Shoreline Police: Two minutes - That's the amount of time it took to steal a catalytic converter

Friday, July 23, 2021

On Monday, July 19, 2021 at 10:20am, King County deputies responded to a car prowl in the city of Shoreline.

When deputies arrived at an auto repair shop in the 16000 block of Aurora Ave N, they met with the victim who told them she had her car towed to the shop the day prior. 

Because the shop was closed at the time, she left her vehicle parked out front.

When the victim arrived the next day to start her car, it made a very loud noise. An auto shop employee advised her that her catalytic converter was missing.

A review of the car shop's video confirmed that the converter was stolen that morning around 6:00am. 

Footage shows a dark-colored sedan drive up and park next to the victim's vehicle. Two people get out of the car and spend roughly two minutes stealing the catalytic converter before driving off.
 
The suspect vehicle is seen here - a black four-door sedan, possibly a Lexus or Acura. Anyone with information on this case should call our non-emergency number at 206-296-3311 and reference case #C21022441.


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Scene on the Sound: Exploring tide pools

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Many families enjoyed exploring tide pools Thursday morning on Puget Sound. The minus tide revealed areas that are not always exposed to local beachcombers.  

Beach naturalists will be on hand at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park for these low tides:

  • Sat 7/24 9:30am -12:30pm
  • Sun 7/25 10:30am - 12:30pm
  • Sun 8/8 9:00am - 12:00pm


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Help your community: Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center seeks Kitchen Volunteers

Kitchen volunteers needed at the Senior Center
With the Army Reserve soldiers ending their time helping at the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, they are looking for volunteers to help Chef Donnie prepare and package the ToGo lunches. 

You may choose the day(s) you can work during the week.

  • Position: Part of Kitchen crew
  • Program: Dining Services
  • Location: Senior Center kitchen
  • Schedule: 9am-noon M,T,W,TH, F
  • Duration: Effective immediately and on-going

Contact: Donna Saltzberg: sl_reception@soundgenerations.org

Email or call 206-365-1536 for an application and more information.



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Be prepared: Sign up for wildfire smoke updates from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

Smoky sunrise in Lake Forest Park 2020
Photo by David Walton

We receive one - two notices a day of new, major wildfires in Washington state. So far all the fires and smoke are staying east of the mountains. 

There are travel advisories for parts of the state east of the mountains and some roads are closed in fire areas.

It's just a matter of time before we are dealing with wildfire smoke in Puget Sound. If you would like some advance warning so you can get inside and shut the windows, residents in King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Snohomish County can sign up for wildfire smoke updates from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.




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Storm repair project will close two blocks of Linden Ave N in the Westminster Triangle August 3 to Sept 3, 2021

Photo courtesy B/B Utilities and Excavating, LLC

The "2021 Stormwater Pipe Replacement and Small Drainage Projects" is a storm system improvement project that is being done for the City of Shoreline by B/B Utilities and Excavating, LLC.

They will be working on Linden Ave N in the Westminster Triangle between 153rd and 155th August 2 to September 3, 2021.

The road will be closed for the duration of the project, but neighbors, church people, and emergency vehicles will have access and will be notified in advance of any planned driveway disturbances. 

In the case of emergencies B/B has steel sheets on site that can be placed in a matter of minutes to allow access.

Crew working hours will be 7am-5pm Monday through Friday. Neighbors can expect normal construction noise and equipment.

If there is ever a need to contact someone in the field for blockage concerns or placement of materials in the area, the project manager is Adam Hampton, 425-471-8173.



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Help the state name the next new ferry

Photo courtesy WSDOT
OLYMPIA – Construction of a new, hybrid electric Olympic Class ferry is expected to start in 2022. 

The new 144-car vessel will need a name and the Washington State Transportation Commission has initiated its process to do so by seeking naming proposals from the public.

But it takes a little more work than just suggesting a name.

Naming guidelines

Sponsors of naming proposals will need to keep in mind the following:
  • Names should carry statewide or regional significance and represent our state’s image and culture.
  • Names should represent such things as state-adopted symbols, tribal names, names of bodies of water, geographic locations, cities, counties, relate to nautical heritage, etc.
  • Consideration will be given for consistency with existing WSF fleet names.
  • Names should have broad familiarity, be non-offensive, and meet ethical standards.
  • Names with commercial overtones or names honoring or commemorating individuals should generally be avoided, but will be considered upon very careful review. In these cases, the following guidelines will apply:
  • Individuals must be deceased for at least 20 years. They must have enduring distinction and have played a significant historical role in the region and/or state.

Naming proposals submitted to the commission must identify how they conform to the above guidelines; provide background on the proposed name, making a case for the proposal; and provide evidence of public support for the name.

How to submit name proposals

Naming proposals must be received by 5pm Friday, October 1, 2021 and must be provided in both hard copy and electronic form as follows:

  • Hard copies are to be mailed to: Washington State Transportation Commission, PO Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308
  • Electronic copies are to be emailed to: transc@wstc.wa.gov, indicating “Ferry Naming Proposal” in the subject line.

Washington State Ferries has 21 vessels in its fleet. Many have names reflecting the state’s tribal heritage. The current Olympic Class vessels are named Chimacum, Samish, Suquamish, and Tokitae, keeping with that tradition.

Additional information on ferry naming can be found on the commission’s website at:
https://wstc.wa.gov/programs/ferry-highway-naming



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Jobs: City of Shoreline Engineer II

City of Shoreline
Engineer II - Development Review

CLOSING DATE: 08/04/21 12:00 AM

GENERAL SUMMARY

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

The City's mission is to fulfill the community’s vision through highly valued public service. Our employees work relentlessly to achieve organizational goals while embracing the City’s values. City Mission, Values, and Goals The City offers generous benefits to all regular employees.

The City of Shoreline is going through an exciting period of growth and development including support of light rail extending through the City, increased density and development to support the City's vision for growth.

The APWA accredited Public Works Department is seeking an energetic and experienced person to be part of our team and serve the needs of the community. We are looking for an experienced engineer with strong customer service focus in supporting civil engineering review of development with the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of customers including engineers, contractors, inspectors and the public. The position requires good understanding of engineering codes, standards and best management practices specifically related to stormwater, wastewater, and roadway design.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this position has worked primarily from home for office-type duties, while reporting for in person meetings in the field or in the office as needed. The City's remote work policy is under evaluation, and we anticipate that a hybrid model is likely. Under the new policy, it is possible that this position could work remotely part-time on a regular basis if desired.

SCOPE OF WORK

To provide responsible professional engineering assistance in the review of private development projects, in coordination with the Planning and Community Services and Public Works departments; to develop and update codes, standards, practices related to private development of public infrastructure; to serve as the project manager for various permits and projects as assigned; and to perform various office and field duties as required.

Job description and application



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Three regional agencies team up for Trees for Rail

Sound Transit, the City of Shoreline, and King Conservation District are pleased to announce Trees for Rail, a partnership to re-green the Lynnwood Link light rail corridor with native trees and shrubs as it passes through Shoreline.

The first of its kind partnership seeks to utilize King Conservation District’s County-wide Urban Tree Canopy program to establish native vegetation and tree canopy to reduce the impact on corridor-adjacent homeowners. This partnership leverages the resources of Sound Transit and will serve to meet Shoreline’s landscaping requirements.

Shoreline requires landscape buffers between the light rail corridor and residential neighborhoods, but in some locations there is not enough space on Sound Transit owned property or in the City right-of-way to plant these buffers. By working together, Shoreline, Sound Transit, and King Conservation District developed a plan to offer trees and shrubs to be planted at nearby homes or adjacent City rights-of-way in the impacted neighborhoods.

Eligible residents along the rail corridor in parts of the Ridgecrest, North City, and Ballinger neighborhoods can volunteer to receive native trees and shrubs, installed by KCD experts, free of charge. 

Households also receive training on how to care for their plants with additional assistance if needed.

“This program builds on our existing commitment to plant thousands of trees along the Lynnwood Link alignment,” says Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. 
“We think teaming up with the City of Shoreline and bringing the expertise of KCD to homeowners in these areas will be a big win for residents and the environment.”

“We are excited about approaching rail corridor mitigation in this manner,” stated Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “This new approach reduces the number of property acquisitions needed by Sound Transit while still ensuring there are adequate landscape buffers along the light rail corridor.”

Though construction of Lynnwood Link involved removing some trees, the reduction is only temporary. 

Sound Transit will be planting 20,000 trees, nearly four times as many as it had to remove. The agency will maintain the newly planted trees along the alignment for up to 13 years, greatly improving their survival rates. King Conservation District’s role is to work directly with impacted residents – over 200 Shoreline homeowners in all. 

“We’re excited to work with Shoreline residents to understand their planting options and select the right trees and shrubs to fit their needs,” says KCD Interim Director Cynthia Setel.

Eligible homeowners will be contacted by King Conservation District throughout the coming months and will begin planting later this year.

Eligible addresses are listed here: kingcd.org/treesforrail



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Public review period for the King County Haz Plan Update is July 19-August 16


The King County Hazardous Waste Management Program (Haz Waste Program) is updating its 10-year plan. The 2021 Plan will provide a blueprint for how the Haz Waste Program will work to reduce toxic exposures to people and the environment in King County.

The Plan is available for public review and comment. You are invited to review the 2021 Plan and offer your feedback. Please visit www.HazPlanUpdate.com to see the 2021 Plan, provide comments, and share your overall input on the Plan.

The review period is July 19 – August 16.

You can reach the Haz Waste Program to ask questions about the Plan Update by email at info@hazplanupdate.com or call them Monday-Saturday from 9:00am to 4:30pm at 206-296-4692. You can even contact them on Facebook.



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Backyard critters: Have you seen Bambi this morning?

Thursday, July 22, 2021

 
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Have you seen Bambi this morning?

I think he was headed toward Woodway.








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Shoreline Walks: Hamlin Park Orienteering Saturday July 24, 2021

Find your way through Hamlin Park on Saturday's Shoreline Walk

SHORELINE WALKS

Explore neighborhoods, parks and trails on some of the best walking routes in our City. Designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a Volunteer Walk Leader and all walks are free. No need to sign up, just show up at the meetup location and we'll take care of the rest! Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to join.

Program participants are required to follow the current Covid-19 safety guidelines. To see current guidelines, visit www.shorelinewa.gov/covid

For a full list of walks visit www.ShorelineWA.gov/ShorelineWalks

WALK DETAILS

Saturday, July 24, 2021, 10:00am
Hamlin Park Orienteering

Learn about Orienteering as we locate all 19 orienteering controls in Hamlin Park. Use your handheld GPS unit or GPS-capable phone. Or just come along for a fun walk around Hamlin Park. Walk leader will provide map and directions. Meet at the picnic shelters near the Hamlin Park inner parking lot. Restrooms available at start of walk.

All participants are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Walk is approximately 2.4 / 2.5 hours
Walk Rating: Moderate-Difficult (large hills)
Meet at: Hamlin Park, 160th St. 2nd parking lot on left. (by picnic shelter)
Walk Leader: Dan


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ShoreLake Arts: Free concerts in the park - July 28 and August 4, 2021


Wednesday, July 28 Lineup


6:30pm - Marina and the Dreamboats | Rock

7:30pm - Jeannie Rak | Pop

8pm - The Mercy Ray | Alternative Rock


Wednesday, August 4 Lineup

6:30pm - Hyaline | Electro

Bring your low chairs, blankets, and picnic supplies. Sunscreen and sunglasses may also be a good move. If you bring a chair with a high back, please try to sit further back so you don’t obstruct your neighbors' view.

Parking for July 28. There will be plenty of street parking near Pfingst Animal Acres Park on NE 178th St. There’s also parking on 37th Ave NE near Brookside Elementary.

Parking for August 4. Kruckeberg Botanic Garden has limited parking available. But you may also park at the Richmond Beach Congregational. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk. Ridesharing (Lyft/Uber) is a great option as well!


ShoreLake Arts is proud to present the Concerts in the Park with major support from Aegis Living of Shoreline and Callahan House, City of Lake Forest Park, City of Shoreline, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, and individual donors, like you.


ShoreLake Arts COVID-19 Requirements and Guidelines:
  • We will be adhering to all CDC and Washington State guidelines during the events.
Questions can be emailed to Terri at programs@shorelakearts.org

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



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Save the date: Free comic book day Saturday, August 14


SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 AT 10 AM PDT – 6 PM PDT

Free Comic Book Day 2021 at Arcane Comics and More!

Arcane Comics at Parkwood Plaza will be celebrating the annual Free Comic Book Day on August 14.


They are open for business now - every day from noon to 6pm and from 10am to 6pm on Wednesdays. Masks are required in the store for the protection of their youngest clients.



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Case updates July 20, 2021

Vaccines are available at local pharmacies
As of Monday, July 19, 2021 80% of King County residents are vaccinated.

If you are part of the 20% who are not, visit Vaccine Locator or call 833-VAX-HELP to make your appointment today.

Now closed: the UW Med vaccination clinic at the Shoreline Center held its last clinic on July 20. 

Vaccines are readily available at area pharmacies like Costco, Safeway, and others.


Case updates July 20, 2021 - all 'new' figures are since the previous reporting day


United States  
  • Total cases 34,030,494 - 46,318 new
  • Total deaths 607,289 - 298 new deaths

Washington state - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 424,407 - 781 new
  • Probable (additional) cases 39,130 - 179 new
  • Total hospitalizations 26,294 - 29 new
  • Total deaths 6,063 - 7 new 

King county - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 109,902 - 189 new
  • Total hospitalizations 6,629 - 1 new
  • Total deaths 1,682 -  0 new 

Seattle - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 26,102 - 69 new
  • Total hospitalizations 1,463 - 1 new
  • Total deaths 426 - 0 new 

Shoreline - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 2,528 -  4 new
  • Total hospitalizations 211 - 0 new
  • Total deaths 101 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 339 - 0 new
  • Total hospitalizations 17 -   0 new
  • Total deaths 4 - 0 new



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AG Ferguson rejects insufficient opioid distributors settlement, heads toward trial

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday that he formally rejected a proposed settlement with opioid distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health and Amerisource Bergen, and Johnson and Johnson.

The Attorney General’s Office has been litigating against these companies for years. Trial against McKesson, Cardinal Health and Amerisource Bergen begins in King County Superior Court on September 7, 2021.

Ferguson’s trial against Johnson and Johnson is scheduled to begin in King County Superior Court in January 2022.

Click here to read the full news release...



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ShoreLake Arts student volunteer opportunity

Photo courtesy ShoreLake Arts
ShoreLake Arts invites teens and young adults to apply for the Student Arts Leadership Program, providing up to 60 community service hours assisting with Art Adventure camps between August 9 and 27, 2021.

Participants can receive anywhere from 20 to 60 community service hours, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

To serve as a Student Arts Leader, you must be 16 or older, currently enrolled and able to demonstrate enrollment in high school, a G.E.D. program, college, or vocational/technical school, and available to commit to at least one week of service.

When
  • August 9 - 13, 8:30am - 12:30pm daily
  • August 16 - 20, 8:30am - 12:30pm daily
  • August 23 - 27, 8:30am - 12:30pm daily
Where
  • ShoreLake Arts Office (In the Southwest part of the Shoreline Center)
  • 18560 1st Ave NE
  • Shoreline, WA 98155
Apply online here!

Questions?


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Jobs: Shoreline Community College - customer service and budget analyst positions available

Shoreline Community College
is recruiting for the following positions:

Customer Service Specialist 2 – Student Learning, Equity, and Success
Date of first consideration: July 29, 2021
Job description and application: https://bit.ly/3zkFU8K

Budget Analyst 3 – Budget Office
Date of first consideration: August 8, 2021
Job description and application: https://bit.ly/36PiBaL

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



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Shoreline resident earns degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology


ROLLA, Mo. (July 20, 2021) - Approximately 1,100 students received degrees from Missouri University of Science and Technology during commencement ceremonies held at Missouri S/T on Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Chad Douglas, of Shoreline, Washington 98177 earned a master of science degree, in systems engineering

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S/T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,600 students and part of the four-campus University of Missouri System. Located in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri S/T offers 101 different degree programs in 40 areas of study and is ranked by CollegeFactual as the best public university to study engineering. For more information about Missouri S/T, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.



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Statewide plastic bag ban starts October 1, 2021


Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban starts October 1, 2021. Businesses can help their customers reduce waste by understanding the details of the law. 

More information and accessible toolkits are available in 17 languages at the Ecology bag ban web page. http://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2021/Statewide-bag-ban-begins-Oct-1… #WAbagban



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Silver Alert: Shoreline resident missing after he failed to meet a friend in Seattle

 

KCSO issued a silver alert for 75 y/o Harvey Page. He left his Shoreline home at 12:45 PM today, Wednesday, July 21, 2021 but failed to meet a friend in Seattle.

Harvey may be driving his '09 Hyundai Accent (WA: 305ZQC).  He has diabetes, hypertension and memory loss.
  
Please call 911 when located.



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting July 19, 2021

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
July 19, 2021

Notes by Pam Cross

Mayor Hall called the remote meeting to order at 7:00pm.
All Councilmembers were present.

Approval of the Agenda
Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, presented by Assistant City Manager John Norris

City Hall is now open to the public from 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. Masks are required for all visitors (vaccinated and unvaccinated) and social distancing will be practiced.

Since reopening July 6th, there have been an average of 20-30 visitors per day. Most visits have been for permitting services, to receive licenses or to pay Wastewater utility bills.

Remote services are still available and encouraged. shorelinewa.gov/remoteservices


This fire ban does not apply to private property.


The enhanced shelter is very close to its full capacity of 60 residents.
There has been some staff turnover of entry-level case managers. This is not atypical but does mean that more time has to be spent hiring and training new staff.

COVID-19 UPDATE

The North King County vaccine site is now closed. Walk-in vaccinations are available at most pharmacies in Shoreline. You can locate the site nearest to you at www.CovidVaccineWA.org

SHORELINE WALKS


For additional information and the calendar of walks:
shorelinewa.gov/shorelinewalks

PUBLIC REMINDERS

The PCRS/Tree Board will hold a remote meeting on Thursday, July 22 at 7pm

COUNCIL REPORTS

Deputy Mayor Scully attended the Lake Ballinger Watershed Forum. Shoreline is involved as a stakeholder since Echo Lake drains directly into Lake Ballinger. The news was they had trapped a 70 pound beaver below the dam that was wreaking havoc. How a beaver that size was not detected for months will remain a mystery. It was safely relocated by one of the local Indian Tribes that relocate beavers up to the mountains.

Councilmembers McConnell and Roberts attended some zoom meetings with the National League of Cities. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for informal networking before and after the meetings. We are looking forward to a possible in-person meeting in November

PROCLAMATION

At the request of the King County Department of Community and Health Services, Mayor Hall, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed the month of September 2021 as National Recovery Month.

Public Comment

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
Enhanced shelter sounds like it is going well. I want to continue to encourage ongoing oversight as it nears capacity.

Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees
New 6’ wide sidewalks on 5th Ave NE between N 178th St and N 182nd Ct will result in 23 significant trees being removed.

Approval of the Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar approved unanimously by a vote of 7-0.

Action Item 8(a) Appointment of Pro and Con Committee Members for City of Shoreline Proposition 1: General Obligation Bonds for Parks, Improvements and Park Land Acquisitions

Eric Bratton, Communications Program Manager, made the presentation

The Pro and Con statements will go into the Voters’ Pamphlet, along with the City’s explanatory statement.


Pro Committee Applicants
  • Brian Branagan
  • Katie Schielke
  • Mary Ellen Stone
Con Committee Applicant
  • Joseph Smith
DISCUSSION

Motion and Second to add the three applicants listed above to the Pro Committee.
Motion and Second to amend the motion to include the applicant listed above to the Con Committee.

VOTE
Amended motion passes unanimously 7-0.

Action Item 8(b) Action on Ordinance No. 937 - Amending the Shoreline Municipal Code to Add Chapter 10.22 Street Racing

Julie Ainsworth-Kelly, Assistant City Attorney, made the presentation
Shawn Ledford, Chief of Police, was available to answer any questions

This was discussed at the June 21, 2021 meeting. Proposed Ordinance No. 937 would amend the Shoreline Municipal Code to add a new chapter, Chapter 10.22, regarding Street Racing, addressing risks to both racers as well as spectators.



At the June 21 meeting, Council had some concerns:

Should more than three corridors be designated Stay Out of Areas of Racing (SOAR)?
  • Staff response: If things get worse or other corridors start to be used for street racing, the regulation could be amended to add locations. Having a city-wide SOAR Area would be too burdensome for police.
Will Stay out of Areas of Racing (SOAR) Orders be effective?
  • Staff response: SOAR Orders provide Shoreline Police with an additional tool against repeat street racing offenders.
Do police have authority over both public and private property?
  • Staff response: The proposed regulations prohibit street racing on a street or within an off-street parking facility. “Off-street parking facility” is defined as being a public or private parking area. The inclusion of these off-street parking facilities is intended to address the use of such areas as church or grocery store parking lots for street racing activities. Activity that is clearly illegal is subject to citation, even if it occurs on private property.
Will including impoundment have unintended consequences for non-violating owners of racing vehicles?
  • Staff response: Staff elected to authorize the Municipal Court to have the discretion to impound a vehicle upon conviction of street racing. Shoreline Police could also impound, as is currently authorized by state law, but would do so on a case-by-case basis. Even with a SOAR Order violation, Police would still consider reasonable alternatives and would act consistently with King County Sheriff Office Policies. While there is a potential that a vehicle could be impounded that does not belong to the violator, the types of vehicles used for these races are unlikely to be driven by others.
Does proposed SMC 10.22.060(g) have a drafting error?
  • Staff response: This error has been corrected by Staff.

DISCUSSION

The proposed Ordinance does not refer to the Court having the discretion to impound a vehicle. Instead it says that if a SOAR Order is violated, a police officer, during the of the stop and arrest on the SOAR Order, can impound a vehicle.
  • Reply: The court orders the SOAR Order of impoundment. A police officer could also impound a vehicle according to state law.
Motion and Second to adopt Ordinance 937.

Motion and Second to strike Designation of No Racing Zones (10.22.050), and strike SOAR Orders (10.22.060).

This motion was intended to strike the SOAR Orders, and was amended on the advice of the City Attorney to include the No Racing Zones because without Stay out of Areas of Racing (SOAR), designating zones does not make sense.

Basically, I do not like making public trespass for violation of a crime (Note: the City Attorney noted at the last meeting, that private establishments also have another enforcement mechanism by seeking to trespass a violator from their property.) This would criminalize being on a public street in a public area for just being there.

It states in the staff report: “As staff noted, many jurisdictions are utilizing SOAR Orders successfully, or more successfully than those cities without the ability to seek such orders.”
I would like to know what you mean by “successful,” which jurisdictions did you speak with, and what kind of a response did they give you?

  • Reply: We spoke with a police liaison that was working primarily with South King County cities where most of this type of activity was happening. They thought that this was an important tool. Because these programs are fairly new there isn’t a lot of data available.

Your reply to my question of what do you mean by “successful” was answered with “a lot of jurisdictions are doing it.” Is there any evidence of success of SOAR Orders, using any definition of success?
 
  • Reply: Not that I’m aware of.
  • Reply by City Attorney Margaret King: I believe that statement was based on the information that was relayed to us by the King County Sheriff’s Office after they had talked to different police departments as far as what they saw as a reduction of the number of racing events that occurred. That is why they are asking all of the cities to add these provisions so that there will be consistent treatment regionally. If the term “successfully” needs to be modified to say that they “feel that they are getting some success,” then I apologize for overstating. I do not have data to support this.

Thank you for clarifying. I think this is something that people just think is a good idea. It’s a problem that’s in front of us, and we have a tendency to just “throw the book at” and hope for the best. It hasn’t worked before and it’s not going to work now. The way this process works is you get an Order and it’s on file. Once you have one of these Orders against you, you can’t drive on Aurora or Richmond Beach Road. What will stop street racing is the rest of the ordinance where people get arrested for doing it or watching it.

I don’t believe a lot of the racers we have seen here are Shoreline residents. Maybe the SOAR Orders would deter Shoreline residents from participating in these events. I don’t think police are running every license plate they see for a SOAR Order. And if someone from Everett or Snohomish County gets a SOAR Order in Shoreline, that’s ok with me that they can’t drive on Aurora or Richmond Beach Road. Until I can see that this would really affect Shoreline residents, I can’t support this. And criminal activity has to have some consequences.

How long does a SOAR Order last?
  • Reply: the Judge has the discretion based on recommendations by the Prosecuting Attorney.

When we got advanced notice of a racing event in Shoreline, we were able to mount a very big police presence in response. We found the organizers were not only not from Shoreline, they weren’t even from King County. Some people from Shoreline may participate in these events but we need to balance what the public’s expectation is. These events have been very disturbing to people in Shoreline.

The point of our laws is to reduce bad behavior that affects other people’s quality of life and the peace and quiet and safety of our community. We don’t pass speed limits so we can issue more tickets. We pass speed limits in the hope that we can keep our community safe. But some people don’t obey the laws.The repeat behavior of some of these folks involved in street racing is proof of that. The SOAR Orders can only be issued by a judge, so they are aimed at repeat offenders. I think it’s helpful to have a deterrent. South King County’s regional focus was impressive. We need to be partners and collaborate with other jurisdictions.

This only applies to repeat offenders?

  • Reply: It is intended for repeat offenders. The prosecuting attorney, in consultation with the Chief of Police can order a SOARS Order. But they are unlikely to request one after a first offense. It would be used to say “you were here once and now here you are back again”. It is discretionary - the judge doesn’t have to order it.

Sounds like lots and lots of discretion. It needs to be consistently enforced.

VOTE on striking Designation of No Racing Zones (10.22.050), and strike SOAR Orders (10.22.060).
Motion fails by a vote of 3-4 with Councilmembers Roberts and Robertson, and Deputy Mayor Scully supporting the Motion.

VOTE on Main Motion
Approved by a vote of 5-2 with Deputy Mayor Scully and Councilmember Roberts opposed


Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 934 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 20.30 to Add Procedures for Subdivision Vacations and Resolution No. 481 - Adopting a Fee for Subdivision Vacations

Cate Lee, AICP, Senior Planner made the presentation

Since the 1900s, much of the City of Shoreline has been subdivided. Vacating such subdivisions will allow properties to be redeveloped under current zoning standards.

We’ve had plat alteration regulations in our code since 2019. This allows us to change one or more aspects of the plat document such as when there are limitations on the use or on the size of the lots in the subdivision. A vacation returns the land to its pre-subdivision state. The Planning Commission held a study session on this topic on May 20, 2021, and a Public Hearing on June 17, 2021. No public comments were made at the Hearing.

The proposed amendments create a process that will allow the land to return to its pre-subdivision state, including the removal of restrictions and easements associated with existing single-family development which may facilitate redevelopment of the MUR zoning districts, as well as zoning districts Citywide, for their intended purposes. An example would be if a developer assembled lots and wanted to put in an apartment building or condominium.


DISCUSSION

Under what circumstances is someone eligible to apply for a subdivision vacation?
  • Reply: every property owner within the subdivision or portion of the subdivision must agree to the vacation. It’s different from the plat alteration process that only requires a majority of property owners

As a matter of clarification: What is the expectation of a neighborhood meeting since everyone has to agree to it?
  • Reply: Neighborhood meetings are required for all land use items. It is a way to have early outreach.

From the City of Shoreline Planning and Community Development (pdc@shorelinewa.gov)
  • The process for early development review begins with the pre-application meeting. The City meets with the applicant to discuss project feasibility. At this point the applicant is provided information on the City’s requirements, including the requirement for conducting the Neighborhood Meeting, the review process and timing.
  • The purpose of the Neighborhood Meeting is to provide an opportunity for the applicant to inform the neighborhood about the project early in its planning stages and ensure that the applicant pursue early citizen participation. The idea is to give property owners in the area an opportunity to learn about the proposals that affect them and to try to identify concerns in the early stages of the application process. Accordingly, the issues identified at the meeting may be addressed by the applicant before preparing the formal plans for the application.

No additional discussion.

This Ordinance will return to Council on Consent August 16. However, if members of the public raise questions or concerns, this can be removed from the Consent Calendar for additional discussion.

Meeting adjourned



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Scene on the Sound: Royal Caribbean's first cruise ship of 2021 departs for Alaska

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Sea docked in Seattle. Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

By Wayne Pridemore

At 5:00pm on Monday afternoon, July 19, 2021 the first cruise ship of the 2021 season left Seattle for Alaska. 

Serenade of the Sea photo by Wayne Pridemore

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Sea backed away from her berth at Seattle Pier 91, made a slow turn towards the west and slowly cruised away.

The ship heads out past Richmond Beach. Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

The ship passed Richmond Beach twenty minutes later. A  parade of ships will follow this month. It's a welcome sight that many residents of Shoreline love to view.  
 
The Ship has a capacity of 2100 passengers and a crew of 884. It was launched in 2003.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Later this month other cruise lines will begin runs north to Alaska; Celebrity's  Millennium, Holland America's Nieu Amsterdam, Majestic's Princess, Carnival's Miracle, Silver Sea's Silver Muse, Norwegian's Encore, and Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas. 
 
Looks like smooth sailing ahead.

Glenn Farley of KING 5 news. Photo by Wayne Pridemore

 Glenn Farley of KING and SkyKing also covered the event.

KING 5 photographer. Photo by Wayne Pridemore.



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LFP Rotary chooses new President

Ed Sterner is the new President of the
Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park
By Sarah Conrad

“Rotary – Serve to Change Lives”

In 1986 the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park began helping our neighbors with service projects. From then to now, community members of Lake Forest Park have assembled under the banner of Rotary, in an effort to exchange ideas and take action to improve the lives of people in need.

The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park is pleased to announce Ed Sterner as our President for the 2021-2022 Rotary year.

Ed Sterner received his B.A. in US History and Political Science from Indiana University, Masters in Public Affairs from Princeton University and law degree (J.D.) from Columbia. He currently serves as corporate counsel for Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems and advises other smaller technology-based companies.

Ed fell in love with his wife Kathy while camping and hiking with her. Ed was asked to join the LFP Rotary Club by their neighbor, Ben Cashman, former Mayor of Lake Forest Park. Ed served the club as President in 1998-99. The Rotary club has doubled in size since then. Ed says there is a lot to learn about how a bigger club, with a major annual fundraiser and a big heart for service, operates.

Ed was attracted to Rotary by its key motto: “Service Above Self”. Today, Rotary has another motto: “People of Action”. Contrary to outdated notions about Rotary, Rotary is open to anyone who finds those mottos interesting. Ed observes: “Some folks have time, others have money, a lucky few have both. Rotary is a way to put all these people together for action in our community and around the world.”

Lake Forest Park Rotary is very informal. If you can make it “IRL”, just show up at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian at 17440 Brookside Blvd NE on Wednesday mornings around 7:15 am to have a little breakfast and socialize before the meeting starts at 7:30 am. Our meetings end at 8:30 am so members can get to work at whatever they do. We have great speakers and Ed says he will “guarantee” that anyone attending our meetings will start their day off with at least one, if not several, good laughs.

If you’d rather Zoom in to the meeting, the link opens at 7:15 am.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85142410960

If you have kids, being a member of Rotary is a great way to have your actions speak louder than your words. We are a child friendly club, and encourage them to be involved in our hands-on projects. Rotary is a great way to teach them how to be good neighbors and good citizens. Ed’s first service club fundraiser was a betting pool to predict the day his son would be born. It’s never too early to have your kids involved in community service!

Ed’s hoping to see you at a meeting real soon. Many hands make light (and fun) work.

For more information about our club’s service projects, and to see a list of upcoming speakers, visit:

http://lakeforestparkrotary.com/



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Shoreline student attended Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville AL


Huntsville, AL – Harper Emanuel of Shoreline, WA recently attended Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, home of Space Camp®, Space Camp® Robotics™, Aviation Challenge® and U.S. Cyber Camp®. The Rocket Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Official Visitor Center.

The weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while training students and with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem solving.

This program is specifically designed for trainees who have a passion for space exploration. Harper spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated space mission to the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon or Mars. The crew participated in experiments and successfully completed an extra-vehicular activity (EVA), or spacewalk. Harper and crew returned to earth in time to graduate with honors.

Space Camp is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and uses astronaut training techniques to engage trainees in real-world applications of STEM subjects. Students sleep in quarters designed to resemble the ISS and train in simulators like those used by NASA.

Interested in training like an astronaut? Visit www.spacecamp.com


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Case updates July 19, 2021 - UW Shoreline vaccination clinic is now closed

Our thanks to the firefighters from Shoreline, Northshore, and Bothell who ran the UW Shoreline vaccination clinic which closed July 20. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

As of Monday, July 19, 2021 80% of King County residents are vaccinated.

If you are part of the 20% who are not, visit Vaccine Locator or call 833-VAX-HELP to make your appointment today.

Now closed: the UW Med vaccination clinic at the Shoreline Center, run by Shoreline Fire with the assistance of Bothell and Northshore Fire held its last clinic on July 20. Vaccines are readily available at area pharmacies like Costco, Safeway, and others.


Case updates July 19, 2021 - all new figures are since the previous reporting day


United States  
  • Total cases 33,983,867 - 34,830 new since yesterday
  • Total deaths 606,991 - 212 new deaths since yesterday

Washington state - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 423,626 -  583 new
  • Probable (additional) cases 38,951 - 147 new
  • Total hospitalizations 26,265 - 69 new
  • Total deaths 6,056 - 14 new 

King county - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 109,713 - 30 new
  • Total hospitalizations 6,628 - 8 new
  • Total deaths 1,682 -  -2 new 

Seattle - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 26,033 - 12 new
  • Total hospitalizations 1,462 - 2 new
  • Total deaths 426 - 1 new 

Shoreline - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 2,524 -  2 new
  • Total hospitalizations 211 - 0 new
  • Total deaths 101 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 339 - 0 new
  • Total hospitalizations 17 -   -1 new
  • Total deaths 4 - 0 new


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The Summer of Music heats up with Third Place Commons


The Third Place Commons Summer of Music is in full swing and heating up with the first of three streaming concerts this weekend.

On Sunday, July 25th at at 12:00 noon, tune in for a Milner Family Fiddles mini-concert streaming on the Third Place Commons YouTube channel.

Recorded inside Third Place Commons during full COVID restrictions, this performance from the Milner Family Fiddles represents a sweet, sweet return to beloved Commons music programming. Local favorites the Milners have long played the Commons stage every other month with their feel-good, rootsy Americana that never fails to elicit a smile.

Whether you’re digging in the garden, working around the house, reading a good book on the patio, or getting ready to head to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, the Milners will provide the perfect musical backdrop.

So be sure to tune in for this streaming concert for some warm-hearted musical cheer to start your Sunday afternoon off right - and to get you ready for their big return IN PERSON to the stage next month on August 15th!

Mark your calendar now, and this coming Sunday at noon, watch the Milner Family Fiddles here.

Of course, there’s plenty more where that came from. Music is also infusing every discussion in the TPC Movie Club and the Commons Community Book Club this summer, including tonight’s book club discussion of The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce.

In August, the book club will be discussing the Pulitzer Prize winning A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan while the TPC Movie Club will be discussing the six-time Oscar winner La La Land.

In fact, even this year’s LFP READS selection features music! The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is the bestselling tale of a by-the-book social worker sent to investigate an orphanage full of magical children on an island full of secrets – including the young Antichrist who just happens to have a penchant for the music of dead people.

While Third Place Commons usually welcomes the annual READS event to the stage, that’s not possible this year. So the good folks at Third Place Books will be hosting the event online on Tuesday, July 27th at 7 PM. Read more here and be sure to pick up this delightful, witty, and heartwarming book.

From books and movies about music to streaming concerts to the return of live, in-person performances, Third Place Commons is celebrating the joy of music at every turn.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Summer of Music programs coming up:
  • Online: Commons Community Book Club discusses The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce – July 21 at 5 PM
  • Streaming: The Milner Family Fiddles – July 25 at noon
  • Streaming: Honky Tonk Sweethearts – Aug. 7 at 7 PM
  • Online: TPC Movie Club discusses La La Land – Aug. 10 at 7:30 PM
  • Live Onstage: Milner Family Fiddles – Aug. 15 at 11 AM
  • Online: Commons Community Book Club discusses A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan – Aug. 18 at 5 PM
  • Streaming: Ken Kassover lunchtime concert – Aug. 25 at noon
  • Live Onstage: Rainy City Riff Raff All Ages Outdoor Concert – Sept. 18 at 1 pm
Check the Third Place Commons online calendar for details about each of these events or follow Third Place Commons on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Third Place Commons – a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org



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