Case updates October 18, 2021 - DOH says it's time to get a flu shot

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

delta variant
Flu vaccine offers best defense for people, healthcare system this season. 

DOH is urging the public to get a flu vaccine this year to keep themselves and others safe and out of the hospital. 

Flu activity may be more common this year compared to last year because the closures that were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted

COVID Case updates

United States 
  • Total cases  44,979,605 - 51,249  new
  • Total deaths 726,206 - 929 new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 621,467 -  6,535 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 38,895 -  413 new  
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 25.3% 
  • Total deaths 8,322 - 88 new  

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 150,618 -  218 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 8,292 -     -3 new   
  • Total deaths 1,956 -  7 new  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 37,106  -  52 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 1,774  -    -2 new 
  • Total deaths 488 -   2 new  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,251 -  1 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 241 -   0 new   
  • Total deaths 109 -  0 new    

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 497 - 2 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Pumpkin Security


Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE




 

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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting October 25, 2021

Shoreline City Council 2021
The agenda for the October 25, 2021 Shoreline City Council meeting includes one study item:

8(a) Discussion with the Shoreline Planning Commission on MUR-70’ Zone Development Regulations

At the April 5, 2021 Council meeting, staff presented several topics for further study as it relates to facilitating better development outcomes in the Mixed Use Residential (MUR)- 70’ zone in the light rail station subarea. 

Several Councilmembers expressed an interest in holding this joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss in greater depth the topics and to provide direction on how to proceed.

Potential topics include parking standards, code requirements and/or incentives, extension and potential expansion of the MFTE (multi-family tax exemption) program, development incentives, reviewing development agreement process, and building height.

Information on attending meeting, commenting, view agenda and staff documents HERE  

--Pam Cross



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Temporary reduced ferry service started October 16

Ferry schedules are up in the air. Photo by Mary Igl.

From WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation)

We know we provide a vital lifeline for many of the communities we serve and recognize the challenges made by unpredictable ferry service recently because of a severe crew shortage. 

To provide a more reliable travel experience, we made the difficult decision this week to temporarily operate reduced schedules on most routes beginning Saturday, October 16, 2021.

Check our online sailing schedules as they have changed from their current timetables on the following routes starting Saturday, Oct. 16:
  • Seattle/Bainbridge, Edmonds/Kingston and Mukilteo/Clinton: One-boat service instead of two
  • Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: Daily two-boat schedule instead of three
  • Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Daily three-boat schedule instead of four with no vehicle reservations

Additional sailings may be provided depending on crewing levels and we will evaluate returning additional boats back into service as conditions change. Check our ferry travel alert bulletins and the WSF Twitter page for the latest updates on service by route.



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Long-term closure of I-5 rest areas between Everett and Canada

Silver Lake rest stop is indefinitely closed.
Photo courtesy WSDOT
Travelers who frequently use rest areas along Interstate 5 between Everett and the Canadian border will need to plan for long-term closures.

Staffing needs ahead of the busy winter season and growing safety concerns prompted WSDOT to make the difficult decision to close these rest areas for an extended period.

In recent months, there have been numerous issues with some visitors who are not using the facilities for their intended purpose. 

This includes those who extend their stay beyond the posted limits, illegal disposal of trash and waste, vandalizing the buildings, verbally abusing and even threatening WSDOT employees.

The three rest areas affected:
  1. Custer rest area (north of Bellingham) - northbound closure for at least three months.
  2. Smokey Point (north of Marysville) - northbound and southbound closure for at least three months. WSDOT is working to open access for the RV dump stations at the northbound rest area in the next few weeks.
  3. Silver Lake Rest Area (south Everett) - the southbound rest area is indefinitely closed, including dump stations. The weigh station will remain open. There is no northbound rest area at this location.

WSDOT will reevaluate reopening all rest area facilities early next year and will make a decision based on crew and resource availability.



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Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center Kupuna Hula Group helping support the Holiday Bazaar Friday - Saturday

Aloha Neighbors! 


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center Kupuna Hula Group is delighted to be able to help make the 2021 Holiday Bazaar Silent Auction a success. 

The Kupunas have been meeting in parks during the summer. Here they show some of the treasures they are donating to the Senior Center Holiday Bazaar this weekend. 
 .
This group of kupuna (elders) have been meeting throughout this papule (crazy!) time via Zoom while continuing to support the center in ways that they can. In the summer, the group had in-person hula at a local park, wearing masks and keeping distance from one another, while enjoying getting to dance together once again! 

While dancing on a cooler September day it was decided that they wanted to help the Holiday Bazaar silent auction by donating items for children since one member said she had so many new kids’ things in her closet.

 
You can bid on these at the Silent Auction this Saturday and Sunday at the Senior Center

So, it was decided to call the collective donations Treasures from Tutu’s (grandmother’s) Closet!

During the Holiday Bazaar, October 22 - 23, Friday and Saturday, check out the treasures: 
  • Outdoor Fun for Keikis (young children), 
  • Game Night for your Ohana (family), 
  • Craft items, 
  • Books by local authors and so much more designed for a wide range of ages. 

Delivering the toys and books to the Senior Center for this weekend's event

In a snap! Holiday shopping done for every child in your family!

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki hou (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!) from the Kupunas.

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE. The Holiday Bazaar is this Friday and Saturday, October 22-23, 2021 from 10am to 4pm.

Besides the Silent Auction there will be a bake sale, handcrafted items for sale, a raffle, and holiday decor for sale.

Correction: the Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, October 22-23

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Halloween in Sheridan Heights

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

This view is fairly benign

Except for the giant skeletons

This view gives some perspective on the height and menace

Then there are the zombies, just barely being held back by the wire fence.

This family in the 16200 block of 37th NE in Sheridan Heights (Lake Forest Park) goes all out for Halloween. They have brought out all the favorites from last year and added a few new elements, like giant skeletons.

All photos by Steven H. Robinson


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Scene on the Sound: Red cranes on Puget Sound

 
Photo by Jan Hansen

No - not birds. Although I believe that this tall, skinny piece of equipment is called a crane because it reminds people of the long-necked birds.

Another person who keeps an eye on Puget Sound is John Slomnicki, who identified this vessel:

Deforge Marine Towing. Tug Captain Cae

10/19/2021 Added information about vessel



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Lake Forest Park Council Candidate Stephanie Angelis

Ballots were mailed October 16, 2021 for the November 2 general election.

Stephanie Angelis is running for council position 3, currently held by John Wright, who is retiring at the end of his term. Larson's opponent is Jon Lebo.

Stephanie Angelis
Stephanie's statement:

I am very excited to represent and serve the diverse populace of Lake Forest Park on our amicable City Council. Through ongoing community engagement opportunities I’ve received some amazing feedback and learned just how much residents care about the administration of this City we share. Please  remember that local elections matter because they impact people’s lives most directly. I hope to receive your vote as I conclude the campaign! 

As a child I was fortunate to attend Shoreline public schools, Parkwood and Einstein, graduate from both Shorewood and Shoreline Community College and culminate with an undergraduate environmental degree from the University of Washington. 

I have spent the bulk of my life in the surrounding community, enjoying parks and visiting the streams. I have worked directly with disenfranchised folks, spoken for unheard communities and advocated for needed changes for safety successfully. I have volunteered for almost ten years in community leadership and spent four years directly helping and advocating for those in most need. 

Out of college I performed energy efficiency  outreach for residents all over the state representing  utility programs. I was able to lead our team to exceed rebate uptake goals and expectations. My love for community education and connection has only grown with time. My service and commitment to our Lake Forest Park community deepen as we develop a shared future and verbalize the ethics of our little town together. 

The following will be my priorities in office:
  • Listen and Engage with Community Members 
  • Form a Strong Climate Action Plan to Support Vulnerable People from Extreme Weather 
  • Implement Required Regional Transitional Homeless Housing
  • Support our Parks, Sidewalks and Street Safety - Please Vote Yes on Prop 1!
Encourage Affordable Housing while Maintaining Environmental Ethics, Aesthetic and Sustainability Goals 

Please always feel free to share your comments with me online, by phone or in person. Hope you’ll join me at the final Parks Meetup and Talk events listed below! 

I hope to have your vote on November 2nd

✅ Stephanie Angelis, Lake Forest Park City Council Position 3. Thank You!

  • Parks Meetup and Talk - optional work party - 5 Acre Woods 10/23/21 10am-1pm
  • Halloween - please contact directly- 10/31/21

Stephanie@AngelisForLFP.com



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KC Assessor releases Tax Transparency Tool – informing LFP residents of the implications of Prop. 1


The King County Assessor’s office has released its Tax Transparency Tool.

The Assessor’s Office states: “What it does is calculate the estimated cost of property tax measures for each piece of property within the taxing district proposing the tax measure. 
What we do is take our assessed property values and then calculate the cost for the measure next year based on rate information provided in the ballot language. 
If it is a new measure, we simply show the cost. If it is a replacement measure, we show the difference between the current levy, and the proposed one.”

This tool can be used by residents of Lake Forest Park to understand the financial implications for each property should Proposition 1 pass. 

The example below shows the total tax paid to the City based on the current tax rate, the total tax paid to the City should Proposition 1 pass, and the difference between the two. 

The Assessor’s website will also show the user the total tax bill and how it is distributed to each of the taxing entities:

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Flags at half-staff until Friday for General Colin Powell

Flag Lowering - 10/18/21 (General Colin Powell)

Pursuant to the attached Presidential Proclamation, Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately, in honor and memory of General Colin Powell and his life of service.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Friday, October 22, 2021.

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

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


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Case updates October 17, 2021

Delta variant
As of October 18, 78.1% of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 72% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

United States 
  • Total cases  44,857,861 - 16,989 new
  • Total deaths 723,205 - 150 new

Washington state - not updated 
  • Total confirmed cases 614,932 -  new  
  • Total hospitalizations 38,482 -  new  
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - % 
  • Total deaths 8,234 -  new  

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 150,400 -  990 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 8,295 -  46 new   
  • Total deaths 1,949 -  7 new  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 37,054  - 282 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 1,776  -    15 new 
  • Total deaths 486 -   2 new  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,250 -  20 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 241 -   0 new   
  • Total deaths 109 -  0 new    

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 495 - 1 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new

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In the Garden Now: Begonia grandis ‘Heron's Pirouette’

Begonia grandis ‘Heron's Pirouette’ 

Story and photos by Victoria Gilleland

This easy going Hardy Begonia may be the perfect addition to a shady corner of your garden. Mine has been thriving in a container for the past 7 years. It looks great mixed in with other perennials. 

Begonia grandis ‘Heron's Pirouette’
Large shiny chartreuse leaves set off delicate looking clusters of pink flowers which are at their peak in September and October. 

If frost  hasn’t  taken the blossoms they may still be in bloom at Thanksgiving.    

What’s not to like!

(Begonia grandis ‘Heron's Pirouette’)



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Jan's Crows: Geometry

Photo by Jan Hansen

Jan Hansen, who usually photographs and researches vessels passing by Shoreline on Puget Sound, has been distracted by a charming flock of crows who regularly show up to pose for her.

She calls this photo "Geometry".

The crow today gave me circles, ovals and parallel lines 
Euclid and I like it!


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Nominate a 2021 NUHSA Human Services Champion today


Do you know of an individual, organization or business in North King County (Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville) that has made a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our community? 

Have they in some way supported or advocated for strong and accessible health and human services, and strengthened our community through their initiative and leadership? 

If so, please give the recognition these individuals and organizations deserve!

The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) is seeking nominations for its 2021 Human Services Awards in two categories: Human Services Champion of the Year and Outstanding Human Services Program.

During this extraordinary time, it is more important than ever to recognize and honor those who have gone above and beyond to help ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 
Our human service providers, community leaders and advocates have played a critical role in supporting our residents and strengthening our communities.

Nominations are due Friday, October 22, 2021. Don't delay! Nominees and winners will be announced and honored at NUHSA's 2021 Human Services Awards Celebration and Annual Meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 5:30pm. For more information, please email staff@nuhsa.org.

NUHSA's Annual Human Services Awards ceremony has been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008. 

NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. 

Through partnership and collaboration, NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.



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Varsity volleyball: Shorecrest vs Shorewood

Shorecrest Scots volleyball team
Varsity Volleyball 10/18/21
Shorecrest 3, Shorewood 1
24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 27-25

Monday night the Shorecrest Scots Volleyball took on hometown rivals Shorewood High School Volleyball. 

Both teams battled point for point. Relentless and fierce, each team worked sideline to sideline. Every point took one team closer to 25. Both teams had their fan section.

Shorecrest had full support from the Band, Flags, cheerleaders, Football, Girls Soccer and students. You can call it a win win situation. 

In the end, the Scots were able to secure the Win. Coming back in the 4th set from behind 3-15, tough serving and great defense paid off. 

Congratulations to both teams! 

The Scots' next match is on the road to Lynnwood HS, Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

No stats from Shorewood

Stat Leaders for the Scots:
  • Kills: Ally Johnson 14, Anna Knyphausen 10
  • Assists: Violet Burchak 34
  • Aces: Violet Burchak 5, Hannah Nielsen 3
  • Digs: Anna Mortensen 15, Maria Alvarez 10
  • Blocks: Anna Knyphausen 7.5, Marina Roger 7
--Coach Robyn Williams


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Adventures of an Icebreaker: Cutter boat operations in Baffin Bay

Coast Guard Cutter Healy crewmembers on the cutter boat look back at the Healy as they conduct operations in Baffin Bay. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

The Healy is equipped with two 26-foot cutter boats and one 38-foot Arctic Survey Boat used by the crew to support multiple missions including personnel transfers, search-and-rescue operations, and enforcement of laws and treaties. 

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers climb aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar and prepare to be lowered to the water to conduct operations in Baffin Bay on Sept. 27, 2021.  U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar pull away from the Healy in Baffin Bay. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Healy, a 420-foot icebreaker, departed our Seattle homeport in July to conduct Coast Guard missions, protect U.S. interests in the high latitudes, and support oceanographic research while circumnavigating North America via the Northwest Passage and the Panama Canal. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar conduct cutter boat operations in Baffin Bay on Sept. 27, 2021. Healy’s crew routinely conducts training to maintain their proficiency and qualify new boat crew members. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Healy’s crew train and prepare to conduct statutory Coast Guard missions including search-and-rescue, environmental protection, and enforcement of laws and treaties as needed during the multi-month Arctic deployment. 


Crewmembers aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar are recovered after conducting cutter boat operations in Baffin Bay. A davit is used to lower and raise the cutter boat and its crew. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

 

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Battalion Chief Rod Bush retires from Shoreline Fire

Battalion Chief Rod Bush has retired from Shoreline Fire
who provided this photo.

Battalion Chief Rod Bush has retired after a 35-year career with the Shoreline Fire Department. 

Rod started his career as a part-time firefighter in 1986 and was hired full-time in September 1988. In October 1996, Rod was promoted to the newly created position of Fire Apparatus Technician where he was considered a subject matter expert. 

In 2006, Rod was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and spent nine years as one of our engine company officers. During his tenure, Rod served as the lead for the department’s Driver Engineer program helping mentor many aspiring drivers. 

In 2015, Rod again was promoted, this time to Battalion Chief where he has proudly served for the past six years.

Rod’s years of experience as a shift commander will be missed by us all.


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WeatherWatcher: Storm train approaches

 

Stormy day on Puget Sound
Photo by Carl Dinse
October is running about 2 and a half degrees colder than average. Total rainfall this month so far is 1.47 inches, but that's about to quickly increase.

October 2021 compared to average

Forecast: One more day of this break in the weather on Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the upper 50's to possibly the mid 60's. Tuesday night the first of many storm fronts moving in, with rain after midnight and winds increasing to 25mph. Lows will be near 50°F.

Wednesday is expected to be a breezy day, with south winds of 15-25mph and gusts as high as 40mph. There will be rain at times as well, with high temperatures in the upper 50's or low 60's. 

Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon is a break between storms, with a chance of rain at times. Lows in the mid 40's to lower 50's and highs in the lower 60's.

Our next storm moves in Thursday night with rain at times, lows in the lower 50's. 

Friday through the weekend we are expecting rain at times and rain likely. Lows near 50°F and high temperatures in the mid to upper 50's.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday is a double-header

Monday, October 18, 2021

Fishermen at Echo Lake
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) has exceeded itself for its meeting on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 (7-9pm on Zoom).

They will present not one, but two programs.

First will be Shoreline City staff to discuss the health of Echo Lake - something important to everyone in the watershed, from Echo Lake to Lake Ballinger to McAleer Creek to Lake Washington to Puget Sound. You get the idea.

Then, a special treat, members of our 32nd District state legislative team! Reps. Cindy Ryu and Lauren Davis have confirmed. They'll talk about issues they have been working on in Olympia and their plans for the 2022 legislative session.

The Echo Lake Neighborhood is the north central part of Shoreline, bounded by SR 104, Aurora, I-5, and 185th. For more information email ELNABoard@gmail.com



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Last outdoor farmers market of the year in Lake Forest Park Sunday - but mark your calendar for five winter markets

The Beekeeper's Secret has been selling at local markets for 30 years

Photos of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market 
By Mike Remarcke

The Shoreline Farmers Market finished its season earlier this month and the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market closed on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Sea Pop treats are very popular in LFP

However, both will be holding winter markets - five in total!

Shoreline's will be held in the City Parking Garage next to City HAll where they were originally located. This time they will be in the lower level.

Family Farms sells organic fruits and vegetables

SHORELINE HARVEST MARKET: OCTOBER 30TH and DECEMBER 18TH

And on NOVEMBER 20TH Shoreline Market is teaming with ShoreLake Arts and the City of Shoreline to join their Holiday Market on Saturday, November 20th. The market will be hosted at City Hall at 17500 Midvale Ave N. There will be crafts, food trucks, live music, and some familiar faces from the farmers market.

The Farm to Brew Tea and Kombucha

LAKE FOREST PARK FARMERS MARKET AND CRAFT FAIR NOVEMBER 21ST AND DECEMBER 19TH

Third Place Commons will hold two Holiday Crafts Fairs for 2021 in conjunction with winter farmers markets from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, November 21st and Sunday, December 19th. Due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, these events will be held outside in the traditional farmers market location in the parking lot of Town Center of Lake Forest Park.

Wilson Fish Market is a staple at the LFP Market

Here's a list for you:

  • October 30 - Shoreline
  • November 20 - Shoreline
  • November 21 - LFP
  • December 18 - Shoreline
  • December 19 - LFP

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Lake Forest Park Reservoir - one cell done - one to be completed next spring

Seattle Public Utilities replaced the liners in both cells of the Horizon View reservoir.
The cover of the east cell is completed and the west cell will be covered next spring.
Aerial photography by Jared Solano. Instagram @Juarez.Solano

The Lake Forest Park Reservoir is divided into two separate sections called cells. The east and west cells can operate independently of each other, so, if needed, one can be taken off-line while the other is fully operational. The east cell will be fully operational and be put back into service before the contractor demobilizes later this year. 
 
Each cell consists of a liner and a cover, and the west cell liner will be complete when the contractor demobilizes later this year. Without the cover installed, the west cell will remain offline and will not be operational this winter. The liner is made of the same material as the cover and can withstand the winter elements. 
 
A temporary cover will not be placed over the west cell. Any rainwater collected in the west cell will be properly discharged meeting the project permit requirements. In the spring when the contractor re-mobilizes, the west cell liner will be inspected and cleaned prior to constructing and installing the cover. Before the west cell is brought on-line, it will be disinfected and tested, meeting Department of Health requirements.

Andrew Karch, PE, PMP
Program Manager
City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities

10/21/21 Correction to headline: it is the Lake Forest Park Reservoir, not the Horizon View reservoir



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Gloria's Birds: Let's try a 3/4 portrait, photog,

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

the better to show off my double crests!
(Clara, a double-crested Cormorant, was posing for her cover photo for the new breeding season)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Lake Forest Park Council Candidate Tracy Furutani

Ballots were mailed October 16, 2021 for the November 2 general election.

Tracy Furutani is running for council position 5, currently held by Mark Phillips, who is retiring at the end of his term. Furutani's opponent is Maddy Larson.

Tracy Furutani
Tracy's statement

Dear fellow LFP residents,

Running for City Council and meeting so many people in our town has deepened my respect for the community in which we live. I am grateful to all of the people working on my community campaign, and to all of the new people I met who shared their ideas.

As a community you expressed your love of our natural environment, schools, small town feel, and sense of community and in this, I have found we are more alike in what we want than different. In order to sustain what we desire we will need to address the town center re-development, cut-through traffic, lack of affordable housing, better bus access, safe streets and walkways, and the climate crisis.

All of this is do-able, but it will require us as a community and City council to improve our communication which builds understanding and transparency. I want to establish new ways to improve communication so that citizens can have a dialog, not just our current 3-minute moment in council meetings. Communication between council and community is crucial as the council starts working on sidewalks and parks, affordable housing, and climate change mitigation all while keeping within our financial means.

Speaking of climate change, to meet King County’s goal of 50% greenhouse-gas reduction in 9 years, LFP needs a climate action plan. With my PhD in Geology and 25 years of teaching about the climate at North Seattle College, I have the skills that can be used to create this plan.

Interactions with our community, whether it has been through my volunteer work or on the campaign trail, has given me a greater appreciation of the talented, untapped resource of the residents of LFP, as well as the assurance that we as a community have the best interests for our environment and creating a safe, equitable town.

I am ready to work to represent your voices and together build a sustainable place to live for now and for future generations.

tracy4lfpcouncil@gmail.com
https://tracyforlfp5.com

Endorsements:

46th Democrats; LFP councilmembers Mark Phillips, Tom French, and Phillippa Kassover; Anne Stadler, Tony Angell, Lee Rolfe, Luanne Brown, George and Betsy Piano, Norman Lieberman, Jeff Jensen, Dana Campbell, Sara Betnel, Marty Ross, Sarah Phillips, Ken Kassover, Julie Hungar, Anne Udaloy, Linda and Ross Baarslag-Benson, Connie and Byron Barnes, David and Jean Farkas, Regina Fletcher, Nancy and Rob Graves, Armand Micheline, Brian and Ellyn Saunders, Maris Abelson, Amanda Royal, Sally Yamasaki, Dan Benson and many more...



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Adventures of an Icebreaker: Working with the Canadians

Lieutenant(N) Sebastien Savard of the Royal Canadian Navy
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

“Serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Healy has been an incredible opportunity for me and my service. As a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, I’m serving alongside and cross-pollinating with members from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Navy, and the U.S. Navy.
 
"We’ve integrated with Healy’s crew for their Northwest Passage transit and science missions in Baffin Bay through an exchange program designed to promote inter-service learning and cooperation. 

The program gives officers from various naval services across the world the chance to serve alongside each other. I’ve had the opportunity to learn how our allied nations and partner services carry out their missions and the methods by which they operate. 

"The people I’ve met, and the opportunities I’ve had alongside the crew as a watchstander on the bridge allows me to bring home unique knowledge about Arctic icebreaking, oceanographic research, and how these contribute to the safety of navigation in the region. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the Arctic area of opportunity and its geopolitical importance.”

Lieutenant(N) Sebastien Savard has served in the Royal Canadian Navy for four years. A native of Cornwall, Ontario, Lt(N) Savard currently serves as a bridge watchstander on the HMCS Regina, a multi-role Canadian Patrol Frigate homeported in Victoria, British Columbia.



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Garden Guy: The Beasties of Halloween

By Bruce Bennett

Welcome to Autumn! 

I say that with a bit of surprise in my voice. After all, wasn’t spring just beginning a couple of weeks ago? 

Even with the pandemic slowing things down around Seattle, the seasons seem to be changing too rapidly for my liking. 

And yet, Autumn does have a special place in my New England heart. 

To be back among the rolling hills of Woodstock for the fresh-squeezed apple cider, the 200 lb. wheels of aged Vermont cheddar cheese, the scent of burning leaves on the breeze and, of course, the insistent knocking on the front door on All-Saints Day or the national celebration that children love and dentists bemoan – HALLOWEEN! 

While I do enjoy the diminutive ghosts, goblins and witches who paraded up the front walk, they are no match for those other, more scurrilous beasties who are, even now, reaching out toward the perimeters of our northwestern territory. They come hidden in ship cargo holds, skulking in loads of firewood and flitting on the breezes of our city. .

As The Garden Guy, of course I’m talking about insects! In this case, it’s about new invasive species that mean to do us harm in order to create spaces for themselves. Most have come in directly from Asia or, indirectly, through Canada and from the east coast. 

These new little beasties will not settle for Halloween candy, not even melt-in-your mouth chocolate. They are after the trees and shrubs in your yards, neighborhoods and forests. Here is my subjective list of the top culprits to watch out for and to report to state agencies. We’ll get to that later…..

Murder hornet from nature.org blog
The first of our Halloween-esque denizens is the much publicized Murder Hornet
(cue the music from ‘Jaws’). More appropriately known as the Giant Asian Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), it ranks as the world’s largest hornet and can grow to two inches long, with a wingspan of some three inches.

These hornets need meat to feed their young and they are pretty direct at getting it. Among available protein sources, they prefer honeybees. 

A handful of Murder Hornets can decimate a honeybee hive in a day. They do so by biting off the heads of our much smaller native and European honeybees and then feeding the headless thoraxes to their larvae. 

Definitely an insect worthy of a picture in your Halloween calendar. Unlike honeybees, Murder Hornets can sting multiple times and have venom several times more potent than local bee or wasp (think about a hot tack puncturing your skin). Fortunately, they are not terribly aggressive around humans unless their nest seems threatened. Then, they can be people killers. 

Thus far, they have only been sighted north of us in Bellingham, Blaine and British Columbia. Their potential damage to orchards, flowering plants and the honey industry will be huge should these thugs secure a foothold in our state.

Japanese Beetle - usdeptofagriculture.org
The Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) is a garden pest native to northern Japan
. The glistening green and copper colors of their wing cases give them a look of bronze scarabs which would, fittingly, accessorize a child’s King Tut costume. 

The insect is pretty, especially in the evening sunlight, but … the half-inch long adults eat the leaves of plants, LOTS of plants, while the larvae attack the roots, particularly the roots of grasses. 

Roses are a particular delicacy for them. These insects were, and still are, the scourge of my Connecticut garden. Plants already stressed by our hotter summers may not survive with the added pressure of infestations from these invaders. They have been a problem on the east coast and in the midwest for decades. 

We haven’t seen them in Washington before, but, with our new warmer temperatures, they were found in Idaho and at a few sites south of Portland this past year. So, it’s only a matter of time, I fear.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - njaes.rutgers.edu
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is native to East Asia
and was first noticed in the United States in the late 1990s, possibly having arrived in yet another shipping container. 

These half-inch long suckers will attack a large variety of plants, including many fruits and vegetables. They leave small necrotic patches on any plant eaten rendering produce inedible for human consumption. 

As a homeowner, you will likely notice an invasion before anyone else, because this stink bug initially will attack vegetable gardens and landscape plants. The damage they do to crops and landscapes, as well as the efforts to control them are costly. 

These beasties will then spend the winter in homes and other structures. Look for them on the south side of your homes as the weather cools.

Lanternfly - tapinto.net
Probably, the most colorful (and newest arrival) of our Halloween beasties is the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).
Its red, white and black colors do remind me of a masked kabuki dancer (or a member of the Sith for you Star Wars fans). 

Another of the vampire-like piercing-sucking drinkers, the Lanternfly hails from eastern Asia, has spread through the mid-east coast states and is appearing in California and southern Oregon. 

As with the Japanese Beetles, I think it is only a matter of time for the greater-Seattle-area to see their presence. 

Lanternflies feed on a wide variety of plants, with apples, cherries, grapes and plums being among their smorgasbord preferences. So, another problem for both homeowners and agricultural farms. Also, like birch borers and aphids, Lanternflies excrete large amounts of honeydew, which can cover lower-growing plants and promote the growth of sooty mold. 

And, I don’t even want to mention what they can do to the outside of a car parked under a ravaged tree. 

These kabuki-looking bugs are about one-inch long and brightly colored (although the youngsters are black at first with white spots). As members of the leafhopper family, their flights are very short, more of a hop and glide. They will be noticeable to you.

With these four harbingers of death and decay prowling the borders of our own Shires, we can all do something to help protect our yards, city and the state economy. 

First of all, kill or trap these ‘Most Wanted’ interlopers when you see them! (Ed. the state wants to take murder hornets alive) Then, report any sighting to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, 360-902-1800 or https://agr.wa.gov/ or the Washington Invasive Species Council reporting app, https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/  

As the citizens in these upcoming battles, we, as simple gardeners, will have a more positive impact on ecology than the folks in the other Washington. Good luck!

Have questions about this article? Care to suggest a topic for a future gardening column? Contact your WSU/King County Master Gardener at thegardenguy4u@gmail.com

Happy Halloween! all and beware of both the two-footed and eight-footed creatures that may be wandering your neighborhood streets this month with tricks and for treats!



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LFP Forums are now online


Watch the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 and City Council Candidate Forums On-Demand

Need help making your decisions on this year’s ballot? Third Place Commons can help.

On Thursday, October 7, 2021 Third Place Commons presented the Lake Forest Park City Council Candidate Forum. All seven candidates for four positions participated and shared their thoughts on a wide variety of topics including Prop 1, increasing affordable housing options, and the future of town center.

On Saturday, October 16th, Third Place Commons presented the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pro and Con Forum. The forum included presentations by both the Pro Committee (“Yes for Sidewalks, Safe Streets and Parks Campaign”) and the Con Committee (“Neighbors for a Sustainable LFP"), after which both sides fielded questions from the opposing side and the audience.

Both events were presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters to bring these important nonpartisan events to our local community.

Third Place Commons also gratefully acknowledges community members Mike Dee of the Lake Forest Park Citizens’ Commission and Anne Stadler for their help in putting together the Prop 1 Forum, which would not have happened without their support and partnership.

Now both forums are available to watch on demand on the Third Place Commons YouTube channel. Watch the forums here.

To get information about other upcoming events, including live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and Civic Saturday on October 30th, visit the Third Place Commons online calendar.

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.



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