LFP Committee of the Whole meets Monday to continue discussion of Town Center code updates

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Lake Forest Park City Council


City of Lake Forest Park Council Committee of the Whole (COW)
Regular meeting Monday, February 22, 2021, 6:00pm

Meeting to be Held Virtually

Continuing discussion of code updates for Town Center:

Town Center Zone (Ord. 1217) and Related Regulations in the LFPMC for Development Agreements (Ord. 1218), Off-street Parking (Ord. 1219), Screening and Landscaping (Ord. 1220), and Multifamily Tax Exemption (Ord. 1221)

Join the session and/or make comments and see staff documents here



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Planting evidence

 
Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here




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Trailhead Ambassador program launches

The Trailhead Ambassador program will launch in summer 2021, following public health guidelines. Volunteer Trailhead Ambassadors will serve as a welcoming entity at popular trailheads to answer recreation related questions, promote responsible hiker ethics like Leave No Trace, and collect trail use information for agencies and nonprofits.



Trailhead Ambassadors, a brand-new volunteer program, is launching this summer in the Snoqualmie Corridor area, where recreational trails see some of the largest numbers of visitors in Washington. The Trailhead Ambassadors program is currently recruiting volunteers to educate and empower visitors on trails and public lands within the I-90 corridor.

In recent years, trail use has increased exponentially. This program is a direct reflection of the need to provide more resources to trail users about how to recreate responsibly. Volunteer Trailhead Ambassadors will be stationed throughout the summer at popular trails around the region such as Poo Poo Point (Chirico Trail), Twin Falls, Mt. Si, Rattlesnake Ledge, and Franklin Falls.

Volunteers will go through a virtual training that will cover topics such as: ways to engage public users, how to provide information about recreational trails, and education about how to play an active role in caring for trails and public lands to ensure safe and sustainable trails for future use.

Trailhead Ambassadors will spend their time at trailheads engaging with trail users directly where they are recreating. They will not only act as a welcoming face, but also be available to answer questions and provide resources. In a world where outdoor recreation grows each year, this program will be a necessary component in spreading the word about using local trail systems, and ways to protect and steward them.

If you enjoy hiking, conservation, and the outdoor community, consider applying to be a Trailhead Ambassador volunteer!

Volunteer recruitment and access to our online training will begin in March, and for those interested in learning more, please attend one of our Zoom informational sessions. Pending public health guidelines, you will start to see Trailhead Ambassadors at local trailheads starting in summer of 2021. You can find more information on our website here.

Trailhead Ambassadors was formed by a partnership of land managers, nonprofits, local community members and businesses, and facilitated by the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. Partners include Washington State Parks, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, Cedar River Watershed, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Washington Trails Association, The Mountaineers, Issaquah Alps Trails Club, King County Search and Rescue, Seattle Outdoor Adventurers Meetup group, and REI.



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City of Shoreline wants to hear feedback on 20 year Transportation Master Plan (TMP)

Visit the Open House / Take the survey

From the City of Shoreline

We need to hear from you!

Do you use Shoreline’s transportation network? Do you drive in Shoreline? Do you use sidewalks or trails in Shoreline? Do you ride transit in Shoreline?

THEN WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We are currently updating the City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and we need you to tell us about your travel needs and priorities!

Why participate? The TMP update will:
  • Make decisions now that will affect our community for years to come.
  • Establish transportation goals, policies, and projects for the next 20 years.
  • Develop transportation networks for all users (people walking, cycling, riding transit, driving, etc.)
Participate in an Online Open House

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021
Noon-1:00 p.m.

Go to shorelinewa.gov/tmp for more information about the TMP and how to join the Open House.

Complete the Survey

Unable to attend the Open House? Then please take the TMP survey.

TMP Overview

The TMP supports all forms of travel – by foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, stroller, wheelchair, transit, motorcycle, automobile, etc. The TMP will guide local and regional transportation investments and define the City’s future transportation policies, programs, and projects for the next 20 years.

The last update to the TMP was in 2011. The City must update the TMP by 2023 to align with the City Comprehensive Plan and meet the Growth Management Act requirements, maintain the City’s eligibility for pursuing future grant funding, and set transportation policies for guiding the development of Shoreline.

For additional information, visit the Transportation Master Plan webpage.



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Bigfoot sighting in Shoreline


In answer to the reported sightings of Bigfoot in Shoreline...


Mike and Zach Lawson built this formidable creature with the big feet at the Lawson home in Shoreline.

Although most of the snow has quietly melted away, I'll bet that this guy is still standing guard.




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Northshore firefighters show support for teen battling leukemia

Payton Morris with Northshore Firefighters
Photo courtesy Northshore Fire

Tuesday night the Northshore Firefighters from Local 2459 showed their support for Payton Morris, Battalion Chief Mike Morris's daughter. 

This was in honor of her 17th "Golden" Birthday and was a collaborative effort to match her glorious hairstyle. Payton has been confidently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with grace and gratitude since August 2020. Her motto is "Just Keep Swimming." 



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Spin Alley and Vault 177 are open for business

Friday, February 19, 2021


By Cynthia Sheridan

For a delicious selection of comfort foods along with some fun family activity, the Richmond Beach restaurant and bowling alley located at 1430 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline is now open daily 4pm until 10pm. (5pm for bowling; closing at 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday). 

Under new ownership since 2019, both Vault 177, the newly-named restaurant, and Spin Alley, have undergone a major remodel with a full bar, heated patio dining and lots of up-to-date equipment and machinery for bowling aficionados.

Owner Joe Montero is following COVID-19 rules, which allow 25% capacity in both venues.

Vault 177 has been rebranded as a restaurant

The complete menu for the restaurant, which includes 34 beer and wine taps, can be found at Vault177menu.com Take-out and curbside delivery are available, as well as eat-in dining.

Joe is a familiar face in the north end; his father Bill Montero served on the Shoreline Planning Commission and was an active Rotarian. Both father and son have a penchant for rescuing, rebuilding and reorganizing commercial businesses and real estate.

Spin Alley is now open for VIP Bowling for up to 6 people. You will have the ENTIRE bowling facility to yourself. 

Cost is $100 per hour and includes shoe rental (tax extra). One hour sessions are available 4-8pm, seven days a week. Multiple hour sessions available at other times by request.



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Environmental Lobbying Day

Meetings with legislators are virtual during COVID-19
By Dennis Heller

This year, February 8-10 was designated as “Environmental Lobbying Day,” facilitated by The Environmental Priorities Coalition of 28 separate environmental groups, including Sierra Club and Washington Conservation Voters. 

Many groups have a lobbying day to contact their legislators over the issues and bills before them. Education and Libraries have a lobbying day, for example. 

 In the past, people met with their legislators in Olympia on a specific day, but with Covid-19, Zoom was used and the “lobbying day” was expanded to three days.

The three day schedule was set up along the following guidelines: first was general preparation with issue training including specific bills now in committee. Everyone was then sent to their individual Zoom breakout rooms with the 49 rooms representing the 49 state congressional districts. 

Only two members came and stayed in the “32nd District Room.” Included in the original training were an old guy Dennis Heller from Shoreline (the author of this article!) and a very mature thirteen year old from North Seattle named Elizah.

The training focused on three priorities for 2021: 
  1. Conservation Works (HB 1080, HB 1094, SB 5093 and SB 5092); 
  2. Clean Fuel Standard (SHB 1091); 
  3. The Healthy Environment For All Act (SB 5141). 
Additionally the time was used for planning presentations and deciding on specific roles during the 15 minute Zoom meetings.

The second and third days were used for specific pre-arranged meetings

Tuesday afternoon the 32nd Legislative District met with Rep. Cindy Ryu and Rep. Lauren Davis. The brief focus was on the above mentioned bills, along with a short discussion of SB 5256/HB 1204, requiring the elimination of all internal combustion engines sold in the state by 2030, which was already out of the House Committee. 

Both Ryu and Davis were very supportive of the environmental agenda. At the same time, they recommended that all citizens have the chance to follow and input their comments on these bills by going online at https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary.

On Wednesday Dennis and Elizah met with Senator Jesse Salomon, for another fifteen minute meeting. Senator Salomon pointed out that while he was supportive in general of the full environmental agenda, he was not on the committees where the bills were being discussed. 

There are currently 1000 active bills in committee and it is very difficult to know the status of every one. At the current time, he has some questions about SB 5141, HEAL (Healthy Environment for All). 

He knows that, while well intended, the “devil is in the details” and it must be implemented in a straightforward way through the bureaucracy. Senator Salomon’s candor in describing the ins and outs of legislative development was greatly appreciated.

Hopefully next year the lobbying day will be back to in-person as in the past. But with much that has been experienced over the past year in the midst of the pandemic, we may end up with a hybrid system allowing for more remote input into the important state issues.



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Case updates February 17, 2021

  • Vaccine Phase Finder Vaccine Locations
Case updates February 17, 2021


United States 
  • cases 27,669,556 - 69,165 since yesterday
  • deaths 489,067 - 2,601 since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 332,007 - 1,200 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 18,934 - 73 since yesterday
  • deaths 4,803 - 44 since yesterday 

King county
  • cases 80,635 - 178 since yesterday 
  • hospitalizations 5,042 - 21 since yesterday 
  • deaths 1,331 - 2 since yesterday 

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018) 
  • cases 20,013 - 33 since yesterday 
  • hospitalizations 1,193 - 5 since yesterday
  • deaths 347 -   -1 since yesterday 

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 2,003 - 1 since yesterday 
  • hospitalizations 180 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 87 - 0 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 264 -   -1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 16 -   -1 since yesterday 
  • deaths 4 - 0 since yesterday


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Shoreline Fire seeks volunteers for Pro and Con committees on Fire Benefit Charge to be on upcoming ballot

Shoreline Fire Training and Support Facility on Aurora
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline Fire Chief Cowan is asking for anyone interested in forming a Pro or Con committee regarding their upcoming ballot measure re-authorizing the Fire Benefit Charge to contact him via email - mcowan@shorelinefire.com 

The deadline for emailing your interest in either committee is February 24, 2021 at 3pm.



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Salomon’s bill to boost critical Orca food supply wins Senate approval

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-32
OLYMPIA – A bill aimed at restoring salmon habitat for Puget Sound orcas struggling to find enough food to survive was approved by the Senate by a vote of 28-21 on Thursday.

Senate Bill 5273, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), would require residential property owners to use an alternative that has the least amount of negative impact on marine life when replacing existing shoreline seawalls.

“Nearly one-third of Puget Sound’s shorelines are armored with structures like bulkheads and seawalls,” said Salomon. 
“These structures can be incredibly destructive to marine habitats in the area. There are several alternatives that can achieve comparable results for property owners while also having less impact on the natural environment.”

Property owners looking to replace a seawall or bulkhead can replace it with the exact same structure under current state law. Certain types of seawalls can be bad for critical nearshore habitat.

When seawalls are installed, the natural process of beach and sand erosion is disrupted. This can cause a chain reaction of negative environmental impacts, including the disruption of fish habitats in the area.

A lack of adequate salmon population has been identified as one of the factors jeopardizing the Puget Sound’s Southern Resident Orca population.

SB 5273 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. It has until April 11 to be approved by the House to be eligible to become law this year.

The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on April 25.



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Data breach at Recology exposes Shoreline customer data

Malware holds your files for ransom
Graphic from ClipArtBest
A third party application used by Recology Shoreline to invoice customers was attacked by ransomware. 

Shoreline residential, commercial and multi-family customers as well as commercial customers in north Seattle were among northend cities contracting with Recology whose data was accessed.

Recology is working to determine what data was exposed and the third party app has hired a cyber security firm to investigate.

Customers will not be able to pay their bills by phone or online until this is resolved. Auto-payments will not be charged. To pay your bill, send a check.

No late fees will be charged during this time.

Recology has posted much more information here

Ransomware is a form of malicious code that encrypts the files on the victim's computer, making the inaccessible. The attacker then demands money from the victim to restore access. If affects the computer and any back-up plugged in.



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“Enough” online premiere and discussion


“Enough” Online Premiere and Discussion

Watch music video and panel discussion based on the song written by former Shorecrest Student-Body President Nate Nzanga.

The production was filmed in August 2020 in Highland Terrace and the Highlands by a cast and crew of volunteer filmmakers across the country.


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Collision on Aurora at 141st blocks all lanes just after midnight


At 12:30am on Friday, February 19, 2021, a collision on Aurora at 141st has blocked all southbound lanes.


 



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Shoreline Fire vaccinates 100 most vulnerable at Senior Center

Shoreline Fire working at the Senior Center
to vaccinate 100 seniors
By Diane Hettrick

The Shoreline Fire department and King county health have been working with the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center to vaccinate some of their most vulnerable members.

The Senior Center was allocated 100 doses of vaccine. 

They were already compiling a list, based on knowledge gained from daily deliveries of ready-made meals and groceries from the moment the center had to close during COVID-19 restrictions.

The 100 doses were specifically designated for People of Color, and shut-ins.

The need is far greater than 100. Center Director Theresa LaCroix hopes that the Center will again be a recipient when larger amounts of vaccine are delivered to the state.

Shoreline Fire has been busy vaccinating people in group homes all over Shoreline.

The Senior Center has been inundated with calls from members and others who are looking to be vaccinated. The Senior Center has no information about when vaccines will come to the state, or whether the SC will be allocated vaccines. They are not making appointments or taking names.



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Free COVID-19 testing resumes at ICHS

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Covid testing at ICHS in Shoreline
Photo courtesy ICHS

International Community Health Services (ICHS) is now offering free COVID-19 testing at its Shoreline Clinic on Aurora Avenue N. 

Drive-up and walk-up testing is available to everyone regardless of citizenship/immigration or insurance status.

Weekly appointments can be made Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30am-3:00pm. The ICHS Shoreline Clinic is located at 16549 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

Registration is made online at https://www.ichs.com/free-covid-19-testing/

Early testing is important to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to friends, family, and the community. If you have a sign/symptom of COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, please get tested.



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Edward Jones webinar: Time for taxes - What's new and what to consider for 2021


Edward Jones interactive webinar: Time for Taxes
Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 12pm PT


Tax season is upon us, and filing for 2020 may bring up a few additional questions from taxpayers. How does COVID-19 affect taxes? What if you were unemployed? Is there a deduction for working from home? Do you have to pay additional taxes if you received a stimulus check? What may taxes look like under a Biden administration?

In this webinar, Edward Jones Principal Jesse Hill and Senior Research Analyst Meagan Dow will be joined by Michael Tucker, vice president of Tax and Advisory Content for Surgent CPE, LLC, a division of Knowfully Learning Group, to help address the ins and outs of this particular season and help you feel confident as you make your plan.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions through the webinar's Q/A feature.

Webinar Panelists
  • Jesse Hill, Principal, Government and Regulatory Relations, Edward Jones
  • Meagan Dow, CFA, CFP, Senior Research Analyst, Edward Jones
  • Michael Tucker, Vice President, Tax and Advisory Content, Surgent CPE, LLC, a division of Knowfully Learning Group
  • Alex Reed, Moderator, Senior Reputation Management Specialist, Edward Jones
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. The content of the webinar should not be depended upon for other than broadly informational purposes.

--Suzan Shayler, Shoreline Edward Jones


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"The City of Lake Forest Park's 60th Anniversary: Historical Reflections" Saturday on zoom - get link before noon Friday

Lake Forest Park 1916
Shoreline Historical Museum


LFP Program February 20, 2021 at 1:00pm

The Lake Forest Park Friends of the Library and the King County Library System
Sponsor a "Zoom" Presentation Commemorating
the 60th Anniversary of Lake Forest Park!

"The City of Lake Forest Park's 60th Anniversary: Historical Reflections," a presentation by Shoreline Historical Museum Director Vicki Stiles, will reveal interesting stories and wonderful photos that show just how Lake Forest Park became a treasure on the shores of Lake Washington.

Program starts at 1:00pm on Saturday February 20, 2021. 

Please register before noon on Friday February 19th

Register Here!

The Shoreline Historical Museum is supported by The City of Shoreline and 4Culture. Museum Members and Friends! We are currently open, with COVID 19 safety precautions in place.


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Is spring here yet?

 
Photo by Tanis Coralee Leonhardi

The first chipmunk of the season returned to the Leonhardi's Innis Arden backyard this week.

The chipmunks are native to Puget Sound but have been driven to a few, deeply forested local areas in The Highlands, Innis Arden, and Lake Forest Park, while the invasive gray squirrels dominate most of the territory.



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Governor Inslee appoints Will Hall to the Puget Sound Partnership's Leadership Council

Will Hall appointed to Puget Sound
Partnership's Leadership Council
Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Will Hall to the Puget Sound Partnership's Leadership Council, the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership. Hall is the mayor of the city of Shoreline and served on the Southern Resident Orca Task Force.

“Will brings the experience, commitment and leadership we need to restore and protect Puget Sound,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. 
“With his accomplishments as a local government elected official, utility manager of stormwater discharges, and environmental planner for orca rescue, salmon recovery and watershed health, I know he will make tremendous contributions to PSP.”

Hall has been protecting and restoring Puget Sound in many roles over the years. He wrote one of the first salmon recovery plans in the state, for the Snohomish River Basin. 

He established a marine resources committee that engages hundreds of volunteers in Puget Sound recovery. 

As director of the third-largest stormwater utility in Washington, he was responsible for planning, outreach, and monitoring, and for capital projects to protect and restore water quality, salmon habitat, and marine resources across five major watersheds draining to Puget Sound.

Hall is an expert at local government planning and land use. He has served on the Shoreline City Council for 11 years, including three as mayor. 

He has been active on many boards, including The Coastal Society, the Society for Ecological Restoration, the Association of Washington Cities, the Southern Resident Orca Task Force, and the Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board, which he chaired for four years.

Hall has an undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Chicago and a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. Hall and his wife, Laurie, grew up near Puget Sound and enjoy many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing, and scuba diving.

"Puget Sound is great source of beauty, food, commerce, and recreation," Hall said. "I am excited to have this opportunity to protect and restore it for future generations."

"Will's extensive knowledge and experience will contribute greatly to the work of the Leadership Council," said Laura Blackmore, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. "He has a valuable perspective on Puget Sound recovery efforts, and I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity."

About the Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is the governing body of the Puget Sound Partnership. Its seven members are leading citizens chosen from around the Sound and appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. Jay Manning currently chairs the Leadership Council.

About the Puget Sound Partnership

The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency formed to lead the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Working with hundreds of government agencies, tribes, scientists, businesses, and nonprofits, the Partnership mobilizes partner action around a common agenda, advances Sound investments, and tracks progress to optimize recovery.



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Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center: Happy Days on the Horizon


Our annual fundraiser is doing a twist and moving virtual in 2021! Please join us as we celebrate the senior center and look to the future with our Happy Days on the Horizon fundraiser. Our online event will take place on our website here from Tuesday, May 4th- Friday, May 7th to support adults aged 50+ in our community. 

Join us for this virtual fundraiser. Register for our event here

Kapunas dance troupe

We will share memories, fun experiences, and all the great shenanigans that take place at the Center right here on our website at 10am PDT each day during our online event.

The services we provide at Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center (SLFPSC) can only continue running with your support. By partaking in our upcoming 2021 fundraiser, you will have a great impact on our community! 

In addition to registering for our online fundraiser, we kindly ask that you make a donation anytime between now until Friday, May 7, 2021. You can click here to make a donation

Crafting groups will return after the pandemic

Thank you so much for supporting SLFPSC! We are thrilled to connect with supporters like you (online) to share more about our mission and the community we serve at Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center. So dust off your dance shoes and await more details...

Sincerely,
The Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center





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Free Webinar “Beautify and Care for your Streamside or Lakefront Property”

Curious about what it takes to return your stream, lake or wetland property to its more natural state? 

Want to learn ways you can support wildlife, enhance your property’s aesthetic, and reduce maintenance needs? 

Don’t miss this FREE 1-hour webinar hosted by King Conservation District for homeowners living along the water. 

Learn from restoration experts about managing your yard to support both the environment and your own needs.

Event Date: February 20, 2021 at 10am

Topics:
  • Minimizing pollution runoff on your property
  • Controlling invasive weeds
  • Utilizing native plants for wildlife habitat and erosion control
  • Adding value and beauty to your yard naturally
Register at https://kingcd.org/

Questions? Contact Nikki Wolf at nikki.wolf@kingcd.org or 425-773-1868.



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2021 Democracy in Action Award goes to Washington Family Engagement founder Adie Simmons and Complete Count's Vanessa Gutierrez

Adie Simmons holds the 2021 Democracy in Action Award
On February 13, 2021 the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County presented Democracy in Action Awards to two organizations: the 2020 Complete Count Committee led by Vanessa Gutierrez and Washington Family Engagement (WAFE) and its Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). WAFE founder and executive director is Adie Simmons.

Washington Family Engagement through its Parent Leadership Training Institute educates adults from diverse backgrounds to understand how government affects their daily lives, and that they themselves have a voice.

They teach for free how to advocate for children and families in their schools, communities and government. PLTI teaches in English and Spanish about public policy and governmental systems and requires Parent Leaders to initiate community projects such as workshops, examining issues, and testifying in public legislative meetings.

WAFE has a parallel Child Leadership Institute (CLTI) to teach similar topics at age level. These goals of leading parents and youth to become knowledgeable active participants in an effective democracy align closely with goals of the League of Women Voters who have honored them with the 2021 Democracy in Action Award.
 
Adie was a long-time volunteer in Shoreline before being appointed as the founding Director of the Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO). The OEO, a statewide agency created by the legislature in 2006, resolves complaints and disputes between parents and public school officials that impact student academic achievement. From there she went on to found Washington Family Engagement.

Vanessa Gutierrez with her award
The 2020 Complete Count Committee describes itself as having aimed “toward implementing equity, respect, honesty with information shared, building of trust, empathy and reassurance, to reduce Hard to Count (HTC) areas in Snohomish County.”

The team partnered with 70 organizations across the county to reach out to known hard-to-count groups including young children, highly mobile persons, racial and ethnic minorities, low-income persons, persons experiencing homelessness, non-English speakers, LGBTQ persons and persons who distrust government. 

They were transparent in their messaging, communicating regularly with local residents and leaders and sharing issues and challenges. Snohomish County reported a 6.1% self-response increase over 2010. 

Statewide follow-up after self-reporting led to a Washington state report of 99.9% of households enumerated. Such diligent and accurate work helps ensure that Snohomish County will receive its fair share of available resources over the next decade. 

Leader of the team Vanessa Gutierrez was commended for her organization, articulateness and upbeat nature as she oversaw a very difficult job. The League of Women Voters recognizes and applauds this impressive and diligent work through the 2021 Democracy in Action Award.

The Democracy in Action Award is presented annually to an outstanding local person or organization for their contributions to our democracy. It recognizes outstanding achievement or long-term commitment to enhancing democracy in Snohomish County. This year the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County felt strongly that two candidates for this award deserved recognition.

The awards were presented at the ZOOM “birthday party” recognizing the 101st year of the League of Women Voters, founded February 14, 1920. 

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and, after member study and agreement, works to influence public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.

More information: info@lwvsnoho.org or Kate Lunceford, President, LWVSC at 206-331-7233



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LFP Stewardship Foundation annual meeting open to the public on zoom March 2, 2021

You are invited to hear our 2019-2020 accomplishments, vote for our volunteer Board of Directors, ask questions and share your ideas for our projects and priorities.

The meeting will include short, informative, and entertaining talks from two Board members on their local research: Dr. Douglas Wacker and Dr. Jeffrey Jensen.

Join us on this moderated Zoom meeting, open to the public.

Zoom meeting details

 

Time: Mar 2, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://washington.zoom.us/j/97267114975

Meeting ID: 972 6711 4975
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,97267114975# US (Tacoma)
+12063379723,,97267114975# US (Seattle)

The Stewardship Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization focused right here in Lake Forest Park, with the Mission: to contribute to the well-being of our community
  • by fostering awareness, understanding, appreciation,
  • and stewardship of our natural environment;
  • and by preserving and enhancing parks and open spaces.


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Case updates February 16, 2021

  • Vaccine Phase Finder Vaccine Locations
Case updates February 16, 2021


United States 
  • cases 27,600,391 - 57,970 since yesterday
  • deaths 486,466 - 1,396 since yesterday

Washington state
  • cases 330,807 - 1,061 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 18,861 - 97 since yesterday
  • deaths 4,759 - 50 since yesterday 

King county
  • cases 80,457 - 140 since yesterday 
  • hospitalizations 5,021 - 13 since yesterday 
  • deaths 1,329 - 8 since yesterday 

Seattle - population 744,995 (2018) 
  • cases 19,980 - 53 since yesterday 
  • hospitalizations 1,188 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 348 - 3 since yesterday 

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 2,002 - 5 since yesterday 
  • hospitalizations 178 - 0 since yesterday
  • deaths 87 - 1 since yesterday

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 265 - 1 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 17 - 1 since yesterday 
  • deaths 4 - 0 since yesterday



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Gloria's Birds: I don't care if you haven't seen a Red-winged Blackbird in months, photog,

A glossy black bird sits with his head completely under his wing. He has a collar of red and orange with a scalloped edge
Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

Rudy said, covering his face. I do NOT want to be photographed!
 --Gloria Z Nagler



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Letter to the Editor: Praying for schools to reopen

To the Editor,

Another night before bed praying with my sophomore son trying to assure him he will go back to high school and friends activities and real sports. Watching his and other older Shoreline Washington School District kids spirits being crushed with no hope for returning to school and more 6 hrs/day x 5 days per week “zoom online school “ is very hard.

Please SEA teachers' union / teachers / school board stop their suffering and give them some hope at least. Other school districts are planning to be open up to Grade 12 by March, Tacoma, Puyallup, etc. etc. Are we going to be last???

Andrew Carr
Shoreline


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Free Community Emergency Response Team training opportunity

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an organization of volunteer emergency workers who have received specific training in basic disaster-response skills, with the intent of supplementing existing emergency responders in the event of a major disaster; or, to utilize their skills to assist family members and neighbors.

Following a major disaster, local fire, police, city, and other first responders may not be able to meet the demand for their services. Residents of our community, and visitors, may need to rely on each other for help meeting their immediate life-sustaining needs.

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) CERT program will educate participants about local hazards and basic disaster preparedness, and provide hands-on training that includes fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. 

After completing the CERT academy, volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in additional drills and exercises to keep their skills sharp and continue to enhance their knowledge and abilities.

What to expect at the hybrid CERT class

Usually, CERT is taught in person for three-hour sessions spread out over eight weeks, ending with a large, in-person disaster simulation. 

With current COVID restrictions, training has been adapted to a hybrid online/in-person approach: a two-hour online course for eight weeks, plus a single one-day in-person three-hour hands-on skill session. 

Graduates of the class will have the opportunity to participate in a disaster simulation at a later date. The hands-on portion of the class is not a requirement of completion, but it does enhance the training dramatically.

Classes begin online Monday, March 8, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:30pm, and will continue each Monday for eight weeks. The in-person hands-on training day is on Saturday, April 24, from 9:00am to noon, at Northshore Fire Station 51 in Kenmore. 

There is no fee for this class; however, it will fill up quickly so please register soon.

For registration and other information, check out the CERT website.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact NEMCo Emergency Manager Carl Lunak, at 425-354-1744, or by email. The registration form is available here.



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Shoreline resident charged with threatening Seattle councilmember

Shoreline resident Andrew Finseth was
charged with cyberstalking a Seattle City
Councilmember. Photo courtesy Seattle Fire
According to reporting by The Seattle Times, Richmond Beach resident Andy Finseth has been identified as the person who sent threatening emails to Seattle City councilmember Kshama Sawant.

Finseth, a Seattle firefighter, used another firefighter's email. He also sent in a request for transfer under that firefighter's name.

He has been charged with second-degree identity theft and two counts of cyberstalking and is on paid administrative leave during an internal investigation and resolution of the legal charges.

Finseth was Seattle Firefighter of the Year in 2018.



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Agenda for Feb 22, 2021 Shoreline council meeting

2021 Shoreline City Council

The agenda for the Feb 22, 2021 Shoreline City Council meeting includes one Action item and two Study items:

Action Item 8(a) Action on 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

This was last discussed at the Jan 25, 2021 Council meeting.

Since Shoreline’s incorporation, salaries for Councilmembers have been set by Council action thought enactment of an ordinance. At the Jan meeting, Council was supportive of amending the Shoreline Municipal Code to create a Salary Commission and directed staff to bring back proposed Ordinance No. 919 for adoption.

Study Item 9(a) Panel Presentation on Police Accountability: Legislative Activity in Olympia and the Uses and Limitation of Data

The City of Shoreline contracts with the King County Sheriff’s Office for policing services. The panel presentation will consist of two separate discussions: (1) a conversation about police accountability measures being considered this session in the Washington State Legislature; and (2) a discussion with a criminal justice researcher about both the value and the challenges of using data when looking at topics related to law enforcement. This information is intended to provide Council with information that could be used in deciding local policing accountability policies.

The panel will consist of
  1. Devitta Briscoe, a community advocate who is part of Not This Time and the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, and is active in the current stat legislative session;
  2. Sharon Swanson, an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) staff member who is tracking police accountability legislative proposals in Olympia; and
  3. Jaqueline Helfgott, a Professor at Seattle University, and Director of the school’s Crime and Justice Research Center.
Study Item 9(b) Discussing Ordinance No. 920 - Repealing and Replacing Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 3.01 – Fee Schedule, Ordinance No. 921 - Establishing a Fee Schedule for Impact Fees, and Resolution No. 471 - Adopting a Fee Schedule

Amending SMC Chapter 3.01 to allow for the adoption of the Fee Schedule (except for impact fees) by resolution of the City Council would allow for a more timely and efficient process that would not impact the Budget Ordinance when amendments are needed. It would also provide for amendments to sections of the SMC that have not been updated to reflect the evolution of the Fee Schedule, thereby ensuring the correct citation is referenced.

Full agenda and instructions on accessing the zoom meeting here

--Pam Cross


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White out at RB Saltwater Park

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

 
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

This is the closest I have seen to showing how the air was full of snow - tiny particles of white suspended in the air as far as the eye could see. None apparently moving, yet covering the ground ever higher as time went by.

Marc Weinberg photographed this scene at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park during daylight hours.

Save this so you can remember how different this snow was in 2021.

--DKH



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Sound Transit’s latest design for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in north Lake Washington


Online open house and online public meetings now through March 11

Explore the updated design for the Stride S3 Line, or SR 522/NE 145th BRT, and learn what’s next for the project at Sound Transit’s online open house Feb. 16 through March 11 at sr522brt.participate.online (参考简体中文网: sr522brt-zh.participate.online | Ver este sitio en español: sr522brt-esp.participate.online).

Sound Transit is also hosting online public meetings for each city along the project corridor. To sign up for the online public meeting in your city, visit sr522brt.participate.online.

The online public meetings for Seattle/Shoreline and Lake Forest Park are:
  • Seattle/Shoreline: Thursday, March 4, 7–8 p.m.
  • Lake Forest Park: Tuesday, March 9, 7–8 p.m.

Join the project team to learn about the design in your neighborhood, ask questions and share your thoughts. The meetings will have Spanish and Mandarin spoken interpretation, ASL interpretation and English closed captioning. The recorded presentation from the meetings will be available on the online open house.

Project overview

Sound Transit’s Stride BRT program will provide fast, frequent and reliable high-capacity transit service. The Stride S3 Line will connect north Lake Washington communities to the regional transit system. Riders will be able to transfer between the Stride S3 Line, I-405 North Stride S2 Line, Link light rail and other transit service provided by Community Transit, King County Metro and Sound Transit.

Updates to NE 145th in Shoreline/Seattle
  • Sound Transit is proposing to move the Stride BRT station in Seattle/Shoreline, planned for the intersection of NE 145th Street and SR 522, west to 30th Avenue NE on NE 145th Street to improve pedestrian access and safety.
  • The project team is proposing to not include the Stride BRT station at 25th Avenue NE in Shoreline/Seattle. The stop will continue to be served by King Count Metro, providing frequent service to the future Shoreline South/148th light rail station.
  • The design reduces the length of needed roadway widening on the north side of NE 145th Street between 15th Avenue NE and 5th Avenue NE (see the City of Shoreline’s related NE 145th Street and I-5 Interchange Project). The project does not include widening the roadway at NE 145th Street and 25th Avenue NE.
  • Sound Transit is proposing transit priority lane reconfigurations between 30th Avenue NE and SR 522 on NE 145th Street, rather than adding an eastbound lane, to improve the environment for pedestrians and transit riders using the planned BRT station at this location.


Updates in Lake Forest Park
  • Sound Transit is proposing Stride BRT stations on SR 522 at NE 153rd Street, NE 165th Street and Ballinger Way NE (at the Lake Forest Park Town Center).
  • The project also includes additional parking at the Lake Forest Park Town Center; the project team has developed an early design concept for a new Park-and-Ride garage adjacent to City Hall.
  • Sound Transit has refined the design between NE 155th Street and half a block south of 41st Avenue NE in Lake Forest Park, shifting some roadway widening to the west side of SR 522 to reduce property impacts. The project team has reached out to property owners on both sides of the roadway to discuss what this means for potential impacts to their properties.

The online open house at sr522brt.participate.online has additional details on these and other updates, an interactive map, information about station design, project background and opportunities for input.

Next steps for the project

After completing the environmental review process later this spring, the project team will ask the Sound Transit Board to identify the project to be built, which may enable the project to advance into the design and construction phases. The project schedule is subject to change due to impacts from the recession caused by COVID-19 and the ongoing Sound Transit Board Realignment process.



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