Brothers indicted in firebombing of Shoreline coffee shop

Friday, October 29, 2021

Brothers were said to be angry that their car was towed from the
coffee shop and didn't realize that the business had been sold.
The Department of Justice, Western District of Washington has announced that two brothers were arraigned on an indictment Thursday, October 21, 2021 in connection with the September 30, 2020, firebombing of a coffee shop on Aurora Avenue in Shoreline

U.S. Attorney Nick Brown announced that Taylor Lemay Rice, 23 and Daniel Lemay Rice 21, pleaded “Not Guilty” and were released on personal appearance bonds. 

Trial is set before U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on January 3, 2022.

The two men are charged with unlawful possession of a destructive device – in this case four Molotov cocktails. The destructive devices darkened the sides of the building, but did not extensively damage the structure.

The men were identified as suspects in the early morning firebombing, after extensive work by law enforcement involving review of surveillance video and cell phone records. Both men have been interviewed by law enforcement and agreed to turn themselves in.

Information in the public record indicates the coffee shop shares the building with Bethany Community Church. The coffee shop was closed and was scheduled to reopen under new operators.

The signs for the old ownership remained on the building. 
Speaking in court at the detention hearing, prosecutors indicated the firebombing may have been motivated by a dispute over one of the brother’s cars being towed from the area around the coffee stand a few months earlier.

Unlawful possession of a destructive device is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) and the King County Sheriff’s Office are all working on the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.



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Case updates October 27, 2021

Delta variant
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths by vaccination status. 

This weekly report provides a brief overview of confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among those who are not fully vaccinated in Washington state. 


COVID Case updates


United States 
  • Total cases  45,655,635 - 80,248 new
  • Total deaths 740,348 -  1,619  new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 638,191 -  2,863 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 40,012 -  163 new    
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 24.8% 
  • Total deaths 8,585 - 31 new  
Levels of Community Transmission are based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 154,185 -  563 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,403 -   10 new  
  • Total deaths 2,002 -  4 new      
  • Level of community transmission HIGH 

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 37,903  -  127 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 1,792  -    2 new 
  • Total deaths 499 -   1 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,336 -  14 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 241 -   -1 new   
  • Total deaths 111 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH  

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 509 - 2 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL

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New Beginnings spreads community love through art - Saturday, October 30th at the Shoreline Farmers Market Harvest Festival

Thursday, October 28, 2021

By Donna Hawkey


New Beginnings will be attending the Shoreline Farmers Market Harvest Festival this Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 10:00am to 2:00pm to help spread community love for all.

One of the postcards created at a previous market

They will have blank postcards and art supplies for market attendees to illustrate an interpretation of their love for the community.

New Beginnings is a full-service resource for survivors of domestic violence. Their mission is to “Empower survivors and mobilize community awareness and action to end domestic violence.”

Love of ourselves and the community can help end abuse.

Services for domestic violence survivors include emotional support, counseling, shelter, housing search assistance, and legal advocacy. New Beginnings even has a portal for teens with info on how to have healthy relationships.

Neba Zaidi, New Beginnings Community
Engagement and Outreach Manager.

They define abuse as "A pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner." If you are experiencing abuse, please call their confidential 24/7 crisis hotline at 206-522-9472.

"Everyone deserves a community that seeks to prevent harm and to stabilize a life after domestic violence," said Neba Zaidi, New Beginnings Community Engagement and Outreach Manager.

Come and spread your love this Saturday:
Shoreline Farmers Market in Shoreline Place
15415 Westminster Way N

For further information: New Beginnings https://newbegin.org/

If you need help, 24/7 Crisis Hotline - 206-522.9472 – Confidential, with language access and highly trained advocates for victims of domestic violence.



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Shorecrest volleyball beats Archbishop Murphy in an exciting match Thursday

Shorecrest Scots volleyball team
Girls varsity volleyball
10/21/21 at Snohomish
Shorecrest 3, Archbishop Murphy 2
25-23, 18-25, 26-24, 22-25, 15-11

We are in the home stretch of high school volleyball. Thursday night, October 21, 2021 Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett hosted the Shorecrest Scots in Snohomish. 

An exciting match from the beginning, both teams matched point for point; never giving up. Amazing volleyball was played this night. It was truly any team's game. 

The Scots took the first and third set, Murphy second and fourth. Shorecrest has played in a few fifth set matches this season. It was intense and exciting and when the final whistle was blown, the Shorecrest Scots were VICTORIOUS!!

Stat Leaders: Shorecrest
  • Aces: Anna Knyphausen 2
  • Kills: Anna Knyphausen 12, Ally Johnson 10
  • Assists: Violet Burchak 35
  • Digs: Maria Alvarez 28, Violet Burchak 21
  • Blocks: Anna Knyphausen 8, Marina Rogers 5
--Coach Robyn Williams



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Saturday evening - in person - Scary Stories and Haunted Richmond Beach Walk

Just in time for Halloween. 


Did you know there are ghosts in Richmond Beach? Take a look!


Come and meet a few of them as the Richmond Beach Community Association creates a Haunted Richmond Beach Walk around the Richmond Beach Community (Library) Park this Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 6-7pm, 2201 NW 197th St, Shoreline, WA 98177


Preceding the event is Scary Stories for Brave Listeners presented by the Richmond Beach Library. Hear frightening stories from professional storytellers starting at 5pm. Then stroll the haunted grounds with infamous Richmond Beach residents.

This event is not recommended for young or timid listeners. It will be dark. The event is free. Flashlights will be provided with a donation.


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Notes from Shoreline Council meeting October 25, 2021 - including discussion with Planning Commission on MUR 70 building

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
October 25, 2021

Notes by Pam Cross

Mayor Hall called the remote meeting to order at 7:00pm.
  • All Councilmembers were present.
  • Councilmember Chang was excused for personal reasons.
Approval of the Agenda
Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager’s Office, Presented by John Norris, Assistant City Manager

COVID-19 UPDATE
There is encouraging news: case rates continue to slowly decline statewide. But we are still at a level of high transmission of COVID-19 infections. Shoreline has had a small increase in cases. So we must continue to take precautions.


This Public Health Order takes is now in effect for all of King County and applies› to Spartan Recreation Center.



PUBLIC REMINDERS

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

Council Reports

Mayor Hall has proclaimed November 1 as Extra Mile Day in Shoreline. This is something we have done in the past to recognize and encourage people to go the extra mile by volunteering in the community and helping to make Shoreline an even better place.

Deputy Mayor Scully and Councilmember Robertson toured The Oaks facility. They relayed Ms Kurle’s concerns as well as other community concerns and had a long conversation with the staff about how their program works, and how it intersects with other regional programs. They feel it is very well run, and a well administered program that plays a vital role in combating homelessness. There’s lots more to do to combat homelessness and to make sure that we get people housed and that we prevent encampments from taking over our public spaces.

Public Comment

Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Tree Preservation Code Team member
Incentives for tree retention in MUR 70 were discussed at length by Council in 2018, allowing additional height and parking reduction. Now we’re talking about removing those incentives. We request the Council to maintain current incentives for tree retention.

Martha Diesner, Shoreline and an owner at the Echo Lake Waterfront Condominiums
We need to retain as many tall mature trees as possible as the City goes through this period of rapid development. Trees provide both physical and mental benefits. I am dismayed that the mature trees on the 198th lot are slated to come down.

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
I appreciate Deputy Mayor Scully’s update on the operations of The Oaks. I encourage continued oversight and maximum transparency to the public regarding activities surrounding the shelter. The parking lot adjacent to it seems to have some people camping there as well as garbage and refuse in that area.

Approval of the Consent Calendar
Consent Calendar approved unanimously 6-0

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

This discussion will begin with an overview from staff and the consultant, followed by a discussion about the issues framed by staff and other related issues about MUR-70. It’s important to stay focused on the agenda topic of MUR-70 development regulations.

With the Planning Commission in attendance, there are 13 people instead of just 7. Everyone is asked to be brief and concise so there will be adequate time for everyone to share their thoughts.

Planning Commission members: Chair Laura Mork, Janelle Callahan, Mei-shiou Lin, Andy Galuska, Julius Rwamashongye, Jack Malek, Pam Sager

Andrew Bauer, Planning Manager, made the staff presentation

The MUR zones were adopted with the light rail station subarea plans. The MUR-70’ zone allows the most intensive development and is located closest to the two light rail stations at 148th Street and 185th Street.

Work began on the subarea plans in 2013 and they were adopted in 2015-2016. This followed substantial community outreach. What emerged was a vision to leverage the region’s investment in light rail and create desirable compact walkable, sustainable and inclusive communities that support the light transit that’s being developed there.

The purpose tonight is to have an in depth discussion of the MUR-70 zones and the issues that are constraining development, and to provide direction to the Planning Commission and staff as we develop future code amendments.

Why are we talking about this now? There has been a lack of development activity in our MUR-70 zone although there is continued interest from developers. We need to assess what, if any, refinements are needed to address the constraints on development, without changing the fundamental vision.


145th Station is now properly called the 148th Station.


MUR-70 is the colored teal area.

The City entered into a contract with FCS Group in 2021. One of the tasks FCS was contracted to conduct included an evaluation of the financial feasibility of new multifamily development scenarios that could be used to inform discussions on the refinement of the Development Code in the MUR-70’ zone.

Todd Chase, FCS Group

We looked at feasibility from the developer's point of view.


The detailed FCS report is available as part of the staff report. Due to time limitations, the presentation at this meeting was very brief.

Andrew Bauer

The topics and alternatives highlighted in the staff report:

Parking alternatives
  1. Expand 25% reduction
  2. Reductions more than 25% when demand can be managed
Catalyst Alternatives
  1. Modify or waive standards for impact fees, parking, height, step backs
  2. Performance-based criteria to qualify
  3. No performance-based criteria
Alternatives for Development Agreement Process and Building Height
  1. 140’ closest to a station without development agreement
  2. 90’ outright
  3. Revise development agreement requirements
  4. No changes
The next steps following tonight’s discussion include the Planning Commission discussion of amendment alternatives in the first quarter of 2022 followed by potential outreach, and further Council discussion.

DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBERS AND PLANNING COMMISSIONERS

This whole conversation is how to improve development outcomes in the City. We need to focus on how we achieve Council’s vision. For example, the vision states that the 185th station subarea will transform into a vibrant, transit-oriented village, with a variety of housing choices for people of various income levels and preserving the livable qualities that Shoreline residents cherish. Over time, public and private investment will enhance the village setting creating a walkable, safe, healthy and livable place for people of all ages and cultures. Some of our policies talk about the many things we want. How do we achieve that success? How do we move these ideals into building form? We have to figure out how we can maximize the use of that space.

I’m interested in “parking reductions of more than 25% when demand can be managed.” What percentages are we talking about here?
  • Reply: We didn’t put a number on it because it’s meant for discussion purposes. There are comparison tables in the staff report. Northgate has no minimum parking requirement. At the other end of the spectrum are Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. Shoreline falls somewhere in the middle but we need to know what seems feasible in Shoreline.
About 30% of the Shoreline population rents. If we look at parking through the social justice and equity lens, when we reduce parking for them, where are the places we are earmarking on the streets for them to park? Is that clearly designated? Have we considered designated areas to park and not to park?
  • Reply: These are the buildings that will be located right next to a light rail station. We are assuming some percentage of residents won’t own or have access to a car. Other ways to manage the demand is providing subsidized transit passes.
The base cost of a unit with parking can create an equity issue. I would like to see the Planning Commission take a look at a reduced ratio of parking. Too great of a parking reduction would make the units undesirable.

There is fear that numbers of units equals numbers of cars so there’s going to be spillover into neighborhoods. Is there any evidence of that?

I’m not so keen on further parking reductions than the 25%. We came up with bundle pricing to keep people from parking in neighborhoods. We’re seeing spillover right now. I don’t think we’re at a time to further reduce parking. Maybe in the future, but people are still very auto dependent in our state, county and city. I think that’s just a fact.

I think we should continue to discuss parking reductions. We still have a lot of people driving cars and we have some spillover parking from apartment buildings, but the MUR-70 zone is in the core of the station area, and surrounded by MUR 45 and 35. Any spillover during the transition period is going to be pretty much contained within the station area which is different from what we’ve seen in other areas of the City. So there’s a buffer that will help. Parking reduction also improves the cost of the project, rather than just shifting the cost.

I don’t think we have the commerce and the businesses around to support car-free or mostly-car-free areas. I think 25% reduction is probably the maximum.

A lot of these properties will hopefully be rentals, the others will be the first chance for people to buy. This should invite more lower income people here. My experience of living in cities and working at low income jobs is that you have a car. This could be because you work different shifts or weird hours and sometimes at a location a long ways away from transit. So I am very cautious about zero or even low parking because it don’t think that’s going to match the reality of what is going to happen.

We have changed how we and our children look at transportation. I like the idea of Zip-cars and that kind of concept that may be a way to reduce the need for parking. We also need to consider having parking enforcement.
  • Reply from Mayor Hall: the City has discussed parking management plans several times and established a schedule for future parking enforcement.
The catalyst alternatives were of interest to me. Impact fees were mentioned a number of times, but not which impact fees. Does it matter?
  • Bauer: We have the transportation impact fees as well as the park impact fees.
It’s probably irrelevant to a developer. Council would need to decide if we are willing to under-collect for either of those fees, recognizing that we would still need to fully fund the projects that are funded by the impact fees. We would need to find other revenues.

If we reduce the impact fees, we’re not reducing the costs overall, we’re just shifting the cost of our parks and our roads from the developers (and the principle of growth paying for growth), and moving it to the taxpayers.

The property tax exemption that we already offer is shown to be more effective. The FCS group suggested this as a way to make the projects pencil out because they were unaware that we already offer the MFTE.

Catalyst development thresholds - what was written in the staff report was an example of 100 units or more as a threshold. But we’re talking about over 200 units in each of the four projects that are “on deck” right now. Why the 100 threshold? Maybe that could be increased.

As respect building height, I think we should just take the whole over 70’ height incentives or policies off of the table. It doesn’t sound like anyone is going to build with steel here for the extra height incentive.

Additional height listed as a catalyst may be less desirable because it creates the most visual impact.

There are Incentives currently in the code to preserve trees, but changing from wood construction to concrete or steel is very expensive. It doesn’t even pencil out here. We could say something like, in exchange for preserving more green space at street level for a healthy and visually appealing environment, we could offer more height. The MUR-70 area is already surrounded by tall buildings and from street level the difference between a 70’ building and 140’ doesn’t have much negative effect.

I agree. There should not be additional cost or hurdles to go higher than MUR-70.

I think we need to figure out exactly what our height priorities are and codify them. That way we can take the development agreement out of it to provide certainty to both the public and the developers. We spent a lot of time and money doing the development agreement on Shoreline Place.

With respect to the vision for the development of MUR-70, it is to occur over time or “eventually” recognizing that the development is somewhat organic. It is difficult to define how much it is organic and how much the City wants the area to fill out from essentially a residential area to multi-family. And during this transition time, is there a measure to help determine if the City’s plan is failing? Is there data available for a city of our size? For example, in Sacramento the commercial did not get filled in for quite a long time. It was only after the area became more vibrant that the ground floor commercial started to fill in. How much of a delay is acceptable for Shoreline?

Instead of thinking what’s the time line, I ask is there an emergency here? The timeline was considered at the very beginning of talking about this development. We were told development would follow the arrival of light rail. We were talking about a 50 to 100 year buildout. So before we start talking about getting rid of park and transportation impact fees (which contribute a huge amount to our ability to improve the City so that we can accommodate new residents), or talk about getting rid of parking, (which concerns me because I think we may create a mess if we do too much of that), I want to make sure there is an emergency here and that we really need to move this along faster that it is going right now. (Admittedly, that’s not very fast). We need to think broadly.

I think we need to decide what we are going to do to keep the ground floor available for future commercial. We need to be clear on this.

I too was wondering why “now” we are being asked to consider these issues with action as soon as next year. There are a few projects in the pipeline. MUR-70 is converting mostly single family residences which is one of the reasons that it’s stalling. It takes a lot of work for developers to combine several individual lots. I think this project is going to take patience. It will take a while for demand to get there for urban village development. I think it’s a good idea to look into these things, but I don’t see a pressing need for action. I would prefer a capital project undertaken by the City rather that something like subsidizing development by removing impact fees.

The City could take on surface water and stormwater projects. But instead of eliminating impact fees, maybe we can ask the State to take on those fees. If the State wants affordable housing and increased density, why not ask the State to put this into their economic development program? That way the cities aren’t harmed and State gets the benefit of the transportation (light rail) and the benefit of the housing.

There “is” pressure. There are legislators in our state who have proposed to ban single family zoning statewide. This even made it out of the senate in 2020. This and similar laws have been passed in Oregon and California. If cities like Shoreline along the light rail don’t do our part, we could see pressure on eliminating single family zoning across the rest of the City. And I don’t think that’s what we want. We are trying to reduce the impact from climate change and get people to walk and bike and take transit to work, shop and play. It's harder to do that if you’re living off a transit line. We have the infrastructure and we should make sure we make the most efficient use of that. Especially along the light rail line.

I think we’re short on information. I think a lot of what we did in 2015/2016 was good but it was all process driven. We don’t have any advertising - I don’t think we have any big picture vision to handle this. I love some of the ideas but I don’t think we understand our audience and because we don’t have a big picture vision, we don’t have a lot of marketing. We need to market our vision for this area.

For the most part, development in the station areas is proceeding as we expected - just not in the MUR-70. It will take decades for the entire area to develop. The transition will be awkward as it proceeds. Tall buildings will pop up in what is now a single family neighborhood that is now zoned MUR 70. Many of the properties have been sold to holding companies or LLCs and are being held for development. We don’t want this to go on for too long because the neighborhood will no longer be attractive.

We don’t want things forced - bad things can happen then. But we need to keep things moving along and continue our conversations.

We are in competition with other cities (Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace) and the newly opened Seattle stations. We need to minimize the stumbling blocks to development that we have created per the FCS report. We need to pay attention to that report and not be stagnant because the whole region is changing.

Condo liability reform was passed by the State in 2019 with the hope of spurring more condo development. Has the situation changed since this reform? Can we promote more condo development MUR-70 so people can a chance for ownership?
  • Reply: Developments don’t differentiate between ownership occupancy vs. rental housing. I don’t have any additional information on the results of this reform. We could note that for future analysis.
Mayor Hall: I apologize for not saying this earlier. In terms of the timeline, Council already included this in our goals and our actions steps for the coming years. So clear direction has been provided to staff and the planning commission to modify the MUR-70 development regulations in order to ensure that they achieve their vision. This conversation tonight was intended to provide the details but we were unanimous that we do want the planning commission too and staff to see if we can make some regulations that will make it more likely that we’ll get the vision we want. It’s not an emergency but the legislature is on the brink of eliminating single family zoning. Our approach of concentrating growth near light rail is a better approach. Another thing that is important is visible just south of us. Look how fast it has developed around Roosevelt Station. When the market decides it wants to build it can get vested really quickly. Look at our townhouse development standards: by the time we were able to make some basic changes, there were already dozens of projects in the pipeline. We need to make changes sooner rather later.

Andrew Bauer
I identified key themes for the planning commission to provide more data and analysis:
  1. Parking reduction but not elimination of requirements
  2. Catalyst developments - have infrastructure projects brought to the site by the City
  3. Impact fees
  4. Codify to eliminate development agreement necessity
  5. Building height
This is the beginning of the discussion.

MEETING ADJOURNED



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Gloria's Birds: Well, I'll grant you this, Vic, your racing stripes beat the heck outta my black hood.

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

(Jerry the Dark-eyed Junco was an unassuming bird, and Vic the Varied Thrush appreciated that.)

--Gloria Z Nagler




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Lake Forest Park seeking volunteers for City's Planning Commission

Photo courtesy City of LP
The City of Lake Forest Park is currently seeking volunteers to fill two vacancies on the City's Planning Commission. 

The Planning Commission is a nine-person board made up of Lake Forest Park residents who review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the City’s land use policy and updates to development codes.

The Planning Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month, from 7:00 to 9:00pm. The Commission’s workload will occasionally require a second or third meeting per month.

Recently, the Planning Commission has recommended revisions to the City’s Town Center regulations and design guideline provisions, and to the accessory dwelling unit and accessory building regulations. In the coming year, it is anticipated the Commission will consider updates to the sign regulations.

While there are no formal qualifications required to be a Planning Commissioner, citizens with a background or strong interest in city planning, architectural design, or environmental systems often find the work of the Commission rewarding. 

The primary qualifications are to be open to perspectives other than your own and be willing to learn about and work collaboratively with your fellow Commissioners on complex issues.

If you are interested, please contact Planning Director Steve Bennett by email or phone, 206-957-2812.



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AG Ferguson: Jury finds GEO, for-profit operator of Tacoma ICE detention center, must pay detainee workers minimum wage

OLYMPIA — In a victory for Washington, a federal jury determined that GEO Group Inc. (GEO), the for-profit operator of the Northwest ICE Processing Center, violates Washington’s minimum wage laws by paying detainee workers only $1 per day. 

The verdict concludes the first phase of a retrial in Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s lawsuit against GEO.

After a two-and-a-half-week trial, the jury decided the multi-billion dollar company must pay all its workers Washington’s minimum wage of $13.69 or more. 

Now, it is up to U.S. District Court Judge Robert Bryan to determine how much GEO unfairly gained from its wage law violations spanning more than 15 years. The Attorney General’s Office is requesting that this payment reimburse detainee workers and Tacoma community members.

“This multi-billion dollar corporation illegally exploited the people it detains to line its own pockets,” Ferguson said. “Today’s victory sends a clear message: Washington will not tolerate corporations that get rich violating the rights of the people.”

GEO uses immigration detainee labor to perform virtually all non-security functions at Tacoma’s Northwest ICE Processing Center, formerly known as the Northwest Detention Center. 

Since at least 2005, GEO has paid thousands of detainee workers $1 per day or, in some instances, extra food for labor that is necessary to keep the facility operational. Washington’s current minimum wage is $13.69 per hour.

Ferguson filed the lawsuit against GEO in September 2017, alleging that GEO’s practice violates Washington law by paying workers less than the minimum wage, and that GEO unjustly enriched itself by doing so.

Today, the jury determined GEO must pay workers no less than Washington’s minimum wage, whether the workers are detainees at the facility or those coming from the Tacoma area to seek jobs.

Read more here



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Shorewood soccer seniors go out in style

By Coach Dan Faires

On a cold and wind driven evening at Shoreline Stadium, Shorewood Seniors played their final regular season game. They went out in complete style:

A hat trick for Senior Kaitlyn Manalili, followed by a brace for Sophomore Amelia Severn and an incredibly epic, header finish from Senior Morgan Manalili on a cross from Jadyn Smith.

Meadowdale never wavered though and competed for the duration of the game as they pulled one back late to avoid the shutout. In a wild, explosive game for the Thunderbirds, they emerged victorious 6-1 over the Meadowdale Mavericks.

Goals:
  • Kaitlyn Manalili (3)
  • Amelia Severn (2)
  • Morgan Manalili (1)
Assists:
  • Amelia Severn (2)
  • Jadyn Smith (1)
  • Morgan Manalili (1)


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The last hurrah - after making it through the Sunday storms, Syre loses power on Monday

Most all of Richmond Beach was dark on Sunday but Syre had power.
They are the long strip in the center of the map.

After being practically the only area of Richmond Beach with power on Sunday, Syre Elementary got a delayed tree branch fall that took out the power line in the back of the building.
 
The power lines were knocked down in one of the last outages. Schools were going to be open on Monday but when the lines came down the district delayed the start for Syre by two hours

Once power crews were on the scene it was determined that the power wouldn’t be restored to the school until the afternoon, so the district ended up canceling their school for the entire day. 

--Diane Hettrick



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Einstein cross country teams finish perfect season with three League titles

8th grade boys team

Story and photos by Coach Brandon Glasser

Congratulations to the entire Einstein Middle School Cross-Country team for an amazing season! Over 100 Boys and Girls runners helped propel both teams to undefeated regular season records and a dominant performance at the Sno-King League Championship Meet at the Shoreline Stadium on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

The 8th Grade Boys, 8th Grade Girls and 7th Grade Boys teams took the league titles, while the 7th Grade Girls team placed 3rd overall! There were 15 middle schools from Shoreline, Edmonds, Mukilteo and Everett that competed at the Championship Meet.

Top Ten Finishers (Course Distance: 2.06 miles)

Aidan MacDonald (2nd Place - 8th Grade), Max Billett (1st Place - 8th Grade),
Hayes Stetler (1st Place - 7th Grade)

8th Grade Boys:

  • 1st Max Billett 11:46.6
  • 2nd Aidan MacDonald 11:49
  • 4th George Clark 12:29.2
  • 6th Daniel Bruno 12:40.2
  • 7th Cole Gillingham 12:45.2
  • 9th Jaden Marlow 12:50.3
  • 10th Dominic Dalasta 12:54.1
7th grade boys finalists

7th Grade Boys:
  • 1st Hayes Stetler 12:51.4
  • 6th Benicio Hawkins 13.21.7
  • 8th Elijah Graves 13:29.8
8th grade girls finalists

8th Grade Girls:
  • 4th Jasmine Lumbera 13:55.6
  • 6th Francesca Lara 14:12.1
  • 10th Emine Atajanova 15:03.8
7th grade girls team

7th Grade Girls:
  • 4th Maya Mirabueno 14:52.2

Update: added photo of 7th grade girls



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Shoreline Council candidates respond to community questions

L-R Laura Mork, John Ramsdell, Eben Pobee
Candidates for Shoreline City Council

By Pam Cross

The ballots have been received in the mail and it’s time to vote. Are you familiar with the uncontested candidates (other than Chris Roberts since he is currently a Councilmember)? 

Due to COVID, there wasn’t really an opportunity to hear more from the candidates, other than the environmental forum held by Save Shoreline Trees (Shoreline council candidates discuss the environment). 

These are questions that residents would likely have asked the candidates if there had been an opportunity. Questions and answers were provided separately so no comment is in response to another Candidate. The answers have been edited for brevity.

Are you vaccinated against COVID-19 and do you support a vaccine mandate for people who work for the City of Shoreline?

Eben Pobee, Laura Mork, and John Ramsdell are fully vaccinated and support the vaccine mandate for employees and volunteers.

Are you happy with current development along Aurora?

All candidates expressed general satisfaction, although John Ramsdell stated he is not happy that residents in these developments do not have adequate access to public open space.

Laura Mork commented that development along major arterials is important. Rapid Ride provides easy transportation, potentially reducing the number of miles driven in single occupant cars.

Are you happy with the Shoreline Police Department? Do you think we need more police officers?

John Ramsdell says he has had very positive interaction with the Shoreline PD while partnering with them on crisis calls when he was employed by Evergreen Hospital as a geriatric mental health crisis clinician. He also advocates for “always on” body cams and embedding mental health professionals on the force. 

No one saw an immediate need for increasing the size of the police department.

Do you think Shoreline should have another Enhanced Shelter?

Laura Mork: Each community needs to take action to assist vulnerable, homeless people, but no one community should be the only to provide these services.

John Ramsdell: I am encouraged by citizen reports during Council meetings that the current shelter is working well. If the same model is implemented and the current shelter continues to succeed, I would support a second shelter on Aurora.

Eben Pobee: I think an internal and external assessment should be conducted for the current one. After a detailed report has been reviewed, than an informed decision can be made. The decision needs to be made with the interest of the City and its residents at heart.

How do you feel about the King Co. Homeless Authority map plans to make Seattle’s Lake City Way “part of Shoreline”? And why do you think they are doing that?

Geographically it makes sense.

I can only assume the KCHA is trying to consolidate resources until the program is fully developed. 

Currently multifamily buildings being developed in the station areas offer studios and 1 and 2 bedroom options. Do you think multifamily buildings should have a 3-bedroom option?

John Ramsdell: Yes. The current 1&2 bedroom options are not affordable. This is particularly relevant to how affordable rates are determined in the current multi-family tax exemption (MFTE) program that incentivizes developers to set aside a certain number of units as affordable. The current formula that determines affordable rates in Shoreline is based on King County data. Because the rental data from Seattle and Bellevue are used in this calculation, “affordable” rental rates in the new apartment buildings on Aurora and elsewhere are essentially market rate, when comparing data in rentcafe.comand the City’s MFTE website. 

Laura Mork: On the Planning Commission, we have been told that city staff has received input from developers that 3 bedrooms are not economically viable for them to build. As a child, I lived for a year in a 3-bedroom apartment, so I am familiar with the concept. If this is an issue that is important to the community, the City should study this issue in more detail, and understand input from all sides of the issue. I do know that there are many creative building types being explored nationwide, and in Shoreline, in response to housing questions. 

Eben Pobee: I totally concur that multi-family buildings should have a 3-bedroom option as it may have some compelling benefits compared to what is currently offered for studios and 1&2-bedroom options. The flexibility to lower individual costs for students and/or individuals and the practicality of using one bedroom as an office for someone working remotely can only be achieved if we have a 3-bedroom option.

Are you in favor of our current residential zoning laws or would you like to see more multi-family buildings in the current residential areas?

Eben Pobee: I think the current residential zoning laws are very definitive, however, I do believe that we will have to make decisions to meet the needs of our residents. A lot of discussions need to happen for such a decision to be made, of course, with experts involved as well as community member involvement. 

John Ramsdell: I favor zoning incentives that encourage increased density on transit corridors, reducing our carbon footprint while preserving our neighborhoods. There is no reason that I can think of to up-zone residential areas that are not directly on transit corridors. Shoreline’s neighborhoods are what make our city so livable and attractive.

Laura Mork: This past year, the Planning Commission and the City Council had presentations regarding changes to the current codes that might provide additional options for “housing in the middle”. It is my understanding that city staff are studying this issue in more detail. Any specific change to these codes will include extensive opportunities for public participation, both at the Planning Commission and at the City Council, which I will be listening to the pro’s and con’s closely. 

Although running unopposed, these candidates will appreciate your support. 
Remember to vote by November 2nd.


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Case updates October 26, 2021

Delta variant
As of October 25, 78.6% of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

72.5% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated

COVID Case updates


United States 
  • Total cases  45,571,532 - 76,944 new
  • Total deaths 737,990 -  1,612  new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 635,328 -  1,215 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 39,849 -  109 new
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 24.6% 
  • Total deaths 8,554 - 43 new  
Levels of Community Transmission are based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 153,622 -  377 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,393 -    7 new  
  • Total deaths 1,998 -  14 new      
  • Level of community transmission HIGH 

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 37,776  -  87 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 1,790  -    0 new 
  • Total deaths 498 -   3 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,322 -  11 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 242 -   -1 new   
  • Total deaths 111 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL  

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 507 - 1 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL


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Adventures of an Icebreaker: Discovery of the sunken boat U.S. Revenue Cutter Bear

U.S. Revenue Cutter Bear leading SS Corwin (an ex-U.S. Revenue Cutter) into Nome Roadstead, 1915. Image courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.

As the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy returns to the U.S. (Boston) continuing its historic circumnavigation of North America, it seems befitting the historic U.S. Revenue Cutter Bear (once captained by Mike Healy), has been located in the northern Atlantic. This is an exciting find!


Possible stern tube of the shipwreck explored in 2021. Image courtesy of NOAA/MITech.


Comparison of bolt patterns from 1933 photograph (left) and structure observed in the 2021 remotely operated vehicle survey of the shipwreck. Left image courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection; right images courtesy of NOAA/MITech.

Read more about the Bear in this article from NOAA here



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LFP Prop 1 in The Urbanist

Waterfront Park photo courtesy Windermere Real Estate

Lake Forest Park's Prop 1, on the current ballot, is getting some regional attention. 

This article was recently published in The Urbanist Magazine: "Lake Forest Park Ballot Measure Would Increase Park Access and Fund Safer Streets."

Read it HERE.



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Sunday's windstorm: A tree with perfect aim


Art Enyedy sent this photo series of a tree that cut power to a large area of NE Shoreline and blocked traffic for most of a day.


Following is his report:

The tree fell Sunday afternoon, October 24, 2020 at about 3pm. NE 175th street east of 20th Pl NE was closed the rest of Sunday. The tree was removed sometime in the night. 


Monday morning, power was restored at about 7:30am, but then went out again about 1:30pm. 

Finally, power, cable, internet and phone lines came back up at 9pm on Monday evening.


The tall tree, standing on the south side of NE 175th, fell directly across the road. Fortunately, it hit no vehicles. Nor did it hit any of the houses on the north side of the street, and it missed a boat parked nearby. 


The trunk of the tree managed to land in the driveway.

--All photos by Art Enyedy



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Shoreline Harvest Market Saturday October 30 - 10am to 2pm

Wednesday, October 27, 2021


Join the Shoreline Farmers Market THIS SATURDAY, October 30, 2021, 10am to 2pm, for a spooky themed Harvest Market day. Kids can show off their Halloween costumes, play games, and go trick-or-treating at the farmers market!

They will be at their usual location at Shoreline Place, 155th and Westminster Way. 

We'll have two sets of live music from local musicians and delicious hot prepared food for lunch. Plan to fill your pantry and stock up on fall produce: squash, onions, garlic, beets, turnips, and more!

In November, we're partnering with ShoreLake Arts to bring farm and food artisans to their Holiday Market happening on Saturday, November 20th at Shoreline City Hall (off Midvale Ave.). This family friendly event will feature food trucks, live music, crafts, and food vendors.

We'll be back at our regular location, rain or cold, on Saturday, December 18th for another Harvest Market featuring food trucks, live holiday music, crafts, and even more winter storage produce!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for last minute updates and vendor highlights.

Updated with hours of operation and location

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Tech difficulties at City of Shoreline - no phone, no email

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From the City of Shoreline

We are currently experiencing significant technical issues with our internal network. 

This is impacting our ability to make/send or receive external phone calls and emails at our facilities. 

Also impacted by our network outage is our permit center. We are unable to help customers in our permit center at this time.

If you have an urgent concern that needs an immediate response, you can call our general purpose number at 206-801-2700. 

Our after-hours answering service CMS will provide support while our phones are down at City Hall and will notify City staff if an immediate response is needed.

For life and safety emergencies, call 911.

Recreation programming at Spartan Recreation Center will continue as scheduled today.

We are currently working with our vendors to restore service as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience as we work fix this issue.



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Four north-end cities partner for the Winter Porch Light Parade this December to celebrate communities shining bright

The cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline have partnered to celebrate communities shining bright with the 2021 Winter Porch Light Parade December 1 through December 31, 2021. 

These four cities invite their communities to create light displays that will become part of a virtual map, marking the many holidays and traditions celebrated during the winter season.

Participants are encouraged to get creative with their displays, including the type of spaces that can be decorated. From porches to patios, balconies to banisters, to windows or even cars, anyone can participate and see all four cities transform into a magical wonderland of lights!

“We look forward to seeing the creativity of our residents and businesses as they light up our darkest days of winter,” said Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “The Winter Porch Light Parade brings north King County cities together in celebrating light, hope, and togetherness this year.”

Registration for light displays will be open from November 15 to December 19, and a map of light displays will be available for the entire month of December for community members to tour and enjoy. 

“We are very excited to partner with our neighboring cities, to celebrate the season and shine bright in a safe and inclusive way,” said Jeff Johnson, Mayor of Lake Forest Park. “We could all use a little brightness during these times. It will be fun to see our communities come together in the first of many Winter Porch Light Parades!”

It is free to participate in the Winter Porch Light Parade, and there will be prizes for winners in the following three categories: Best Overall, Best Small Space, and Best LED Lights.

For more information, visit the event website: https://bit.ly/winterporchlightparade



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: BYOB


 Cartoon by Whitney Potter: BYOB





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Shoreline Police: Rocks and the sound of breaking glass


On the morning of Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 7:55am, our communications center received a call of a possible burglary in progress in the 18500 block of Firlands Way N in Shoreline, a contract partner of the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The 9-1-1 caller stated that he heard the sound of glass breaking, which woke him up. He looked outside and saw a man throwing rocks at a nearby business, breaking the windows.


Deputies arrived within three minutes and saw the male suspect sprinting away from the building. Two deputies ran after him, but lost sight of the suspect. Another deputy spotted him inside a fenced area at a nearby construction site. The male ran off again. After a brief foot pursuit, deputies caught him and took him in to custody.

The original 9-1-1 caller confirmed the male was the same person he saw breaking windows. In all, 15 to 20 windows were broken at the business, with estimated damage around $5000.

The suspect, who also had multiple warrants, was booked into the King County Jail for Felony Malicious Mischief.

--King County Sheriff's Office



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