For the Birds: What’s Your First Bird of 2021?

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Anna's Hummingbird by Craig Kerns
By Christine Southwick

Many birders pay attention to the first bird they see (or hear if the birder knows the call) on New Year’s Day.

Why do they do this? (For all you new birders)

Birders like to challenge themselves to learn more about birds they see. Many New Year’s Day birds are resident birds and are often overlooked while looking for migrants.

So, say the first bird you see New Year’s Day is a Dark-eyed Junco or a Black-capped Chickadee, a wintering Fox Sparrow, or maybe a vagrant Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, or even a Snowy Owl.

Bewick's Wren with grub by Craig Kerns
What does that mean?


This can be your birding inspiration for 2021! How? Look up the bird you sighted.

Does it live here year- round? If not, where does it usually stay? Does it winter here, then move further north to breed? 

Is that its regular migration, or is it one of those species which follows crops, and is considered to have an irruptive pattern? Or maybe it is a long-distance migrator that is off course!

How many eggs does “your” bird usually lay? Does it stay with the same partner each season (seasonally monogamous) like juncos, long-term partners like Black-capped Chickadees and many raptors, or dalliers like many Song Sparrows. 

Wintering Fox Sparrow by Christine Southwick
Do both parents feed their nestlings and fledglings, or is the nest-building and all the offspring raising left to the female, like it is for Anna’s Hummingbird?

Where does it build its nest? Merlins and Band-tailed Pigeons need tall evergreen trees. Juncos, song-sparrows, towhees all nest on the ground, so they need native shrubs, hiding places, and spaces free from dogs and cats. 

Your yard can make a major difference.

What does your 2021 bird eat?

The majority of birds, like Black-capped Chickadees, Bewick's Wrens, Bushtits, and all warblers eat and feed their nestlings bugs and caterpillars, so don’t use pesticides. 

Path with leaves welcomes wintering Fox Sparrows
and Varied Thrushes, plus nourishes the soil and
prevents weeds. Photo by Christine Southwick
Most birds eat seeds; some like American Goldfinches just eat grains and seeds and prefer open areas where these foods are found. 

Anna’s Hummingbirds need nectar in the wintertime - if you have native flowers in your yard, summertime hummingbird feeders are fun to watch, but not really necessary. 

A really good book explaining the whys and how-tos to make your yard a nature conservation site is Nature’s Best Hope (A new approach to conservation that starts in your yard) by Douglas W. Tallamy.

Learn all about “your 2021 bird” and enjoy watching it grace your yard.



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Case updates December 25, 2020

Case updates December 25, 2020


United States - no updates 12/25/2020
  • cases 18,730,806 - 146,512 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 329,592 - 1,692 deaths since yesterday

Washington state
- the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers
  • cases 236,719 - 3,626 since last report
  • hospitalizations 14,096 - 188 since last report
  • deaths 3,184 - 0 - no report

King county

  • cases 60,000 - 169 since last report
  • hospitalizations 4,091 - 36 since last report
  • deaths 1,043 - 0 no report

Seattle
- population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 14,998 - 39 since last report
  • hospitalizations 957 - 13 since last report
  • deaths 266 - -1 since last report

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,535 - -1 since last report
  • hospitalizations 157 - 0 since last report
  • deaths 80 - 0 since last report

Lake Forest Park
- 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 183 - -1 since last report
  • hospitalizations 14 - -1 since last report
  • deaths 3 - 0 since last report


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Christmas Lights: More from Burke Ave N

Friday, December 25, 2020

 





Here are a few more from Burke Ave N - 185th to 190nd in the Echo Lake Neighborhood.

All photos by Diane Lindberg





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Case updates December 24, 2020


Case updates December 24, 2020


United States - no updates 12/25/2020
  • cases 18,391,571 - 221,408 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 325,096 - 3,165 deaths since yesterday

Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers - no updates 12/25/2020
  • cases 233,093 - 2,891 new
  • hospitalizations 13,908 - 291 new
  • deaths 3,184 - 22 new - no reports on weekends

King county
  • cases 59,831 - 525 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 3,983 - 9 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,043 - 11 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 14,959 - 135 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 944 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 267 - 3 since yesterday


Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,536 - 11 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 154 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 80 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 184
  • hospitalizations 15
  • deaths 3


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Peace on earth

Peace on earth

Goodwill to all



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Burke Avenue in Echo Lake Neighborhood dresses up for Christmas





Burke Ave N from N 185th to N 190th in the Echo Lake Neighborhood lit up the street for the holidays!

All photos by Diane Lindberg




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Driftwood Players Virtual Holiday Radio Show Christmas at noon


Twas the Night Before the Night Before Christmas 
by Pat Cook and Directed by Cody Tumlin. 


While you're there, you can subscribe to their YouTube page!

The last airing of the show is Friday December 25 at 12pm - RSVP Here




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You never know who you'll find driving around your neighborhood

Photo courtesy LFP Police

 Lake Forest Park police appear to have a new officer - if only for this week.

LFP Police were sad to cancel the annual Shop with a Cop event, so they collected funds and shopped by themselves for ten families, then wrapped and delivered the presents. Not as much fun as going to the store with a gaggle of kids, but they were happy to be able to be able to help some families.

2019 photo of Santa and Elf Fischer, who is retiring
after this year but will be out with Santa this Christmas
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline residents - if you hear music outside on Christmas Day, you may be one of the lucky neighborhoods to get a visit from Santa and his elves hitching a ride on a fire truck from Shoreline Fire.

There is no set route and they might have to leave for a call at any time but they'll cover as much ground as possible. 

Wear your mask and give them a wave!




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Olympic Ballet Theatre presents the digital streaming of “The Nutcracker”


This December, Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT) presents the annual beloved production of The Nutcracker for digital streaming in the comfort of your home. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this season’s performances have been cancelled, and OBT is releasing two archival show recordings at Edmonds Center for the Arts and at the Everett Performing Arts Center in 2019.

This production of The Nutcracker features choreography by OBT artistic directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, sets designed by Jeannette Franz, Ruth Gilmore, and Phillip Lineau, and the iconic music scored by Tchaikovsky. 

The Nutcracker is one of the most famous classical ballets and a holiday tradition for many, telling the story of a little girl named Clara, her mysterious godfather Herr Drosselmeyer, a very special nutcracker, and a magical night’s journey.

OBT’s production of The Nutcracker features a cast of over 100 performers. Principal roles are performed by professional OBT company dancers, who dance together with Olympic Ballet School students.

Digital access to each show is $25 by December 31st, 2020 and includes unlimited viewing for seven days. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.olympicballet.org/digital-nutcracker.

Olympic Ballet Theatre is a non-profit performing company with estimated audiences of 15,000 annually, including 4,000 school children. 

Founded 40 years ago and now under the leadership by artistic directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, OBT has become a mainstay of the Snohomish County arts scene, regularly touring to theatres in Everett, Edmonds and Arlington. OBT provides high quality original and classical ballet productions while maintaining the family friendly ticketing prices and intimate venues that audiences love!



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Case updates December 23, 2020

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Case updates December 23, 2020


United States
  • cases 18,391,571 - 221,408 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 325,096 - 3,165 deaths since yesterday

Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers
  • cases 233,093 - 2,891 new
  • hospitalizations 13,908 - 291 new
  • deaths 3,184 - 22 new - no reports on weekends

King county
  • cases 59,306 - 479 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 3,974 - 65 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,032 - 9 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 14,824 - 135 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 943 - 18 since yesterday
  • deaths 264 - 4 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,525 - 14 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 154 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 80 - 1 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 184 
  • hospitalizations 15
  • deaths 3 


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Not exactly the Christmas spirit - but stay away from RB Saltwater Park beach

Photo from Dept of Ecology
Public Health Seattle and King County has issued a no-contact advisory at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline.

This advisory is due to sewer overflows that occurred as a result of a heavy rainstorm.


The public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area until further notice.

Contact with fecal-contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. 

Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.



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Christmas Eve online with Richmond Beach Congregational Church, UCC


Richmond Beach Congregational Church, UCC.
Please join us for our Christmas Eve Service
Premiering at 5:00pm December 24, 2020


Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Richmond-Beach-Congregational-United-Church-of-Christ-47446712252/

YouTube
You can access the recording later by using the same Facebook and YouTube links.



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Christmas Lights: Well worth driving to the end of a cul de sac to see

 




This display is at the end of a cul de sac in Lake Forest Park, just east of Aldercrest campus, on the NE 30th boundary between Shoreline and LFP. 3034 NE 201st Pl.

You might be best advised to park and walk in - it's a short street and you'll want to look at everything.



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Case updates December 22, 2020

Case updates December 22, 2020


United States
  • cases 18,170,062 - 195,759 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 321,734 - 3,165 deaths since yesterday

Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers
  • cases 230,202 - 2315 new
  • hospitalizations 13,617 - 27 new
  • deaths 3,162 - 31 new - no reports on weekends

King county
  • cases 58,750 - 464 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 3,909 - 14 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,022 - 10 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 14,674 - 122 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 927 - 3 since yesterday
  • deaths 260 - 3 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,511 - 6 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 153 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 80 - 1 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 182 - 2 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 14 - -1 since yesterday
  • deaths 3 - 0 since yesterday



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The Solstice Star

 

Photo by Steve Schneider

Who knew? It cleared up enough for Steve Schneider to get a photo of the Jupiter - Saturn conjunction over Shoreline.

He used a 1200 mm lens. You will need to double click the photo to get it a little larger but you can make out the rings on Saturn!



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Classifieds: Commissioners from Shoreline Fire and North City Water District to hold a joint board meeting


SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 5:00pm for a joint Board meeting with North City Water District.

Due to the Governor's Proclamation 20-25 Stay Home – Stay Healthy (Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act) the Public Hearing meeting will be held via conference call, which will be posted on the Fire Department's website and at Station 61 Headquarters. 


Notice posted by:Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
December 23, 2020



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Jobs: WSDOT Transportation Technical Engineer

WSDOT
Assistant Local Programs Engineer 
(Transportation Technical Engineer

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is looking to hire an experienced engineer to manage federal and state grant programs as the Assistant Local Programs Engineer in Shoreline.

This position will manage activities to coordinate, review, process, and fund transportation and transit improvements and operations in approximately 50 municipalities, tribal nations, port districts, and other agencies and counties including projects in Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties.

This position will serve as a technical program specialist and will use independent decision making and problem-solving skills in providing direction, guidance, and support to the various agencies.




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Mountain sunrise: the Cascades

 
Cascades sunrise
Photo by Mike Remarcke

This was the view to the east on Wednesday morning as the sun rose over the Cascades.




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LFP Municipal Court Bench Warrant Amnesty Program

The Lake Forest Park Municipal Court is announcing a Bench Warrant Amnesty from December 1, 2020 to March 30, 2021.

If you have an outstanding bench warrant with this court and would like to have it quashed or set for a warrant quash hearing before the Judge, please contact the court at 206-364-7711 or go to the Court webpage for further instructions. 

All hearings will be held via Zoom. Note, there is NO FEE to quash a warrant.



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Mountain sunrise: the Olympics

 

Frosty pink morning, copyright Marc Weinberg


This was the view to the west on Wednesday morning.


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Jobs: WSDOT Construction Communications Specialists

WSDOT
Construction Communications Specialist 
(Communications Consultant 4)

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is looking to hire multiple communication and public relations professionals to join our team as a Construction Communications Consultant.

These positions will create, lead, direct and control communication campaigns and respond to media inquiries with minimal supervision. At times, these positions must also carry an on-call phone and serve as an agency spokesperson on a 24/7 basis. 

The Construction Communication Consultant is responsible for responding to frequent reporter inquiries and assisting media outlets with diverse needs in a timely, effective, professional, and creative manner. 

These positions will also prepare WSDOT managers and executives for media interviews and speaking engagements with diverse audience. The Construction Communications Specialist will play a vital role in WSDOT's successful delivery of the Northwest Region design and construction program, maintaining public confidence and helping the public travel safely.



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City of Shoreline Remote Learning Camps for Lake Forest Park residents

Lake Forest Park residents have the opportunity for early registration with an 8% discount on the City of Shoreline’s Remote Learning Camps. 

Lake Forest Park early registration date starts 8:00am, December 29, 2020. 

To receive timely notice of the early registration dates, sign up for reminders through the City’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

You may also find more information on how to register, scholarship opportunities, or the partnership with City of Shoreline at: http://www.cityoflfp.com/index.aspx?NID=396 or call City Hall, 206-368-5440.

City of Shoreline Parks and Recreation registration: https://www.shorelinewa.gov/.../parks.../recreation-programs



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Beware The Grinch

 

The cartoon grinch is dangling a toy sled with a tiny Santa hanging on to one runner. The Grinch's head - with a Santa cap - is the COVID-19 virus

The Grinch stealing Christmas



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Jobs: temporary, part-time board secretary for Northshore Fire


Northshore Fire Department is currently recruiting for a part-time, limited-term Board Secretary to provide administrative support to our Board of Fire Commissioners.

The Board Secretary will:
  • Attend and record all regular and special meetings of the Board using AV Capture.
  • Prepare and disseminate materials to Board members.
  • Maintain and develop the Board content for Northshore Fire Department’s website. Includes posting meeting minutes, related materials and audio recording.
  • Assist in handling of the Board’s official and informal communications with the public and Administrative staff in a prompt, accurate, and professional manner.

For additional position details, including education and experience qualifications, please review the Board Secretary job description.

Visit our Careers page to apply. Application deadline for first round of review is January 5, 2020. Position will remain open until filled.

Questions? Call (425) 354-1780 or email admin@northshorefire.com



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LFP Mayor: Goodbye to 2020

Jeff Johnson, Mayor
Lake Forest Park
Mayor's Corner - Goodbye to 2020

I think it’s safe to say we are all glad to say farewell to 2020. This was a year of challenges - fiscal and personal - and too many have been individually touched by loss of one kind or another.

Throughout this difficult time, I have been encouraged by the resilience of both our community and my staff at the City. When City Hall closed to the public in March, there was a successful transition of many positions to a work-from-home situation.

The staff’s dedication to serving the Lake Forest Park community is evident by how well services continue to be provided and maintained.

Many staff positions, though, are designated as essential, and are required to be on-site for the performance of their job duties. To those of you who have continued to work on-site in the Police Department, general City offices, and Public Works shop, my sincere thank you.

Next year will also bring challenges, as we are not out of the woods yet with the virus; but, there are reasons to be hopeful. Our LFP community continues to be active in civic affairs and supportive of local businesses, and City staff continues to be dedicated to serving our residents.

As we celebrate the December holidays, let’s please remember this guide to gathering: Fewer. Shorter. Smaller. Safer.

In closing, I wish you all a happy, healthy New Year.

---Mayor Johnson



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Styrofoam recycling in LFP January 10


The City of Lake Forest Park is partnering with Albertsons for a FREE Styrofoam Recycling Drop-Off Event!

This one day event will take place January 10, 2021, 9:00am to 1:00pm in the City Hall parking lot 17425 Ballinger Way NE.
 
Recycling must be clean, dry, empty, and free of tape. 

Restrictions do apply, look for the #6 or EPS symbol to make sure your Styrofoam is accepted.
 
Please wear your face coverings and follow social distancing protocols.



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Cardboard recycling for Recology customers

 


With many of us stuck at home these days, Recology has been collecting a lot more cardboard than normal from residential customers.

To help facilitate efficient collection, Recology is asking Shoreline customers to follow these steps when setting out extra cardboard that doesn't fit in their recycling carts:

  1. Extra cardboard must be flattened, bundled, and stacked inside a roughly 3'x3'x3' box, OR
  2. Organized into 3'x3'x3' pieces and wrapped together with twine.
  3. If the amount of extra cardboard is larger than the size of the recycling cart, please call customer service to schedule a pick up: 206-763-4444, or shoreline@recology.com
Learn more and find service updates at www.recology.com/shoreline



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Gov. Inslee announces extension of eviction moratorium

Gov. Jay Inslee announced he will extend the eviction moratorium to March 31, 2021. The current eviction moratorium was set to expire on December 31.

"COVID-19 has had a significant financial impact on Washingtonians over the last nine months," Inslee said. 
"I know this moratorium has been critical for many families and individuals as they cope with the impacts of this virus. 
"People need certainty about whether the moratorium will be extended, and it is important that I provide that certainty today while we work out the final details of the moratorium."


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Fire destroys market at Firdale Village

Firdale Market fire
Photo courtesy Edmonds Police Department


Shoreline Fire crews help battle the fire that destroyed the small market at Firdale Village in Edmonds, just north of Richmond Beach on Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020. They were called in to assist South County Fire.

No one was injured.

According to reporting in MyEdmondsNews.com 

"It took crews 30 minutes to get the fire under control, and they were able to keep it contained to the market. Investigators were on scene working to determine the cause, (spokesperson) Hynes said.

"This is the second fire at Firdale Village this year.  On March 13, fire crews put out a blaze at Tia Trini’s Pantry (formerly the Colonial Pantry) — located next door to the Firdale Market."

Firdale Village is a collection of small shops and the home of the Phoenix Theatre.



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This may be the culprit that caused your power outage on Monday

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

 
Photo by Allen LaVallee

Thanks to Allen LaVallee who took this photo of City Light crews working to remove a tree at 1800 Perkins Way NE in Shoreline on Monday night.

The location is a good match for the dead center of the outage area on Monday. The houses are reflecting the flood lights set up for the work crews.

Power was out around 5pm. It was supposed to be back on in an hour but it apparently took longer. It was back on by midnight.





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Case updates December 21, 2020

Case updates December 21, 2020


United States
  • cases 17,974,303 - 183,927 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 318,569 - 1,725 deaths since yesterday

Washington state
- the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers
  • cases 227,887 - 1252 new
  • hospitalizations 13,590 - 75 new
  • deaths 3,131 - 25 new - no reports on weekends

King county
  • cases 58,286 - 179 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 3,895 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,012 - 19 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 14,552 - 33 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 924 - -4 since yesterday
  • deaths 257 - 8 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,505 - 12 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 151 - -1 since yesterday
  • deaths 79 - 2 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 180 - 2 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 15 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 3 - 0 since yesterday



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: The Grinch

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE





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Heavy rains cause overflow into Puget Sound from Richmond Beach Pump Station in Shoreline

Pump station at Kayu Kayu Ac Park

King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Richmond Beach Pump Station experienced intermittent overflows on Monday, December 21, 2020 as a result of heavy rains in the service area.

The pump station was operating properly but high flows exceeded station capacity.

King County reported sewer overflows into Puget Sound on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 as a result of a powerful rainstorm that dumped over 2 inches of rain across most of the county on December 21.

Located in Shoreline, just south of Point Wells, the Richmond Beach Pump Station is operating at full function. Large volumes of rainfall throughout the day on Dec. 21 exceeded the capacity of the pump station, and overflows happened intermittently between approximately 2:30pm and 11pm on Monday.

King County has notified health and regulatory agencies, will monitor water quality and has posted signs warning people to avoid contact with the water over the next several days as a precaution to protect public health.



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Garbage / compost / recycling collection schedule for Christmas and New Year's

Pick-Up Schedules are revised for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

In Lake Forest Park:

The Republic Services collection schedule is revised for both the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays. No collection will take place on Friday, December 25, 2020 or Friday, January 1, 2021.

Customers with a Friday pick-up schedule are advised to put their carts out on Saturday, December 26, 2020 and Saturday, January 2, 2021.

The regular collection schedule resumes on Monday, January 4, 2021. Please note the Republic Services administrative offices are closed on December 25, 2020 and January 1, 2021.

In Shoreline:

If your collection day falls on or after Christmas or New Year’s Day, your collection will be one day later that week.



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Shoreline responded to 35 flooding incidents during storm

15430 Linden Ave N
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Monday's storm event brought over two inches of rainfall. The City of Shoreline storm response field crew responded to at least 35 flooding incidents throughout Shoreline, providing sandbags to residents, pumping out floods where feasible, and clearing debris.

NW Springdale Place at 14th NW in Innis Arden
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Rainfall and flooding data from large storms like yesterday's are used to better predict susceptible areas and optimize storm response. 

The City requests that you always report flooding, spills, and illegal dumping to Shoreline City Hall at 206-801-2700. It's a 24/7 number so feel comfortable leaving a detailed message, including information on how to contact you if they have follow up questions.

Do what you are able to keep storm drains free of leaves and debris.



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ICHS pilots at-home monitoring tools to improve virtual care of high-risk patients

"Leading Change" at home. Photo courtesy ICHS


As one of 20 national pilot sites, ICHS patients will screen and manage chronic conditions from home for better preventative health care and virtual visits

Seattle, Wash – The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has selected International Community Health Services (ICHS) as one of 20 health centers in 16 states to participate in “Leading Change: Transforming At-Home Care,” a cutting-edge pilot project offering tools for self-care and remote monitoring for better patient health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted ICHS to reimagine how to manage preventive and virtual care for patients with chronic diseases when regular in-person visits are difficult or no longer feasible. Remote patient monitoring can provide providers with important information and context that might otherwise be missed during a virtual visit.

“ICHS is honored to be chosen for this timely initiative,” said Dr. Beth Weitensteiner, assistant medical director of the ICHS Holly Park Clinic, who will drive ICHS’s participation in the project. 
“It’s important we continue to see patients with chronic conditions throughout the pandemic. This strategy provides them with tools and information they can use to care for themselves at home with our help. Further empowering patients allows us to better identify new symptoms and potential emergencies, which could be lifesaving.”

Twenty high-risk patients from the ICHS Holly Park Clinic will be given a patient home care kit that includes materials for colorectal cancer screening, a home blood-sugar monitor for diabetes, a blood pressure monitor, a thermometer and scale. They will also receive educational materials and regular virtual visits from ICHS staff and providers.

“This pandemic has shown us how community health center partners can step-up to transform our local healthcare systems and lead us into the future with new blended care delivery models that include at-home self-care integrated with virtual care,” NACHC’s Quality Center said in a written statement. 
“These steps have the potential to critically improve the way preventive care and chronic diseases are managed during and beyond this pandemic.”

The pilot is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and is designed to capture data through June 2021. Among the outcomes, ICHS will provide lessons and best practices that will be shared with health centers nationally.

With many U.S. adults delaying preventive care and with six in 10 having at least one chronic condition including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, regular health management is a matter of life and death with added COVID-19 risks. A large population of high-risk patients who are more likely to suffer from a disproportionate array of chronic conditions are cared for by community health centers like ICHS.

“ICHS serves a patient population that, because of language or culture, has historically faced difficulty accessing quality, affordable health care,” said Teresita Batayola, ICHS CEO. 
“While the pandemic has accelerated the acceptance of telehealth and its widespread use, it has also highlighted disparities exacerbated by a digital divide. In participating in this pilot project, ICHS is serving on the forefront of developing innovative practices to bridge the accessibility gap for those who may be otherwise underserved.”

International Community Health Services (ICHS) is a non-profit community health center providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health services to improve the wellness of King County’s diverse people and communities.

Since its founding in 1973, ICHS has grown from a single storefront clinic in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District with deep roots in the Asian Pacific Islander community, to a regional health care provider employing more than 600 people and serving over 32,000 patients at 11 clinic locations, including Shoreline. For more information, visit: www.ichs.com



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