the garage’s] height seems to be in line with citizens' comments about a structure that does not dominate the landscape.”

“We are currently finalizing our municipal code as it pertains to the parking garage,” said Kassover, stating that she intends to hold Sound Transit accountable for following their own sustainability requirements, as well as the city’s rules.

The changes to the city’s zoning code as it pertains to the proposed parking garage will be discussed further at a special meeting of the City Council Committee of the Whole at 6pm on Monday, November 23, on the Zoom platform.



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King county elections to livestream election certification on November 24

King County Elections cancelled the Canvassing Board meeting, scheduled for 1:30pm, on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 because there weren't any ballots left to review. 

The next meeting will be on Certification Day, November 24 at 3pm, which will be held over Zoom and livestreamed on their Facebook page.


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Attempted burglary in LFP

General location of attempted burglary in LFP
There was an attempted burglary of an occupied home the morning of Monday, November 16, 2020 in the area of 160th and 35th Ave NE in Lake Forest Park's Sheridan Heights neighborhood.

Several neighboring agencies responded to assist LFP and a K9 track was conducted. 

At this time the suspect has not been located. The homeowner was interviewed and detectives are investigating.



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ICHS Foundation seeks Executive Director as Ron Chew retires

Ron Chew with Dan Eernissee, economic development
program manager at the City of Shoreline, during
construction of the ICHS Shoreline clinic in 2014.
Photo courtesy ICHS

International Community Health Services (ICHS) Foundation is searching for a new executive director as Ron Chew retires on January 1, 2021.
 
Chew has led the ICHS Foundation for the past 10 years, effectively steering the recruitment of an active board of directors and new fundraising and capital campaign initiatives, as well as building a vibrant network of support.

“Thanks to Ron’s strong leadership, the ICHS Foundation is well-positioned to welcome new leadership in support of ICHS’s vision and promise of affordable health care for all,” said Teresita Batayola, ICHS CEO.

“His many contributions ensure ICHS and the Foundation will continue to serve our communities and meet our patients’ needs far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and for generations to come.”

Chew recently completed his memoir, “My Unforgotten Seattle,”  (see previous article) and says he is looking forward to spending time on more writing projects.

Ron Chew
Photo courtesy ICHS

Chew made indelible imprints on the community over the years, as a longtime editor of the International Examiner, a visionary leader reimagining the Wing Luke Museum, and now as the director who built the capacity and potential of the ICHS Foundation.

As he transitions into retirement, he will continue to support Aging in PACE (AiPACE), a partnership between ICHS and Kin On, in its $20 million capital campaign to build and operate a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to care for those who are qualified for nursing home care but want to stay in the community and live in their own homes.

“It’s been a privilege to have served ICHS during the later stages of its evolution from a ramshackle one-room storefront clinic into a full service health care provider with 11 different sites,” said Chew. “I look forward to continuing to assist ICHS and Kin On with raising funds to complete the ‘aging-in-place’ site on Beacon Hill.”


Shoreline ICHS
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Chew previously served as executive director of the Wing Luke Asian Museum from 1991 to 2007, setting its course to become a culturally thriving and financially viable institution. Before that, he worked for over 13 years as editor of the International Examiner, where he was instrumental in a larger movement to recognize the role of ethnic and neighborhood newspapers in anchoring healthy communities.

Established in 2007, the ICHS Foundation’s mission is to build donor support from individuals, businesses, community partners and private foundations to sustain charity care provided at ICHS clinics and to bridge operational shortfalls that are not covered through public resources.

The Shoreline clinic is located at 16549 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 (see previous article)

See the job listing here. For more information, call 206-788-3672 or email foundation@ichs.com.



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It was great while it lasted

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The Crest opened up just in time to get shut down. They put new protocols in place to protect patrons from COVID-19 and reopened on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Then cases of COVID-19 made huge spikes all across the U.S., including Washington and King county, and the Governor shut things down for four weeks, beginning Monday.

So the Crest got a couple of days.

Nice to see movies listed on the marquee if even only for a few days.




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Lake Forest Park resident places in State Make It With Wool competition

Carolyn Pauw Barden modeling her wool coat
Photo courtesy Make It With Wool

Carolyn Pauw Barden from Lake Forest Park placed third in the Adult Division of the State Make It With Wool competition held October 24, 2020 in Ellensburg. 

Carolyn designed, made, and modeled an olive green wool tailored coat decorated with embroidery made from miscellaneous pieces of Persian yarn. She won wool yardage and a fabric marking tool for her third place finish.

Junior winner in the competition was Lauren Moeckel, Chehalis. Senior winner was Elizabeth March, Chehalis. Adult winner was Dorothy Fish, Federal Way.

The Washington Make It With Wool Contest is sponsored by the Washington Wool Growers Auxiliary and the Washington State Sheep Producers.

The national contest is sponsored by the American Sheep Industry and the American Sheep Industry Women.

The Make It With Wool Contest is open to sewers of all ages. These fashionable wool garments can be sewn, knitted, crocheted, or felted. 

Compete at state and national levels. State contest is held in October of each year. For more information on the contest and how to enter, visit the website: makeitwithwoolwa.com.



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Moorish extremist group approaching homeowners in Woodway

My Edmonds News has a report about a group approaching homeowners in Woodway, which shares a border with northwest Shoreline, and claiming they are the rightful owners of the property.

"For the second time in three weeks, Edmonds police were called to a home in the Town of Woodway after suspects belonging to a group known as the Moorish sovereign citizen movement claimed they had rightful ownership to the victim’s property.

"The suspects in question were issued trespass notices and ordered not to return, but Edmonds police are now warning citizens to be alert to anyone making such claims — or to anyone occupying vacant property and claiming ownership.

"The Nov. 14 incident was a follow up to two similar situations at two separate Woodway homes that occurred Oct. 21, said Edmonds police spokesman Sgt. Josh McClure. The Town of Woodway contracts with the City of Edmonds for police services.

"The Southern Poverty Law Center identifies the Moorish sovereign citizens as an extremist group, and notes on its website that its members “believe their status as members of a sovereign nation imparts immunity from federal, state and local authorities. They use this perceived immunity to justify refusing to pay taxes, buy auto insurance, register their vehicles and to defraud banks and other lending institutions.”

More to the story here



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COVID-19 Town Hall with Dr. Vin Gupta and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal


Congressional representative Pramila Jayapal will hold a virtual COVID-19 town hall on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 4:30pm PT. 

I’ll be giving updates, answering your questions and having a conversation with Dr. Vin Gupta from the University of Washington.

The town hall will take place at Facebook.com/RepJayapal

Dr. Gupta is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). 

As a Harvard-trained lung specialist, he has spent the past 15 years working worldwide to improve public health for organizations including the US Centers for Disease Control, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the Harvard Global Health Institute, the World Health Organization and the Pentagon’s Center for Global Health Engagement. 

As Principal Scientist at Amazon, Dr. Gupta also provided clinical and strategic leadership to the company’s internal and external COVID-19 response work, including overseeing the funding of clinical trials, expanding its work in public health through community-based initiatives and ensuring the implementation of evidenced-based workplace health and safety protocols.

My Team and I Are Here to Help

Throughout this crisis, my team continues to work with constituents on a broad range of issues, from veterans seeking access to care to people trying to file their tax returns to IRS assistance with CARES benefits. If you need help with federal government services, please reach out to my office at 206-674-0040 or email them at casework.jayapal@mail.house.gov.

I also hope you’ll visit my website, my Facebook page, and Twitter where I post regular updates about what we are up to in Congress as well as notices and details about Town Halls and other online events.



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Mid-Week Mash-Up - free performance by Mercedes Nicole


Join the Northshore Performing Arts Foundation on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 7pm for a performance by Mercedes Nicole

Mercedes Nicole is 2018 winner of the Female Composer Award with Bluesletter. A regularly featured blues performer in the greater Seattle area and beyond, Mercedes and her band will bring the blues to the Northshore with a tribute to B.B. King.

Sponsored by the Vernon Family Foundation, Robert Vernon and Marjorie Bianco-Vernon


Connect to the performance here



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Medicare open enrollment in a virtual world

Jesse Gamez, Intermountain
Medicare President, Humana

By Jesse Gamez, Intermountain Medicare President, Humana

The annual Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period is traditionally a time for educational events, classes and one on one meetings, but this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some new and different ways to learn about Medicare. 

October 15 to December 7 is the time when millions of people eligible for Medicare can access the latest information about available health plans for 2021. 

In Washington state alone, nearly 1.4 million people are enrolled in Medicare including almost 514,000 with Medicare Advantage.

There are resources to help you choose the plan that’s right for you without having to leave home, including informational websites, virtual educational events and one-on-one virtual meetings with sales agents. 

At the same time, it’s important to safely access Medicare information online while protecting your personal information and avoiding fake offers and other scams.

Here are some tips for how to prepare for the Medicare fall open enrollment period:

1. Use an online tool

Go to the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov to compare plans, benefits and an estimated cost for each plan based on an average member.

If you are interested in Medicare Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription medications, you can also enter the names of prescription medications you take to ensure those medications are covered by the plan you are considering. You can enroll directly on Medicare.gov.

On Medicare.gov, you can also learn about and enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes called Part C or MA Plans, and you can also visit an insurance company’s website to learn more about what they offer. 

Insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans can provide you with detailed information about their plans and services, plus prescription pricing information and other benefits. You can also check to see if your primary care physician or other providers are in-network with the MedicareAdvantage plan.

2. Sign up for a virtual education workshop

Many insurance companies are offering online workshops to review 2021 Medicare Advantage plan options. Also, check to see if you can set up a virtual one-on-one meeting with an insurance company sales agent – meaning, by phone or video chat. 

Before you attend a virtual event or meeting, find out in advance how to log on to the meeting to avoid technical issues. It’s a good idea to also prepare a list of questions so that you can ensure you get the information you need. Does the plan include vision, hearing and dental coverage? Will telehealth services be covered? Is transportation to your medical appointments included?

3. Protect yourself against Medicare scams

The federal Medicare agency has warned that scammers may try to use the pandemic to steal Medicare beneficiaries’ Medicare numbers, banking information or other personal data. Scammers may try to reach out to you by phone, email, text message, social media or by visiting your home. 

Only give your Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer or other trusted health care provider. Do not click links in text messages and emails about COVID-19 from unknown sources and hang up on unsolicited phone calls offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.

If you are not comfortable accessing plan information online, Medicare.gov has an option for setting up a phone call

For more information, go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). For more information about Humana plans, you can visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or speak with a licensed Humana sales agent by calling 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) from 8am to 8pm local time, seven days a week.

(Ed. note: Before you make a final choice, call your medical providers to see if they will bill that insurance.)





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City of LFP seeks volunteers to serve as community reps if needed for a police use of deadly force investigation

The City of Lake Forest Park is currently seeking volunteers from the Lake Forest Park community who are willing to serve as non-law enforcement community representatives if an independent investigation becomes necessary to investigate the use of deadly force by a Lake Forest Park Police officer.

Washington’s Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA) requires that an independent investigation team (IIT) investigate any use of deadly force by a police officer when it results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm.

The goal is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community.

The IIT will consist of a team of qualified and certified law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives — possibly from the area where the incident had occurred.

The City Administrator will work with the Lake Forest Park Police Department Administration to appoint up to ten individuals to a roster. If an independent investigation is required, two or more individuals will be selected from the roster to serve on the IIT. The IIT will operate independently of any involved agency to conduct the investigation.

The IIT will conduct the investigation in the same manner as a criminal investigation. State law requires that the investigation be completely separate from the involved agency. Enabling community members to assess whether the investigation process is conducted in a trustworthy manner enhances accountability.

The non-law enforcement community representatives are a vital link between the IIT, the community, and the investigation.

Once state regulations are published in January 2021, the community representatives will participate in the selection of IIT investigators, review conflict of interest statements, be present at briefings, have access to the completed investigation file, be provided a copy of press releases and communication prior to released, and review notification of equipment use by the involved agency.

Community representatives will sign a binding confidentiality agreement.

If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer non-law enforcement community representative, please fill out the following online application by 4:30pm on Friday, December 4, 2020.

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Case updates November 16, 2020; 500 local nurses urge King county to confront the surge of COVID-19 cases

In the midst of an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, more than 500 King County nurses issued an urgent call to renew efforts to turn around this troubling trend. 

“It’s been a tough year, and we’ve all sacrificed so much to stay safe. But now, with cases skyrocketing in King County, it’s more important than ever to stop the spread,” reads the nurses’ message, published Sunday in a special wrap-around section of the Seattle Times.

Getting our outbreak under control can seem daunting. But as King County nurses remind us: “We’ve flattened the curve before, and we can do it again.”


Case updates November 16, 2020


United States
  • cases 11,136,253 - 151,855 cases since last report
  • deaths 246,232 - 762 deaths since last report

Washington state - *deaths not reported on weekend
  • cases 134,121 - 2,589 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 9,573 - 55 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,571 - 23 since last report

King county
  • cases 35,710 - 501 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,890 - 23 since yesterday
  • deaths 833 - 4 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 877 - 16 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 118 - 0 new
  • deaths 67 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 114 - 4 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 6 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 2 - 1 new



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Self-quarantine ???

 


See previous cartoons from Whitney Potter here



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Gov. Inslee appoints Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH new Secretary of Health

Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH
New WA Secretary of Health

Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH as the new Washington state secretary of health starting December 21, 2020. Dr. Shah currently serves as executive director and local health authority for Harris County Public Health in Texas. 

“Dr. Shah brings an unrivaled expertise, knowledge and passion for public health,” Inslee said. 

“His leadership will help us lead Washington state through the next crucial phase of this pandemic. He is uniquely suited to continue our nation-leading response. 

"An immigrant, originally from Pakistan and raised in Ohio, equity is incorporated and considered in every decision as he leads organizations to ensure the health and safety of everyone.”

“I am beyond honored to be asked by Governor Inslee to serve as Washington’s next secretary of health, building onto the dedicated team and strong leadership championed by John Wiesman at the Department of Health,” Shah said. 
“Without question, the number one priority for me is to work with the team to continue the fight against COVID-19 and help Washingtonians through these challenging times.
“This pandemic has highlighted the importance of public health and health care working together and I am confident my experience in both will serve the state of Washington well now during these difficult times, and into the future,” Shah continued. 
“While I’m sad to leave Texas after so many years, all of us – my wife, our three kids and our puppy (Koko) – are excited to move to the Pacific Northwest.”

Shah has led the nationally accredited Harris County Public Health (HCPH) for the last seven years, managing 700 public health staff serving the 4.7 million residents in the nation’s third largest county. 

HCPH was recognized nationally before NACCHO as Local Health Department of the Year in 2016. Before working for the county, he was chief medical officer of Galveston County Health District and has served as an emergency department physician at Houston’s DeBakey VA Hospital for over 20 years.

Shah comes into the position with extensive experience responding to public health crises. He has helped lead Harris County through novel H1N1, Ebola, Zika and now COVID-19 and has responded to a variety of hurricanes and other emergencies. Shah has a keen interest in global health having spent time at World Health Organization during his training and later deploying in response to devastating earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti.

In 2017, Shah served as the president of NACCHO, representing nearly 3,000 local public health departments across the nation, and its Texas affiliate. In 2019, he received the Roemer Prize for Creative Local Public Health Work from the American Public Health Association.

Shah will replace John Wiesman who was appointed by the governor in April 2013. He has been secretary of the Department of Health for the entirety of Inslee’s two terms in office. He was instrumental in the passing of Tobacco/Vape 21 legislation, advocating for health equity and spearheading the state response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wiesman announced in February his plan to step down at the end of Inslee’s second term to join the faculty at his alma mater, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health.

“Even before this pandemic, John showed himself to be one of the most advanced public health minds in the country and his new job confirms that,” Inslee said. 
“His dedication to science, data and public health best practices have driven his decisions the entire time he has served in this role. Over the past year, his work has saved the lives of many of his fellow Washingtonians, and we should all be forever grateful for the work John, and his team, are doing for our state.”

“Serving as Secretary of Health has been gratifying both personally and professionally. It’s been a joy to work with smart and dedicated public servants at every level of government and to collaborate with our Tribal nations and partners from organizations across our state and far beyond,” said Wiesman. 

“Our joint efforts have advanced critical public health priorities from contraceptive access, HIV prevention and treatment, immunizations, to active living and healthy eating and much more that will protect and improve the health of Washingtonians for years to come.

“I am leaving the Washington State Department of Health in good hands. I have known and worked with Umair for over a decade. He is a thoughtful, knowledgeable and energetic leader. He brings with him deep public health expertise, passion for addressing health inequities, and emergency response experience, all of which will serve the state very well right now during this pandemic and for the years to come.”

Shah has a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and medical degree from the University of Toledo Health Science Center. He earned his master’s in public health with an emphasis in management and policy sciences from The University of Texas Health Science Center.



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Lake City Partners in the running for BECU's People's Choice award


Choose Lake City Partners for BECU’s People’s Choice Award! 

CLICK HERE to vote today and help us win $40,000! 

Lake City Partners is a finalist for BECU’s People Helping People award. The proceeds from this award will support our shelter, day center, and street outreach programs - so please vote now! Learn more at https://lakecitypartners.org/



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LFP Thanksgiving Farmers Market coming up Sunday, November 22nd

Tuesday, November 17, 2020


Start making your shopping list now because the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is back just in time to get all your essentials for your upcoming holiday feasts.

On Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 10am to 2pm, bundle up and head to the Town Center at Lake Forest Park for the annual Thanksgiving Mini-Market.

Like the Thanksgiving markets always are, this one will be a little smaller than the regular season, but still jam-packed with everything you need to get your holiday essentials. Farm fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, jam, wine, cider, salsa and more yumminess for all your family feasting in the week to come.

Unlike the usual Thanksgiving markets, this one will be outside in the regular market location to ensure the safest shopping experience for everyone. With new statewide restrictions in place, the farmers market remains essential business, and there’s no safer place to shop than at the fresh air, socially distanced LFP Farmers Market!

The terrific vendor line-up includes many of your favorites, and even few crafters to help you get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping. Current line-up includes:

Alvarez Organic Farm
Bautista Farms
Blue Cottage Jam
Forest Green Enterprises
Fotografia Artistica
Garden Treasures
Greenwood Cider
Lopez Island Vineyards
Lupine Vineyards
Martin Family Orchard
Metal Art (Dennis Cant)
Patty Pan
Rainier Salsa
Seattle Pops
Sidhu Farm
Well Fed Farm
Whitehorse Meadows
Wilson Fish

Check the Third Place Commons website for any updates to the list.


Of course, the market is not all that’s going on at Third Place Commons. If you’re looking for some great TV suggestions to keep you going through the latest lockdown, tune in for Pandemic Picks: TV! this Wednesday night, November 18th at 7pm. The panel for this short, fun program will offer up a bevy of great TV selections for you to curl up to on the cold winter nights ahead.

You know you need some good binge-worthy fare to keep you going, so register here for Pandemic Picks: TV!

Third Place Commons, a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, 

Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space. To learn more, or to make a gift to support the market & the Commons, visit ThirdPlaceCommons.org.




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Case updates November 15, 2020

Case updates November 15, 2020


United States
  • cases 10,984,398 - 138,025 cases since last report
  • deaths 245,470 - 660 deaths since last report

Washington state - *deaths not reported on weekend
  • cases 131,532 - 1,492 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 9,518 - 93 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,548 - 29 since last report

King county
  • cases 35,209 - 672 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,867 - 33 since yesterday
  • deaths 829 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 861 - 16 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 118 - 2 new
  • deaths 67 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 110 - 1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 5 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new



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Mad Tom's berries at Fircrest

Photo by Janet Way


Janet Way found these berries on the Fircrest campus.

 


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ELEVATE, an online event to benefit survivors of sex trafficking or those at risk of being trafficked


Join Justice and Soul’s virtual YouTube event on Friday, November 20th to expand their program teaching cosmetology to survivors

It’s a long way from King County to Cambodia. But for the people behind the Seattle-based Justice and Soul Foundation, it’s a trip worth making regularly to ensure the social enterprise they started in Phnom Penh in 2014 continues to give new hope to individuals who previously had little.

The Foundation’s Kate Korpi Academy (teaching facility) and Salon there trains and employs survivors of sex trafficking, 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.

But as Matthew Fairfax, Justice and Soul co-founder and 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 our backyard.” 
That's why the foundation is gearing up to expand the training model and open a Salon and Academy in the Seattle area to help local survivors become self-sufficient and financially independent through a vocation in cosmetology.

Justice and Soul was a week away from hosting their largest fundraiser of the year, Fashion SOULstice, a hair and fashion show, when events were shut down due to Covid. They are ready to try something different and are bringing to life ELEVATE. This name was chosen because the work that they do restores hope, builds self-esteem and gives their students the power to lift themselves up.

ELEVATE is a virtual event that will take place on YouTube on Friday, November 20th at 7pm (PT). 

Viewers will get transported to Cambodia where they will have a tour of the Salon and Academy, meet some of the students, hear their stories as well as hear from some other special guests such as Jane Wurwand, co-founder and chief visionary of Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute post-graduate training centers. 

Jane Wurwand is a recognized entrepreneur and small business supporter whose advocacy for women’s economic empowerment has earned her a platform at The United Nations, The White House, and around the globe.

ELEVATE is an hour-long program that will be informative, educational and also entertaining – with some highlight clips from past events and doorprizes. 

ELEVATE also includes an online silent auction that will run from 9am Monday, November 16 to 4pm Sunday, November 22nd.

Register for ELEVATE through their website: www.justiceandsoul.org. Once registered, stay tuned for more communication from Justice and Soul. (they will text out the link to watch ELEVATE)

You can find more information on Foundation activities and programs at justiceandsoul.org.org or by emailing sarah@justiceandsoul.org. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram



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"Quit following me, Chester! You're not a real Mallard" grumbled Milly

 

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


Chester pleaded, "But look at my curly tail, Milly. There's your proof!"

(Chester is most likely a hybrid, Mallard crossed with domestic duck. He's been around for a few years, and I love to take his portrait;)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Medical issue sends vehicle across all lanes of Bothell Way

Photo courtesy Kenmore Police


From the weekend of November 14-15, 2020

A driver had what appeared to be a medical emergency while in the Jack in the Box drive-thru at 61st and Bothell Way.

Photo courtesy Kenmore Police

The vehicle crossed over all lanes of Bothell Way before crashing into a bus stop on the opposite side of the highway.

The driver had only minor injuries, and police note that we are very fortunate this wasn't worse.



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Shorewood drama recreates 209 folktales from the Brothers Grimm in one wild production


Shorewood Drama is bringing theater to life on November 18-20, 2020 at 7pm each night.

Six actors will hilariously recreate all 209 of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm in a wild, fast-paced extravaganza. 

Learn more and purchase your ticket to join at https://shorelineschools.org/Page/1931



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Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington to pay $6,375,000 over allegations of inflated Medicare Advantage claims

From the Department of Justice

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, formerly known as Group Health Cooperative (GHC), agreed to pay $6,375,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted invalid diagnoses to Medicare for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and received inflated payments from Medicare as a result, the Justice Department announced on Monday, November 16, 2020. 

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan was formerly based in Washington but is now headquartered in Oakland, California.

“When insurance providers take advantage of Medicare and falsely claim that they are entitled to repayment for unsupported diagnoses, American taxpayers suffer in the form of higher costs,” stated U.S. Attorney James Kennedy, Jr. of the Western District of New York. “We will continue to work to ensure that these programs are not defrauded and that monies are not paid for unwarranted claims.”

More information here



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WeatherWatcher: Wind Advisory issued for Tuesday

 
August 29, 2015 wind storm aftermath, Shoreline near the NE 195th St I-5 pedestrian bridge
Photo by Carl Dinse

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a wind advisory for the greater Seattle area, which includes Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The advisory is in effect Tuesday from 8am to 5pm. 
Wind Advisory is issued when the following conditions are expected:
  1. Sustained winds of 31 to 39 mph for an hour or more, and/or
  2. Wind gusts of 46 to 57 mph for any duration. 
High Wind Warning is issued when the following conditions are expected:
  1. Sustained winds of 40mph or higher for one hour or more, or
  2. Wind gusts of 58mph or higher for any duration.
A strong low pressure system is rapidly intensifying overnight into Tuesday morning, in what is described as a meteorological bomb by Cliff Mass

This storm is expected to make landfall in British Columbia near the northern tip of Vancouver island. This is actually sparing us from seeing the major winds this storm is producing closer to its center. 

We'll still be catching the tail end of the winds from this storm and even at that, it is expected to be significant enough to cause some local power outages. 

Winds are expected to increase starting overnight and early Tuesday morning. We are looking at southeast winds of 20 to 30mph with gusts to 40mph in the morning. In the afternoon hours winds are expected to increase to 25 to 35mph with gusts to 50mph.

Even 16 hours before this storm arrives, there is a great deal of uncertainty for wind speeds in our area.

Models still don't seem to agree at what time the peak will be. Some are pointing at 1pm and others are pointing at 7pm. This could be just a moderately breezy afternoon of 25mph winds or we could see those 50mph gusts that are in the advisory message.

Scattered or isolated power outages are possible. Winds of this strength usually bring down small tree limbs, occasionally one or two large tree limbs, or compromised trees.

I recommend securing any loose objects outside if you haven't already.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com




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In The Garden Now….. Oshio-Beni Japanese Maple

Monday, November 16, 2020


Text and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Japanese Maple 'Oshio-Beni' takes the prize for best 'Fall Color 2020' in our garden. Our tree is flourishing in the shade of a giant Western Red Cedar with minimal water! We could not ask for more.

Depending on light and weather, fall color appears to be orange or shades of red, pink and maroon. It looks quite different throughout the day as light changes. 

This cultivar's name appropriately means 'Great Red Tide.’ It has performed beautifully in our garden for at least 15 years, first in a pot and now in a garden bed.

Oshio-Beni is an upright Japanese Maple that typically reaches about 15 feet in height. In spring leaves emerge a reddish orange and then deepen to a purple red. In full sun this color is held throughout summer. 

Shade grown trees tend to take on a bronzy color in summer but put on a colorful show in fall until leaf drop.

It’s worth considering this easy to grow Japanese Maple for a patio pot or planted in the garden!

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum Oshio-Beni

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 30 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com)



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Help support Shoreline PTA Council's Holiday Baskets event

The Holiday Basket event is a partnership among the Shoreline PTA Council, City of Shoreline, the Lake Forest Park Rotary, Shoreline Rotary, the Shoreline Fire Department, the Dale Turner YMCA and Hopelink to provide assistance to families in need in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

This year there are over 650 Shoreline and Lake Forest Park families registered, which includes over 1200 children ages 0-18. This is an increase of about 25% over last year's numbers.


Community support is extremely important to be sure that no family or child goes without during this season.

This year, because of no in-person school and Covid restrictions, we will not be collecting food items, but will instead collect money and gift cards to support families.

Contributions of money and gift cards ($25 amount preferred) will go a long way to ensuring a happy holiday season for many families.

The most wanted gift cards include Amazon, Fred Meyer, Target and WalMart.

This year the "baskets" will be made up of gift cards and food assistance vouchers instead of toys and donated food. Every PTA in the Shoreline School District makes major contributions.

The Shoreline Fire Department usually holds a toy drive to support the event, but because of Covid will instead partner with us by collecting gift cards as well.

Money and gift card donations can be dropped off at the WORKS on Wednesday November 18 from 6-8 pm (18560 1st Ave NE - enter from the north parking lot), at any Shoreline Fire Department, or money can also be donated online: https://www.tinyurl.com/DonateHB2020

The event will be held on December 12, 2020 at the Shoreline Center. For any questions or more information, please email: HolidayBaskets@shorelinepta.org




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Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday


The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) will meet virtually on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 7-9pm on Zoom.

There will be speakers on two topics:

1. Design of the 195th Trail from 5th NE to the pedestrian bridge over I-5.

2. Why is Echo Lake green? Information about the green scum on the lake last month - causes and solutions.

The Echo Lake Neighborhood is in north central Shoreline, within the boundaries of N/NE 205th, I-5, N/NE 185th, and Aurora and includes those who live or work in the neighborhood.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month from January - June and September - November. A work party / picnic on the third Tuesday in July and food truck events in August. No meeting in December.

The next meeting will be January 19, 2020.

For questions or more information email ELNABoard@gmail.com



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Shoreline PTA Council collecting gently used winter coats


The Shoreline PTA Council clothing room, The WORKS, is holding a drive currently for gently used coats (in very good condition, no holes, stains, tears)- hoods preferred. 

On Monday, November 16, 2020, the WORKS will have special hours when coat donations can be dropped off - from 7 - 8pm.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Gift cards for Holiday Baskets can also be accepted at that time. (see article)

Donations can also be dropped off during the WORKS's normal hours, Wednesday evenings, from 6-8pm.

The WORKS is located at the north end of the Shoreline Center. Drive to the back of the north parking lot, then turn south and drive straight back.

18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155



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Cinnamon Bear drive-through Saturday offering cinnamon buns and cocoa to benefit the Senior Center


Start your Saturday morning with some gooey goodness. 

This is a "drive through the parking lot event" with social distancing procedures in place. It will be on a first come, first serve basis and we will only be accepting Cash or Checks.

The Cinnamon Bear will be serving Cinnamon Buns and Cocoa (or coffee) for $4. You can purchase extra buns for $3 each.

Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 9 to 11am
Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center
18560 1st Ave NE Suite #1
Shoreline, WA 98155

This Cinnamon Bun event was inspired by childhood Christmas memories of listening to the adventures of the Cinnamon Bear. 

Cinnamon Bear was an old time radio show Christmas classic serial. Paddy O'Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Bear ran for 26 episodes beginning after Thanksgiving and ending just before Christmas. Each episode was 15 minutes long and ends with a compelling cliffhanger, keeping people coming back to see what happens to Judy, Jimmy, and Paddy. 

It was a fantasy drama and told the story of how Paddy O’Cinnamon helped twins Jimmy and Judy find the Silver Star that was stolen from their Christmas tree. They have to go to Maybeland, in order to get back the star.

The Cinnamon Bear debuted the day after Thanksgiving in 1937. Airing mostly in the Portland, Oregon market, Cinnamon Bear created life-long memories for many people and is still creating memories through broadcasts each Christmas season. The show has many fans who heard the broadcasts and either found recordings or heard it on the radio again then introduced it to their children and grandchildren.

Cinnamon Bear has even inspired fan clubs where people share their memories. http://www.cinnamonbear.org



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Case updates November 14, 2020; Governor issues restrictions to try to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19

The governor has announced four weeks of restrictions to help control the rise of cases and the threat of overwhelming hospitals. Details here

Case updates November 14, 2020


United States
  • cases 10,846,373 - 155,708 cases since last report
  • deaths 244,810 - 1,252 deaths since last report

Washington state - *deaths not reported on weekend
  • cases 130,040 - 2,309 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 9,425 - 144 since yesterday
  • deaths* 2,519

King county
  • cases 34,537 - 542 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 2,834 - 36 since yesterday
  • deaths 828 - 0 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 845 - 18 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 116 - 0 new
  • deaths 67 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 109 - 4 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 5 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 1 - 0 new


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Executive Constantine statement on updated COVID-19 restrictions

Positive cases in King county

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered the following statement at Gov. Jay Inslee's press conference announcing new guidance on how to slow the spread of COVID-19, and new restrictions in place until December 14:

"Like everywhere in the state, our case counts are soaring, and that is also true nationally. The number of hospitalizations in King County last week increased by over 70 percent compared to the previous four weeks. 
"In fact, it was just earlier this week that I was reflecting that our hospitalizations had not increased dramatically, and then later that afternoon I was informed that we had seen a 30 percent increase in one day in hospital bed use. There are twice as many people in local hospitals with COVID-19 as there were just a month ago. 
"This is the most critical issue: We have to reverse this trend before our hospitals become overwhelmed."

More from the Executive here



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COVID-19: Gov Inslee announces statewide restrictions for four weeks


Gov. Jay Inslee has announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country.

The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistent increasing daily case counts, with over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend and average cases in the state doubling over the past two weeks.

“This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March,” Inslee said during a press conference Sunday. 
“And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public’s well-being, and to save lives. 
"These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people’s livelihoods. I recognize that and don’t take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease.”

The restrictions are statewide and will take effect Monday, November 16, 2020 at 11:59pm and will remain in effect until Monday, December 14. 

The modified restrictions of restaurants, however, will take effect Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01am.

To help mitigate financial impacts on businesses and their employees, the state will commit $50 million in aid. Businesses can also apply for Paycheck Protection Plan forgivable loans from the Small Business Administration, or from their local bank. If workers are kept in their jobs, the loans aren’t required to be paid back.

Read the rest of the details on the governor's Medium page.



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