Department of Health welcomes new leader of public-private vaccination effort

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Dan Laster
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced the appointment of Mr. Dan Laster as Director of the COVID-19 Vaccine Action Command and Coordination System (VACCS) Center to create public-private partnerships. 

In this role, Mr. Laster will tap into the unique capabilities and resources of the private sector to support vaccination efforts across the state of Washington.

He has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. 

For the past 10 years, he has been Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer for PATH, one of the world’s leading innovative global health non-profit organizations. 

In his role at PATH, he has played a key role in developing many key relationships that have led to long-term solutions

On January 18th, Governor Jay Inslee announced that Microsoft, Starbucks, Kaiser Permanente, SeaMar, and SEIU 1199 would partner with the state to support the vaccine distribution efforts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dan Laster to the vaccine team,” says Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “He has a wealth of experience and knows how to get things done. We believe he is exactly the individual needed to harness the power of the private sector in helping with our vaccination efforts – this unique public-private partnership will be a model for others.”

“Getting COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of Washingtonians is a massive undertaking,” said Laster. “In Washington state we have companies that lead the world in technology, distribution, healthcare and more. By creating public-private partnerships that tap their knowledge and resources, we will be able to expedite and improve our vaccination program in an equitable way.”

The vaccine rollout plan for Washington is extensive, and updated information is being released on a regularly basis. Visit the DOH website for the latest COVID-19 vaccine information for the state of Washington.



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Local students earn Dean's List recognition from George Fox University


NEWBERG, OR - Local students were among those who earned dean's list recognition at George Fox University for the fall 2020 semester. Traditional undergraduate students must earn a 3.5 grade point average or above on 12 or more hours of graded work to earn a spot on the dean's list.


HOMETOWN; NAME, CLASS YEAR, MAJOR

Lake Forest Park

Madison Bolstad, junior, business administration

Seattle

Makenna Coffee, senior, Christian ministries


George Fox University is ranked by Forbes among the top Christian universities in the country and is a Christian college classified by U.S. News and World Report as a "Best National University." More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university's campus in Newberg, Ore., and at teaching centers in Portland, Salem and Redmond, Ore. George Fox offers bachelor's degrees in more than 35 majors, degree-completion programs for working adults, seven seminary degrees, and 13 master's and doctoral degrees.



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Jobs: WSDOT Design Project Manager

WSDOT Design Project Manager
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region

WSDOT is currently seeking an enterprising Design Project Manager with leadership and managerial experience to join our design team. The Design Project Manager is responsible for delivering assigned projects within the scope, schedule, and budget while leading and developing direct reports to become future leaders of the Department.





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Jobs: WSDOT Commercial Drivers License Trainer

Commercial Drivers License Trainer
(Operations Assistant Superintendent)

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has an opportunity for an experienced driving professional to take on the role as the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Trainer in Shoreline. 

Under the direction of the Regional Maintenance Trainer, this position is responsible for delivering WSDOT’s Northwest Region (NWR) CDL and heavy equipment training program and assisting with a variety of other regional maintenance training programs.

This position requires the ability to speak in front of varying sizes of audiences and to train individuals, so they are operationally ready for varying events and situations. A primary undertaking of this position is to work with regional leadership to design and deliver training on new technologies, laws, and procedural and regulatory compliance.

Job description and application



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Recent Lake Forest Park police incidents

200 vehicles raced illegally in Shoreline,
then moved to Bothell Way.
Photo by Brian Dunphy 
Lake Forest Park Police Department
Notable Incidents

Street racers

On 1/16/2021, multiple 9-1-1 calls were received regarding many vehicles (100+) on Bothell Way at 170th along with over 200 people. The vehicles were racing, blocking traffic, and driving recklessly.

When told to disperse they became aggressive and confrontational with officers. Vehicles continued their behavior between LFP, Kenmore, Shoreline, Richmond Beach, I-5, and Edmonds.

This caused significant drain on resources and left many 911 calls pending in all these jurisdictions.

Indecent exposure

A victim was approached by a male in a vehicle who asked for directions. The victim noted the male had his pants down, intentionally exposing himself to her. The victim was able to photograph the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle.

The suspect was contacted and arrested.

The investigation is ongoing.



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Shorecrest Scots Senior Spree Family Take Out Friday Jan 29 4pm - 7pm

Order Friday night family dinner now at www.neighborhoodgrills.com to support the Shorecrest Senior Spree. Then curbside pick up your dinner at a scheduled time from Lake Forest Bar and Grill in LFP Town Center 17535 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

The Spree is a graduation night party for graduating Shorecrest seniors that provides an overnight, chaperoned, very fun (and safe) event. 



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Shoreline council meeting agenda for Feb includes study items on 175th project and Aurora Square sign standards


The agenda for the Feb 1, 2021 Shoreline City Council meeting includes two study items:

Study Item 8(a) Discussion of the Preferred Concept for the 175th Street (Stone Avenue N to I-5) Project

Staff will present a project update and seek Council’s support of the preferred design concept. The design team used the public’s feedback from Phase 2, combined with technical analysis from the design team, to develop a preferred concept. In conjunction with Council’s decision regarding the preferred design concept, staff is looking for direction on the recommendation to include undergrounding of existing overhead utilities as part of the preferred concept.

Study Item 8(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 897 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Section 20.50.620, Aurora Square Community Renewal Sign Standards

By better addressing the signage needs of businesses, these amendments will support the planned redevelopment of Shoreline Place into a vibrant, mixed-use town center.

How to view meeting and make comments here



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Notes from Shoreline Council meeting Jan 25, 2021

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
January 25, 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

COVID-19 updates

Governor Inslee recently announced a new phase system for the reopening of the State called the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery Plan. All of Washington State is in Phase 1.

The Puget Sound region includes Snohomish and Pierce Counties, as well as King County. You can see our progress in the Update below. We have actually seen an increase in the two-week rate of new COVID case so we still have a ways to go. We are near the hospital admission goal, and have met the final two criteria.




Please continue to protect our community and help us to get to Stage 2 by taking the following preventative 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.
IT IS SAFEST TO STAY HOME.

Additional information shorelinewa.gov/covid

We are in Vaccine Phase 1B which allows people who are 65 or older to get an appointment to receive an injection. If you’re unsure if you qualify, you can find out at FindYourPhaseWA.org

Appointments can be difficult to get, but as the supply of vaccine increases, the appointments will be more readily available.

The only current location for the COVID vaccine in Shoreline is ICHS but it is not necessary to get the vaccine in Shoreline.

Public Reminders

The PRCS/Tree Board will hold a remote meeting on Thursday, Jan 28 at 7:00pm.

Council Reports (all meetings were attended remotely)

The Mayor offered congratulations to Councilmember McConnell on her appointment to the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee,

And to Councilmember Roberts on his appointment to the National League of Cities Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee.

Deputy Mayor Scully attended the Water Resource Inventory Area 8 (SRIA 8) Salmon Recovery meeting and the number of returning salmon have been so bad for so long that it is time to see what we can do differently.

Councilmember McConnell attended her first transportation committee meeting three hours ago. There were some positive impacts for the National League of Cities: President Biden prohibited the transportation by rail of liquified natural gas; Pete Buttigieg, a former mayor, is undergoing confirmation to head the U.S. Transportation Department; and Washington State has good representation on this committee with five members.

Public Comment

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline, spoke about adequate protections around the new enhanced shelter for both the shelter residents and the neighbors

Whitney Murray, Shoreline, spoke about the chip-seal planned for 21st NW and 22nd NW near the entrance to Salt Water Park. Murray does not believe this is the best option because it is too rough for riding a bike or scooter, and hurts the skin of children (or adults) who might fall on the surface.

Shaun Leiser, Shoreline, also talked about the chip-seal planned for the 21st NW and 22nd NW.

Jennifer Anderson, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, spoke regarding the mandatory fire sprinkler amendment scheduled on the Council’s January 25 Consent Calendar.

Christiano Steele, a grocery worker in Shoreline, would appreciate an Ordinance for hazard pay for Shoreline grocery workers (as in Seattle).

Approval of the Agenda

Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Approval of the Consent Calendar

Consent Calendar approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Action Item 8(a) Adoption of 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 and Kristie Lovelace, Surface Water Program Specialist, made the presentation.

This Ordinance was presented and discussed at the Jan 11 meeting. There was a very brief review of the impact to water quality and human and animal health due to the volume of fecal waste from feeding waterfowl.

The planned outreach for this Ordinance includes signage in parks, messaging via Currents, and utilizing social media.

They will engage people who feed waterfowl by providing an explanation of the park rule, the reason for it, and provide an educational flyer with additional details. These will be the only strategies used during the first year.

Subsequently they will change their approach to repeat offenders.



DISCUSSION

Motion and second to adopt Ordinance No. 910

There is still concern with equitable enforcement and unintended fear created in residents who are not accustomed to safe encounters with uniformed law enforcement (even in a Parks Uniform).

This was fully discussed at the Jan 11 meeting and there were no additional concerns.

VOTE

Adopted by a vote of 6-1

Deputy Mayor Scully opposed.

Action Item 8(b) Adopting 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

Staff Report by John Norris, Assistant City Manager

This was last discussed at the Jan 11 Council meeting so a very brief review of the background of the Bond Measure was presented.


 DISCUSSION

Motion and second to adopt Ordinance No. 918

General enthusiastic support for this ordinance. It will bring equity to parts of the City that have underserved parks.

It is a good compromise (much smaller than last time that included the pool and rec center).

There is still concern that enough voters will turnout in order to get validation. It’s very close.

People are concerned about economic impact of new taxes but it is replacing the current parks bond. There is an increase in rate (from $2 to $4/month) but that won’t take effect until 2022.


This is only one of the many ways we fund park improvements. We have been successful in getting grants. We charge an impact fee on all new developments to help pay for parks, and we put in other money from our excise taxes and other revenues so the City is putting a lot into our parks.

VOTE

Adopted by a vote of 7-0

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of the King County Climate Action Toolkit

Autumn Salamack, Environmental Services Coordinator, introduced

Rachel Brombaugh, Director of Climate and Energy Initiatives with King County, who provided an overview of the new King County Climate Action Toolkit.


This Toolkit is designed to help King County cities design climate plans that are right for their unique characteristics and are reflective of the priorities of their communities.

For example, Shoreline has higher residential emissions, high transportation related emissions, and less commercial emissions when compared to some other cities.

There are three goals of the Toolkit

  1. Measure: Identify resources so cities can conduct emissions inventories.
  2. Manage: Provide actions and strategies to meet GHG (greenhouse gas) emission reduction goals. There are actions that fit different population size, density, and financial and staff capacity to enact. It important to understand other co-benefits
  3. Support: community engagement, implementation, and reporting.

The contents of the plan include how to create a Climate Change Action Plan and resources for conducting a GHG inventory. From that the Toolkit guides the city into developing goals using recommended climate actions. There are best practices for implementation. There is a way to manage climate metrics. Finally, it discusses communication, outreach and resident engagement. There are appendices to assist in the review of this detailed Toolkit.

The Toolkit was transmitted to the King County Council on Sept 30, 2020. Beginning Feb 24th King County Council hearings will begin. We are continuing our outreach to cities and partners with presentations and briefings, as well as training videos available on our website.

You can view the Toolkit at https://kingcounty.gov/climatetoolkit

Shoreline is currently working to update its greenhouse gas inventory that was last done in 2013. The City plans to use the Toolkit when updating the Climate Action Plan for 2021-2022.

DISCUSSION

There is legislation in Olympia that will put more teeth into the State’s climate action plan.

Reply: Yes, there are several bills. The Healthy Homes & Clean Buildings Act will support the actions of the Toolkit by helping accelerate the efficiency in the residential built environment. Residential has been a difficult sector to meet the efficiencies we need to meet our goals.

Is that the one that will phase out using fossil fuels for water heating and space heating in buildings within a couple of years?

Reply: yes

The Toolkit is well laid out, easy to digest, and has attainable and actionable goals. There are a lot of good ideas in it. There is an impressive list of potential action items.

Does it include a reference to creating more in-city jobs to reduce commutes?

Reply: It would be dealt under land use with dense centers. Something could be added if more information is available because it is a “living document” that we will update as necessary.

Study Item 9(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 919 – Amending Title 2 of the Shoreline Municipal Code to Create a New Chapter 2.70, Compensation and Salary Commission, to Establish a Salary Commission for Elected Officials

Don Moritz, Human Resources Director, made the presentation

Human Resources Best Practices recommends an organization’s salary structure be reviewed every 3-5 years to make sure it is still aligned with organizational needs and market conditions. It should also be competitive and attract the highest quality talent. Such a salary structure is in use for staff, but not for elected officials.

State provisions permit setting elected officials salaries by action of City Council through ordinance. Council salaries were originally set in 1995, and most recently adjusted in October 2013 by adoption of Ordinance No. 673, which set Councilmember salaries at $1,000 per month, the Deputy Mayor’s salary at $1,100 per month, and the Mayor’s salary at $1,250 per month. With the current structure, Council sets its own salaries.

At the 2020 Strategic Planning Workshop, Council discussed the potential for creating a Salary Commission and asked staff to prepare additional information on the subject.

RCW 35.21.015 allows municipalities to establish a Salary Commission, which is an independent decision-making body charged with setting salaries for elected officials. Use of a Salary Commission removes the elected officials from the decision-making process regarding their compensation.


Cities that do not use Salary Commissions are Seattle, Burien, Sammamish and Redmond.

DISCUSSION

We’ve been talking about this off and on for several years. A citizen committee is a better idea than what we do now because it keeps regularity to salary review, and makes sure salaries go into effect all at the same time instead of the staggered approach that we are using now.

I know we should be looking at other cities, but should that be stated in the Ordinance? It could be a potential devaluing of what the people are worth.

Offering a competitive salary isn’t applicable in this instance. We’re not trying to lure somebody over from, say, Lake Forest Park. Seattle Council members aren’t going to run in Shoreline. It’s a fairness thing. We are paid so we can afford to take time out of our life. Someone with a modest salary needs to be able to afford giving this time to the City Council.

The timing isn’t the best because of the ongoing pandemic. People might be opposed to a pay raise right now when so many people are unemployed. Prefer to wait for a while.

If we pass this Ordinance, does it have to be effective right now?

Reply: We can set an effective date of 2022. Establishing it now will allow time to work on its creation.

Council will have this back on Feb 22 as an Action item. No staff presentation will be required.

Meeting adjourned




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New mural for Richmond Beach

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

 

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Artist Erin Vikstrom works on her mural on the side of the Wild Horse building in Richmond Beach, 2001 NW 195th St, Shoreline 98177.



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Last Chance for Great Movie Talk and Picks - Tonight at 7

S J Chiro is one of the panelists for Pandemic Picks tonight

This is your last chance to get a bevy of great viewing recommendations from a panel of folks who really know film. Tonight at 7pm, it’s time for Pandemic Picks: Movies! from Third Place Commons.

Register here for Pandemic Picks: Movies!


Need some viewing inspiration for these dreary winter months? Aching for a cinematic escape from lockdown? Get great movie recommendations from local luminaries and content experts in this short, fun program. From classics to things so new they’re technically “coming attractions,” there will be something for everyone in the mix.

Mónica Guzmán is on the
Pandemic Picksfilm panel tonight
The fantastic panel includes three women who definitely know their stuff. You may recognize journalist Mónica Guzmán as a former columnist for The Seattle Times, Geekwire, and the Daily Beast, or as cofounder of the Evergrey.

Seattle based filmmaker SJ Chiro is an award winning director and screenwriter whose latest feature film, East of the Mountains, is due out later this year.

And while you may know about Lisa Palmatier’s background in the arts through her role as the Director of the ShoreLake Arts Gallery, you may not yet have discovered her deep reservoir of film knowledge.

This is just the latest in the Pandemic Picks series, and past sessions on Books and TV were hits! Tonight’s session is sure to yield some must-watch viewing selections to get you through the chilly winter nights and the tedium of #lockdown.

So don’t miss the fun. Register now and tune in tonight at 7pm.



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Sen. Frockt bill designed to help restaurants and small businesses


Restaurants and retail businesses whose insurers are denying claims for losses suffered due to shutdowns to combat the COVID-19 pandemic would receive help if a bill introduced today becomes law.

SB 5351, sponsored by Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle) and Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), and cosponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) would help ensure that businesses unable to operate due to the pandemic response have the chance to collect business interruption insurance payments that are rightfully owed to them after having paid their premiums for this coverage for years.

“Many small businesses, especially restaurants, planned ahead and purchased insurance to protect their businesses against unforeseen disasters,” said Frockt. 
“Courts in our state have ruled recently that insurance companies should not be allowed to deny legitimate claims based on a strained reading of the policy language. This bill codifies that protection and will give small business owners a chance to recover some of their losses.”

To address the circulation of inaccurate information about the scope of business interruption insurance and the impact of filing claims, as well as the continuing effects of the pandemic, the bill also gives policyholders an additional year to challenge the denial of business interruption insurance claims.

“Small businesses play such an important role in the fabric of our society,” said Nobles. “When they hurt, the hearts of our communities hurt. This bill is about ensuring they have a fair process to claim any insurance relief that is their due.”



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Case updates January 25, 2021

2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)

  • Vaccine Phase Finder Vaccine Locations
Case updates January 25, 2021


United States
  • cases 25,152,433 - 133,913 new cases in one day
  • deaths 419,827 - 1,891 new deaths in one day

Washington state
  • cases 303,482 - 1,341 in one day
  • hospitalizations 17,354 - 95 in one day
  • deaths 4,167 - 19 in one day

King county
  • cases 74,901 - 174 in one day
  • hospitalizations 4,736 - 10 in one day
  • deaths 1,240 - 13 in one day

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 18,738 - 29 in one day
  • hospitalizations 1,120 -   -3 in one day
  • deaths 312 - 5 in one day

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,863 - 7 in one day
  • hospitalizations 170 - 0 in one day
  • deaths 84 - 0 in one day

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 241 - 1 in one day
  • hospitalizations 18 - 1 in one day
  • deaths 4 - 0 in one day


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Bad hair day

 

Photo by Steve Schneider

The heron was definitely having a bad hair day! Photo was taken in the Union Bay Natural Area.

The Union Bay Natural Area in Seattle, Washington, also known as Union Bay Marsh, is the restored remainder of the filled former Union Bay and Union Bay Marsh. It is located at the east end of the main University of Washington campus, south of NE 45th Street and west of Laurelhurst. Wikipedia



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Calling All True Crime Buffs! Explore the Basics of Crime Scene Investigation in online class

Photo by hessam nabavi on Unsplash
Join facilitator Lynne Dean, a retired Latent Fingerprint Examiner with the King County Sheriff’s Office, as she explores how crime scenes are processed for evidence in a new online class offered by Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College.
 
In Fingerprints and Forensics: Understanding the Basics of Crime Scene Investigation, students will learn how a forensic fingerprint laboratory works and discuss photographs from real crime scenes.

You’ll participate in hands-on exercises at home to give you a true “feel” for working with evidence and discover how to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to your favorite CSI-style TV shows.

Prerequisites: This class is for students 18+, as some of the content and photos are considered graphic. Students will need a 4 inch piece of clear plastic – for example, cut from a sheet protector – and a 4 or 5 inch piece of clear/Scotch Tape to participate in two hands-on exercises.

Fee: $35
Dates: Thursday, 2/4/2021
Time: 6-9 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.



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AG Ferguson files lawsuit against national sorority for charging and threatening UW students in violation of eviction moratorium

Sorority charged thousands in rent and late fees even though students could not safely live in sorority housing

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit against the collegiate sorority Alpha Omicron Pi for unlawfully charging University of Washington (UW) students more than $6,000 in rent even though the students could not access or live in sorority housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Alpha Omicron Pi, a national, Tennessee-based sorority, also illegally charged late fees and threatened students with suspensions of their sorority memberships and damage to their credit if they did not pay.

Alpha Omicron Pi owns the “Greek Row” house used as housing for the UW chapter members. The UW chapter house can house approximately 80 members. It includes a “porch room,” a large, open room with 26 bunk beds, and smaller suites with space for four or eight women.

Read more here



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Jobs: WSDOT

Assistant Regional Administrator - Maintenance and Operations 
Shoreline – Northwest Region

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an experienced maintenance and engineering professional ready and willing to provide leadership, guidance, and support as the Northwest Region (NWR) Assistant Regional Administrator for our Maintenance Division. 

The NWR Maintenance Division is comprised of approximately 450 dedicated highway maintenance professionals and technicians with an operational budget of $140 million. 

As the Assistant Regional Administrator, this position will provide strategic guidance in the administration of WSDOT policies and practices throughout NWR’s Maintenance Division. 




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Purchase tickets for Cicely Tyson event Thursday


Thursday, January 28, 2021 - 3:00pm
This is a virtual event, and tickets are required!

Ticket includes one copy of Just As I Am.*

"In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only succeeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history." -President Barack Obama, 2016 Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony

"Just As I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished, with the glitter and garland set aside. In these pages, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage and screen for six decades. 
"Yet I am also the church girl who once rarely spoke a word. I am the teenager who sought solace in the verses of the old hymn for which this book is named. I am a daughter and mother, a sister, and a friend. 
"I am an observer of human nature and the dreamer of audacious dreams. I am a woman who has hurt as immeasurably as I have loved, a child of God divinely guided by His hand. And here in my ninth decade, I am a woman who, at long last, has something meaningful to say." --Cicely Tyson


Join Third Place Books, along with partners from around the country, for a special livestream event with Cicely Tyson!

Miss Cicely Tyson is an actress, lecturer, activist, and one of the most respected talents in American theater and film history. From her starring role on Broadway in The Blacks (1961), to the Emmy-nominated 1999 HBO film A Lesson Before Dying, her work has garnered critical and commercial applause for more than sixty years. 

Her two Emmys for The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman made her the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress. In 2013, Miss Tyson won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance as Miss Carrie Watts in The Trip to Bountiful

A capstone achievement came in 2018, when she became the first Black woman to receive an honorary Oscar. The Board of Governors voted unanimously to honor her with the award, which came 45 years after her Academy Award nominated performance in Sounder.

*Books will be shipped to purchasers via USPS Media Mail. Please note that Third Place Books DOES NOT OFFER INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Spring?


Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here



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Shoreline City Council places Shoreline Proposition 1 on April ballot: Bond measure to make park improvements and acquire and improve park land

James Keough park would receive significant improvements under the bond issue

On January 25, Shoreline City Council approved placing Shoreline Proposition 1 on the April 27 special election ballot. Approval of Proposition 1 will allow the City to make improvements to eight parks and acquire and improve new park land. The City would issue up to $38,500,000 in general obligation bonds to be paid back through an increase in property taxes.

Five parks that would receive significant improvements are: 
  • Brugger’s Bog 
  • Hillwood 
  • James Keough 
  • Richmond Highlands 
  • Briarcrest Community (east Hamlin)

Concept design for James Keough Park

Park improvements would include such things as playgrounds, splash-pads, multi-sports courts, walking trails, picnic shelters, off-leash dog areas, and a fully accessible play area for people of all physical abilities.

Additional investments in park amenities include constructing a new off-leash dog area and play area at Ridgecrest Park; upgrading the off-leash dog area and converting the dirt soccer field to grass at Shoreview Park; making the education center and children’s garden accessible to people of all abilities at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden; and installing public art throughout the city.

Park land acquisitions and improvements will expand Paramount Open Space, Brugger’s Bog, and Rotary Parks, and will include additional park land acquisitions in the light rail station areas and other parts of the city.


The owner of a median valued home ($517,000 in 2020) could expect to pay approximately $112 a year, or $9 a month, an increase of $36 a year, or $3 a month, over what they are currently paying with the expiring 2006 park bond.

For more information on Shoreline Proposition 1, visit shorelinewa.gov/prop1

The City will be providing factual community presentations on Proposition 1 via Zoom. To see the schedule of presentations and how you can participate, go to shorelinewa.gov/prop1



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Fiery sunset

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

 

Photo by Jan Hansen


A fiery sunset on a chilly (but sunny) day.




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Wednesday authors from Third Place Books


Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - 7:00pm

This is a virtual event, taking place via Zoom Webinar!
Register for this livestream event here!

The odds of getting hit by a bus are 495,000 to 1. But the odds that you’re going to die some day of something? Exactly. 

In Case You Get Hit By A Bus will help even the most disorganized among us take control of our on- and off-line details so our loved ones won't have to scramble later. 

Breaking the task down into three levels, from the most urgent (like granting access to passwords), to the technical (creating a manual for the systems in your home), to the nostalgic (assembling a living memory), this clear, step-by-step program not only removes the anxiety and stress from getting your life in order, it's actually liberating.

Abby Schneiderman co-founder, and co-CEO of Everplans, is an industry expert in the areas of digital estate planning, technology, and consumerism, a Forbes.com Contributor and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and CNBC.

Adam Seifer, co-founder and co-CEO of Everplans, has helped create multiple huge online communities and networks and is an inventor on "the social networking patent" now owned by LinkedIn.

Gene Newman serves as Everplans' editorial and education director and has spent his career as a writer, editor, and content leader for Maxim.com, Hachette Filipacchi Digital, and other lifestyle properties.



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Case updates January 24, 2021

2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)

  • Vaccine Phase Finder Vaccine Locations
Case updates January 24, 2021


United States
  • cases 25,018,520 - 142,259 new cases in one day
  • deaths 417,936 - 1,926 new deaths in one day

Washington state
  • cases 302,141
  • hospitalizations 17,259
  • deaths 4,148

King county
  • cases 74,727 - 165 in one day
  • hospitalizations 4,726 - 1 in one day
  • deaths 1,227 - 12 in one day

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
  • cases 18,709 - 46 in one day
  • hospitalizations 1,123 - 0 in one day
  • deaths 307 - 0 in one day

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,856 - 4 in one day
  • hospitalizations 170 - 1 in one day
  • deaths 84 - 0 in one day

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 240 - 0 in one day
  • hospitalizations 17 - -1 in one day
  • deaths 4 - 0 in one day


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Dog park in the sun


Photo by Keith McGlashan

Sun comes out and everyone heads to the dog park! This is the Shoreview Dog Park by Shoreview Park in west Shoreline.



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LFP City Council meets Thursday


The LFP city council regular meeting is Thursday, January 28, 2021, 7pm online

Ordinances and Resolutions on the agenda

1. Resolution 1798/Setting Public Hearing Date for Consideration of the Designation of Residential Targeted Areas for a Multifamily Tax Exemption Authorized under Chapter 84.14 RCW

2. Resolution 1799/Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Interlocal Agreement with Multiple Agencies in King County to Provide Law Enforcement Mutual Aid for the Creation of the Independent Force Investigation Team – King County (IFIT-KC)

3. Resolution 1800/Confirming Mayor’s Emergency Order on COVID-19 Leave

Action or Discussion

1. Confirmation of City Council Committee Appointments

HOW TO SUBMIT ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMENTS 
https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Virtual-Meetings-during-COVID-19

Written comments for public hearings will be submitted to Council if received by 5:00pm the date of the meeting; otherwise, they will be provided to the City Council the next day. Because the City has implemented oral comments, written comments are no longer being read under Citizen Comments.

View the meeting:

When: Jan 28, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: City Council Regular Meeting 1/28/2021

Link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94045448670

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US: +12532158782,,94045448670# or +13462487799,,94045448670#

Or Telephone:
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Access to full agenda, background documents, and special reports here



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Alaska man who conspired to set fire to the Seattle Police East Precinct pleads guilty

Seattle's East Police Precinct now has a concrete wall
Photo courtesy Seattle Police
A 20-year-old Alaska man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit arson in connection with the fire he set Monday, August 24, 2020, at the Seattle Police Department East Precinct, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.  

Desmond David-Pitts was arrested shortly after the fire. 

David-Pitts faces up to five years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on April 27, 2021.

According to records filed in the case, David-Pitts had arrived in Seattle from Alaska just three days before the arson.  

After marching with the group of protestors in downtown Seattle, David-Pitts is seen on surveillance video piling up trash against the sally-port door at the Seattle Police East Precinct. Over an eleven-minute period, the surveillance video captures David-Pitts not only piling up the trash, but repeatedly lighting it on fire and feeding the flames with more trash.  

While David-Pitts was lighting the fire, other people who appeared on the surveillance were attempting to use crowbars and cement-like materials to try to disable the door next to the sally-port to prevent officers from exiting the building.

At various times, David-Pitts was communicating with the black-clad individuals who were attempting to disable the door and light other fires around the building. Despite efforts to disable the door, officers were able to get outside and extinguish the flames.

David-Pitts was seen on surveillance working with the others to cut through a chain-link fence that was a barrier around the building. All the fires were extinguished by Seattle Police Officers and members of the Seattle Fire Department.

David-Pitts was identified less than an hour later in the crowd outside the precinct because of the distinctive pink camouflage trousers he was wearing. He was arrested without incident.

Conspiracy to commit arson is punishable by up to five years in prison.  Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence within the guidelines range calculated by the Court. The ultimate sentence is up to Judge Coughenour based on a number of sentencing factors.

David-Pitts has agreed to pay restitution to the Seattle Police Department for damage to the building.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Seattle Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

The East Precinct is located at 1519 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 and serves the Seattle neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Central Area, First Hill, Judkins Park, Madison Park, Montlake, upper Pike/Pine neighborhood. 


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Urgent need for hosts for Camp United We Stand

Camping at a previous location

Camp United We Stand, a transitional encampment in Shoreline, is looking for a church or organization in the North King County or South Snohomish County area to host them during the months of October, November and December of 2021. And BEYOND.

The Camp is currently at Shoreline Free Methodist Church and has been offered a site at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church for the months of May through August 2021.

Central supply tent

The Camp must secure a site by the end of July, beginning of August, in order to apply for a Temporary Use Permit and conduct a neighborhood community meeting in the month prior.

Camp United We Stand (CUWS) is a small encampment of no more than 35 people. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit and listed as a non-profit with the Washington State Department of Revenue. CUWS is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The current camp consists of adults, many of whom are working. This encampment was formed in 2014 in order to focus on finding housing, keeping jobs, and getting the support they need to move forward.

The Camp needs a flat parking lot or grassy area with about 10,000 square feet, with access to power and water.

The minimum footprint would be 7,500 square feet. The camp has a tarp fence to provide privacy and security. Many of the campers have been Shoreline residents and attended local schools.
 

About Camp United We Stand:
  • There are Covid 19 precautions in place.
  • The camp is self-governing with an elected executive team overseeing all camp operations.
  • The camp provides its own security detail, on duty 24/7, which patrols the camp perimeter. If needed, the police are called. Neighborhoods hosting encampments have found there are fewer problems in the area when there is such an encampment.
  • The residents are screened. No sex offenders or people with outstanding warrants are permitted.
  • No weapons are permitted in the camp.
  • No street drugs or alcohol are permitted in the camp.
  • The rules for CUWS are strictly enforced. Those who violate them are given a bus ticket and escorted to the nearest bus stop to ensure they leave the area. People may be barred for 1 to 30 days or permanently, depending on the severity of the infraction.
  • Camp residents are not permitted to enter the host facility without permission or invitation.


CUWS residents invite people to tour the Camp at Shoreline Free Methodist Church in Shoreline, during the hours of 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Please call Beverly Hawkins @ 206-992-3479 to arrange a tour.

Shoreline Free Methodist church is located at 510 NE 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98155. 206-365-9303

If you know of a church or organization that would be willing to host the Camp, please contact the President of the Board of Directors of CUWS, Beverly Hawkins (email address) or by cell 206-992-3479. 

Please visit our website: https://campunitedwestand-tentcity.org 


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AG Ferguson: Some cases against federal government will continue despite President Biden taking office

Attorney General Bob Ferguson
has filed 97 cases against federal 
government
Attorney General’s Office has filed 97 lawsuits against the federal government since January of 2017

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson offered an update on his lawsuits against the federal government in the wake of President Joe Biden’s inauguration last Wednesday.

Washington was the first state to challenge President Trump in court. Beginning with his successful lawsuit challenging President Trump’s first travel ban filed just 10 days after Trump took office, Ferguson filed 97 cases against the federal government during President Trump’s term in office.

To date, he scored 39 legal victories in those cases, including multiple victories at the United States Supreme Court. He experienced only two legal defeats.

The Attorney General’s Office maintains a list of all 97 lawsuits on his website.

Ferguson’s office led 36 of the 97 legal challenges. The lead state typically does the overwhelming majority of the work. Financial recoveries from successful lawsuits paid for nearly all of the legal work on these cases, not the state Legislature.

In other words, corporations and individuals that violated the law funded these lawsuits, not taxpayers.

More than 60 of the 97 cases — including 17 legal victories and one adverse ruling — are still being actively litigated. Many of them are likely to continue working their way through the courts despite President Biden taking office.

In recent weeks, the Trump Administration filed a flurry of so-called “midnight regulations” further weakening critical environmental protections in the waning days of the former president’s term. 

Washington joined 12 multistate lawsuits led by other states in the last week challenging these last-minute attempts to undermine our environment.

“If someone had told me four years ago that, by the time President Trump left office, I would file 97 lawsuits against the federal government, I would not have believed them,” Ferguson said. 
“Republicans sometimes asked me why I filed so many lawsuits against the Trump Administration. I would respond that they should ask the president why he pursued so many illegal policies that hurt our state. 
"Throughout his term, the president demonstrated his contempt for the rule of law, and our record in court speaks for itself.”
Read more here


 

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Micah K. Blair Named Edward Jones Principal

Micah K. Blair
Shoreline, Washington native Micah K. Blair, who has served as an Edward Jones financial advisor since 1999, has been named a principal with the firm's holding company, The Jones Financial Companies, LLLP. 

He was one of 161 individuals chosen this year from more than 50,000 associates across the United States and Canada to join the firm's principals.

Blair and his family - wife Monica, daughter Lauren and sons Carter and Evan - will remain in Shoreline, where Blair will continue to serve investors.

In addition to serving local investors, he serves as an Edward Jones regional leader, promoting the health, growth and leadership development of 80 branch teams.

Blair's office is located at 621B Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline. He can be reached at 206-542-4930.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. 

Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments offered to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm's 19,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.5 trillion in client assets under care. Visit edwardjones.com or the recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com Member SIPC.



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