Executive Constantine transmits Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan to the King County Council

Thursday, July 29, 2021

King County Executive
Dow Constantine
As King County voters consider renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy this August, King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted the initiative’s implementation plan to the King County Council, outlining proposed investments in promotion, prevention, and early intervention programs and services for children, youth, and young adults.

The proposed implementation plan continues the commitment of the original Best Starts for Kids levy, passed by voters in 2015, to put every child and youth in King County on the path toward life-long success.

"Best Starts for Kids (King county Prop 1) is a groundbreaking, community-driven and science-informed initiative that is helping our children, youth, young adults, and their families realize their full potential to be healthy, happy, safe, and thriving," said Executive Constantine. 
"If approved by the voters, the new Best Starts for Kids levy will expand investments for our children now and define our region’s health, prosperity, and equity for generations to come."

See the full web version



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One week left to turn in your ballot

vote before August 3 deadlines
There is just one week left to get your ballot in and make your voice heard!

Return your ballot by drop box - find the one nearest you here: drop boxes in King county 

Local drop boxes:
  • Rain garden at 192nd park n ride on Aurora
  • Shoreline Library drop box NE 175th and 5th NE
  • Lake Forest Park City Hall drop box Town Center Ballinger / Bothell Way NE

Or return your ballot by mail - no stamp needed! Ballots returned by mail must have a postmark by Election Day, August 3. 

As part of the continued effort to stop the spread of CoVID-19 in our community, King County Elections strongly recommends registering to vote , updating your registration , and accessing your ballot online when needed for the rest of the year.

King county will have Vote Centers open for those who need assistance or have missed the deadlines but ask that those who are able to utilize the online tools do so. Those who do come to a Vote Center in person will be required to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth. Locally, Kenmore City Hall is a vote center.

Please email elections@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-VOTE (8683) if you need additional assistance.

What are you voting for this election?
  • Choosing the top two candidates for King County Executive
  • Voting whether to renew the Best Starts for Kids (King prop 1)
  • Choosing the top two candidates for commissioners if you live in one of these special purpose districts:
    • North City Water
    • Northshore Fire (District #16)


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Shoreline council agenda for August 2, 2021

Shoreline City Council 2021

The agenda for the August 2, 2021 Shoreline City Council meeting includes the following:

Action Item 7(a) Action on the Purchase of Property Located at 19827 25th Avenue NE, Identified as King County Tax Parcel No. 042604-9030-07; and Authorizing the City Manager to Take the Necessary Steps to Complete the Property Purchase

This a motion to approve the purchase and sale contract for 19827 25th Avenue NE, a 20,000-square-foot parcel adjacent to Brugger’s Bog Park. The proposed Brugger’s Bog expansion would allow for the development of park amenities outside of the park’s wetland and stream buffers. It is included as one of the five parks identified for expansion in the Proposition No. 1 Park Bond Measure that will be before voters on the fall 2021 ballot.

Study Item 8(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 939 - Authorizing a Non-Exclusive Franchise to Zayo Group, LLC to Construct, Maintain, Operate, Replace, and Repair a Telecommunications System Over, Along, Under, and Through Designated Public Rights-of-way in the City of Shoreline

As per Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) Section 12.25.010, all entities using the City’s rights-of-way for operation and maintenance of their facilities are required to have a non-exclusive franchise with the City. This fiber cable runs underground the length of Aurora Ave N., as a “pass through.” Zayo will provide no voice, cable, video, residential or end user services in Shoreline.

Study Item 8(b) Discussion of Resolution No.482 - Amending the Employee Handbook

Proposed updates to the Employee Handbook include, among others, “housekeeping” changes, clarifications, inclusion of Juneteenth as an officially recognized City paid holiday, and modification of select practices to be consistent between the represented and non-represented employee policies. 

View and/or comment on meeting, download agenda and meeting packets here 

--Pam Cross



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Utility line relocation work to affect I-5 traffic overnight next week

Seattle City Light crews will be relocating an overhead transmission line on Interstate 5 at NE 195th St in Shoreline as part of Sound Transit's Lynnwood Link Extension project. 

The reliability work will result in nightly traffic impacts on August 3-4, 2021.

To complete this work safely, Washington State Patrol troopers and construction crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists. 

Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds up to 15 minutes between Lynnwood and Seattle as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the freeway. Traffic will return to normal speeds once vehicles pass the work area.

What to expect during this closure:
  • Rolling slowdowns will occur from 1am to 4am on Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 4, 2021.
  • Construction will impact traffic for vehicles entering I-5 through the following on-ramps:
    • Southbound I-5: I-405, 196th St SW, 44th Ave W (Lynnwood), 220th St SW (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104 (Shoreline)
    • Northbound I-5: NE 175th St, 5th Ave NE (Shoreline), NE Northgate Way, NE 80th St (Seattle)
  • Drivers should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during construction. Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT mobile app and the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed.
For more information on Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, please visit soundtransit.org/system-expansion/lynnwood-link-extension

Learn more about City Light’s construction projects by visiting seattle.gov/city-light/in-the-community/current-projects.



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Tonight, Thursday,July 29, 2021, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm - virtual candidates forum for Northshore Fire Commissioners

Tonight, July 29, 2021, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm


The Lake Forest Park Citizen's Commission will hold a Virtual Event with the Primary Candidates and the General Election Candidates for the Northshore Fire District, seen on the ballot as King County Fire Protection District No. 16:

King County Fire Protection District No. 16, Commissioner Position No. 3

King County Fire Protection District No. 16, Commissioner Position No. 5

We have included Lake Forest Park Water District, Commissioner Position No. 3 to participate in this event also.
This will be an opportunity for the Candidates to introduce themselves, their platforms, and campaigns.

The ballots are already out for the Primary, but if you have not voted yet, this event may help you decide how to vote.

We will have an chance for the Public to ask questions, for the Candidates to respond, and we will also be introducing any General Election candidates that show up.

Google Meet joining info

We are also having a second Virtual Event on Monday night (August 2nd), for the General Election Candidates to present their campaigns, platforms, request support, also take questions, and give answers.




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195th Pedestrian Bridge temporary closures

Construction is beginning soon on a new shared-use path along NE 195th St, from 5th Ave NE to the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 5 (I-5), just east of 7th Ave NE. The new shared-use path will connect to the existing shared-use path on NE 195th Street.

195th pedestrian bridge photo by Steven H. Robinson

At times during the construction period, the 195th Pedestrian Bridge over I-5 will be closed. Temporary closures may last up to two weeks. We will update the project website at shorelinewa.gov/195sharedusepath when the closure schedule is set.

Additional construction impacts:
  • NE 195th will be reduced to a single lane of traffic in the project area at times. Expect delays during peak traffic hours.
  • Construction activity between 7:00am and 6:00pm.
For more information, visit shorelinewa.gov/195sharedusepath



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Case updates July 27, 2021 - 94% of COVID cases in the state are individuals not fully vaccinated

Washington State Department of Health (DOH): More than 94% of all cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in individuals 12 years or older from Washington state can be attributed to individuals who have not been fully vaccinated.

As of July 24, 2021, 61.4% of those in Washington state who are eligible to receive vaccines have completed an approved vaccination series. 

As the percent of fully vaccinated people increases, we anticipate that the overall case, hospitalization, and death counts across the state will begin to decline.

Vaccinated individuals are advised to wear masks in indoor public spaces.
   

Case updates July 27, 2021
 

United States 
  • Total cases  34,631,447  - 80,701 new cases
  • Total deaths 609,441 - 421 new deaths

Washington state - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 431,031 - 928 new
  • Probable (additional) cases 40,458- 228 new
  • Total hospitalizations 26,634 -  68 new
  • Total deaths 6,100  - 3 new 

King county - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 111,411 -  299 new
  • Total hospitalizations 6,669 -   12 new
  • Total deaths 1,681 -  -1  new 

Seattle - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 26,617 - 105 new
  • Total hospitalizations 1,470 - 2 new
  • Total deaths 425 - 0 new 

Shoreline - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 2,559 -   7 new
  • Total hospitalizations 212 - 0 new
  • Total deaths 101 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 349 -   4 new
  • Total hospitalizations 19 -  1 new
  • Total deaths 4 - 0 new


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WeatherWatcher: Slight chance of showers or lightning this weekend

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

 

Lightning view from Log boom Park July 3, 2008
Photo by Carl Dinse

We've enjoyed a very consistent weather pattern of sunny skies and temperatures, mainly in the 70's, for the past four weeks. There is a slight change coming this weekend, however. The North American monsoon has started up and been active for about a week now. Typically, during the summer months, we sometimes get sideswiped from the east by that monsoon activity.

Saturday evening and Sunday evening appear to be one of those times where there is a slight chance some of that monsoon moisture will make it over the Cascade mountains into our region. Warmer weather is expected as well, but nothing like that freak heat wave we had at the end of June.

Here's what to expect over the next few days and into the weekend. 

Thursday through Saturday morning we are looking at sunny skies and clear nights. Low temperatures near 60°F and high temperatures in the low 80's. Thursday is expected to be the warmest with mid 80's for a high temperature.

Saturday afternoon some of the moisture and clouds are expected to drift into the area. At this time, it does not appear we will see much more than clouds in the afternoon and cloudy skies overnight into Sunday. There is, however, a very slight chance of some showers, and even slighter chance of a lightning show with these clouds.

The best times for lightning viewing will be after 6pm Saturday, and the best locations will be places with a view of the Olympics or Cascade mountains. Thunderstorms are more likely over the mountains rather than over the lowlands. A stray thunderstorm or two may move over the area through the evening and overnight hours Saturday into Sunday morning. 

I want to be clear, most of the time when this setup occurs, these forecasts are a complete bust, as in some clouds happen but nothing else. Occasionally though, we get a very active lightning show and sometimes a severe thunderstorm overhead. I would keep plans in mind to stay within reach of a shelter from lightning through the weekend.

Sunday evening there is another very slight chance of showers, lightning, and thunder, but that is smaller than the chance Saturday evening. Temperatures through the weekend are expected to stay in the low 80's for high temperatures, with evening lows around the mid 60's.

We return to our regularly scheduled summer weather of sunny skies, clear nights, with highs in the upper 70's and lows in the lower 60's on Monday through the middle of next week.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com
Note: Northridge weather station is back online.



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In the Garden Now: ‘Cleopatra’ Canna Lily is an exotic beauty


Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

‘Cleopatra’ Canna Lily is an exotic beauty. She’s one of a kind… just like that femme fatale of antiquity, Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.
 
Her striking flowers are red, butter yellow, and cream freckled in shades of red with an occasional red stripe. Leaves are a rich green with swaths of dark purple.

Picasso could have had a hand in putting together this fabulous color palette!



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North Seattle student graduates from Pacific University

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (July 22, 2021)

Kirsten Nicole Ma of Seattle graduated from Pacific University in Oregon in May 2021 with a Doctor of Optometry from the College of Optometry.

Founded in 1849, Pacific University is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. 

Pacific is the No. 1 private research university in the Pacific Northwest and serves nearly 4,000 students in a diverse and sustainable community dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice.



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Local Resident named to Pacific University Dean's List

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (July 22, 2021)

Zane French of Shoreline was named to the dean's list for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 terms at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Founded in 1849, Pacific University is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. 

Pacific is the No. 1 private research university in the Pacific Northwest and serves nearly 4,000 students in a diverse and sustainable community dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice.



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Chamber of Commerce to hear from new schools superintendent at August 11 meeting

Dr. Susana Reyes
Dr. Susana Reyes, our new Superintendent of Shoreline Schools, will be the featured speaker at the free Zoom meeting of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 11:30am - 1pm, open to the public.

This will give the community a chance to hear directly from Dr. Reyes in advance of school starting.

Here is the link to register: Shoreline Chamber of Commerce - August ZOOM Luncheon Networking Event Featuring Shoreline Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes wildapricot.org



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North City Tech Meetup August 2, 2021: The Science Behind Smell and the Marketing of Fragrance

North City Tech Meetup August 2nd Presentation
The Science Behind Smell and the Marketing of Fragrance

By Reitha Weeks, PhD; Scientist, Educator, Volunteer

Monday, August 2, 2021, 7 to 9pm
Online Zoom Meeting

Free and open to everyone


The Science Behind Smell and the Marketing of Fragrance

Presentation description:

Our noses are amazing molecular detectors but how much do we really know about our sense of smell? How do we detect and perceive smells? What smells are associated with certain diseases? How effective is aromatherapy? Come explore the sense of smell - from the biology that makes it possible to the chemistry behind fragrances and essential oils.

Our detection of smells relies on anatomy, but our perception of smells is influenced by psychology - the power of suggestion and association. We may find it hard to describe fragrances, but we are surrounded by fragrances in everyday products. Fragrance labels and the regulations for those labels are varied. 

Whether fragrance molecules come from essential oils or laboratory synthesis, smell is an important part of our lives that we don’t appreciate until we lose it.

Reitha Weeks, PhD.
Bio: Reitha Weeks, PhD; Scientist, Educator, Volunteer


Dr. Weeks received her BS in Home Economics, Foods and Nutrition from Oregon State University and PhD in Genetics from the University of Washington. 

She worked for 13 years in the biotech industry at multiple large and small drug development companies in Seattle. 

Her career took her from bench scientist to company director which meant involvement in business and regulatory decisions as well as discovery science. 

She was Program Manager for Science Outreach at Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR) for nine years.

Currently she is Program Coordinator for Shoreline Community College’s biotech summer camps for high school students (www.shoreline.edu/project-biotech). She also teaches classes at Edmonds Community College Creative Retirement Institute.

She is an active member in Association for Women in Science (AWIS), Organization for Regulatory and Clinical Associates (ORCA), Northwest Science Writers Assn (NSWA) and American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Meeting details

No RSVP required, but appreciated, on our Meetup.com page for this event:

https://www.meetup.com/northcitytech/events/279718029/

Zoom Meeting Information
  • Topic: North City Tech Meetup: The Science Behind Smell and the Marketing of Fragrance
  • Time: Aug 2, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83756456206?pwd=QjlhSk54V0lQUjQwUjdiakFldmxvdz09

Meeting ID: 837 5645 6206
Passcode: 450105

The North City Tech Meetup

The North City Tech Meetup is a free meetup, usually the first Monday of each month at one of our local libraries: Lake Forest Park, Shoreline or Kenmore. People of all levels of interest and experience are encouraged to attend. There is always time for introductions and discussions. Skip the traffic and join with your fellow north-enders once a month for interesting presentations and discussions.

Group site: https://www.meetup.com/northcitytech/

For the time being all North City Tech Meetups will be online using Zoom.



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Book review by Aarene Storms: A Fire Story

A Fire Story by Brian Fies
(graphic novel/memoir)

October 7, 2017 was the beginning of the Tubbs Fire. It was, at the time, the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in California state history (since then, the Camp Fire has taken that dubious honor). 

Tubbs burned more than 36,000 acres and killed at least 22 people. 

Author/illustrator Brian Fies and his wife Karen woke up, loaded their pets and a few possessions into the back of a car and escaped. Their home -- and the houses of most of their neighbors in Santa Rosa -- burned to the ground.

The vast destruction of the Tubbs Fire is difficult to grasp, but the thousands of tiny losses experienced by the Fies family and others is relatable. Although the narrative begins with the immediate danger of fire, it continues on to describe the aftermath: staying with family, finding a temporary apartment, discovering that their "comprehensive homeowners insurance" was not even partly comprehensive.

At one point, the author tries to remember if he owns a wristwatch. His wife asks, "did you put one on, the night we left home?" He hadn't. 

And so, we understand, if he ever owned a wristwatch, he didn't own one anymore.

The narrative covers the escape from immediate danger, and also the traumatic aftermath. The loss of keepsakes and treasures was difficult enough for survivors. 

Their experience was made worse by unscrupulous insurance agencies, builders, and other carpetbaggers who swarmed and attempted to exploit victims of the fire.

The Tubbs Fire taught crisis managers a lot of processes and skills that have been used in years since. 

We have not yet learned enough. This timely true story is highly recommended for ages 14 to adult.

Some cussing (can you blame them?) and scary images.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Nuts??

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE






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StreamKeepers joins Stewardship Foundation

Jim Halliday and volunteer perform BIBI testing. Photo courtesy LFPSF

From the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF)

For decades, a dedicated group of volunteers has been monitoring water quality in our local streams. Maybe you've seen them with their testing kits and hip waders in area streams. This group has a lot of fun while doing important work.

Lake Forest Park StreamKeepers was founded by Bill Bennett and other members of the city’s (now-defunct) Environmental Quality Commission in the 1990’s.

An ambitious monthly stream monitoring schedule was established – testing water quality at 11 locations on McAleer and Lyon Creeks and their tributaries in the city. Parameters tested were dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and temperature. This testing has been supported by the City of LFP.

The Stewardship Foundation and StreamKeepers have always been closely aligned, sharing key volunteers and resources.

Officially joining efforts will beneficial to the continued caretaking and citizen science providing vital information about the health of our watershed.

A succession of volunteer leaders, including former City Councilmember Don Fiene and Stewardship Advisory Board member Jim Halliday, have kept up the monitoring over the years. Mark Phillips who is leaving his Council position this year, has been StreamKeepers co-chair since 2000.

BIBI (biotic index of benthic integrity) was added to the StrreamKeepers monitoring in 2005, and continued through 2018, using the protocol established at the UW. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from the streambed at four locations and delivered to an aquatic entomologist for analysis to give a general rating of stream health.

Several stream improvement projects were also undertaken, including large tree planting on Lyon Creek along SR 522, a re-channeling project on Lyon Creek and silt removal on Brookside Creek along the Brookside School parking lot.

Streamkeepers aligned in 2015 with the newly formed Sno-King WaterWatchers , a network of volunteers monitoring water quality primarily in streams flowing into north Lake Washington. Upgraded water testing protocols were also added at that time using procedures and testing equipment developed by Global Water Watch based at Auburn University. The new protocols added alkalinity, hardness and bacteria levels to the monthly testing, and improved the testing for dissolved oxygen, pH and turbidity.

Test results are shared with the city, posted on the StreamKeepers website, on the Puget Sound Stream Benthos website, and, since 2015, as part of the Global Water Watch database.

Over the years StreamKeepers has sponsored high school students volunteering for community service credits, an Eagle Scout project that removed invasive plants from 75 yards of upper McAleer Creek, and a high school senior project consisting of a study of dissolved oxygen levels along McAleer Creek. 

StreamKeepers at the LFP Town Center rain garden dedication.
Photo courtesy LFPSF

In 2017, Streamkeepers contracted with Snohomish Conservation District to construct a demonstration rain garden that infiltrates storm runoff from a portion of the Town Center parking lot near city hall. That project was funded by a grant from King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. (See previous article)

Current Stewardship Foundation Board member Brian Saunders, a lifelong resident of LFP, will be stepping up to a leadership role for StreamKeepers. Brian's father was one of the early StreamKeepers in the 1990s, and childhood memories of seeing salmon in our streams have influenced Brian's career in science and teaching. 

Brian says, "It is my wish that the vision and actions started by the StreamKeepers continues, and that an understanding of the fragile health of our watershed will be accessible to a greater portion of our population. I hope to recruit more citizens and students to be involved monitoring our stream health."

Stream testing is a great activity for anyone interested in the health of our streams. You don’t have to live in Lake Forest Park or have any science background to join us. Students can receive community service hours doing enjoyable and meaningful work.

For more information or sign up to help, see the StreamKeepers website


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SCC Continuing Education: Wine Tasting Event at Vinbero


Join wine educator Reggie Daigneault for an in-person summer wine tasting event at Vinbero

While this event is open to Continuing Education students who have previously enrolled in a wine education course at Shoreline Community College, it is also available for community members who are 21 years or older to attend. 

Space is limited, but this is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a wine professional and enjoy tastings and small bites at one of Edmonds' newest restaurants! 

Reggie Daigneault, a wine educator for more than 20+ years, is certified with the Master Court of Sommeliers and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

The fee for this event is $35 to be paid directly to the venue upon arrival and will include wine and small bites.

You must be 21 or older to attend this event.
Fee: $35
Dates: Sunday, August 8, 2021
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Snag your seat here or you can contact Continuing Education at continuing-ed@shoreline.edu for more information.



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Case updates July 26, 2021 - Urgency to mask up again grows as delta variant spreads

With area public health agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again urging people to wear masks in public indoor spaces, the assistant director of UW Medicine Clinical Virology Laboratory says proof exists that masks can slow COVID-19 variants and thereby save lives.

"It's helpful to reduce the spread of the virus," says Dr. Alex Greninger. "We've shown that before and we'll continue to show it.”

While the renewed effort aims to slow the now-dominant delta variant in both Washington state and nationally, wearing a mask will have the added benefit of staving off other viruses that circulate among populations, Greninger says.

"COVID is sort of like the front man for all the other respiratory viruses going on right now."


Case updates July 26, 2021
 

United States 
  • Total cases  34,548,847  - 53,772 new cases
  • Total deaths 609,012 - 286 new deaths

Washington state - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 430,103 - 766 new
  • Probable (additional) cases 40,230 - 259 new
  • Total hospitalizations 26,566- 68 new
  • Total deaths 6,097- 8 new 

King county - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 111,112 - 98 new
  • Total hospitalizations 6,647 -   -4 new
  • Total deaths 1,682 - 0  new 

Seattle - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 26,512 - 27 new
  • Total hospitalizations 1,468 - 0 new
  • Total deaths 425 - 0 new 

Shoreline - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 2,552 -   -2 new
  • Total hospitalizations 212 - 0 new
  • Total deaths 101 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 345 -   -1 new
  • Total hospitalizations 19 -  1 new
  • Total deaths 4 - 0 new


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County Council approves more than $389 million for courts backlog, community supports, rental assistance, and more in latest round of emergency COVID funding

Top right: Rod Dembowski represents north King county

The King County Council on Tuesday approved its latest round of emergency COVID-19 funding, a supplemental budget totaling more than $389 million.

This, the eighth round of COVID funding since last March, brings King County’s total emergency funding for the pandemic to more than $1.4 billion.

“Facing historic backlogs and delays in the courts due to the coronavirus pandemic, this eighth COVID budget allocates the resources to ensure access to justice -- that crime victims, such as survivors of physical and sexual assault and domestic violence, may still seek resolution, that citizens may utilize civil legal aid and the courts to resolve disputes, and that individuals accused of a crime may still access a speedy trial,” said Councilmember Kohl-Welles. 
 
The funding covers a variety of programs and operations that address both direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic, including health, housing, economic impacts, legal system backlogs and more.

The following is a breakdown of spending in the approved budget.

It appropriates $67 million of the remaining $70 million of the county’s Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (included in American Rescue Plan Act—ARPA-- funding) allocation for the following:

  • Legal System Backlog $42.5 million
  • Public Health Response to the pandemic $14.6 million
  • Community Supports, including Civil Legal Aid and Tiny House Villages $3.7 million
  • Economic Recovery / Workforce Development $5.6 million
  • County Operations in response to the pandemic $0.9 million

The approved budget also appropriates an additional $321 million, funded by various federal and state grants (most of which are also supported by ARPA) and the county’s General Fund for the following:
  • Community Supports (Community Development Block Grants, HOME Grants, Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program, Immigrant Community Supports) $279.6 million
  • Vaccination Efforts (Jail Health, Mass Vaccination Program, Partner Agencies) $27.7 million
  • Public Health Response to the pandemic $11.3 million
  • County Operations in response to the pandemic $2.4 million

Councilmember Rod Dembowski stated, 
 “This eighth COVID-19 response budget prioritizes fundamental human and community needs. It brings our total rental support appropriations during the pandemic emergency to approximately $350 million. It helps ensure access to justice. And it continues to prioritize our public health response to the pandemic and its impacts.”



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Shoreline Police: Watch for stolen bicycles - one with a pink bell - and bicycle thief


Thieves these days will steal anything, even if it is nailed down, or in this case, locked.

Deputies are looking for this guy, seen riding one of two stolen bikes in the city of Shoreline, a contract partner of the King County Sheriff's Office.


On July 17, 2021, at 3:33pm, a deputy was dispatched to a bicycle theft report at the 17200 block of 11th Ave NE. The victim explained she'd locked her two bikes up, secured to a rack, in front of her home. The following morning she discovered the locks had been cut and the bikes were gone.


A neighbor saw someone riding one of the neighbor's stolen bikes and provided these photos of our suspect.

The victim positively identified one of her bicycles in the photos since it has a distinctive pink bell on the handlebars.


If you can recognize the male in the photo or have any information on these bicycles, please call our non-emergency number at 206-296-3311 reference case #C21022280.

--King County Sheriff's Office



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Flowers: Pink flowers - tigridia

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Update: Thank you to the readers who identified this as a tigridia or Mexican Shell Flower. Martin Král says that the tigridia, a bulb plant, comes from Mexico and is notable for the bloom, whose center often is spotted with various colors. Very attractive short sun-loving plant that winters over here. Highly recommended!

Original story:

Lee ran into this lovely pink creature on one of her daily walks. Lee doesn't know what it is and neither do I. If you do, please let us know and we will label accordingly. 

Otherwise, breath deeply and remember your blood pressure.



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Scene on the Sound: Aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt

 
Photo by Barb Sullivan

The Theodore Roosevelt sailed majestically by Shoreline on Thursday, July 22, 2021.

According to the Kitsap Sun,

BREMERTON — The USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Sinclair Inlet Thursday night, the culmination of a journey to bring the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for extensive work in dry dock. 

It's the first time the Roosevelt, whose flight deck was topped with the cars of its sailors, has been to Puget Sound since its 1986 commissioning. 

The warship, part of the fleet of the biggest ships the Navy has ever built, will join the USS Nimitz at the shipyard. The Roosevelt, nicknamed "Big Stick," includes a crew of 3,000 sailors and about 1,000 families that have relocated to Puget Sound. 

Read the entire article here



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Case updates July 25: Vaccination numbers are up but so are case numbers

King county cases and hospitalizations are trending upwards - again

With the rise in COVID-19 cases in King County,
 Public Health – Seattle and King County now recommends that all residents five years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings in indoor public settings.

"This extra layer of protection will help us all stay safer, including those who are unvaccinated, such as the 300,000 children in King County who aren’t able to get vaccinated yet, and the many thousands of people who have immune systems that are weakened or suppressed."

More information here: https://publichealthinsider.com/2021/07/23/covid-19-cases-increasing-in-king-county/


Case updates July 25, 2021
 

United States  - partially updated
  • Total cases  - 11,949 new cases
  • Total deaths 608,528 - 45 new deaths

Washington state - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 429,337 - 2,537 new
  • Probable (additional) cases 39,971- 536 new
  • Total hospitalizations 26,498 - 140 new
  • Total deaths 6,089 - 11 new 

King county - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 111,014 - 650 new
  • Total hospitalizations 6,661 - 21 new
  • Total deaths 1,682 - 0  new 

Seattle - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 26,485 - 236 new
  • Total hospitalizations 1,468 - 2 new
  • Total deaths 425 - 0 new 

Shoreline - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 2,554 - 14 new
  • Total hospitalizations 212 - 1 new
  • Total deaths 101 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - not updated on weekends
  • Total confirmed cases 346 - 4 new
  • Total hospitalizations 18 -  1 new
  • Total deaths 4 - 0 new


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Sustainable Shoreline “Choose to Reuse” Challenge

Sustainable Shoreline “Choose to Reuse” Challenge
Dates: now through 8/2/21

Help end plastic pollution and earn a prize! From July 20 – August 2, 2021 the City of Shoreline invites you to participate in the “Choose to Reuse” Challenge! 

Complete an action to reduce single-use plastic and submit a photo to receive a prize! 

Actions can be as simple as bringing your own water bottle, using a reusable grocery bag, or bringing reusable utensils to your next picnic or when getting take out. 

Prizes include an insulated coffee thermos, a reusable metal straw and a ChicoBag tote bag. 

Submit a photo of your plastic-reducing action to creed@shorelinewa.gov by August 2.

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COVID testing is still a thing


COVID testing is still a thing.
 
Visit the Testing Locations web page to find a testing site near you or contact your healthcare provider. 

Choose the option that works best for you. 

If you have questions about testing sites, call 2-1-1. 

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Eight county health officers say: Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask in indoor, public spaces


Top local health officials from across the Puget Sound region are joining together to send a message: 

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask in indoor, public spaces. This unified recommendation comes as case counts in our region are rising again, driven largely by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

“The health officers of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Pierce, San Juan, and Snohomish counties have joined together to pass on their best public health advice to protect you, your family, and our communities,” says a joint statement from the region’s county health officers.
“We recommend all residents wear facial coverings when in indoor public settings where the vaccination status of those around you is unknown. This step will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public, including customers and workers, help stem the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the state, and decrease the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.”


Getting vaccinated is still our best defense against COVID-19. But with disease levels rising, the health officers strongly recommend adding an extra layer of protection by wearing a well-made, well-fitted face mask.

We know it can be confusing and, sometimes, frustrating to have to reinstate protective measures that many had hoped they were finished with. But unfortunately, COVID-19 has not gone away, and people’s lives are still at stake. We have to stay flexible as conditions change and as the impact in our communities continues to shift.

For now, our best public health advice is to get vaccinated AND wear a mask.

More information here



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Annual dahlia webinar Thursday with Dr. Dahlia (John Hibbs)

Dr. John Hibbs will discuss summer dahlia care on Thursday

Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center is delighted to announce Dr. John Hibbs is inviting you to his Annual Dahlia Webinar scheduled on Zoom

Topic: Summer Dahlia Care Webinar with JHibbs
Time: Thursday, July 29, 2021 01:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (US and Canada)

Dr Hibbs (Dr. Dahlia) will be talk about tying, thinning and pruning, disbudding, watering, insects, fertilizer, cutting flowers and bouquet care, and more.

Plan to join in the Dahlia fun!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82166772505

Meeting ID: 821 6677 2505
Passcode: 600227

Join by Skype for Business
https://us02web.zoom.us/skype/82166772505



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Gloria's Insects: Cary the Cardinal Meadowhawk ("Don't forget the HAWK part, photog", growled Cary)

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler


Cary perches high, wings at the ready, scanning for bite-size bugs.

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Shoreline Trees: Established trees and housing can co-exist

Forest Villa

By Claudia Turner, Shoreline resident 
Tree Preservation Code Team

Established trees and housing can co-exist.

It is possible to build housing around existing trees and two examples are here in Shoreline.

Forest Villa is a 6-acre condominium complex at Linden Ave N and N 160th, built in the late ‘70s. It is surrounded by tall, mature trees. 

I appreciate that 40 years after it was built, the numerous trees preserved now create a beautiful homage to the Pacific Northwest. Today there are many Significant sized conifers, mostly Douglas fir and Western red cedar, in addition to a variety of maples and other deciduous trees. This is a lovely sight, especially if viewed from Linden Ave N.


Ballinger Commons is a larger, 30+ year apartment complex off N 205th and Meridian Ave N. Public trails weave through woods containing mature conifers. (Trail access is at Meridian Ave N and N 200th). 

Driving through this 77-acre complex, I noticed that some of the original grassy areas have filled in with a variety of conifer and deciduous trees. I heard many birds and watched a Cooper’s Hawk feed its young amongst the branches of a Douglas fir tree. As it is literally across from Lake Ballinger, there are also wetland areas. The number of trees in Ballinger Commons contributing to our urban canopy is quite impressive!

Before Shoreline was incorporated, housing development in the ’70s and ’80s reflected King County codes that allowed for apartments and mature trees to co-exist. Both Forest Villa and Ballinger Commons are excellent examples of what we now call “environmentally conscious planning”. Not only are these treed complexes pleasing but retained trees provide cooling shade and wildlife habitat, cleansing the air of carbon and preventing soil erosion.

The City of Shoreline’s tree protection codes should be revised to preserve our mature trees while fulfilling multi-family housing goals.


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Northshore Fire: Vape pens and electronic cigarettes cause fires

Photo courtesy Northshore Fire
Vape Pens and Electronic Cigarettes cause fires and injuries each year in the US. 

62% of the incidents of explosion and fire involving an electronic cigarette or its battery occurred when the device was either in a pocket/purse or actively in use. 

The photo shows a fire Northshore Fire crews responded to in Kenmore that started from a vape pen that was in a purse and either overheated or was turned on accidentally.

For more information and tips to avoid a battery explosion please visit:

Tips to Help Avoid "Vape" Battery Explosions

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Adventures of an icebreaker: The Healy sets sail for the Arctic

US Coast Guard Cutter Healy departs Puget Sound
Photo courtesy USCG

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) departed Seattle on Saturday, July 10, 2021 for a months-long Arctic deployment and circumnavigation of North America.

The crew aboard Healy, a 420’ medium icebreaker, will provide U.S. surface presence in the Arctic, conduct high latitude science and research missions, engage in exercises and professional exchanges with foreign navies and patrols, and conduct other operations as directed throughout the deployment.

Healy is scheduled to circumnavigate North America via the Northwest Passage and the Panama Canal. Healy’s deployment supports the Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy while providing critical training opportunities for Polar sailors and future operations in the Arctic.

The crew will promote U.S. interests along the U.S. and Russia maritime boundary line.

“Healy’s deployment provides opportunities to deepen the Coast Guard’s cooperation and commitment with our Arctic allies and partners and to support scientific exploration to increase understanding of the changing Arctic environment and associated impacts,” said Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander Vice Adm. Michael McAllister.


The Healy deploys annually to the Arctic to support multiple science missions and Operation Arctic Shield, the service’s annual operation to execute U.S. Coast Guard missions, enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen partnerships, and build preparedness, prevention, and response capabilities across the Arctic domain.

Commissioned in 1999, Healy is one of two active Polar icebreakers in the Coast Guard’s fleet. The Seattle-based Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) is a heavy Polar icebreaker commissioned in 1976.

The U.S. Coast Guard is recapitalizing its Polar icebreaker fleet to ensure continued access to the polar regions and to protect the country's economic, commercial, environmental, and national security interests. 

The Polar Security Cutter is still in the design phase, and Halter Marine is working toward completing the necessary work to begin construction on this incredibly complex, state-of-the-art icebreaker. The contract delivery date for the first Polar Security Cutter is 2024.


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