Case updates January 2, 2021

Monday, January 4, 2021

Case updates January 2, 2021


United States
  • cases 20,346,372 - 284,554 new cases since yesterday
  • deaths 349,246 - 2,321 new deaths since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 246,752
  • hospitalizations 15,111
  • deaths 3,459

King county
  • cases 64,578 - 469 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4,249 - 4 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,091 - 0 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 16,012 - 133 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 1,021 - 5 since yesterday
  • deaths 283 - 0 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,641 - 13 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 162 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 81 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 208 - 1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 17 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 3 - 0 since yesterday


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Book review by Aarene Storms: The Night Raven

The Night Raven (Crow Investigations #1) 
by Sarah Painter

Lydia Crow was raised apart from her magic-using-mafiosa-esque family, but when she needs a place to go, her uncle invites her to "help him with a project" in London ... and she accepts. 

The project turns out to be finding Madeleine Crow, who is missing. Or is she?

Harry Dresden in London?
Stephanie Plum, but with magic?
Or Peter Grant if he were a woman ... and the niece of a Family don?

Actually, it doesn't really matter. The mystery is light, the writing is fun, the setting is familiar-but-different, and the magic in the world is intriguing. 

AND it's the first in a series that includes five titles already. I read it in a day, and eagerly await my turn with book #2 The Silver Mark. It's the perfect read for a rainy winter night.

Some cussing, some sexual situations (on- and off-page), some violence, plus magic.

Aarene Storms
Teen Services Librarian
King County Library System
astorms@kcls.org



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Northshore Fire shows off their new dining table

Photo courtesy Northshore Fire

Over the past year, the Northshore Fire Station 57 in Lake Forest Park has been under some much needed renovation.
 
Along with the improvements to the station, the kitchen space now includes this beautiful new table by Wollen Woodworking.



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Customers can get help from SPU for utility bills


Seattle Public Utilities

If you are having a hard time affording your Seattle Public Utility bills, let them know. 

"We’re here to help." Call 206-684-3000 or visit http://seattle.gov/utilities/covidhelp…

There are payment plans, flexible options, and discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income customers.



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Mudslide on tracks cancels Sounder north line trains

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Sounder Train
Photo courtesy Sound Transit
Local residents who commute on the Sounder train out of Edmonds will need to take the bus on Monday.

Sounder north line service has been canceled for Monday, January 4, 2021, due to a mudslide located between the Mukilteo and Edmonds stations. 

If there are no additional events, Sounder north line service is expected to resume Tuesday, January 5.

Passengers may take regularly scheduled bus service:

Edmonds-Seattle:

Take Community Transit Route 416 at Edmonds Station Bay 2 (departs 5:45am, 6:15, 6:34, 6:55 and 7:42 am)



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Flowers in January

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Lee Lageschulte found these blooms this week - in January. Don't tell them it's the dead of winter.



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Tech Talk for Seniors, Zoom Edition!

Tech Talk for Seniors, Zoom Edition


Saturday, January 9, 1:30-3pm

For older adults. Presented by knowledgeable and enthusiastic teen volunteers!
Learn how to use Zoom's popular conferencing features, as well as other important tools to become more connected and informed. Play fun, interactive games to learn how to enhance interaction with your loved ones -- while still practicing social distancing.

Please register by 6pm on January 8. You will be emailed a Zoom link.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities is available by request. Please contact the library at least seven days before the event for ASL interpretation, captioning services and/or other accommodation for online programs. Send your request to daviddaw@kcls.org



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Case updates January 1, 2021; Washington state not updated today

Case updates January 1, 2021


United States
  • cases 20,061,818 - 168,637 new cases
  • deaths 346,925 - 2,428 New Deaths

Washington state - not updated
January 2, 2021 Data Note: DOH will not update the dashboard today due to data processing challenges. We anticipate updating the dashboard tomorrow (January 3, 2021).
  • cases 246,752
  • hospitalizations 14,748
  • deaths 3,461

King county
  • cases 64,109 - 810 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4,245 - 51 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,091 - 0 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 15,879 - 87 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 1,015 - 8 since yesterday
  • deaths 283 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,628 - 9 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 162 - -1 since yesterday
  • deaths 81 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 207 - 3 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 17 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 3 - 0 since yesterday


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Tree down on Innis Arden Way

Does anyone have information or a photo of a tree that reportedly went down across Innis Arden Way on Saturday? Did it cause a power outage?




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Jobs: Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College is recruiting for the following position:

Program Manager A – Transitional Studies

Date of first consideration: January 17, 2021

The Transitional Studies unit houses the college’s ESL, I-BEST, ABE, High School+, GED, CEO, and LCN programs and supports many historically underserved students, first generation college students, immigrants, and English language learners. 

The programs within this unit support students with varying backgrounds and educational goals, including learning English, getting a high school diploma or GED, taking college-level classes, or preparing for a career. 

These programs also provide wraparound supports and resources for students, so that they can be successful in their educational or career pathways. Working within this unit requires a commitment to pluralism and equity as well as fostering an environment of inclusiveness among students, faculty, and staff.
 
The Program Manager provides daily management and support to the Transitional Studies unit. The Program Manager is responsible for supervising and aligning the unit’s administrative processes, communication, data collection and reporting, use of software/technology, and part-time employees. 
  
Job description and application https://bit.ly/3rJlL9e

Interested applicants may apply at www.shoreline.edu/hr for our full-time and part-time positions. It’s easy to search for open positions using the search bar and filtering tools.


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Out Loud! A Story Time for Adults


Out Loud! A Story Time for Adults

Register here: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/5f930fce517f743a000d9ff2
Friday, January 8, 11am-12pm

Join us on Zoom every 2nd and 4th Friday for a voiced reading of stories and other romps through words, language and imagination for adult ears. Each session, our reader will select and share a short story, novel excerpt, or other published writing.

Please register. We'll use Zoom to meet, both video and call-in options available. You will receive an email with a link to the session by 10am the day of the program.

Sponsored by the Vashon Friends of the Library.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Please contact ejrozewicz@kcls.org at least seven days before the event to request ASL interpretation, captioning services and/or other accommodation for our virtual programs.



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Small Business Counseling-Navigating COVID-19

Small Business Counseling-Navigating COVID-19

Register here https://bit.ly/KCLS_SCORE
  • Tuesday, 10-12pm
  • Thursday, 10am-3pm
  • Saturday, 10am-1pm
One-on-one counseling with a SCORE mentor to help you with your startup or assist with your existing business including navigating COVID-19. 

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Register online for a virtual one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone or computer.

A SCORE Counselor will email you about your meeting preferences.



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Jobs: Washington State Patrol is hiring

New troopers being sworn in
Photo courtesy WSP
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) will be hiring 60 new Trooper Cadets and 24 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEO) in the next six months.

Both Trooper and CVEO positions are high paying with excellent benefits and just as importantly, daily opportunities to serve the public and make a difference during these difficult times.

WSP's next Trooper Academy class starts on July 12th and paid job-training opportunities across the state are available immediately for those chosen to be a part of WSP.

To find out more, to contact a recruiter, or to apply go to www.wsp.wa.gov




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Classifieds: Shoreline Planning Commission meeting cancelled

The Shoreline Planning Commission Regular Meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 7pm has been cancelled.




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Department of Health vaccine distribution

Boxes of Pfizer vaccine arriving in Washington state.
Photo courtesy The Seattle Times
From the Department of Health

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration efforts.

Yesterday DOH updated phase 1A guidance, with the goal of expediting vaccine administration efforts across Washington state. Read our statement.

As of this week, 69,349 people in our state have received their first dose of vaccine. We expect to order second-dose allocations of the Pfizer vaccine this weekend. This means that initial recipients of the Pfizer vaccine will be receiving their second dose soon. We expect to start receiving second-dose allocations of the Moderna vaccine the week of Jan. 12.

As a reminder, all vaccine recipients must receive two doses of vaccine from the same manufacturer for maximum protection against COVID-19.

Vaccine ordering and administration

The table below is a snapshot of the most recent vaccine supply for Washington state.


We anticipate the following for our week three allocation:
  • Pfizer: 57,525 doses
  • Moderna: 44,500 doses (this includes 200 doses originally from week two due to order cancellations)
  • Locations:
    • 43,375 doses will go to 87 sites in 26 counties
    • 58,650 doses will go to support long-term care facilities and 17 tribes and Urban Indian Health Programs
Long-term care facilities

Vaccinations have started for residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Last week, a local long-term care pharmacy began vaccinating as part of the state program. This week and next, under the federal Pharmacy Partnership Program, Walgreens and CVS have several onsite clinics planned specifically for long-term care facilities. Walgreens and CVS have a shared goal to complete the first dose of vaccinations in nursing homes in the next three weeks.

Future phases

We hope to know more next week about prioritization decisions in Washington state. We’re using the broad ACIP guidance as a framework, but will need to prioritize within it to match projected vaccine supplies. Gov. Inslee is playing a crucial role in this decision-making process alongside public health experts here at DOH. When this document is available, it will be published on the DOH website, and we will share information that informed the decisions.



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Rob Oxford returns


By Rob Oxford

Where do I begin?

With a new year of course!

Call it writer’s block, procrastination, the effects of a pandemic or a lack of confidence, for the past 8 months I have been unable and quite frankly uninterested in writing.

Christmas cards included.

Perhaps I'd subconsciously been struggling with the realization that although I enjoy writing and reporting immensely, I have no professional training. My thoughts, words and opinions are my own exclusively and may not necessarily be shared or even appreciated by others?

I began to doubt my worth and was severely lacking motivation.

Thankfully the kick in the pants I needed came yesterday when I opened an email from a reader of SAN. Among other things they expressed “missing seeing your articles…”.

One person. One email. That’s all it took to get me back in the saddle? To this anonymous reader I am humbly grateful.

This "drought" appears to have started with the publishing of my piece last April (Shoreline Area News: Rob Oxford: Already Making Plans) in which I admitted for the first time to “feeling the (pandemic) funk.” Until that point, having been deemed an “essential worker,” I thought I would be immune to the ensuing “Covid Blues” and for a while I was.

Then came Summer and the closures. A rather uneventful summer. With a pending election, the continuous political bombardments alone were enough to drive anyone insane, but in addition we couldn’t do anything or go anywhere and had to deal with misinformation and in some cases concerning Covid-19, a total lack thereof. Understandably it was an extremely fluid, still developing situation, but we wanted answers and no one had any.

On top of it all I had just refinanced our home, was excited to begin a whole host of much need repairs and before I could begin was sidelined with Sciatica, a bad hip and back. This was shaping up to be a most memorable year indeed.

My wife and I were able to take a few camping trips, spent some time at my in-laws’ cabin, worked in the yard and tried to live a normal existence, but slowly everyone had started to realize this thing wasn’t going away soon and it just might affect the upcoming school year.

Restaurants were closed, city parks, public pools, beaches and movie theatres. Farmers markets stood in limbo. Festivals were being cancelled left and right as were vacations. The gravity of the situation was becoming more and more obvious. On top of that, we had to try and keep our children at home and away from their friends ... during the summer?

June quickly turned into July and July into August. Still hoping for an end to the pandemic, the high school football season started without high school football. A year that was guaranteed to produce big things for the Scots of 2021. Although the season has not been officially cancelled, the WIAA’s hope for an abridged spring season seems doubtful. Still, as the father of a high school senior football player and fan of the game, I remain optimistic.

For the time being online learning has become the norm. At first it presented many challenges and, in some cases, still does, but observing my wife and her fellow teachers and paraeducators connecting with and motivating their students via Zoom is a thing of beauty. It really should be observed. Adapting to difficult and unfamiliar situations, our teachers deserve our respect and admiration more now than ever before.

Thanks to the scientists, epidemiologists, doctors, nurses and countless volunteers, the vaccine has arrived, immunizations have started and the “healing” of a nation has begun. Whether you plan on being a part of the cure or not is your decision and perhaps a topic for my next column? We’ll see.

Meantime, last April's article referenced above contains a list of 29 things I plan on doing as soon as possible. You're welcome to join me or make a list of your own.

REMINDER: If you're coming to Regina, SK with me to see my Aunt Lois (#10), you'll need a Passport.

There is finally a little light at the end of the tunnel. For the Shorecrest Scots and Shorewood Thunderbirds of 2021 it may not be the "Friday Night Lights" they had hoped for, but this light will better illuminate their paths forward.



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Lynnwood Link Shoreline transit stations

We haven't checked in on the transit stations for a while. We will have two in Shoreline - 148th and 185th.


Courtesy Sound Transit

Shoreline South/Northeast 148th Station will feature:
  • Signalized 3-way intersection near Northeast 145th I-5 on-ramp.
  • Signalized 4-way intersection at Northeast 148th and 5th Avenue.
  • Signalized intersection at Northeast 145th and 5th Avenue.
  • New sidewalks and curb ramps.
Courtesy Sound Transit

Shoreline North/Northeast 185th Station will feature:
  • Round-a-bout at Northeast 185th and 10th Avenue - a temporary round-a-bout is in place now 
  • Round-a-bout at Northeast 185th and 8th Avenue - the road in front of the new station
  • 4-way traffic signal at Northeast 185th and 5th Avenue - on the east side of the freeway
  • Sidewalks and curb ramps.


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The lonely tree

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Tree on the bluff overlooking Puget Sound.






 

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Civil Lawsuits without Tears: The Basics of Representing Yourself in Court

Civil Lawsuits without Tears: The Basics of Representing Yourself in Court

Register: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/5fc5512017e1da2400caae46

Wednesday, January 6, 6-7:30pm
Presented by The King County Law Library.

Representing yourself in court is a complicated process and can be overwhelming.

In this workshop, learn the basics of the civil litigation process with a focus on court rules, court procedures, forms, scheduling and deadlines. 

Attendees will receive blank copies of some of the most commonly used civil litigation forms and will be granted access to a password protected website with additional information and resources.

Note: This class does not cover criminal litigation.

By registering for this workshop, you agree to and acknowledge the following:
  • The King County Law Library and the SRL Workshop do not provide legal advice.
  • Attendance at the SRL Workshop does not create an attorney-client relationship between me and any of the staff or volunteers of the workshop.
  • SRL staff and volunteers are not available for hire as legal representatives

Please register with an email address before 6pm on January 5. You will receive an email with a Zoom link the day before the event. You can also connect to this program by telephone.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Please contact jgibson@kcls.org at least seven days before the event to request ASL interpretation, captioning services and/or other accommodation for the library's virtual programs.

This is part of a series. Please register for each program:

Civil Lawsuits without Tears: The Basics of Representing Yourself
Wednesday, January 6, 6-7pm

The Nuts and Bolts of Motions
Wednesday, January 13, 6-7pm

Exploring Pretrial Discovery
Wednesday, January 20, 6-7pm

Examining Evidence: The Basic Issues of Evidence
Wednesday, January 27, 6-7pm



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Third Place Books presents on zoom: Tara Moss, in conversation with Gertie Hirsch


Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 6:00pm
A virtual event, taking place via Zoom Webinar 

The war may be officially over, but journalist Billie Walker's search for a missing young immigrant man will plunge her right back into the danger and drama she thought she'd left behind in Europe in this thrilling tale of courage and secrets set in glamorous postwar Sydney.

Sydney, 1946. Though war correspondent Billie Walker is happy to finally be home, for her the heady postwar days are tarnished by the loss of her father and the disappearance in Europe of her husband, Jack. To make matters worse, now that the war is over, the newspapers are sidelining her reporting talents to prioritize jobs for returning soldiers. But Billie is a survivor and she's determined to take control of her own future. So she reopens her late father's business, a private investigation agency, and, slowly, the women of Sydney come knocking.

At first, Billie's bread and butter is tailing cheating husbands. Then, a young man, the son of European immigrants, goes missing, and Billie finds herself on a dangerous new trail that will lead up into the highest levels of Sydney society and down into its underworld. What is the young man’s connection to an exclusive dance club and a high class auction house? 
When the people Billie questions about the young man start to turn up dead, Billie is thrown into the path of Detective Inspector Hank Cooper. Will he take her seriously or will he just get in her way? As the danger mounts and Billie realizes that much more than one young man’s life is at stake, it becomes clear that though the war was won, it is far from over.

Tara Moss is an internationally bestselling author, human rights activist, documentary host, and model. Her crime novels have been published in nineteen countries and thirteen languages, and her memoir, The Fictional Woman, was a #1 international bestseller. She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has received the Edna Ryan Award for significant contributions to feminist debate and for speaking out for women and children, and in 2017 she was recognized as one of the Global Top 50 Diversity Figures in Public Life.

Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch is a passionate home seamstress, a sought-after sewing teacher, and the creator of one of the web’s most popular sewing blogs: Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing. She has written five books including Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses and Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing. Gretchen now produces her own independent pattern line called Charm Patterns, creates exclusive content for her Patreon subscribers, and makes inspiring videos and tutorials for her YouTube channel Gertie’s World.

The War Widow (A Billie Walker Novel) (Hardcover)
By Tara Moss
$26.00
ISBN: 9780593182659
Availability: Out of stock, usually available in 3-10 days
Published: Dutton - December 29, 2020

 

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Russian hacker

 


Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE




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Case updates December 31, 2020; U.S. and Washington state not updated

Case updates December 31, 2020


United States - not updated
  • cases 19,663,976
  • deaths 341,199

Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers. not updated
  • cases 246,752
  • hospitalizations 14,748
  • deaths 3,461

King county
  • cases 63,299 - 1,907 since last report
  • hospitalizations 4,194 - 78 since last report
  • deaths 1,091 - 9 since last report

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 15,792 - 389 since last report
  • hospitalizations 1,008 - 24 since last report
  • deaths 282 - 3 since last report

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,619 - 53 since last report
  • hospitalizations 163 - 0 since last report
  • deaths 81 - 0 since last report

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 204 - 13 since last report
  • hospitalizations 16 - 1 since last report
  • deaths 3 - 0 since last report



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Destinations: WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo


All photos by Steve Schneider


What do you want first - the good news or the bad news?

Ok. Good news. The light show at the Woodland Park Zoo is nothing short of spectacular. They completely scrapped the old light show and created an extensive and elaborate new show which they call WildLanterns.


We published photos previously (see article) from Lee Lageschulte.

Steve Schneider sent 18 photos and only one was a duplicate of Lee's. (They both liked the swans). Lots to look at in the show.


More Good news. The show continues through January 17, 2021.


Now the Bad news. The website says that the show is almost sold out.
"Currently WildLanterns ticket availability is very limited or sold out."

Here's the webpage with the ticket info. Don't wait.





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WeatherWatcher: Wind Advisory issued for Saturday, with flooding rains on the way

GOES-West GeoColor 4 hour loop January 2nd, 2021 1:33am PST.
Courtesy of National Weather Service

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a high wind advisory for greater Seattle and vicinity, which includes Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. 

The Wind Advisory is in effect from 10am to 7pm Saturday. South winds are expected to pick up in the late morning to early afternoon hours. Winds are expected to be gusting up to 40mph, increasing to 45mph in the evening hours before slowly calming down after midnight.

Some local power outages are possible, as well as downed tree limbs.

This is not a major windstorm so I am not expecting widespread damages or power outages. A lot of rain is also expected with this storm. 1-3 inches of rain is possible, which would make this rival or exceed the rainfall amounts we had on December 21st.

Our biggest storm impacts Saturday will be urban flooding. Low lying roadways and parking lots will be most at risk for ponding or standing water. Most of the places that saw flooding on Monday, December 21st will likely see it again on Saturday evening. 

Keep those local storm drains clear of debris to help combat local flooding.

Unlike the December 21st's storm, we are not expecting any transitions to snow here in the lowlands. We have a short break in the rain Sunday afternoon, but beyond that rain is in the forecast all next week, with temperatures in the 40's. 

Through Tuesday we are expecting to see between two and a half to five and a half inches of rain so it is going to be a very wet week.



For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Gloria's Birds: Yup. It's a duck

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


Flames from deep in Lake Washington? Nope, a Gadwall dabbling for lunch:)

(Love the Gadwallian feathers! These ducks often hang out in urban and suburban habitats, so keep a sharp eye out!)

--Gloria Z Nagler


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Go ahead - guess what this is

Friday, January 1, 2021

 


So my first guess was that it was one of the pieces of floating art from the old SummerSet Arts Festival at Ronald Bog.

Don't think too hard - just guess. I'll post the information in the next edition.

DKH


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46th District legislators to hold virtual Town Hall Thursday


State legislators for the 46th Legislative District - Sen. David Frockt, Rep. Gerry Pollet, Rep. Javier Valdez - will hold a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 6pm.

It will be streamed live on all three of the legislators’ Facebook pages.

The lawmakers will share thoughts on legislative priorities and answer questions from constituents on a range of issues.

Sen. Frockt says "This is our chance to hear your ideas, comments, and questions so that we can best represent you in the coming session. It’s also an opportunity to talk to you about major issues in the upcoming 2021 session of the Legislature."
Submit questions live or in advance at surveymonkey.com/r/RZZLFTF

46th Legislative District includes part of King County and the city of Seattle including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Lake City.



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AG Ferguson: Refunds for cancelled European student tours

Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that music travel company Voyageurs International must pay more than $464,000 for full refunds to 235 Washington students who signed up for the company’s 2020 European tours.

The Colorado-based company, which organizes yearly tours to Europe for high-school musicians, unlawfully charged each of the 235 Washington students at least $1,900 in cancellation penalties after the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the company cancelling its July 2020 European tours. 

The company also illegally retained an additional $775 fee, for a total of $2,675 per student, from 23 students who signed up to extend their tour to Greece.

More information here



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Commerce invests record $97 million in affordable housing projects serving thousands of people statewide


The Washington State Department of Commerce announced Tuesday $97 million in grants and loans for affordable housing projects in communities across the state.

These funds will help provide an estimated 1,404 multifamily rental units/beds, 121 homes for first-time homebuyers, 86 units of modular housing, and 74 units in cottage-style communities. 

$85.3 million of funding comes from the state’s Housing Trust Fund, with $11.7 million provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME and National Housing Trust Fund programs, also managed by Commerce in Washington state.

More information here



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Dr. Umair A. Shah takes office of WA Secretary of Health

Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH
WA State Secretary of Health
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) welcomed Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, as the new secretary of health, as of December 21, 2020.

Secretary Shah comes to Washington from Harris County Public Health (HCPH) in Texas, where he served as the executive director and local health authority. Harris County is the third largest county in the nation, with nearly five million people.

“I want to begin by thanking Governor Inslee, Secretary Wiesman, and the great people here at DOH for welcoming me so warmly to the state of Washington,” said Secretary Shah. 
“I know this is a difficult time to be making such a transition, especially in the midst of this pandemic. 
"However, I am a firm believer in working together to take on any issue in front of us. As your new secretary of health, my goal is to build upon the work of a strong leader such as Dr. Wiesman in serving the people of Washington. 
"Utilizing every tool in our toolbox including vaccines, I am confident we will turn the corner in our battle against COVID-19.”

Outgoing Secretary of Health John Wiesman will be taking a few months off and then joining the faculty at the University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health.

He had parting words for Washington citizens:

"While we welcome our new secretary of health, our public health guidance remains consistent. We continue to encourage the people of Washington to practice the good public health behaviors that have helped us in fighting the current surge of COVID-19 in the state."
  • Wearing a mask, even with people you see regularly and in your smallest social circles;
  • Keeping gatherings outside whenever possible;
  • Avoiding any social gatherings indoors, but if participating, wearing a mask and ensuring windows and doors are open to maximize ventilation;
  • Wearing a mask while in the car with other people, including with family who do not live in your household;
  • Washing hands often, not touching your face, and carrying hand sanitizer for use when water and soap are not available;
  • Staying home if you are sick or if you have been exposed to COVID-19; and,
  • Getting tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone who tested positive.

Dr. Wiesman adds, “I have faith in the people of Washington and their ability to band together now and in the coming months to flatten the curve and continue to practice these safety measures as long as they’re needed. We can take heart in knowing that vaccine has already started to roll out, creating a safer, brighter future for people across the state.”



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Reminder – Time to change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors


If you haven’t checked the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors lately, it’s time!

Did you know that smoke alarms have an expiration date? After 10 years, it’s time to change the whole thing and install a new one. Many new alarms have a 10-year battery. While batteries in this type of smoke alarm don’t need replacing, please test the alarm monthly.

Even the alarms that are wired into your house will have back up batteries for power outages.

If your alarms start chirping, they need new batteries. If they continue to chirp, they need to be replaced.

*if you changed them in the fall, you are good for half a year - but New Year's is an easy date to remember. Next change would be the Summer Solstice.




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Gloria's Birds: Courting gulls

 

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


This guy really knows how to win a gull's heart!




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Case updates December 30, 2020; King county and cities not updated today

Case updates December 30, 2020


United States
  • cases 19,663,976 - 230,337 cases since yesterday
  • deaths 341,199- 3,764 deaths since yesterday

Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers.
  • cases 246,752 - 4,422 since last report
  • hospitalizations 14,748 - 177 since last report
  • deaths 3,461 - 41 since last report

King county - not updated
  • cases 61,392 - 593 since last report
  • hospitalizations 4,116 - 16 since last report
  • deaths 1,082 - 16 since last report

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018) - not updated
  • cases 15,403 - 161 since last report
  • hospitalizations 984 - 7 since last report
  • deaths 279 - 3 since last report

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018) - not updated
  • cases 1,566 - 7 since last report
  • hospitalizations 163 - 1 since last report
  • deaths 81 - 1 since last report

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018) - not updated
  • cases 191 - 1 since last report
  • hospitalizations 15 - -1 since last report
  • deaths 3 - 0 since last report


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SportMix dog food recalled - 28 dogs have died nationwide

Multiple varieties of Sportmix
dog food are contaminated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is investigating certain Sportmix pet food products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.

Full details here



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Capt John Palmer retires from Shoreline Fire after 32 year career

Shoreline Fire Capt. John Palmer
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
On December 31, 2020 Captain John Palmer ended his last shift of an over 32-year career.

John started his career as a part-time firefighter with Shoreline Fire Department in 1982 and was hired full-time in January 1988. 

In October 1996, John was promoted to the newly created position of Fire Apparatus Technician. In 2002, John was again promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and then four years later to Captain. Over the past 14 years, John has served as a Captain riding the ladder truck, L-161. 

John has a passion for training and building construction, and has mentored countless firefighters as a shift officer, recruit instructor, and while serving in the Department’s Training Division. 

John’s fireground experience and technical knowledge is unparalleled, John can often be overheard saying “we need to hone our craft today.” 

Your presence will be missed, Captain Palmer. Wishing you a wonderful retirement!


 

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Webinar: The Journey to Becoming an Anti-Racist Family


The Journey to Becoming an Anti-Racist Family

Webinar Series Presented by Lewin Education and Consulting

Saturdays, January 16, 23, and 30, 10-11:30am

Learn why it’s important to talk about race and racism with kids, and how to do it. These conversations help build the foundation for raising compassionate children who embrace and value differences. The sessions in this series will build on each other, attending all three is highly recommended.

Here is a link to registration: https://1.kcls.org/AntiRacistFamily



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Tele Café Wednesday January 6 features folk duo Birgit and Philip Ages

Phil and Birgit Ages



JANUARY ZOOM TELE CAFÉ
Wednesdays 2:00-2:45pm
Mtg ID 859 8484 8513 password senior2021


Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 2pm EUROPEAN HOLIDAY 
with Folk Voice duo Birgit and Philip Ages

Tune in on ZOOM for a fun New Year Celebration with a favorite couple of the Senior Center, Birgit and Philip as they perform wonderful folk music from Continental Europe.

They will also be singing some classic favorites and a few numbers to sing along!



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Inslee extends eviction moratorium

Gov. Jay Inslee extends eviction moratorium
Gov. Jay Inslee formally issued an extension of the eviction moratorium, extending all existing provisions and making adjustments to provide additional support for landlords and property owners. 

Proclamation 20-19.5 extends state rental assistance programs to incorporate the newly approved federal funding for rental assistance. 

Furthermore, the stated goal of these rental assistance programs is modified to provide a path for landlords, property owners, and property managers to initiate an application for rental assistance. 

The proclamation also clarifies that landlords and property owners may communicate with tenants in support of their applications for rental assistance.

The eviction moratorium is extended through March 31, 2021.

Read the full proclamation here.



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Governor issues short extension of Stay Safe proclamation and restrictions

Gov. Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee announced a one-week extension of the "Stay Safe–Stay Healthy" proclamation, along with the statewide restrictions imposed. 

The extension of the statewide restrictions will now expire on January 11, 2021. No changes were made in the proclamation aside from the expiration date.

"Our consistent mission has been keeping Washingtonians safe and ensuring health care system and hospital capacity," Inslee said. 
"We understand the profound impact COVID is having on our healthcare system, families and businesses, but I am heartened by the number of Washingtonians who continue to do the right thing. 
"If we continue distancing from others, wearing facial coverings and avoiding social gatherings, we will make it to the other side of this pandemic together.”

An updated reopening plan is currently being developed to provide a pathway for businesses and workers impacted by this order to reopen safely. The updated plan will be released next week.

Read the full proclamation here.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Happy New Year

Thursday, December 31, 2020

 

And we are all hoping for a better year!



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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting January 4

Shoreline City Council 2020


January 4, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda Highlights
By Pam Cross

The following items are included in the Consent Calendar, authorizing the City Manager to:
  • Enter Into a Two-Year Contract with Sound Generations for 2021 and 2022 in the Amount of $191,416 to Provide Programs to Support Health and Social Services at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
  • Enter Into a Two-Year Contract with the Shoreline Historical Museum Contract for 2021 and 2022 in the Amount of $120,000 for Programs to Support Education and Understanding of the History of Shoreline
  • Enter Into a Two-Year Contract with the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council for 2021 and 2022 in the Amount of $120,000 to Provide Educational, Arts and Cultural Services
  • Execute a Two-Year Lease Agreement with the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services to Continue Operating the Two-Acre Off-Leash Dog Area at the Fircrest Campus Located at 1750 NE 150th Street
  • Approve an Amendment to the Conservation Futures Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with King County for Open Space Acquisition Projects
There are three discussion items:

Discussing the Light Rail Station Subareas Parking Study 2020 Update.

Highlights will be presented at the meeting. The data was collected prior to COVID-19 impacts.

Discussing the Arterial Speed Limit Study.

Recent shifts in research and practices urge local governments to utilize new speed limit setting methods that consider pedestrians, bicyclists, collision history and land use as significant and relevant factors. Based on this, six key arterial corridors have been analyzed for possible speed limit reductions.

Discussing Ordinance No. 914 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 15.05 Construction and Building Codes to Provide Amendments to the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Fire Code

The Shoreline Fire Department is seeking to expand fire sprinkler installation coverage to include all new single family and duplex projects constructed in the City as part of this update. This was discussed by the City Council on December 7, 2020. A significant majority of the remaining proposed local amendments are intended to maintain consistency of applicable Fire Code provisions among King County Zone One Fire Districts.



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Gas smell reported at courthouse elicits strong response from Shoreline Fire

Shoreline courthouse
Photo by Stephen H. Robinson

Shoreline Fire responded to report of gas smell at the Shoreline district courthouse. There is no gas on site at the courthouse, so it would have to be coming from surrounding properties.

Nothing was found so the report was turned over to PSE.



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