Case updates January 18, 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022


COVID-19 Updates
 

United States  

  
  • Total cases 66,715,937 - 2,430,470 new  
  • Cases in past 7 days - 4,908,950
  • Total deaths 850,575 - 5,734  new   

Washington State
  • Total confirmed cases 971,422 - 56,852 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 49,940 -   1,078 new   
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 30.5%
  • Total deaths 10,230 -    34 new  

Levels of Community Transmission:
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 272,778 -  19,050 new   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 30,121 
  • Total hospitalizations 10,274 -  284 new   
  • Total deaths 2,246 -  7 new   
  • Level of community transmission HIGH  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 72,714  -  8,267 new   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 7,915   
  • Total hospitalizations 2,219  -  71 new   
  • Total deaths 544  -   1 new  
  • Level of community transmission HIGH  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 6,084 -   421 new  
  • Cases in past 7 days - 741    
  • Total hospitalizations 282 -   4 new   
  • Total deaths 117 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 1,052 - 94 new    
  • Cases in past 7 days - 112 
  • Total hospitalizations 26 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH


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The best way to read your Shoreline Area News is on the web

Tuesday, January 18, 2022


Email subscribers and particularly Comcast subscribers to the Shoreline Area News have experienced some recent difficulties in getting the daily editions, or not getting them on time for events.

Comcast and most other large domains and sites have added multiple layers of security in the face of greatly increasing cyber attacks. Comcast has been particularly problematic for us because it takes very little for their algorithms to identify an email as spam.

They will put it in your spam folder a couple of times but if you don't find it and take it out, it blocks the emails from ever getting to you again. 

Follow.it - the product we are now using to distribute the email edition - is more than a bit random for when it picks up the articles and when it delivers them to you.

If I have a last minute article, you may or may not get it in time.

Two problems - one solution.

Create a bookmark on your web browser for the Shoreline Area News. Here's the address: https://www.ShorelineAreaNews.com

We publish first to the website, then copy the articles over to Facebook and Twitter. Follow.it picks up the stories from the web.

If you read the SAN on the web, you can pick what time you see it, and you will always see the most recent articles. There are other useful links on our webmail - Carl's Shoreline Weather, links to medical offices, and community organizations. Tabs across the top take you to articles in the most commonly used categories. 

There's a long list of "tags" that will take you to all the stories on a particular topic. Below that is an archive of every article ever published.

There's a search box to help you find things with keywords - it's small but mighty.

And the web version displays well on your phone.

Each daily edition is done by 6am. New stories will appear no earlier than mid-afternoon - often after midnight.

Shoreline Area News  https://www.ShorelineAreaNews.com

--Diane Hettrick, Editor



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Life before fog: Sunrise on the Cascades

Photo by Mike Remarcke

I like fog. It's like a fuzzy blanket and it looks beautiful in the trees. However the last few days have been too much of a good thing so I was happy to see the "sun window" on Monday.

A few days back we had a clear morning with a beautiful sunrise over the Cascades and Mike Remarcke took this dramatic photo.

DKH



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Widow of Green Beret killed in North Africa speaks to local veterans

Gold Star Wife Michelle Black
at American Legion Post 227
Story and photo by Doug Cerretti

The Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion, Shoreline, WA was honored to host Gold Star Wife and Author Michelle Black Saturday January 15, 2022. 

Michelle talked about her husband Bryan’s service as a Green Beret and his mission in North Africa and the events leading to his death. She then answered questions for over an hour. 

Michelle’s husband Bryan, along with three colleagues, was killed in action in the North African country of Niger in 2017.

The military placed blame for this tragedy on Bryan’s Green Beret Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) Team 3212, describing them as “rogue.” 
As Michelle interviewed other team members she learned that ODA 3212 was not at fault but it was the ill-conceived mission planned by the commanding officers that were to blame. 

Michelle Black (r) signs her book "Sacrifice" for Gold Star Mother Linda Swanberg.
To their left is Gold Star Mother Karen Black, mother of Bryan Black

Michelle’s investigation led her to author "Sacrifice, A Gold Star Window’s Fight for the Truth

As Michelle writes in her book, “I often say I’d prefer to hear an ugly truth than a beautiful lie. In the year following my husband’s death, I was told plenty of both”. 


Michael Reagan presenting his portrait of Bryan Black (being held by Tennis DeJong) to Michelle

After Michelle’s presentation, Edmonds artist Michael Reagan of The Fallen Heroes Project presented her with a portrait of Bryan. Michael, a Viet Nam Marine combat veteran gave up a lucrative career as an artist to draw portraits of Fallen Heroes. 

A second portrait of Bryan was presented to Gold Star Mother Karin Black several months ago. In the last 20 years Michael has drawn over 8,200 portraits given to Gold Star Families at no cost to them.



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Inslee issues emergency order on non-urgent health care services

Gov. Jay Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency order to temporarily restrict non-urgent health care services, procedures and surgeries that are performed in hospitals as part of a package of measures taken to address the current COVID-related state of crisis in hospitals.

The emergency order also prohibits all hospitals from utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) other than according to a conventional capacity strategy.

This emergency order is effective at 12:01 on Monday, January 17, 2022 and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on February 17 unless rescinded sooner.

Proclamation 20-24.3



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First houseplant of the year

 
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The first house plant to bloom this year was our orchid.  These amazing blooms will last for several weeks and will brightened our days.

--Wayne Pridemore



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Inslee provides support to hospitals to fight Omicron variant


With COVID-19 cases rising due to the transmissibility of the Omicron variant, hospitals are seeing a dramatic increase in COVID hospitalizations. The health care staffing shortages have led hospitals to be at or over their capacity to treat patients. 

Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state will be taking a number of actions to help alleviate the staffing crisis in hospitals.

The governor was joined for the virtual press conference by Umair Shah, MD, MPH, secretary, Washington State Department of Health and General Bret Daugherty, Washington State Military Department.

The governor announced a variety of tools to help support hospitals including, deploying the Washington State National Guard, putting a pause on non-urgent medical procedures, additional efforts to discharge patients into long-term care facilities and additional resources for healthcare workers.

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.



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Hospitals in contingency staffing mode

Lisa Brandenberg,  president of UW Medicine
hospitals and clinics. Photo courtesy UW Med.
UW Medicine on January 14, 2022 reached a record high of COVID-19 inpatients, 194, across its hospitals. 

The highly transmissible omicron variant is putting a significant strain on health systems nationally.

"Our capacity strategies include caring for patients in different settings, using nurse and other care extenders, using staffing agencies and postponing non-urgent surgeries consistent with the governor's recent proclamation," said Lisa Brandenburg, president of UW Medicine hospitals and clinics. 
"We know that this feels different for our patients and our staff. And it's unfortunate, but it's required by this highly transmissible variant and the staffing shortages that we're having across the country."

Brandenburg said capacity solutions are necessary to balance the staffing shortage and limit the spread of omicron. She also said UW Medicine emergency departments and urgent care clinics are not able to handle routine COVID-19 testing at this time, but remain ready to treat patients for emergencies.



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Salomon bill would close loophole on police disciplinary actions

Sen. Jesse Salomon
Legislation introduced early this session by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32 Shoreline) would restrict avenues used by police who have been disciplined by their superiors to overturn or reduce those disciplinary actions and gain reinstatement despite serious misconduct.

A glaring example of the existing gap in accountability has been playing out for more than a year in Kent, where the city has been unable to resolve the case of an assistant police chief accused of multiple acts of on-duty displays of pro-Nazi insignia. 

Kent Assistant Police Chief Derek Kammerzell had initially been issued a two-week suspension -- and allowed to draw paid vacation during that time — after posting Nazi rank insignia outside his office door, joking about the Holocaust, and engaging in other misconduct in September of 2020.

In response to subsequent public criticism, Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla and Kent Mayor Dana Ralph posted a video last July in which they sought to explain the city’s handling of the case. 

Though Padilla said Kammerzell had been “untruthful” with investigators, which would constitute grounds for firing, Padilla indicated that he chose not to fire him because of the risk that the firing would be overturned in arbitration.

A recent editorial in the Seattle Times has called for Kammerzell’s resignation.

Salomon, meanwhile, is proposing a remedy.

His Senate Bill 5677 would improve accountability in the Kammerzell case and in similar situations by mandating consistent practices for complaints, investigations, discipline, and disciplinary appeals for serious misconduct.

“Most cops provide valuable, stellar service,” Salomon said, “but there are some who do not and are able to evade proper and just discipline. As things stand, officers who are disciplined by their supervisors for dishonesty or excessive force can hire private lawyers to second-guess the discipline imposed and who have legal power to overturn that discipline through arbitration.”

Studies show discipline is reduced or overturned in about half of matters that go to arbitration, undercutting the ability of police chiefs and sheriffs to enforce standards of honesty and care in the exercise of force, Salomon said.

Among other things, SB 5677 would:
  • Require jurisdictions to implement statewide standards for investigating complaints of serious misconduct by law enforcement officers.
  • Define serious misconduct to include conduct resulting in suspension, demotion, transfer or termination.
  • Place a civilian in charge of the investigating authority and require civilian staff to conduct or participate in complaint handling and investigations.
  • Require investigation findings within 180 days of the filed complaint.
  • Require jurisdictions to develop and implement discipline and appeals processes.
“The public deserves assurance that public servants are worthy of their trust,” Salomon said, “just as the countless upstanding police officers across our state deserve to be free of the clouds of suspicion created by bad actors.”



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Mountlake Terrace: Ballinger Park Waterfront re-opens after renovations

Photo courtesy City of Mountlake Terrace

The Ballinger Park waterfront on Lake Ballinger in Mountlake Terrace is open again, with a new 220-foot aluminum fishing pier, boat launch, dock, restrooms and other amenities.

The city thanks the community for their patience during the closure, which was affected by supply chain issues and weather. 

Some fencing will remain on site to protect new plantings that remain vulnerable. Please follow all posted signs as the crews wrap up remaining tasks.

Photo courtesy City of Mountlake Terrace

Construction started in July on improvements totaling nearly $1.5 million. The project focused on active waterfront recreation on the east side of Lake Ballinger. 

Many of the amenities there were from the 1970s, and the park needed to better account for modern standards around accessibility and habitat protection. 

This year will bring construction of a Universally Accessible Playground nearby.

A separate project, on the west side of the park, involves new trails and a wildlife viewing platform, along with a realignment of Hall Creek to address flooding. Designs are nearing completion, with construction expected in 2023.

Ballinger Park is a 55-acre regional park near I-5 and future light rail, and it connects the Interurban and Lakeview trails. 

Much of the land was a city-owned golf course that was converted to passive green space in 2012. The city completed the Ballinger Park Master Plan in 2015.

The ongoing improvements are a testament to master planning, which combines community input with expert analysis to create long-term goals for public spaces. A similar process is ongoing for Veterans Memorial Park.



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Recology honors Martin Luther King Jr day as a holiday


Recology was closed for Monday's Federal Holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. They notified all customers by robocall.

Each collection day this week will be pushed one day forward: Monday on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday until they finish the week by collecting Friday customers on Saturday.

Recology contracts with Shoreline and half of Seattle. They were never on strike but were delayed by the weather.



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Republic Services is collecting garbage, yard waste, and recycling this week

Photo courtesy Republic Services
Attention:
  • Lake Forest Park
  • Kenmore
  • Woodway

Republic Services, whose collection routes were disrupted by winter weather followed by a Teamsters strike in California, is back on the job this week.

They collected on Monday and their websites say: 

Service Alert

Routes are running as scheduled. Please leave your carts at the curb until collected.

Shoreline and Seattle are contracted with different companies.


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Monday holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, January 17, 2022



Monday is a national holiday in honor of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision and leadership stemmed from his strong belief in the power of nonviolence. It allowed civil rights protestors to avoid harsher legal charges, but it had a higher meaning than that as well. 

King detailed the six principles of nonviolence in his book, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.

"1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active nonviolent
resistance to evil.

2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. The end result of
nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.

3. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people. Nonviolence recognizes
that evildoers are also victims.

4. Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform. Nonviolence
willingly accepts the consequences to its acts.

5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. Nonviolence resists violence to
the spirit as well as the body. Nonviolence love is active, not passive. Nonviolence love does not sink to the level of the hater. Love restores community and resists injustice. Nonviolence recognizes the fact that all life is interrelated.

6. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. The
nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win."

King believed that nonviolence was an active rejection of the cruelty and tyranny of an opposing class, not just the avoidance of repercussions. This fundamental belief, borne out of the uniquely American experience of civil life after institutional slavery and racism, carried through King's influence all over the world.

From "How Did Martin Luther King's Vision Change the World?" read more here  



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BIPOC Administrator Virtual Job Fair on January 29 from 1-3pm

BIPOC Administrator Virtual Job Fair on January 29, 2022 from 1-3pm

Are you a strong educational leader looking to join an amazing team and make a difference for kids every day? 

Join us on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 1:00pm for the Shoreline Public Schools BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Job Fair for Administrators! 

This virtual event is open to everyone but will have a special focus on our district’s interest in and commitment to diversifying our administrative workforce. This is the first of several job fairs the district will host to attract and recruit staff for the coming 2022-2023 school year.

The two-hour event will feature a panel discussion with our superintendent, district leaders and school board. There will also be an opportunity to meet our Equity and Family Engagement Department, learn about our Ethnic Studies Resolution and staff affinity groups. 

Registration will also be available for upcoming screening interviews and application assistance workshops hosted by our Human Resources Department.

We hope you’ll join us to learn more about how you can make a difference in our schools and programs! Learn more and register to attend the Shoreline Schools BIPOC Job Fair for Administrators at www.shorelineschools.org/jobfair



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AG Ferguson lawsuit nets $45M in debt relief, payments from Navient

Attorney General Bob Ferguson
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that, as a result of his lawsuit, student loan servicer Navient will provide nearly $45 million in debt relief, restitution and costs to resolve Washington’s lawsuit. 

Ferguson asserted Navient, the Sallie Mae offshoot that was then the nation’s largest student loan servicer, engaged in numerous unfair and deceptive practices harming Washington student loan borrowers.

Washington was the first state, along with Illinois, to file a lawsuit against Navient, and the first to obtain a judgment stating Navient broke the law.

The student loan giant will:
  • Extend more than $35 million in debt relief, erasing the remaining debt of more than 1,400 Washingtonians who took out certain private student loans between 2002 and 2014 — an average of about $25,000 per person;
  • Pay $2.3 million in restitution to approximately 8,900 Washington borrowers enrolled in forbearance for an extended period of time between 2009 and 2017; and
  • Pay $7 million to Washington to cover costs from the complex, multiyear investigation and litigation, along with future enforcement of the state’s Consumer Protection Act.Washingtonians do not need to take any action to receive these benefits. Borrowers receiving private loan debt cancellation will receive a notice from Navient, and they will receive refunds of any payments made on those loans after June 30, 2021. Washingtonians who are eligible for a restitution payment will receive a postcard in the mail from the Attorney General’s settlement administrator in the next several months. Federal student loan borrowers who may be eligible for a restitution payment are encouraged to update their contact information in their studentaid.gov account or create an account if they do not already have one.

For more details and the most up-to-date information, please visit www.NavientAGSettlement.com.



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Continuing Education in person at SCC: Navigating Windows 11

Do you need help with navigating Windows 11? A two-session class starts Wednesday in person at Shoreline Community College.

Former Shoreline Area News columnist Brian Boston has been a computer professional for over 30 years. 

He will help you discover how Windows 11 can make your home and work life easier, as well as answer any tech questions you might have about hardware and software.

See other business classes and Register here:

https://www.campusce.net/shoreline/course/course.aspx...

(1/19 – 1/26) | 6:00 – 8:00pm | Wednesdays (2) | Fee: $49 | Location: 1500 Building, Shoreline Community College

All safety protocols will be in place. Masks are required for all indoor activities at Shoreline Community College



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Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) meets virtually on Tuesday

The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) will hold its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 7pm on Zoom.

The agenda includes a brief presentation on the school replacement levies. January's Round Table format gives participants the opportunity to provide input on what topic they would like to have covered in future meetings.

ELNA meets on the third Tuesday of the month, January to June and September to November. There is a work party and picnic in July and food truck events in August.

For more information contact ELNABoard@gmail.com



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Shoreline Planning Commission virtual meeting Thursday will hear ideas to increase MUR 70 development

Planning Commission Regular Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 7 - 9:59pm

Development activity in the (Mixed Use Residential) MUR-70’ zone has not occurred at the same pace relative to the other MUR zones in the first 6+ years since adoption. 

The Planning Commission directed staff at their December 2, 2021 meeting to prepare draft Development Code amendments to expand parking reductions as well as change the building height and development agreement requirements in response to the joint City Council-Planning Commission discussion on October 25, 2021. 

At Thursday’s meeting, staff will present draft Development Code amendments in response from the Planning Commission’s direction and intended to facilitate development in the MUR-70’ zone.

The meeting will be held virtually on Zoom: link here Passcode: 594963
Agenda Highlights
Link to Full Meeting Packet


Note: MUR stands for the zoning code Mixed Use Residential. 70 refers to the maximum height of the building in feet.


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Shoreline Elks 2022 Kids Hoop Shoot competition

The Shoreline Elks are holding their 2022 Lodge Hoop Shoot competition on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

It will be held at the Seattle Pacific University gym located at 3rd and Nickerson on north Queen Anne in Seattle.

Categories are
  • 10:00am 8-9-year-old Boys/Girls
  • 11:30am 10-11-year-old Boys/Girls
  • 1:00pm 12-13-year-old Boys/Girls

Cost: FREE

Proof of birthdate required (passport or birth certificate) 
Proof of vaccination or negative test within 72 hours

If you know a boy or girl aged 9-13 that would be interested email events@ShorelineElks.org

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Letter to the Editor: Equality unites us while equity divides us

To the Editor:

As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, we need to remember that he fought for equality of opportunity, not equity of outcome.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

One of these ideas comes from Dr. King, the other from Karl Marx. Which is which?

Equality unites people by providing equal access to educational resources and empowering everyone with the tools to succeed, but achievement requires students to put in the work.

Equity divides people into oppressed or oppressor castes, adjusts standards up or down caste by caste, and allocates resources unequally in an attempt to engineer equivalent demographic outcomes -- irrespective of individual differences in aptitude or work ethic.

In the fake world of the baseball cartoon, there's unlimited potential for everyone to see the game over the wall if we hand out boxes only to shorter statured people. In the real world, there are limited places for people in the ballpark and limited boxes to stand on. Having one's box taken and given to someone else could impede even an excellent student's potential.

Likewise, job openings, university admission slots, etc. are finite rather than infinite. An equity perspective postulates -- offensively -- that Black people cannot compete on an equal footing, and adjusts standards to where an Asian candidate's 3.5 GPA generates the same admission score as a Black candidate's 3.0 GPA.

Dr. King would bristle at the racist notion that Black people require lowered standards to succeed when they are just as capable as everyone else. We should bristle at the same notion.

Choose equality. Reject equity.

Dan Adams
Shoreline



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Gloria's Birds: Duo of dabbling drakes!

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

 (Mallard males on the shore of Lake Washington last week)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Northshore Fire special meeting and virtual open house on Tuesday

The regular meeting of the Northshore Fire Board of Commissioners on January 18th, 2022 at 5:00pm has been cancelled. 

Instead, a special meeting of the Northshore Fire Board of Commissioners will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, the 18th day of January 2022, at 6:00pm. 

The public is encouraged to participate in a Virtual Open House beginning at 7:00pm using the same Zoom link as the Special Meeting at 6:00pm. The open house will provide an update on the Contract for Services Process

Meeting agenda and materials are posted here.

Click Here To View The Session




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Walking the tightrope

Photo by Donna Hawkey

Ever feel like you're walking on a tightrope these days? This teen is mastering the art with some help from a friend and the trees.

Photographed at Horizon View Park in Lake Forest Park.



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Local doctor has article published in medical journal

Dr. Tim C. Norton
Dr. Tim C. Norton is the owner and clinic director for Health Chiropractic and Massage in Shoreline, 

He is an Instructor for and Advanced Certified in the Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) Technique. 

He is a past president of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Executive Board for the Chamber. 

He will celebrate his 25th year in practice this February.

Dr. Norton’s latest research article was published this month in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (JPTS.)

A Pediatric case report authored by: Dr. Tim C. Norton Dr. Paul Oakley and Dr. Deed Harrison of the CBP Nonprofit research group.

Improving the cervical lordosis relieves neck pain and chronic headaches in a pediatric: a Chiropractic Biophysics® (CBP®) case report with a 17-month follow-up

Journal of Physical Therapy Science: 2022 Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 71-75

“A 10 year old male presented with recent neck trauma, neck pain and pre-existing chronic headaches. Cervical range of motion was limited with pain. X-ray analysis showed dramatic loss of cervical lordosis and an acute atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. Chiropractic Biophysics technique methods incorporating spinal manual adjustments, cervical extension traction and corrective exercises were used to restore normal cervical lordosis. Treatments were performed intensively over 6.5-weeks, with a 17-month long-term follow-up. [Results] The pediatric patient responded well to treatment with near complete resolution of cranio-cervical complaints. The cervical lordosis was corrected to age-appropriate magnitude, the coronal symmetry was restored, and both were maintained after nearly 1.5 years. [Conclusion] Chiropractic Biophysics technique which includes the cervical extension traction using the pediatric Denneroll orthotic was effective in restoring lordosis in a pediatric patient with cervical kyphosis and chronic headaches presenting with recent neck pains from a traumatic origin. Routine X-ray of the cervical spine is recommended for patients presenting with cranio-cervical symptoms as spine alignment is often overlooked as pathognomonic for these conditions.”

Link to full abstract and download of article

Health Chiropractic and Massage is located in Gateway Plaza at 18336 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133



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Garden Guy: The Garden Guy’s New Year’s Resolutions

Bruce Bennett, The Garden Guy
By Bruce Bennett

I don’t make a habit of creating New Year resolutions. Many years ago I realized going through that particular annual exercise was (for me, at least) a futile attempt to change overnight. It seemed to me that going through this mental exercise of good intentions was doomed to failure before the effort even began. 

For instance, I have vowed to lose 20 pounds for the last ten years and, yet, my belt size is still two inches larger than I’d like. However, let me say that I am all for realizing measured improvement over a period of time. 

If January is a good time for the effort to begin, then, why not? Whatever the reason or timeframe, incremental improvement is always good, right? So, let’s consider a few tasks that could be added to a gardener’s list of resolutions……

Photo by WTR time plants
With the leaves off the trees and our gardens in a bare bones state, January is a good time to assess the yard for optimum plant placement and future ‘editing.’ 

Are there open spaces that need to be filled-in or cluttered plantings that might be more attractive if divided or moved to create better color and/or texture combinations? 

Devote a notebook to making notes for each of your yard’s potential project sites during winter that can be followed when the time is right to divide, move, re-plant, etc. Even better, especially for those who are more visually attuned, develop a garden design that shows where all plants are currently located and make the changes on paper first. It beats moving the greenery more than once.

Photo from Pinterest
Examine outdoor gardening tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels. Sharpen the edges of hoes, shovels and the like. You’ll be amazed at how much easier your work will become in the spring. 

Cleaning your tools and oiling them now means less rust and longer life. 

Organize the tools for easy access in the coming months. Simple wall racks available at our local big box stores are relatively inexpensive.

The goal is to know where to locate each tool when it is needed in the spring and finding it clean and in good repair as well.

Let’s face it, gardening is NOT cheap! Consider new ways to cut gardening costs during the year. For instance, consider starting some plants from seeds or learn how to divide your perennials. Look for bare root plant sales in February and March. 

If there are enough fellow gardeners in your neighborhood, organization affiliations or chat groups and set a date to share your divided plants or ones you no longer care for, or, set-up a tool-exchange program. These are good activities for spring or autumn. 

Finally, think about adding two-inches of bark mulch to your planting beds. This task will give you multiple benefits. First, it will protect roots from freezing win winter, reducing the need for new plants in the spring. On the other side of the season, the mulch will help to keep root zones cooler and also retain more ground moisture during those hot dog days of summer, thereby reducing your irrigation bills. Both the plants and you win with this one!

Flower and Garden Show 
photo courtesy visitseattle.org
Use the winter months to educate yourself on a new topic which will improve your gardening expertise throughout the coming years. 

Do you know what you need to know about invasive plants or the latest imported bugs? How about ways to improve your soil or the best ways to prune that tree or those shrubs. 

Also, don’t forget about learning at one of the country’s largest garden shows. The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is back on in 2022 and will be held on February 9 – 13 at the Washington Convention Center. 

Think acres of display gardens, 100+ seminars and plant vendors of all sorts. For more information, get on the internet and go to: https://gardenshow.com. I’ll be at the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association booth on Thursday evening and the Master Gardener Program booth on Friday evening. Feel free to stop by, say “Hi!”, ask a question or three and let me know what topics you would like to see me cover in 2022.

Photo from iStock
Between the winter weather and the continuing viruses, you can find yourself sitting around more. So, use the time productively. 

If you don’t have the book(s) you need, check-in with the Elizabeth Miller Horticultural Library at the UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture, read on-line or check with a gardener-friend who might have what you need.

Finally, plot a way to lose those last 20 pounds which is different from the plan that didn’t work last year. 

Ummmm. Perhaps it might be better for my ego to scratch that one! Anyway, the days are getting incrementally longer and your gardens are waiting (along with you) for the weather to warm. Here’s wishing you and yours a green, Happy New Year! 

Send your gardening questions and topic suggestions for 2022 to me at: gardenguy4u@gmail.com. Until next month, happy garden dreaming!


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Op-Ed: YES. You need to vote again

Sunday, January 16, 2022

YES. You need to vote again.

It might feel like déjà vu, but it’s not.

It might feel like Groundhog Day, but it’s not.

The City of Shoreline’s Proposition 1, to expand and enhance our park system, IS back on your ballot and you DO need to vote again if you want to see these incredible projects become a reality. 

This measure failed in April due to low voter turnout. It did, however, prove wildly popular among those who returned their ballots (72% said yes!), so the city gave one last chance.

One last chance to bring much-needed improvements to underserved neighborhoods like Briarcrest, Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, and Ballinger (where the only play area is in name and reality, a bog). One last chance to aggressively acquire public outdoor space and secure it for our growing future.

Remember the great heat wave of 2021? How nice would it be to have spray parks in our city? Got a dog that needs space to socialize and run? 

Looking for new walking paths and trails? Want to enrich our community with public art? 

How about spaces designed with ADA access for individuals and families in mind? These features and more could be part of a future Shoreline. Learn more by visiting Shorelineparksprop1.com.

City of Shoreline Proposition 1 will allow us to build the community we deserve. YES, you need to vote again if you believe in bringing that future into reality.

It might feel like déjà vu, but it’s not.

It might feel like Groundhog Day, but it’s not.

Please RETURN YOUR BALLOT when it arrives this week.

YES! for Shoreline Parks.


The Shoreline Parks for All Campaign is an ad hoc citizens group advocating for the Shoreline Parks measure on the February 8, 2022 election.

Shorelineparksprop1.com



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Nighttime closures on NE 175th for Sound Transit work

Work area in red. Suggested detours in green.

Starting Tuesday, January 18, 2022 Sound Transit will be closing both directions of NE 175th St from 5th Ave NE to the I-5 underpass.

Northbound I-5 on and off-ramps will also be closed at NE 175th. 

The closure will be utilized for guideway construction as part of the Light Rail Lynnwood Link Extension project.

The closure is scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, January 18 to January 20, 10:00pm to 5:00am.





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Community makes its thoughts known on proposed design for 20th Ave NW sidewalk

20th Ave NW photo by Wayne Pridemore

By Jonelle Kemmerling

The city of Shoreline will build a sidewalk along one side of 20th Ave NW from NW 195th St to NW 190th St, the entrance to Saltwater Park.

In a recent survey, the community made their thoughts known on the new sidewalk with 223 responses about the proposed design for 20th Ave NW. 

Laura Reiter, City Project Manager, and Darren Murata of DOWL presented three initial design alternatives during a Zoom meeting on Wednesday January 12, 2022.

Discussion followed about the major concerns:
  1. vehicle speed control and requests for speed bumps along the road. For example, motorists disregard the stop sign to the Saltwater Park entrance;
  2. stormwater drainage to eliminate ponding and the use of permeable concrete for the new sidewalk (favored by 77 respondents);
  3. the removal of trees. There was overwhelming support for preserving trees along 20th. The arborist, Tree Solutions, will be inspecting the affected trees and delivering a report in February 2022.

The expressed feeling is that folks do not want to cover the street with painted stripes, lines and excessive concrete and destroy the beautiful and calming nature of the walk to their jewel of a park, RB Saltwater Park. Someone said that an idea that has been around for 15+ years is to extend the design of the street to become a 'Grand Promenade' befitting the entrance to the park.

20th Ave NW heading north at NW 193rd, away from the park entrance
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Strong comments were made against the City's plan for a 10-foot-wide sidewalk to be shared with bicycles for fear of leading to accidents between pedestrians and cyclists. (21 survey respondents favored shared usage.) The City states that 10 feet is the standard for the safety of all using shared-use sidewalks. However, some experienced cyclists said they would prefer to use the street.

Other safety improvements mentioned were:
  • Lighting: 53 in favor (25%)
  • Crosswalks: 60 in favor (28%)
  • Separate bike path: 59 in favor (27%)
  • Storm water repairs: 94 in favor (44%)

Watch the website at www.shorelinewa.gov/20AveSidewalks for further updates.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Training

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be seen here




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Paramedic / Firefighter retires after 31 years with Shoreline Fire

Richard Sewell, Paramedic / Firefighter
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
January 13, 2022 was Paramedic/Firefighter Richard Sewell last shift of a 31-year career with the Shoreline Fire Department. 

Rich started with Shoreline in 1991 as a firefighter/EMT. Five years later, he was promoted to a newly created position of Fire Apparatus Technician (aka Engine Driver). 

In 2003, Rich attended the University of Washington's Paramedic Training Program Class #30 and graduated in July 2004.

His involvement and impact on the department over the years is commendable. During his tenure, Rich served as a Union Officer and helped build a collaborative relationship between labor and management. 

Always one of the first to volunteer at our community outreach events, often participates as emcee, Rich is a master at engaging with people and bringing smiles to those around him.

Highly passionate about providing an excellent level of medical care, he truly cares about the department's success. He has played a vital role in EMS training and has taught numerous classes throughout North King County. 

In 2017, Rich served as our Department's EMS Training Officer, further committing himself to improving our emergency medical system through training.

He served for five years as a member of our Wildland Firefighting Team and has been deployed to assist with numerous wildland fires throughout the region.

Rich's passion and sense of humor will be missed by us all! Enjoy your retirement, PM/FF Sewell!


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Gardeners flock to job fair at Sky Nursery

Photo by Marla Tullio
Applicants flocked to the job fair held at Sky Nursery on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Many were gardeners, attracted by the prospect of getting paid to work with plants, as well as getting generous employee discounts.

Photo by Marla Tullio
Tables were spaced far apart for social distancing. Each department had experienced staff available to talk to applicants and answer specific questions about the requirements of the different jobs at the nursery.

Sky is a popular, locally owned business with a regional customer base. They will continue to hire for year round as well as seasonal jobs. 




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Richmond Beach Saltwater Park beach closed Saturday morning due to volcano-caused tsunami threat

Screenshot from Japanese underwater volcano in the South Pacific

On Saturday, January 15, 2022 an undersea volcano in the South Pacific Tonga archipelago erupted, sending waves crashing into the islands chain, and prompting tsunami warming around the north Pacific.

The eruption was captured on video from a Japanese weather satellite and broadcast on news organizations around the world.


Beachfront properties in Tonga were flooded. Hawaii had a wave surge of four feet. Tsunami warnings were issued for the west coast of the U.S. 

In Shoreline, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park beach access was closed until 1pm.

As it turned out, Washington state had minimal impact but the California coastal areas experienced four foot waves which caused damage to docks, boats, and beach homes.

It is somewhat unusual for volcanos to cause tsunamis.



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