Shorewood fundraiser: Fill the truck includes broken electronics, small furniture, and worn textiles

Friday, January 15, 2021


Saturday, January 16th from 9 am - 12 pm

SHOREWOOD FUNDRAISER


There will be a Goodwill Drop Off site at the Shorewood High School parking lot, 17300 Fremont Ave N, in front of the school, to benefit the Shorewood senior class.

You don’t even have to get out of the car! Student volunteers will be on hand to help unload your items. Everyone will be masked, 6 feet apart and have gloves on.

Donation guidelines:
  • Clothing or any textiles (including well-worn items which can be repurposed)
  • Books, Toys, Small home appliances, Sports equipment
  • Electronics - Broken can be turned in for recycling!
  • Furniture (small, no larger than an end table) will be accepted
Clear out your closets and do good for the kids!



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline

City of Shoreline
Wastewater Utility Maintenance Worker II

CLOSING DATE: open until filled

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which embraces diversity, encourages participation, and promotes equity.

This job is union represented and it will remain open until filled.

Job offer to the most successful candidate is contingent upon verification of driving history and a successful passing of a criminal background check.

DEFINITION
To perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties in the maintenance, repair, installation, inspection and construction of wastewater collection facilities, including sewage lift (pump) stations, grinder pumps, pressure and gravity-flow pipelines, manholes, emergency power generators, buildings, grounds and light vehicle maintenance; to assure the safety of vehicle and pedestrian traffic; to utilize the City’s asset management system; and to operate a variety of heavy and light vehicles, specialized equipment, hand and power tools.

Job description and application


City of Shoreline
Extra Help - Grounds Maintenance Seasonal Laborer

CLOSING DATE: 02/14/21  |  First review February 1st

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which embraces diversity, encourages participation, and promotes equity.

Six 40-hr per week seasonal positions in the Public Works Grounds Maintenance Division available.

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing State/Federal pre-employment background checks.

DEFINITION

This is a seasonal 40-hour per week position.  The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday with an occasional evening or weekend assignment. Schedule details will be worked out with selected applicant.  Seasonal Laborers may work up to six months (1040 hours) during the vegetation growing season performing landscape maintenance for parks, streets and surface water facilities beginning March through September.  Work is completed in all weather conditions.

This position performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and repair duties under the supervisory direction of the  Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Senior Grounds Maintenance Worker, or other full-time maintenance staff.





Read more...

Tree danger averted with quick action by City of Shoreline

 

Photo by Seattle Poppy

The windstorm was particularly hard on Northcrest Park in the Ridgecrest neighborhood. However, the City of Shoreline got to it quickly, removing the fallen and falling trees.

It's still a good idea to be aware of the trees and branches above you, after a big windstorm. 

Let the City know if you see any leaning trees or handing branches in City parks. Customer Response Team has a 24/7 phone number 206-801-2700.

You can also use the See- Click - Fix app on your phone.


Read more...

Local residents named to Dean's List at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University
The following local residents have earned placement on the Gonzaga University Dean's List for fall semester 2020. 

Students must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade-point average to be listed.

Gonzaga University is a humanistic, private Catholic University providing a Jesuit education to more than 7,500 students. 

Situated along the Spokane River near downtown Spokane, Wash., Gonzaga is routinely recognized among the West's best comprehensive regional universities. 

Gonzaga offers 75 fields of study, 23 master's degrees, four doctoral degrees in one college and six schools.


HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME

Lake Forest Park, WA
 

Drew Caley
Rachel Giroux
Jaxon Muzzy
Garrison Pinkley
Andrew Thompson
Lillian Visser
Kate Wiper

Seattle, WA 
 
Collin Cramer
Andrew Ray
Theadora Skokan

Shoreline, WA 
 
Lauren Adams
William Anderton
Stella Beemer
Brendan Dapper
Chloe Giles
Isabella Haupt
Hailey Hubbard
Bella Mertel
Korrina Murphy
Annika Nye
Eleanor Reid



Read more...

Jobs: Communication Supervisor, Traffic and Emergency Operation

WSDOT
Communication Supervisor, Traffic and Emergency Operations

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Communications Supervisor to lead develop and implement strategic communications for maintenance, operations, traffic, Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), incident/emergency response and social media for the Northwest Region. 

This position leads day-to-day communications efforts as well as create and lead forward looking, multi-year communications and community engagement plans for high-profile/high-impact projects and programs. This position will innovate and pioneer communications efforts to meet the business needs of the agency and the needs of the public, and to make sure all Public Information Officers (PIOs) are trained and able to respond to an emergency.

Job description and application



Read more...

Shoreline Planning Commission to discuss housing options in the "missing middle" Jan 21



Top Row: Laura Mork, Janelle Callahan, Andy Galuska, 
Middle Row: Julius Rwamashongye, Mei-shiou Lin, Jack Malek, 
Bottom Row: Pam Sager


Planning Commission Regular Meeting 
Thursday, January 21, 2021 7 - 10pm

Click Here to Watch Online Live Streaming Video of the Meeting

Call into the Live Meeting: (253) 215-8782 (Webinar ID: 970 0737 3625)

Click Here to Sign-Up to Provide Oral Comment at the Meeting via Calling-In

Click Here to Submit Written Public Comment

Agenda Highlights: Housing Action Plan

The 2020 Planning and Community Development work plan included a Housing Choices Project to expand the types of housing in Shoreline by exploring the “missing middle” suite of options including cottages, tiny houses, vacation rentals and accessory dwelling units.



Read more...

City of Seattle approved as vaccine distributor; Seattle Fire mobile teams begin vaccinations at adult family homes in Seattle

Seattle Fire teams began vaccinations in 
adult family homes on Thursday
Photo courtesy Seattle Fire

Information from the City of Seattle Mayor’s Office

On January 9, 2021, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) approved the City of Seattle to serve as a vaccine distributor, meaning the City is eligible to receive weekly shipments of vaccine from DOH and can administer vaccine to Seattle residents and workers.

Following this approval, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has launched two mobile vaccination teams to vaccinate nearly 1,000 residents and staff at Adult Family Homes (AFHs) within the next two weeks.

Mayor Jenny Durkan said “Even as more of us begin to get vaccinated, we’ll need to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following all public health guidance.”

The City will distribute the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and will request vaccine allocations from DOH weekly.

The Seattle Fire Department’s mobile vaccination teams have a goal of vaccinating nearly 1,000 residents and staff at Adult Family Homes (AFHs) within the next two weeks. SFD will begin vaccinating AFHs Thursday, January 14, 2021.

The mobile vaccination teams will vaccinate AFHs not served by the federal government’s partnership with CVS/Walgreens, and locations were identified in partnership with Public Health – Seattle and King County.

One of the Seattle Fire vaccinations teams
Photo courtesy Seattle Fire

Based on vaccine supply, the SFD teams expect to vaccinate every AFH in Seattle not served by the federal program by January 24, 2021, with the second dose provided at each home by February 21, 2021.

SFD will vaccinate both residents and workers at each AFH. AFHs serve both older adults and people with disabilities.

The State Department of Health – based in part on national best practices – determines who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, and when they are eligible. Currently, Washington is in phases A1 and A2 of the vaccination effort, in which high-risk workers in health care settings, high-risk first responders, and long-term care facility residents are eligible to get the vaccine.

Later in January, Washington will begin phase B1, in which all people over 70 years old and people over 50 years old who live in multi-generational households (households that include more than one generation) are eligible to get vaccinated.

This is part of a nationwide program to allow big cities to be distribution centers.




Read more...

Case updates January 13, 2021

Case updates January 13, 2021


United States
  • cases 22,965,957 - 225,815 new cases since yesterday
  • deaths 383,351 - 4,096 new deaths since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 283,777 - 2,575 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 16,074 - -6 since yesterday
  • deaths 3,876 - 38 since yesterday

King county
  • cases 70,574 - 453 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 4,495 - 1 since yesterday
  • deaths 1,165 - 14 since yesterday

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 17,640 - 145 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 1,064 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 295 - 2 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,763 -7 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 168 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 81 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 228 - 0 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 17 - -1 since yesterday
  • deaths 4 - 0 since yesterday


Read more...

U Haul fire destroys all owner's belongings

Thursday, January 14, 2021

The contents of the UHaul were totally destroyed
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
Shoreline Fire responded quickly on Thursday, January 14, 2021, just before noon to extinguish a fully involved UHaul Fire at the 18300 block of Aurora. 

There were no injuries.

However, the box of the former uhaul was a total loss of all contents. 

The Red Cross assisted the owner as all her belongings were inside.



Read more...

Seattle Fire responds to two-vehicle crash on Stone near N 145th; extricates one

All firefighters train on how to extricate patients safely from vehicles.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline residents wondered when N 145th St west of Wallingford was blocked by emergency vehicles and flashing lights.

At 7:30pm on Thursday, January 14, 2021, Seattle Fire reported that crews were responding to reports of a two vehicle collision near 14300 block of Stone Ave N.

A few minutes later they reported that crews were working to safely extricate one occupant from their vehicle.

Within ten minutes the patient was safely extricated. Both drivers were evaluated at the scene and transported to a hospital for further medical care.



Read more...

Shoreline Fire was very very busy during the windstorm

Shoreline Fire Truck
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Besides the very dramatic video of the boiling trees (See WeatherWatcher article) Shoreline Fire crews were busy all night during the wind and rainstorm on January 12-13, 2021. 

Here was their call log for the night:

911 calls started at:

11:56pm - trees down with wires on a car.  
11:59 - tree into power lines. 
12:01 - two separate calls of a tree into a house with lives wires on one of the houses. 
12:02 - tree into a house.  
12:06 - metal cabana into power lines. 
12:08 - Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) due to tripped system. 
12:08 - tree into a house. 
12:33 - an electrical box under water 
12:56 - aid call (not related to storm)
01:11 - aid call (not related to storm)
01:49 - aid call (not related to storm)
02:07 - transformer fire w/live wires on a fence
03:39 - AFA
05:09 - aid call (not related to storm)
05:58 - large tree in roadway on power lines
06:56 - large tree into roadway 
07:18 - tree into roadway 

Thank goodness there were not any injuries!  
We are so glad to have some much needed nice weather after that night!


Read more...

Seattle City Light still working to restore power across system; 11 still without power locally

772 households without power

 
Seattle City Light has restored power to thousands of households. 772 remain as of 10:30pm Thursday, January 14, 2021.

      11 households without power locally


Locally, we were down to 11 households. In the last 15 minutes, Lake Forest Park came fully online.



Read more...

The storm brought water as well as wind

Photo by Phyllis Johnson

Heavy rains filled the creek along 35th in Lake Forest Park, enough to create a mini rapid, and left a temporary pond in the old apple orchard.

Photo by Phyllis Johnson


A new pond in the old apple orchard in Lake Forest Park, following Wednesday early morning storm.



Read more...

Northshore Fire Department approves merger resolution; measure on April 27 Special Election Ballot

Northshore Fire Station in Kenmore
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The Board of Fire Commissioners for the Northshore Fire Department approved a resolution asking voters to approve merging with Woodinville Fire and Rescue. 

The measure will be on the April 27, 2021 Special Election ballot for voters in Northshore's service area. The purpose of merging is to improve service for residents and provide cost-efficiencies for taxpayers.

"Many fire districts in King and Snohomish counties are merging or have merged to be more efficient," said David Maehren, who chairs the Northshore Board of Fire Commissioners. 
"We have a real opportunity to improve service and save money for taxpayers by making our existing partnership with Woodinville Fire and Rescue permanent with this merger."

The Northshore Fire Department and Woodinville Fire and Rescue are similar in size and fund emergency services with a fire levy and fire benefit charge.

The agencies share training programs for emergency personnel, administrative positions (fire chief, deputy chief, and a chief administrative officer) and joint departments, including finance, human resources, and IT. A merger would make these administrative efficiencies permanent.

Northshore Fire Station in Lake Forest Park
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Merging also would improve emergency operations for residents and businesses in both service areas. It would allow better deployment of emergency personnel and use of apparatus and equipment. Merging also reduces impacts to taxpayers for long-term for capital items (such as stations and apparatus) because costs are shared by more property owners.

Additional benefits include better training opportunities for firefighters, stronger fire prevention programs in local schools, more community engagement, and economies of scale in purchasing goods and services. There also is likely to be a cost savings for taxpayers in both communities, and that information will be shared as soon as data is available.

"As call volumes increase so does the cost to provide service," said Chief Greg Ahearn, who serves as Fire Chief for both agencies. "We need to find ways to be more efficient so we can protect the level and quality of emergency services that our communities need. Merging does just that."

The plan is that Northshore will merge into Woodinville Fire and Rescue. By state law, this means the measure would only appear on the ballots of voters in Northshore's service area (Lake Forest Park and Kenmore). The agencies would develop a new name that reflects all three communities if the merger is approved by voters.

More information can be found on the fire districts' websites at www.northshorefire.com or www.wf-r.org. Chief Greg Ahearn is available to answer questions about the proposed merger at 425-354-1780 or, GAhearn@northshorefire.com




Read more...

Case updates January 12, 2021

These are two days worth of numbers. There was no article yesterday because of the power outage.

Case updates January 12, 2021


United States
  • cases 22,740,142 - 217,393 new cases
  • deaths 379,255 - 4,131 new deaths

Washington state
  • cases 281,202
  • hospitalizations 16,080
  • deaths 3,838

King county
  • cases 70,092
  • hospitalizations 4,494
  • deaths 1,151

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 17,495
  • hospitalizations 1,062
  • deaths 293

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,756
  • hospitalizations 168 - 0
  • deaths 81 - 0

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 228 - 0
  • hospitalizations 18 - 0
  • deaths 4 - 0



Read more...

Temperance and Good Citizenship Day is January 15

This academic year, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day is Friday, January 15, 2021 and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Office of the Secretary of State are helping schools register the next generation of voters.

One of several Washington state civic observances, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day was enacted by the state legislature in 1923 to promote civic education. Every January, Washington students learn about the importance of registering to vote and ways to become engaged, productive citizens. High-school seniors have the opportunity to register to vote during their social studies classes.

In 2019, OSPI and the Office of the Secretary of State added the Future Voter program to Temperance and Good Citizenship Day. The program, which is administered by the Secretary of State’s Office, allows 16- and 17-year-olds to sign up as future voters and be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.

“One of the goals of our K-12 education system is to prepare our students for a lifetime of civic engagement,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “We are thankful for the opportunity to help empower the next generation of voters, civil servants, and community leaders.”

The Office of the Secretary of State offers several online resources for educators. These include a “Teaching Elections in Washington State” curriculum guide, Classroom Guide to Registering Voters, a Future Voter Program FAQ, access to OSPI resources and videos, and much more.

“Registering to vote early in life is the first step toward being civically engaged and becoming a lifelong voter,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “Temperance and Good Citizenship Day reminds our young citizens that they have an indispensable voice in shaping the future of our state, our nation, and our world.” 

  

Read more...

State Sen. Frockt emphasizing health issues in new legislative session

Sen. David Frockt D-46
By Evan Smith

State Sen. David Frockt is emphasizing health issues and economic recovery in the 2021 legislative session that started Monday.

Frockt is vice chairman of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee and a member of the Behavioral Health Subcommittee.

As the 2021 legislative session gears up, Frockt’s focus is on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My top priority is helping our state recover from the effects of the pandemic and the pandemic recession,” he said Monday. “The Special Committee on Economic Recovery, which I chaired, will soon release our report containing recommendations for rebuilding a post-pandemic economy that works for all Washingtonians.

“Our economy will only fully recover once we get the pandemic under control and we can get back to some degree of normality,” he said. 
“That means we have to focus on vaccine distribution; helping people who are at risk of an immediate crisis in housing, child care or food; assisting the small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic – particularly the hospitality sector; and laying the groundwork for medium- and long-term economic recovery.

“I'm also working on how we can improve our health-insurance system, building on the Cascade Care program that enrolled its first members this fall.”

Democrat Frockt represents the 46th Legislative District including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and north and northeast Seattle.

In addition to his role on the committee on health and long-term care and the Behavioral Health Subcommittee, Frockt is vice chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and a member of the committee on business, financial services and trade.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Gov. Inslee sworn in for third term with virtual address

Gov. Jay Inslee delivered the 2021 inaugural address online Wednesday as he began his historic third term as governor of the state of Washington. 

Prior to the address, the governor and Washington’s eight other newly-elected and re-elected officials were sworn in to office by Chief Justice Steven González.

The governor delivered the address via video, a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and new security concerns.

In the speech, the governor said that now is a time for “relief, recovery and resilience.”

Watch the address and read the full transcript on the governor's Medium page.



Read more...

Power outages 1am Thursday

This is the entire Seattle City Light coverage area
with 191 individual outages affecting 2,700 customer



UPDATE 1:00 AM: There are now approx. 2,700 customers without power. The outage number is 191, but the majority are smaller outages. Our crews repair smaller outages individually and will keep working their way through our service territory until power is fully restored.

This is down from 66,000 customers at the height of the storm.

Outages at 1am in the north end

Not quite as awful when the map is expanded. However, each of the locations is 1 to 3 to 11 customers and has to be handled individually. They may not be done until Thursday evening.

Sorry, neighbors - stay warm.


Read more...

You don’t need to cook Friday night


Come join us at the Shoreline Senior Center Friday January 15, 2021 from 5-6:30pm for our first in a series of monthly dinners.

This is a drive through and pick up event. $10, cash or check only, includes chili with cheese, cornbread and salad.

We will be having social distancing procedures in place. It will be on a first come, first serve basis and we will only be accepting Cash or Checks.

18560 1st Ave NE - entrance on NE 185th.

If you missed buying the 2021 calendar - it will be on sale there for $6.



Read more...

Call for Artists: 2021 Shoreline Arts Festival - Artist Marketplace


Call for Artists: 2021 Shoreline Arts Festival - Artist Marketplace

A community tradition; creatively adapted for 2021
Deadline: March 31, 2021

Apply today to become one of the 50+ artists that make up the beating heart of the 31st Annual Shoreline Arts Festival!

We have adapted plans to hold the Arts Festival in 2021, with the Artist Marketplace prominently focused. Details below, prospectus and application on CaFE.org. There is a $20 application fee.

This free community event will be located at the Shoreline Community College on June 26 and 27.

This year’s Marketplace will feature 50+ juried artists. The organizers strive for a well-balanced mix of art types and price points, with emphasis always on quality of craftsmanship.

We've tightened up the layout this year and are proud to announce that activities will be surrounding the Artist Marketplace with Hands-on Art moving north of the marketplace. That puts the main stage and food court to the south, hands-on art to the north, and the marketplace right in the middle (some adjustments may be made for social distancing requirements).

Eligibility

We’re a juried Artists Marketplace. Requirements for artists include:
  1. Work must be handmade. No commercially produced work, kits, or imported goods.
  2. All work must be original and created by or under direction of the artists(s).
  3. Artist(s) must attend the entire Festival.
  4. Items must match type and quality submitted for jurying. No work by non-juried artists.
Image Requirements
  • 3-5 images of representative work
  • *ONE IMAGE MUST BE OF BOOTH SET-UP*
Booth Specifications

Three types of outdoor booth spaces are available:
  1. Inline: 10’ x 10’ uncovered, on asphalt: $175 (open on one side)
  2. Corner: 10' x 10' uncovered, on asphalt: $200 (open on two sides)
  3. Center: 10' x 10' uncovered, on asphalt: $215 (can be opened on three sides)
(all booth types can be doubled)

All booths must withstand Northwest weather conditions, with canopies weighted against wind by at least 30 lbs per leg. Overnight security is provided. In addition to booth fee, a Shoreline business license may be needed.

New this year - an online profile for each company. This will be available prior and post festival to showcase your work, and where visitors can connect with you.

Jurying

The jury panel includes working artists, gallery managers, and/or Festival directors, who determine the balance of categories and select the artists. Category sizes are based in part on average sales from previous years. Jury decisions are confidential.

Advertising

The Festival is advertised through local media, signage, and mailings to Shoreline area residents. Participating artists are featured in the Festival guide and on the Festival website.

Dates and Deadlines
  • Festival Dates: June 26 and 27, 2021
  • Application Deadline: 10:59pm, Wednesday, March 31.
  • Registration Payments Due: May 1, 2021, if accepted

COVID-19 Notes

We understand that Festival Artists have been extremely affected by cancelled events and limited avenues to sell artwork. Our goal is to have a safe, modified, in-person event in 2021 and get back to selling art! 

But if we've learned anything in the last year it's that COVID can change even the best of plans. To help mitigate disruptions we've pushed back our application window this year as well as the deadline to register for the event giving artists as much time as possible to read the landscape and make an informed decision before paying a booth fee. 

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns. 206-417-4645 or info@shorelakearts.org

The Shoreline Arts Festival is a program of ShoreLake Arts (formerly: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council) with major support from the City of Shoreline, City of Lake Forest Park, and 4Culture.

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.



Read more...

Travel back to Classic Hollywood in this Shoreline Community College online class


Travel back to Classic Hollywood as you explore the films of Josef von Sternberg in Light and Shadow: The Films of Josef von Sternberg, an online class offered through Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College. 

Revered and reviled in his own time, Sternberg is notable for a series of films in which he directed Marlene Dietrich and is renowned for his lighting, mise en scene, staging, and costume design. 

Sternberg's surviving silent films are remarkable examples of the silent art form, and his gangster film during this period launched the gangster film cycle of the following decade.

Students will view six of Josef von Sternberg's films throughout the class and learn how to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize each film. 

Additionally, students will discuss how the various elements of each film - lighting, camera work, composition, sound, costume, etc. - work together to create meaning and examine cultural influences, including race, ethnicity, and gender roles.

Fee: $149
Dates: 2/4/2021 - 3/11/2021 (Thursdays)
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Online via Zoom

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



Read more...

Tree danger


Story and photo by Patricia Hale

Wear your hard hats over the next couple of days if you venture into any of our wooded parks. 

Latest info from Parks Dept. staff is lots of tree damage throughout the entire park system. 

The north end entrance of Northcrest Park and play equipment is being tagged as a dangerous area until they can get in with chain saws and a boom to take out two tree trunks that broke off in the wind and are snagged up high in overhead canopy. And at least one trail blocked by a downed tree.



Read more...

WeatherWatcher: Windstorm aftermath

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

 

Fallen tree in Shoreline on January 13, 2021
Photo by Patricia Hale


With short notice Tuesday night a wind advisory was issued at about 8:15pm by the National Weather Service in Seattle

On satellite imagery Tuesday evening the National Weather Service observed that a subtle and small center of low pressure off the west coast was intensifying and tracking in such a way to produce significant winds for the Puget Sound region. This storm was almost completely missed for strength and path in the forecast models prior with only hints that we'd have a breezy night.

Soon after the wind advisory was issued, winds started gusting to 30 mph at the Richmond Beach weather station. The power outages soon followed, with many fallen trees and tree limbs throughout the area. 

At the height of the storm, wind gusts in Edmonds and Richmond Beach peaked at 38 mph. Seattle saw between 45 and 58 mph. The airports where official records are kept, at Paine Field in south Everett and at Seatac, both reported a peak wind gust of 48mph.

In the video below from the Shoreline Fire Department, a tree had come into contact with some high voltage power lines. The high voltage then flowed through the tree to the ground. The electricity started boiling all the moisture inside the tree and causing the steam to whistle out through a crack or hole in the trunk, much like a tea kettle on a hot stove.


Winds overall were not super impressive; this is what I would call a moderate windstorm. Saturated soils and saturated trees made for weak tree limbs, trunks, and roots. It was a classic Pacific Northwest winter pattern, a series of storms lining up with first heavy rains for several days, and then moderate winds to cause the most tree damage.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com




Read more...

Notes from Shoreline council meeting January 11, 2021

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting for 
January 11, 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.

Proclamation

Mayor Hall, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, proclaimed January 18, 2021 as Martin Luther King Day and encouraged all residents to work to end racism and fight for justice for all.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

Governor Inslee has announced a new phase system for the reopening of the State called the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery Plan.



No region has met the criteria to move to Phase 2. Once in Phase 2, each region must continue to meet three of the 4 criteria listed above. In our case that includes Snohomish and Pierce Counties as well as King County.


Some of the Phase 1 restrictions are not significantly different from the old plan. There are some extremely limited opportunities for entertainment, fitness facilities and gyms. 


Shoreline has removed the closed signs from the playgrounds. Please note that the equipment is not sanitized.

While Shoreline has reopened tennis/pickleball courts, continued access is dependent on users following the social distancing and mask wearing requirements.

King County and Shoreline positive COVID-19 trends have continued to rise over the last couple of weeks.

The King County average over the past 14 days was 281 new cases per 100,000 residents. Remember that the target is 25 per 100,000.

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

The Department of Public Health has been releasing information about the vaccine distribution phases. Washington is in Phase A.

FindYourPhaseWA website and app is expected to launch January 16, 2021 which will give you the opportunity to determine when you are eligible for the vaccine.

Public Reminders

None

Council Reports

None

Mayor Hall stated that Councilmembers Roberts, Robertson, and Chang will be on the Parks review committee.

Public Comment

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline - spoke about security around the enhanced shelter and the need for sidewalks

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Approval of the Consent Calendar

Consent Calendar approved unanimously by roll call vote.


Study Items

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

John Featherstone, Surface Water Utility Manager introduced
  • Kristie Lovelace, Surface Water Program Specialist, made the presentation
What’s the problem with feeding waterfowl?

People feeding waterfowl has increased the population size of waterfowl, which has resulted in more fecal waste. This waste contains harmful bacteria and viruses transmittable to humans. 

Waterfowl also spend more time on the beaches in anticipation of the bread and crackers.

More waste on the beaches means there is more waste where humans recreate. Waterfowl and humans harass each other when they are in the same location.

Waste also increases the nutrients in water which can cause harmful algae blooms that have serious health effects for humans and animals.

It was determined that the cause of the 8 week closure of Hidden Lake was waste from water fowl.



In the picture of Echo Lake you can see the brown droppings on the beach. This waste was also in the water which resulted in the beach closing .

Final signage has not been determined, but we would like to take a light-hearted approach that will encourage education and following the rules.


Enforcement and citations will be rare and only for repeat offenders.

The proposed code amendment language:

Feeding waterfowl prohibited. No person shall place, deposit, scatter, or distribute food of any kind or nature in any park with an intent to feed waterfowl.

We believe that this will address the Council Goal of Stewardship of the Natural Environment.

DISCUSSION

Notices will be on the beaches. What about private property owners on lakes?

Reply: Lake-property owners tend to be supporters of a healthy lake. We may consider postcards or mailers but have found that in-person contact is most effective. We are at the lakes frequently, testing water and watching for algae blooms and use the opportunity to talk with individuals.

There seem to be more people feeding pigeons in parks than feeding waterfowl on beaches.

Reply: Feeding pigeons does not show a direct relationship with health hazards like that seen with waterfowl.

In a way this is disappointing because we used to take our kids out to feed the ducks when they were little. Of course, science has changed our outlook on that. But is an ordinance needed or can we just start with signs? Also, it can be terrifying to be approached by someone in uniform when you’re not sure what you’ve done. Finally, enforcement will have to be equitable.

Reply: We want to have the grounds to support our position when we talk to these offenders. We need to have a law to reference, in the same way we do for pet waste and littering.

Have there been repeat offenders?

Reply: yes, one or two.

We can do this in Shoreline, but what about other jurisdictions like the State. What will this really accomplish?

Reply: we are seeing so many waterfowl on the beach waiting for people to feed them. If we stop feeding them they will get off the beach. It's really localized right at the beaches. At Hidden Lake there is just one spot for feeding waterfowl. The bacteria and pollution really build up there. This is where dogs wade in the water and get a drink.

We want to create a community where people feel safe but laws set the norms for the behavior we expect. Smoking in city parks has reduced since we made it against the law. Another example is the leash law. This is just one tool in the tool box to shift behavior that is better for the environment, better for people and better for animals.

Why just waterfowl? Couldn’t we say don’t feed any wild animals?

Reply: Tonight we’re just focused on waterfowl and maintaining the quality of the water.

This will come back as an Action Item to allow for more public input and for additional discussion by Council.


9(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

John Norris, Assistant City Manager, made the presentation

We have discussed this topic multiple times, most recently on December 7, 2020. This is a brief summary.



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.


Staff would like Council’s instructions regarding a Voter’s Pamphlet. It will cost between $2,000 and $5,000. It will require pro/con committees in order to prepare the statements for the pamphlet.

DISCUSSION

A Voters Pamphlet is important. It gets the information about the ballot to the voters and t is a way to remind people to vote. The pro/con committees also do great outreach to citizens.

We have a decent shot at passing this in April. Especially since people are staying home and desperate to get out to the parks. We’ll have a captive audience. Meeting the validation requirement might be difficult. If we have pro/con committees (for the Voters Pamphlet) we can have the pro committee focus on validation in order to get the people out to vote. This should be pretty easy to sell at this price tag. In April we can take advantage of the momentum of the big turnout this past November.

Note:

Bond Validation
  • To pass, bonds must validate two ways:
  • A minimum 60% “yes” vote
  • A minimum voter turnout of 40% of the voters who cast ballots in the last general election within the district (35,231 Shoreline voters cast ballots in Nov 2020 @ 40% = 14, 094)

Looking at past performance you see mixed results for bond measures in April and February elections (except for fire districts - people love fire districts and appreciate the work they do). There is better voter turnout in November. Rather than risk a low turnout, we can adopt this and just change the date to November.

The last parks bond measure that had a really high price-tag passed the majority of the voters but did not meet the 60% criteria. So people value and support our parks.

Jan 2022 is when the tax takes effect?

Reply: Yes.

Putting it on the November ballot wouldn’t make a difference?

Reply: Initial planning for issuing the debt would be delayed if it goes on the April ballot but can’t tell how significant that would be. We can look into that.

If we fail to meet the validation requirement, we can bring it back to the voters. In November the same validation figures will apply. But in April 2022, the validation requirement based on votes cast may be lower.

Funding is already a couple of years old. The longer we put this off, the more likely we won’t be able to do everything planned.

Returning as an Action item on January 25, 2021.

Council recessed for 30 minutes for an Executive Session: Litigation and Potential Litigation - RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).

No action will be taken by Council following the Executive Session

Meeting adjourned

Correction to bond validation paragraph: Shoreline voters cast ballots in Nov 2020 @ 40% = 14, 094). Original text said 2021.



Read more...

Power outages across the entire Seattle City Light coverage area - musing on the bad old days

 


The number of outages has increased to over 66,000. The weather is keeping our crews very busy. Thank you all for your patience. -- Seattle City Light

Dear Readers - if you are lucky you will sleep through all of this and the power will be back on when you wake. If your alarm doesn't go off show this map to your boss!

The power lines in Shoreline and LFP are like a tree. Power comes from the south up the main trunk and then follows branches which get smaller and smaller until they end near the county line.

Almost all addresses have redundancy. That is, they are served by two power sources from different directions. When one goes out the other one kicks in. That's why you will get - under more normal circumstances - those very brief outages of less than a minute before the power comes back on.

When your lights flicker, that normally means that someone south of you just lost power.

Back in the days when City Light had only two vegetation trucks for its entire service area, every wind storm brought down branches on the lines and power outages were frequent and prolonged.

That's when I found out that my street had no redundancy and that there were about ten households on the very tip of my branch. Those were also the days when City Light couldn't tell with precision where the outages were.

There were not a lot of situations like this in Shoreline but there were a lot in Lake Forest Park. One January after power was restored to the branch ends after 4 days, the then mayor of Lake Forest Park, Dave Hutchinson, brought the newish head of City Light, Jose Carrasco, to a public meeting in Lake Forest Park, to explain what happened.

Most of my neighborhood attended.

Carrasco said that it was all about vegetation management. He expanded the fleet of trucks to 16 and started an aggressive program of trimming branches from power lines which continues today.

As a certified tree-hugger in fairly good standing, I cringe at the results to the trees. After they "trimmed" my birch trees they were so ugly that I took up their offer to cut them down and give me new little trees guaranteed not to grow into the lines.

However, whenever I look at one of the trees they have trimmed, I remember huddling in a blanket, freezing for five days with no heat, refrigeration, or ability to even have a hot cup of tea.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Power outage at midnight


Update 1am Seattle City Light: The number of outages has increased to over 66,000. The weather is keeping our crews very busy. Thank you all for your patience.

The Ballinger neighborhood is now in the dark.

Original article:

Power outage map shows widespread outages in Shoreline west of the freeway. Most of the Echo Lake neighborhood lacks power.

There are localized outages the length of Aurora in Shoreline.

A huge swath of outages runs diagonally from N 155th northwest up to the county line.

Right about midnight I heard the power lines / transformer / not sure what humming like a Star Trek episode and then all the power went out.

The Shoreline Area News may be a short edition this time, which is a shame because my In Box is overflowing.

Diane Hettrick, Editor 

Read more...

WeatherWatcher: Wind Advisory in effect until 6AM Wednesday

 

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a wind advisory in effect until 6AM Wednesday morning. Winds are expected to gust up to 40-50 mph in the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park areas. The strongest winds are expected between Midnight and 3AM Wednesday morning.

Winds have already gusted up to 30 mph at the Richmond Beach Neighborhood weather station as of 9 pm Tuesday night. Some scattered local power outages are possible overnight into Wednesday morning with these winds. This is not expected to be a major wide spread damaging windstorm but I suspect it will be one of the stronger ones we've had so far this fall and winter season.

As Wednesday progresses winds should die down and so should the rain. The remainder of the week looks cool and showery with highs in the mid to upper 40's and lows in the low 40's to upper 30's. We could see some patchy fog in places Friday night into Saturday morning. Saturday might be our next dry day before more rain moves in Saturday night.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com




Read more...

Gloria's Birds: Bufflehead taking off across the wetlands

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

 

A boldly patterned black and white bird flies just above the water. His wingtips are bent down at a right angle. He is tipped to the side and his right wing tip delicately touches the surface of the water.
Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


John says the wing nearly touching or touching the water is called "ground effect" which somehow makes flight more efficient ("somehow" because I'm a photog, not a scientist:)

--Gloria Z Nagler




Read more...

Is it happening again? Local resident discusses the incarceration of citizens of Japanese descent during WWII



At the Wednesday morning meeting, 7:45am of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park on January 13, 2012, Barbara Berthiaume, Sansei (third generation Japanese American) will present the story of the Nisei (second generation) who were incarcerated during World War II.

This presentation is the story of my family, immigration, racial prejudice, the power of words, the power of the press, the all Nisei 442nd/100th Regimental Combat Team, honor, and patriotism, and conclude with why this matters today.

Because it is important to understand how racial discrimination and the threat of national security led to the incarceration of 120,000 people of Japanese descent. How does a democracy weigh civil liberties vs. national security?

How does a democracy make good decisions living with the threat of terrorism? Executive Order 9066 has had reverberating effects 78 years later.

The meeting will be held on zoom. 

Email to get an invite: robinleeroat@gmail.com



Read more...

Flags at half-staff for fallen Capitol police officers

Flag Lowering-01/11/2021 (Capitol Police Officers)

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately, in honor of fallen U.S. Capitol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across the Nation.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Please call 360-902-0383 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.




Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP