Seattle Police Officers who were in Washington D.C. Wednesday are under investigation

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Seattle Police
Chief Diaz
By Chief Adrian Diaz on January 8, 2021 9:25 pm

Today the Seattle Police Department was made aware that at least two of its officers were reportedly in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol were unlawful and resulted in the death of another police officer.

The incident has been forwarded to the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) for full review of any SPD employee activities at the U.S. Capitol.  

The OPA will investigate whether any SPD policies were violated and if any potential illegal activities need to be referred for criminal investigation.

If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I will immediately terminate them. While OPA investigates, these officers have been placed on administrative leave.



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Case updates January 7, 2021

Friday, January 8, 2021

Case updates January 7, 2021


United States
  • cases 21,539,398 - 279,401 new cases since yesterday
  • deaths 364,029 - 4,180 new deaths since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 268,607
  • hospitalizations 15,557 - incomplete
  • deaths 3,699

King county
  • cases 67,068 - 582 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4,375 - -2 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,138 - 6 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 16,837 - 180 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 1,037 - -2 since yesterday
  • deaths 292 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,701 - 11 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 163 - -2 since yesterday
  • deaths 81 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 217 - 4 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 18 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 4 - 0 since yesterday


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Ten new units at Jacob's Well in Shoreline allow ten families to move out of homelessness

Celebration of completion of new building
Photo courtesy Vision House


Jacob’s Well Building B in Shoreline was finished at the end of October 2020, enabling 10 new families to move out of homelessness and into their own homes!

Jacob's Well is part of Renton-based Vision House whose mission is to build housing for homeless families and provide them with skills and support to eventually move them to independence.

The first building broke ground in 2010. The first families moved into the 12 unit building in 2014. With the help of 3000 individuals, 200 businesses, 70 churches, 30 community groups, and 20 foundations, the building, community center, counseling offices, and certified child care center were completed debt-free.


The new building was built next to the original building
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The second building, which adds an additional 10 apartments, an expanded child care center for babies to age 5, and a community center, broke ground in 2018 and was finished in October 2020.

Each room or apartment was furnished by a different donor
Photo courtesy Vision House

Thirty-five generous donors adopted each of the 10 apartments by furnishing either a single room, or an entire apartment. Donors chose the beds, furniture, decorations and other personal touches to make the homes welcoming spaces for families to recover from the trauma of homelessness.

Photo courtesy Vision House

“The new apartments, community center, and childcare facility represent the investment of an incredibly caring community,” Vision House Executive Director Melissa Gehrig said. 
“Without the generosity and support of those involved, housing these 10 new families couldn’t have happened—especially in a pandemic.”



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Backyard Birds: Peek-a-boo through heavenly bamboo

 

Photo by Jo Simmons


Jo Simmons was happy to see an old friend return to her back yard. The varied thrush was peeking at her through the bamboo.




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Weekend lane closures on SR 522 for Sound Transit SR 522 Bus Rapid Transit Project work

Upcoming temporary lane closures for the Sound Transit SR 522 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project may affect driving over the next two weekends.

SR 522 between NE 153rd and NE 155th

Saturday, January 9:

A single-lane closure on eastbound SR 522 will occur between NE 153rd St and NE 155th St on Saturday, January 9, 2021, between the hours of 8:00am and 1:00pm, to clear utilities for upcoming geotechnical borings to be drilled to determine constructability of a Bus-Rapid Transit Project for Sound Transit.

SR 522 between NE 41st
and Brookside Blvd
Sunday, January 10:

A single-lane closure on eastbound SR 522 will occur between 41st Ave NE and Brookside Blvd NE on Sunday, January 10, 2021, between the hours of 8:00am and 2:00pm, to drill a geotechnical boring to determine constructability of a Bus-Rapid Transit Project for Sound Transit.

Saturday, January 16:

A single-lane closure on eastbound SR 522 will occur between NE 153rd St and NE 155th St on Saturday, January 16, 2021, between the hours of 8:00am and 1:00pm, to drill a geotechnical boring to determine constructability of a Bus-Rapid Transit Project for Sound Transit.

Sunday, January 17:

A single-lane closure on eastbound SR 522 will occur between NE 153rd St and NE 155th St on Sunday, January 17, 2021, between the hours of 8:00am and 2:00pm, to drill a geotechnical boring to determine constructability of a Bus-Rapid Transit Project for Sound Transit.

Correction: 41st Ave NE

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Shoreline Schools Supt. Rebecca Miner: Our Democracy, Our Values

Rebecca Miner, Superintendent
Shoreline Public Schools
Dear Shoreline Schools Families and Staff,

I have had a heavy heart since witnessing the terrible criminal acts and symbols of hate in our nation’s Capitol on Wednesday. 

Our nation was already deeply wounded by systemic racism and racial violence, social injustice, the pandemic and deep divides which feel insurmountable at times. 

Events this week have only increased the anger, sadness and fear that most of us were feeling. 

I draw hope, even in my sadness, that we have the power, will and desire to create a new future and I am grateful to serve in our public schools which I believe have the most influence and ability to do this. 

Our incredible educators are providing safe spaces for students to have appropriate conversations and process thoughts and emotions. 

Our staff go to work every day to teach our community’s children to be critical thinkers, to respect the human dignity of everyone they meet, to share the reality of our history, and to embrace our diversity in order to work toward the future we all desire. 

I hope you will join me in thanking them for that work.

I am also grateful to our students whose voices have been elevated to a level I have never seen before as they become leaders not just in our schools but also our community.

Their advocacy, experiences and passion inspire me. They push us forward and remind us every day why we do this work and why our work matters.

I hope you will join me in thanking them for their courage and their tireless fight for justice. 

Like our community, our district is diverse. I have always seen this as one of our greatest community assets. I appreciate discussions with others where we can learn from each other and grow by exchanging ideas and sharing our thinking. 

I hope in the coming days, when additional challenges may be presented, that we will all think about the individual ways that we can support others in our community, particularly our families and students of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the tragedies of this year.

In addition to support for others, I know that it is sometimes difficult to find the words to talk with children about these events. Below are some suggestions for talking to your children about this week’s violence.


Additionally, our mental health resources webpage has a number of resources and information to support you. These are times of unprecedented stress and uncertainty and I hope that you will reach out for yourself or your children if you need support.

In closing, I would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to providing each and every student with a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment. 

We continually strive to provide our students, staff and families with an inclusive school community that respects and embraces all identities, cultures, customs and religions.

If you do witness or hear about behavior that does not align with these principles, we hope that you will communicate that information to us. You can do this by:

In gratitude,

Rebecca Miner
Superintendent



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FBI seeking information from public

Do you see anyone you recognize?
 
The FBI is still seeking information to help identify individuals who actively instigated violence on January 6 in Washington, D.C. Visit http://ow.ly/skY550D3JL1 to see images from current cases, and submit tips to http://fbi.gov/USCapitol

13 individuals have already been charged with federal crimes. In addition, approximately 40 individuals have been arrested and charged in Superior Court with offenses including, but not limited to, unlawful entry, curfew violations, and firearms-related crimes.

The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and are being investigated jointly by the FBI; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Marshals Service; U.S. Capitol Police Department; and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.

The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.



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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting January 11, 2021 includes study items on feeding waterfowl and bond measure for parks

Shoreline City Council

The agenda for the January 11, 2021 Council meeting includes two study items:


8(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 910 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 8.12 to Expressly Prohibit Waterfowl Feeding in City Park Facilities

This ordinance would prohibit the feeding of waterfowl and be used primarily to support educational signage.


8(b) Discussing Ordinance No. 918 - Authorizing the Placement of a Ballot Measure on the 2021 April Special Election Ballot to Authorize a Property Tax Bond Measure for Park Improvements and Park Land Acquisition


The current parks and open spaces bond measure (approved by voters in 2006) is set to be retired in 2021 and will be removed from property tax bills in 2022.


Complete agenda here

Updated 1-9-21 to add links to staff documents.


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Roadmap to Recovery: entire state to remain in Phase 1 until at least January 18

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced that based on Governor Jay Inslee’s Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan released earlier this week, that all eight (8) regions in Washington will remain in Phase 1 until at least Monday, January 18, 2021.

As outlined in the Governor’s COVID-19 phased recovery plan, regions must meet each of the following four metrics in order to move into Phase 2:
  1. Decreasing trend of 10% or more in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100k population;
  2. Decreasing trend of 10% or more in two-week rate of new COVID-19 hospitalizations;
  3. Less than 90% Intensive Care Unit (ICU) occupancy; and,
  4. COVID-19 test positivity of less than 10%.

“When we look at the data from each one of the eight regions, we are seeing some positive trends. This is encouraging, and we are hopeful these trends will continue, and we will see regions begin to move into Phase 2 very soon,” said Deputy Secretary for COVID-19 Response Lacy Fehrenbach.

“We know that all people in Washington want to move forward as quickly as possible with respect to COVID-19. However, these metrics show that we are just not ready to do so now,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Washington’s Secretary of Health. 
“We have made progress but need to continue to work together to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 across our state.”

DOH will reassess all the metrics each week and announce any changes to current phase status every Friday. For more detailed information on where each of the eight regions falls with regards to the four metrics please visit the DOH website.



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Flowers in January

 

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


The mild winter is allowing flowers to flourish locally. Several people sent in photos of their flowers, particularly roses, after we published the last winter flower photo.

Go ahead and email your photos to Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com and we'll publish them!



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Julian Anderson steps down as president of LFP Stewardship Foundation

Julian Anderson steps down as President of the
Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation
Julian Andersen, who has served as Board President since November 2016, stepped down from leadership of the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation effective December 31, 2020. but will continue serving on the Board.

A retired college teacher and newspaper publisher, Julian has long been involved in protecting LFPs natural environment. 

Many recognize him as an eloquent speaker at City Council meetings, and a friendly face at our Farmer's Market and Green Fair booths. 

Julian was President during the intense and ultimately successful Campaign to Save Five Acre Woods.

In his resignation, Julian wrote:

"My years as president have been challenging and rewarding. I will always be thankful for the spirit and dedication of all the board members with whom I worked. It was an honor to be seen as a spokesperson for the Stewardship Foundation, in settings both formal and informal. 
"There are many opportunities for ongoing Stewardship Foundation activism. I look forward to playing a part in future activities and in supporting the new President."

The Foundation continues in good hands, as Kim Josund is serving as president for 2021.

As the annual meeting and Board elections have been rescheduled because of the pandemic, the board is planning a virtual event for the end of February (details to come) and then return to our regular cycle with a meeting in November 2021, hopefully in-person!




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Case updates January 6, 2021

Case updates January 6, 2021


United States
  • cases 21,259,997 - 299,904 new cases since yesterday
  • deaths 359,849 - 3,844 new deaths since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 264,012
  • hospitalizations 15,568
  • deaths 3,634

King county
  • cases 66,486 - 855 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4,377 - 37 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,132 - 15 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 16,657 - 306 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 1,039 - 3 since yesterday
  • deaths 291 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,690 - 25 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 165 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 81 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 213 - 1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 17 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 4 - 0 since yesterday



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Construction underway on Aurora for 300 unit apartment building

Site of former Drager's building south of 192nd Park n Ride on Aurora
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The pandemic put a lot of building projects on hold, but this one on Aurora is proceeding. It's at the site of the former Drager's building immediately south of the 192nd park n ride.

The project is s 7-story, 315-unit multifamily residential development with 289 parking stalls in an underground structured garage at 18815 Aurora Avenue N.

According to public records, the project purchase was finalized on December 12, 2019 for $9,500,000. 



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Lake Forest Park council schedules all day CoW meeting Saturday for residents to comment on Town Center Code and Design Guidelines Update

Lake Forest Park City Hall (closed)
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
City of Lake Forest Park

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SPECIAL MEETING
Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 9:00am

Meeting to be Held Virtually

Citizen Comments (Each speaker has three minutes to comment)
Click on the following link for information about how to provide oral Citizen Comments:
https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Virtual-Meetings-during-COVID-19
Because the City has implemented oral comments, written comments are no longer read under Citizen Comments.

Town Center Code and Design Guidelines Update – Review of Draft Regulations and Design Guidelines Pertaining to All Redevelopment

Documents are available on the meeting agenda here 

Instructions for participating in this meeting virtually:

When: Jan 9, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: Special Committee of the Whole - 1/9/2021

Link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/96849890958

Or iPhone one-tap :US: +12532158782,,96849890958# or +13462487799,,96849890958# Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US:+12532158782 or+13462487799 or+14086380968 or+16699006833
or+13017158592 or+13126266799 or+16468769923 Webinar ID: 968 4989 0958

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acLPwVJIpR



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King county libraries upgrade air systems for COVID safety for employees and patrons

Entrance to the exterior mechanical cage. Following the original mechanical design for the building, the condensing units are outside and the air handlers are located in the mechanical room above the main entrance to the building. Large refrigerant lines, controls lines, and electrical run in between the two space underground and along the building.


By Cynthia Flash

Even during the COVID-19 shutdown, King County Library System (KCLS) libraries in Shoreline, Kenmore, Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park have remained integral parts of many people’s lives as students and adults stuck at home continue to borrow books, music and movies.

Although KCLS libraries are closed to in-building use, employees continue to fill orders for patrons to pick up curbside. That means the buildings must be made as safe as possible for employees – and they must be prepared for when the public comes back in.

Condensing unit #1 for the library transfers conditioned refrigerant to the air handler in the mechanical room.


KCLS has upgraded the filters in their HVAC systems to a version that traps smaller air particles and droplets. In addition, the interior air is being replaced much more frequently throughout the day with fresh outside air. Each night the air in the buildings is also recirculated with outdoor air, said KCLS Facilities Management Director Greg Smith.
 
Even when buildings are unoccupied, Smith is able to monitor many of the library system’s buildings remotely to adjust the HVAC systems and keep track of discrepancies in the buildings if something is going wrong, or if the building is using too much energy.

“This has allowed us to be able to safely occupy our buildings. With filtration, flushing buildings and monitoring our buildings for proper temperature, we’ve been able to keep staff in the buildings,” he said.

HVAC contractor MacDonald-Miller worked with KCLS to make sure its libraries are safe for employees and patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Every evening we’re flushing buildings for eight hours with outside air and during the day we’re doing it as much as the system will allow us with outside air and being able to maintain temperature,” Smith said. “We could not replace the indoor air without the integrated control system that MacDonald-Miller helped us put together.” 

 

Air handler #1 for the library regulates temperature and air flow for the building. This is one of the new main units at Shoreline, manufactured by Trane.

MacDonald-Miller President Gus Simonds said that when bringing workers and eventually patrons back inside, the key consideration is safety. 

“The Centers for Disease Control has declared that COVID-19 is an airborne virus, meaning that those tasked with building safety must work even harder to protect people from this airborne illness when at work. They truly are the heroes of safely bringing people inside when they follow the research and guidelines from the CDC, the state, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,” Simonds said.
“As KCLS understands, HVAC systems can reduce the airborne concentration of COVID-19 inside, which reduces the virus load that individuals are exposed to as they work or conduct their business inside. By using best practices to bring in as much fresh air as possible, we can create just as safe an environment indoors as outdoors, as long as people continue to social distance and wear masks.”

 

This picture shows the shroud that was constructed to protect and hide the multiple refrigerant lines, controls lines and electrical that runs in-between the exterior mechanical cage and the mechanical room.

KCLS looks forward to opening its buildings to patrons when it is safe to do so. Along with upgrades to the HVAC systems, KCLS is installing plexiglass dividers to further protect everyone inside and will require social distancing, masks and other health protocols. 

“In addition to monitoring occupancy numbers and scheduling limited hours, we’ll close for a mid-day cleaning and air recirculation as well,” Smith said.


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Black Voices: Tell Us Our Stories on January 14



Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 4:00-6:00pm Black Voices: Tell Us Our Stories. 

Washington State Teacher of the Year Brooke Brown will discuss Ethnic Studies in schools.

Ms. Brown has taught Ethnic Studies at Washington High School for 14 years and is a powerful voice for equity. She worked to bring Ethnic Studies to her school and district and serves on the OSPI Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee which will create the framework the state will adopt for Ethnic Studies implementation statewide.


This event is presented in partnership with the Shoreline Education Association and Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.


Video Recording: Black Voices Presents Black Minds Matter

A recording of December 14’s Black Voices: Black Minds Matter webinar is now available online. The event featured Dr. Derek McNeil and Heather Casimere, M.A. discussing Black mental health and trauma. 



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College offers training for job as a Certified Flagger

Are you looking for a career change or an opportunity to earn additional income? 

Earn a Washington State Flagger Certification card after completion of a one-day class offered by Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College! 

You'll receive the Traffic Control Flagger Certification Handbook and complete an open-book test. State Flagger Certification is valid for 3 years in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

Individuals receiving Basic Food Assistance (SNAP) Benefits from DSHS may be eligible for funding assistance with tuition and class materials. Learn more here.

Fee: $85
Dates: Friday, January 29, 2021 or Friday, February 26, 2021
Time: 8am - 4:00pm
Location: Room 1508 on the Shoreline Community College campus

Please note that all students must participate in a temperature screening, wear a mask, and adhere to social distancing protocols to attend this on-campus training. Information regarding these protocols will be sent to all registered students prior to the start of class.

Click here to view the full details for this course and register today! Questions? Please email continuing-ed@shoreline.edu



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting January 4, 2021

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
January 4, 2021

Notes by Pam Cross

The meeting was held remotely on Zoom.

Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. 

All Councilmembers were present.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

A reminder that the statewide restrictions remain in effect through January 11, 2021.

  • Outdoor Sports
    • The City worked for several weeks trying to get mask-wearing compliance by adding increased signage and communicating directly with users of the pickle ball and tennis courts.
    • Because users did not follow the mask-wearing requirement, Shoreline has reluctantly locked the facilities.
  • A look at the King County case trends shows the importance of working together as a community to bring these numbers down.


    • Shoreline trends follow the same pattern as King County.
    • The King County average over the past 14 days was 279 new cases per 100,000 residents. Remember that the target is 25 per 100,000. Hospitalizations continue to increase and hospitals are at 86% of capacity. Some have stopped performing non-emergency procedures. 
  • Please continue to protect our community by taking the following prevention measures:
    • Wear a face covering, especially indoors in public settings regardless of the distance between people.
    • Wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
    • Maintain six (6) feet of distance, indoors and outdoors.
    • Gather ONLY outdoors with a limit of five (5) people.
    • Get tested at the first sign of illness. And then stay home! Do not go to work or to stores if you’re not feeling well.
    • Additional information  shorelinewa.gov/covid
Public Reminders
  • The Planning Commission meeting for Jan 7 was cancelled.
  • The Hearing Examiner will hold an appeal hearing on Friday Jan 8 at 9:30am. The public may observe or listen, however only the appellant, City, and witnesses may participate. This Appeal Hearing is for SNAPPS (Shoreline Neighbors for Appropriate Placement of Shelters)
  • More information at shorelinewa.gov/calendar
Council Reports
  • None
  • Mayor Hall has agreed to requests from Councilmembers McGlashan and McConnell to trade positions on the SeaShore Transportation Forum for 2021: CM McGlashan will be the designated member and CM McConnell will be the designated alternate.
  • The Mayor also asked to hear from Councilmembers who would like to review the applications and conduct interviews for potential openings on the Parks Board.
Public Comment 
  • Jackie Kurle, Shoreline, spoke about safety measures protecting the neighborhood adjacent to the new enhanced shelter and requested more frequent monitoring at the beginning of its operation.
Approval of the Agenda 
  • Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.
Approval of the Consent Calendar
  • Consent Calendar approved unanimously by roll call vote. 
Study Items:

8(a) Discussing the Light Rail Station Subareas Parking Study 2020 Update.
Kendra Dedinsky, City Traffic Engineer, made the presentation

We last discussed this in October 2019. The purpose of the study is to prepare for increased parking demand due to light rail stations and increased density within the light rail subareas. 

The first study set the groundwork by looking at the on-street parking capacity and utilization, then made on-street parking demand projections. Near-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies to manage parking demand were recommended.


The data was collected prior to COVID-19 impact. Complete details are available in the staff report.




RPZ (Restricted Parking Zones) are created to help ease parking congestion in residential areas

Near-Term Recommendations (2021-2025)
  • We will continue to collect parking data and work with Sound Transit on mitigation as the stations open. We will consider updating the Transportation Master Plan policies around parking specific to land use context. We will also start looking at grouping subarea parking utilization into smaller analysis zones. That way high demand zones can be addressed as they develop.
Mid-Term Recommendations (2026-2031)
  • Plans are to evaluate the need for special use zones, establish basic real time parking information technology, and perform feasibility analysis of metered parking in key locations.
Long-Term Recommendations (2032+)
  • At this point we may implement metered parking in key locations. We will expand real time parking information and technology, and continue to build upon and refine existing parking management strategies and resources.
DISCUSSION

Is the study done over a time period or is it just a single snapshot?
  • Reply: we do it over a period of days in the first quarter and at two different time periods 

We’ve seen a lot of growth in the 185th area. Was there a change in street parking? It will be interesting to see what impact will come from commuter or park & ride traffic as opposed to townhouses/apartments.
  • Reply: We are collecting the data so we can identify the impacts you mention. The larger apartment buildings generally make a bigger impact than townhomes, but we have to see what happens with the larger townhome project going in on 185th.

We are under constant pressure to reduce parking requirements. Will any data collected here help us with those decisions?
  • Reply: All departments are working together to address that type of question. But during COVID restrictions, it is very difficult to organize people and to cover this amount of material in a video meeting. One suggestion has been unbundling the charge for parking (parking fee charged separately from rent).
Kirkland recently bundled parking for the same reason we did - to keep people from parking on the street to avoid the parking fee. We’ll have to see how things develop in Kirkland.

In Shoreline we had one large apartment building unbundle parking and as a result there was very little street parking available in this largely residential neighborhood. Unbundling would have to be very carefully addressed. We can’t say that only owners of single family homes can park on a public street. Right now most people in Shoreline own cars. On the other hand, some don’t own cars and forcing them to pay for a parking space seems unfair too. This is a difficult issue to address.

Thanks for the update and close monitoring so we can stay ahead of future parking problems.

8(b) Discussing the Arterial Speed Limit Study. 

The complete study is available as an attachment to the meeting agenda.

Kendra Dedinsky, City Traffic Engineer made the presentation and introduced 
Brian Chandler, Transportation Engineer, and National Director of Transportation Safety for DKS, a consultant hired for this study. He will be available to answer any questions.

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.

The Target Zero plan represents a bold vision: zero deaths and serious injuries on Washington’s roadways by 2030. It is more important now than ever. Data show that Shoreline’s traffic fatality and serious injury trend is going in the wrong direction.



Sensitive speed limit setting can reduce serious and fatal injury collisions. In the past, speed limits were set using the 85th percentile speed - that is, the speed 85% of the vehicles were traveling at or below. New methods consider traffic volume, crash history, adjacent land use, and history of resident requests to study the speed limit. This was last done in 2007.

Based on this, six key arterial corridors have been analyzed for possible speed limit reductions.
Corridor selection guiding factors were that it have an existing speed limit of 35 mph, and that it not be a State Route. A State Route requires a lot of coordination and significant process with Washington State and their speed limit guidelines are currently being updated.

1. Greenwood Ave N, from N 145th St to N 160th St.
2. Meridian Ave N, from N 145th St to NE 205th St.
3. NW Richmond Beach Rd, from Fremont Ave N to 3rd Ave NW.
4. 15th Ave NE, from NE 180th St to NE 196th St.

The first 4 corridors were selected by the City.

5. N 175th St, from Aurora Ave N to 15th Ave NE.
  • Highest crash rate of all corridors studied. The upcoming capital project could be a good opportunity to readdress the posted speed limit.
6. 15th Ave NE, from NE 145th St to NE 175th St.
  • High collision frequency and crash rate. Planned rezoning provides an opportunity to reassess the posted speed limit.


NCHRP is the National Cooperative Highway Research Program

This is the tool selected by the City. Based on inputs, it is recommended that the 35 mph limit be reduced to 30 mph with 15th Ave NE, from NE 180th St to NE 196th St. to remain unchanged.

There are other streets that will be studied in the future.

DISCUSSION  

I’m in favor of reducing the speed limits. Why wouldn’t we include 15th north of 180th? There will be more pedestrian traffic as we proceed with light rail. Speeding on this route is already noticeable. 
  • Reply: The analysis recommended no change but we can take another look before our next meeting with Council.
  • Reply Brian Chandler: This new NCHRP tool still starts with the existing speeds but also incorporates the long list of additional inputs (shown above). Actually, if we just used existing speeds, the 85th percentile is 39 mph. So we have used the additional inputs to get to 35 mph as it is currently posted. But again, they will take another look.
When we rechanneled Richmond Beach Road, we found that people were driving 42 mph when the posted speed limit was 35. Now it has been reduced to 30 and people are traveling 37- 38. People appear to choose the speed they want to travel. Where’s the data that shows that a speed limit change actually reduces speeds? Since we only pull over an occasional driver, are we really accomplishing anything? 
  • Reply: That is one of the reasons we still use the operating speed when we do these studies. Some of the roadways have seen pretty significant land use or other changes that suggest a lower speed is fitting. Seattle has seen general speed come down as they have lowered their speed limits across the board. Just changing a sign might change some people’s behavior.
  • Brian: I agree that posting a sign doesn’t change speed. But by tweaking a little bit (5-10 mph) we do see speeds reduce. The latest look at Richmond Beach Road shows an 85th percentile speed of 34 but on average, people are driving lower than 30. 

We should keep our arterials consistent (at 30) - so drivers know what to expect especially if they’re not familiar with the area. I would like to see 15th consistent as well (rather than not reducing the limit on one end).
  • Reply: thank you. That’s useful information and consistency makes a lot of sense, especially along a single roadway.
A 5mph difference in speed makes a significant difference to a person involved in an accident. It can reduce recovery time or even be life saving.

Lower speeds reduce fatalities but nobody wants to drive 5mph everywhere. Speeds need to be a balance. Where do mobility and economy come into the decision making process?
  • Reply: They are not directly factored in the tool itself. But we do look at what difference in total time results from a lowered speed limit. Most time is spent at traffic signals and we need to work to coordinate the signals to smooth out the flow of traffic.
  • Brian: right now since we don’t leave our houses there is much less risk. We can all stay home all of the time and there won’t be any accidents. (Laughing). As a society we are willing to take movement as a risk. To balance mobility and safety we look at speed and safe vehicles. But, trade offs are made. A truly “safe” vehicle would be unaffordable. We don’t talk much about the cost of traffic crashes to the individual, their family, their business, or society as a whole.

We understand that, but it doesn’t appear that mobility and economy are built into the model. They all have to do with traffic safety and crashes.
  • Brian: We are talking about the difference between 30 and 35mph - not 60 and 80. There is a negligible effect on actual travel time and economic impact in the real world at these lower limits. 
  • Reply: we can provide some examples and try to quantify some of those trade-offs. 
You provide us with the safety data and is it up to us to apply the economic impact to that safety data, correct?
  • Reply: yes, that’s accurate. Every tool starts with the current operating speed. Then we incorporate different factors and we come up with a suggested speed limit based on speed, drivers, other research, pedestrians, bikers, and other drivers. Freeways don’t have to consider pedestrians and people on bicycles. We are recognizing the differences between freeways and urban areas that need to have a stronger emphasis on safety.

8(c) 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 presentation was made by
Ray Allshouse, Building Official and 
Derek LaFontaine, Fire Marshal

Under the current provisions of Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 15.05, the updated Washington State Building Code is effective in the City by reference upon approval by the Washington State Building Code Council (WASBCC) through their rulemaking authority.

The Shoreline Fire Department (King County Fire Protection District #4) 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 code update. This was discussed with the City Council on December 7, 2020. 

A significant majority of the proposed local amendments are intended to maintain consistency of applicable Fire Code provisions among King County Zone One Fire Districts.


Emergency Responder radio coverage is important and Zone 1 Fire Marshals are working closely with King County as we go through a change out of radios. 

We want to make sure that the policies and requirements are consistent. These radios need to work within buildings to protect the firefighters and get the fire under control. The system is not cheap. 

We also need to make sure the fire flow is available because minutes count. (Fire flow is the quantity of water available for fire-protection in excess of the required for other purposes.) 

This is why sprinklers are such an important element in new building construction. Private hydrants have to be available and working where public hydrants do not exist. Protection of fire lanes not only make access easier for fire trucks but also for aid cars. 80% of fire department calls are medical aid calls.

DISCUSSION

The cost of new sprinkler systems has come down. And it makes sense for a new single family home. But would this amendment apply to an ADU (accessory dwelling unit)? Would it still make good economic sense for a smaller building?
  • Reply: If the ADU is part of an existing dwelling, it does not have to be sprinklered. So this is an alternative if they are cost conscious. 

I would like to hear from the Master Builders Association. You have done a good job of answering their concerns but I would like to give them the opportunity to explain their objections.
  • Reply: I think because we don’t have a lot of new subdivisions the Master Builders Association has expressed their opinion by letter rather than in person or by phone-in to a Zoom meeting. We’re at an impasse. We are hearing the same objections they’ve had the entire time. Yes, there are added costs but the systems have become more affordable. And we have lightened up our demand on additions. Current codes consider an addition of 500sf makes the structure a brand new home per the fire code. If you don’t meet fire flow, you would have to retroactively sprinkler your entire house. We don’t want to require anybody to retroactively sprinkler a home. 

When we talk about economics, affordable housing (multi-family) is required to be sprinklered. Those people pay more in rent because the cost of construction includes the cost of the sprinklers. Why then should we be exempting our wealthier residents from the cost of sprinklers if we consider it an important safety measure?

The letter from the Master Builders Association addresses several issues, but it does not address people with mobility issues, especially if the fire is in the room you are occupying. 
A smoke detector can alert you to a fire, but it cannot remove you from the room. So maybe ADU’s should not be exempt from sprinkler requirements.

New rules call for parking 3’ from a fire hydrant instead of 15’. Why is this change being made?
  • Reply: we need three feet in all directions to spin the hydrant wrench. Actually the 15’ code also refers to the 3’ code and it’s contradictory so we are trying to align the two codes.

This will come back on the Consent Calendar January 25, 2021.

Meeting adjourned.



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Gloria's Birds: Womantic Wigeons...

Thursday, January 7, 2021

 

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler



What you see is what you get with American Wigeons; they are monogamous, at least through the breeding season.

--Gloria Z Nagler


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Bill Ray and Suze Woolf featured artists at ShoreLake Arts Gallery



Bill Ray and Suze Woolf

Open Now - February 20, 2021

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is exhibiting a selection of works by Photographer Bill Ray and Watercolor Artist Suze Woolf. See these works and the creations of over 90 other local artists during gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday, Noon to 5pm. 

Thank you for shopping small and supporting the arts in our community!

Milky Way by Bill Ray
  
Bill Ray

Artist Bio

Bill is an award winning photographer and instructor whose photos have been in juried art shows like the Edmonds Arts Festival and Schack Art Center Everett. He is a lifelong photographer, starting with the Ansel Adams Zone System as a teenager. 

An early Photoshop user from scanned film, he switched to full digital in 2006, delighted to find his arts avocation had converged with his computer engineering profession. He is an active member of ArtistsConnect Edmonds, Puget Sound Camera Club and Seattle Photographic Society.

Artist Statement

I first became passionate about photography doing black and white darkroom work as a teenager, trying to make my pictures look like those of Ansel Adams after taking mine from “above his tripod holes.” Later, the great color nature photographers like Robert Ketchum, Elliot Porter, and Art Wolfe provided inspiration, plus Henri Cartier-Bresson for capturing the decisive moment.

Our eyes generally see more than a photo can display. We can concentrate on part of a scene while staying aware of the totality, then instantly shift focus. The eye can handle a wider range of light and dark in one glance than a camera. I love those times when a photo rises above the technical challenges to capture the beautiful miracle of our world -- plus the times when the camera sees glories beyond our eyes, like the 200 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy.

I believe there are deep spiritual reasons why natural beauty stimulates the pleasure circuits hard-wired into our brains. It’s a clue there must be reasons why the Universe exists at all. It reminds us that “dominion over” means to be responsible stewards of the planet. My intent is to refresh a sense of connection beyond humanity’s increasingly urbanized human-centered worldview.

Website: www.bill-ray-images.pixels.com

Bathtub Lakes by Suze Woolf

Suze Woolf

Artist Bio

Suze Woolf studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Washington. An early adopter of computer graphics, her career has included print and interface design. Though known as a watercolorist, she explores a wide range of media from painting, paper-casting, artist books and pyrography to installation – sometimes all together.

She has exhibited throughout the Pacific Northwest but also in Utah, British Columbia, Maryland, California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Washington DC. Her work is in regional public collections as well as many private ones. She has curated a large travelling exhibit, juried competitions for municipalities and artist organizations, and contributed work to non-profit fundraising.

She has received grants, stipends and exhibits from Artist Trust, Shunpike, The Entrada Institute, Zion Natural History Association, the Museum of Northwest Art and the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. She has been an artist in residence in Zion, Glacier, Capitol Reef and North Cascades National Parks. 

She was a test artist resident at the Grand Canyon Trust’s remote Kane Ranch. 2019 will be her seventh year in Zion’s annual plein air invitational. She has also been an invited resident at art colonies such as the Banff Centre, the Vermont Studio Center, Willowtail Springs, Jentel Foundation and Playa Summer Lake.

Artist Statement - Western Landscapes

Wallace Stegner originally called the national parks our best idea: “National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” I’ve spent a lot of time all over the West exploring their landscapes. Besides my sheer joy at being in the midst of such visual feasts, the way I learn a place is by painting it. 

I’ve been Artist-in-Residence in a number of parks: North Cascades, Glacier, Zion, Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef. I’ve also been an art colony resident in Banff, AB (between three Canadian national parks), at Willowtail Springs, CO (next to Mesa Verde), the Vermont Studio Center, the Jentel Foundation in Wyoming and Playa Summer Lake in Oregon. Each time I fall in love with a new landscape. But close observation also makes me aware of the many issues facing those lands. My joy in their beauty becomes a goad to serious work about the threats to them.

Website: www.suzewoolf-fineart.com


Want to browse local art online? The Gallery Online Shop is open for business! The virtual shop includes handmade masks, paintings, sculptures, and more. Thanks for supporting our local artists!

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is a program of ShoreLake Arts and is located inside the Lake Forest Park Town Center on the lower level. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

ShoreLake Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts. Established in 1989



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Case updates January 5, 2021

Case updates January 5, 2021


United States
  • cases 20,960,096 - 227,692 new cases since yesterday
  • deaths 356,005 - 3,541 new deaths since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 260,752
  • hospitalizations 15,415
  • deaths 3,605

King county
  • cases 65,631 - 487 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4,340 - 13 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,117 - 7 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 16,351 - 147 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 1,036 - 7 since yesterday
  • deaths 290 - 1 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,665 - 12 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 165 - 3 since yesterday
  • deaths 81 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 212 - 1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 17 - -1 since yesterday
  • deaths 4 - 0 since yesterday



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Open new doors for your child with a French bilingual education at the North Seattle French School


North Seattle French School is a French Immersion and bilingual preschool and K-5 elementary school located in Shoreline, within the Shoreline Center.

Our curriculum is based on the internationally recognized program created by the French Ministry of Education, while also incorporating the best of U.S. teaching styles. We emphasize project-based learning, creative thinking, problem solving, and social-emotional learning.
 
No French knowledge is necessary for students entering preschool or kindergarten.

Join us on Zoom to learn more about our programs:

Friday, January 15th, 12:30pm to 1:30pm Coffee Talk – Inside the Kindergarten classroom.

Join us for an informal discussion during lunch break to talk with current families and the director of the curriculum. RSVP here!

Friday, January 29th, 12:30pm to 1:30pm Coffee Talk – Inside the Preschool – Pre-K classroom.

Join us for an informal discussion during lunch break to talk with current families and the preschool teacher. RSVP here!

Questions? Contact Aurelie: admissions@northseattlefrenchschool.com


North Seattle French School www.northseattlefrenchschool.com - Our mission is to cultivate a community of globally-minded independent thinkers through bilingual education.

For the latest photos, vidoes, and news from NSFS check out our Instagram and Facebook page.


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Safeway sponsors styrofoam block recycling Sunday at LFP Town Center


Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 9am – 1pm
Lake Forest Park, WA Styrofoam Recycling Event
17425 Ballinger Way NE. Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Styrofoam got you down? We got you covered!

Join us Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 9am to 1pm for our Styrofoam Recycling Event at the Lake Forest Park City Hall Parking Lot, located at 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

Bring in your clean, dry and empty styrofoam, free of tape or any labels, and we'll dispose of it for FREE right in our parking lot! We'll see you there!

To keep everyone safe, please wear a mask, stay in your vehicle, and do not attend the event if you or anyone in your home show symptoms of COVID.

Unsure if your Styrofoam will be accepted? 
  • Look for the #6 or EPS symbol on the packaging
  • No packing peanuts, cups, food trays, plastic wrap and other plastics or recyclables will be accepted.
  • Restricted to residential quantities


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State DOH releases details of plan for next phase of vaccinations but stresses that we are not there yet

This graphic shows the groups and the timeline for phase 1B.


Wednesday the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released guidance for the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination. This phase 1B is broken up into four separate tiers.

The DOH stresses that we are not moving into phase 1B right now. Our state is still in phase 1A of vaccinations, and will continue to be for the next few weeks. 

They hope that the release of phase 1B guidance will help facilities, counties and individuals plan for the months ahead. 

Once they are ready to start phase 1B, they will let our communities know how and where to get vaccine.

Decisions are based on partnership with Gov. Inslee and feedback from focus groups, interviews, and surveys over the past few months.

“Vaccine prioritization decisions are complex, but based in a need for equitable distribution,” says Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah. “Our priority has been to get the vaccine to high-priority people first.”


Broadly, groups eligible for vaccination in phase 1B include:

Phase 1B1 - (Tier 1)
  • All people 70 years and older
  • People 50 years and older who live in multigenerational households

Phase 1B2 - (Tier 2)
  • High risk critical workers 50 years and older who work in certain congregate settings: Agriculture; food processing; grocery stores; K-12 (teachers and school staff); childcare; corrections, prisons, jails or detention facilities (staff); public transit; fire; law enforcement

Phase 1B3 - (Tier 3)
  • People 16 years or older with two or more co-morbidities or underlying conditions

Phase 1B4 - (Tier 4)
  • High-risk critical workers in certain congregate settings under 50 years
  • People, staff and volunteers all ages in congregate living settings:
  • Correctional facilities; group homes for people with disabilities; people experiencing homelessness that live in or access services in congregate settings


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