Celebrate Lunar New Year with Year of the Tiger Crafts

Monday, January 24, 2022

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Year of the Tiger Crafts, online, Saturday January 29, 2022 from 11am-Noon.

Lunar New Year and Spring Festival begin with the first new moon of the lunar calendar on February 1 and end on the first full moon, 15 days later. 

This year ushers in the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac. Learn about the background of the holiday and crafts you can do at home. 

Register here. The Zoom link will be sent within 24 hours of the program. 

Download and print out the Tiger Mask Template and Spring Template before the program.



Read more...

Jobs: WSDOT Environmental Services Interns

Sunday, January 23, 2022

WSDOT
Environmental Services Intern
Shoreline Northwest Region

WSDOT has two exciting environmental internship positions available this summer in Northwest Region. This region covers King County north to the Canadian border and the Cascade mountain crest west to the Puget Sound. 

This is a great opportunity to learn about the exciting work WSDOT is doing to meet environmental stewardship goals in a real-world setting. The Environmental Office directly supports the transportation needs of Washington State by providing environmental technical studies, field investigations, interagency coordination, and construction support to WSDOT projects and operations. 

A specific area of focus in our team is supporting a substantial effort to remove barriers to salmon under highways and provide access to upstream habitat. The successful candidate will receive exposure to the various roles in the Environmental Office and WSDOT project teams and gain hands-on experience assisting the program in biological studies, fish and wildlife, environmental permitting and compliance, cultural resources, air quality, acoustics, water quality, hydraulics, and other environmental disciplines.

Job description and application



Read more...

WeatherWatcher: Air Stagnation Advisory, Dense Fog Advisory

Fog looking west on N 190th St across Meridian Ave N, January 23, 2022.
Photo by Carl Dinse
The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Dense Fog Advisory and an Air Stagnation Advisory. The Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until Noon PST Monday, and the Air Stagnation Advisory is in effect until Noon PST Wednesday.

A strong high pressure system over the Northwest has created a very strong temperature inversion starting at about 800 feet in elevation. Temperatures below the 800 foot level are in the mid-upper 30's with temperatures above that level in the mid 50's.

Visibility in the fog could be a quarter mile or less at times. It is strongly recommended to drive with your headlights on in the fog, so that you are visible to other drivers. Drive with caution especially near intersections.

Air Stagnation allows for pollution to build up, causing poor air quality. We are being asked to delay outdoor burning, and to limit any residential wood burning devices, if possible, until conditions improve. 

Currently there are no burn bans and air quality remains good in King County. You can check current conditions and info on any air quality burn bans at the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website.

Forecast: No sign of any rain for the entire work week. Our next chance appears to be Saturday. In the meantime, expect foggy days, although some days the fog might burn off in the afternoons to sunny skies with temperatures peaking in the mid 40's and overnight lows in the 30's. Thursday and Friday have the biggest chance of warming up enough to clear the fog.

Long Range: Long range models have been hinting at an active and cooler weather pattern near the beginning of February. There are also hints that we could have another brush of lowland snow after we start the month. Keep the snow gear nearby just in case.


For current weather conditions visit https://www.shorelineweather.com



Read more...

Scene on the Sound: Sailboats on a sunny day

 
Photo by Jan Hansen

It was a glorious day today and the Salish Sea was full of sailboats.



Read more...

Lake Forest Park council meetings Monday

Lake Forest Park City Council Committee of the Whole (CoW) and Regular Council Meeting are virtual on Monday, January 24, 2022.

CoW at 6pm and regular business meeting at 7pm

The CoW has two items for discussion: 
  1. Discussion regarding Northshore Fire District Contract for Service – Northshore Fire Chief and Commissioners 
  2. Continued Discussion of Planning Commission’s Recommended Amendments to Accessory Dwelling Unit and Accessory Building Regulations – Steve Bennett, Planning Director

The agenda for the regular meeting will be posted on the city calendar page before the meeting.



Read more...

School board meeting Tuesday January 25, 2022 in person and on Zoom

Shoreline Schools District Offices

The Shoreline School Board will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 6:00pm in the Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center (18560 1st Ave. NE). This meeting will also be available via Zoom using the log-in information below. The reports and presentations for this meeting are listed below.

Please note that all in-person attendees must wear masks and there will be six-foot distancing between those in attendance.

Reports and Presentations:

If you would like to provide written public comment for the Regular Board Meeting, you can do so by filling out this online form by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, January 25 and it will be provided to the Board. There will also be a live public comment period during the meeting for those attending in person and on Zoom.

Attending the Regular Board Meeting via Zoom
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87195123413?pwd=Z2tGa1hOUmJqTTJpVzAveU1zSUdhQT09
Passcode: 625810
Webinar ID: 871 9512 3413
Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833



Read more...

NUHSA to hear from Unite Us at meeting Wednesday morning January 26

Gracious Gamiao with Unite Us
The first NUHSA Member and Community Partner Meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 (9-10:30am) will feature Unite Washington, a coordinated network of health and social service providers that are connected through a shared technology platform.

Gracious Gamiao, Senior Community Engagement Manager with Unite Us, will share how to send and receive electronic referrals, help address needs and improve health across communities. 

Unite Washington participates as part of the regional Community Information Exchange, Connect2 Community in King County. 

NUHSA is also a proud partner in this free network.

Register in advance for this and all of our upcoming meetings HERE!



Read more...

Letter to the Editor: It’s time to Vote YES for Parks and vote YES for Proposition 1

To the Editor:

Last April, over 72% of Shoreline voters said yes to Proposition 1 park improvements, but we needed just 122 more people to turn in their ballots to meet the validation requirements. We get another chance to pass this bond measure now and we know our community will support it once again.

Shoreline has a long history of investing in great park facilities. With the existing parks bond expiring, now is the time to continue that legacy and vote yes on Proposition 1. There is something for everyone in this bond measure, and for only $3 more per month for the median household, there will be improvements throughout our city's park system.

The bond will fund new picnic shelters, playgrounds, perimeter trails, sport courts, and playfields. We will get two new off-leash dog parks, ADA park improvements, splash pads, public art, and an expansion of green spaces.

The past year we have all come to appreciate and depend on public outdoor areas even more. By voting yes for Proposition 1, you will be supporting the health of our community, improving the parks we have, adding to our green spaces, and making sure everyone in our city has access to great parks.

Proposition 1 Pro Statement Committee
Brian Branagan, Mary Ellen Stone, Katie Schielke



Read more...

Shoreline Parks and Tree Board meets Thursday - will hear update on Urban Forests and review code changes for street trees

Street trees on N 185th photo by Lee Lageschulte

The Shoreline Parks and Tree Board meets Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7pm on Zoom.

They will review proposed code changes for street trees and hear an Urban Forestry update

The PRCS/Tree Board is providing opportunities for public comment by submitting written comment. Your written comment must be received by 6:30pm the night of the meeting. 

Please see the information listed below to access all of these options:

Attend the Meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680 
  • Call into the Live Meeting: (253) 215 8782 - Webinar ID: 991 1598 4680
Click Here to Submit Written Public Comment
  • Written comments will be presented to PRCS Tree Board and posted to the website if received by 6:30pm the night of the meeting.
Click Here to Sign-Up to Provide Oral Testimony
  • Pre-registration is required by 6:30pm the night of the meeting.


Read more...

Multi-colored sunset

 
Photo by Jo Simmons
The colors of the sunsets change constantly, minute to minute. This photo manages to capture multiple colors in one shot.

With the beautiful weather Saturday came beautiful sunsets. 

If you notice, the tallest tree in the photo is a cell phone tower. Every time I see one of those I think what a great bird's nest it's going to make.



Read more...

Fill the truck for Echo Lake Elementary PTA Saturday January 29


Cleaning out your closets or garage? Save the date to fill the truck for Echo Lake kids! 

Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 9am to 11:45am at Echo Lake Elementary, 19345 Wallingford Ave N, Shoreline, just a couple blocks west of Meridian Ave N.

Nothing bigger than an end table, please.




Read more...

Case updates January 22, 2022 -- United States exceeds 70 million cases

COVID-19 Updates
 

United States  

  
  • Total cases 70,206,220 - 769,153 new  
  • Cases in past 7 days - 5,017,810
  • Total deaths 862,494 - 3,506 new   

Locally, hospitals are overwhelmed and begging people to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear masks, and do all the things they've been told to do to avoid COVID-19.

Non-essential surgeries have been postponed. The governor has called in the National Guard for a month. UW Med is using their 10 Guards to run their testing station so nurses and other medical personnel can return to the floors.

Case numbers have started to drop but 30% of state hospital beds are currently filled by COVID-19 patients, primarily those who were unvaccinated.

Washington state reports that as of January 18, 78.9% of Washingtonians 5 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 71.6% of people 5 and older are fully vaccinated.

Of course that means that 21% of the state population over 5 is unvaccinated. 

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Gloria's Birds: If you'd keep the birdbath full, photog, I wouldn't have to do this!

Saturday, January 22, 2022


 


(Varied Thrush hydrating with snow!)

--Photos copyrigtht Gloria Z Nagler



Read more...

Pinning ceremony at Shoreline Fire

 
From left: Psillos, Merlino, Foster, Chief Cowan. Lamar not shown.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

The Shoreline Fire Department held a recognition and badge ceremony on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 to recognize four officers:

  • Deputy Chief of Operations Mark Foster
  • Lieutenant Jason Lamar
  • Driver / Engineer Josh Psillos
  • Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Merlino


Read more...

Jobs: Shoreline Community College recruiting for tenure track positions

Shoreline Community College is recruiting for the following tenure track recruitments with a date of fist consideration of February 28, 2022:


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



Read more...

SR 104, I-5 ramps to close overnight for light rail work next week

The eastbound State Route 104 ramps to northbound I-5 will close from 8pm to 4:30am nightly Monday, January 24 through the morning of Friday, January 28, 2022.

The northbound I-5 ramps to State Route 104 will close from 9pm to 4am nightly Monday, January 24 through the morning of Friday, January 28.

Sound Transit contractor crews will continue work on the Lynnwood Light Rail extension during the closures.



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Traffic Operations Specialist

City of Shoreline
Traffic Operations Specialist

CLOSING DATE: 2/03/22 11:59 PM

GENERAL SUMMARY

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

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

Employees Working Remotely: The City is implementing a remote work policy that will allow up staff to work up to three remote days a week, however during the 6-month probationary period it is expected that all work will be performed at City Hall.

To demonstrate skills and interest, please complete the application, please complete the Supplemental Questions in lieu of the cover letter. (This application does not allow for attachments. Providing complete responses in the Supplemental Questions section will help us determine your qualifications for the job.)

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: A candidate selected and offered the job must demonstrate proof of vaccination against Covid-19. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader).

The Traffic Operations Specialist plays a critical role in overseeing and coordinating all work on traffic control devices Citywide, including leading the newly established durable pavement marking maintenance program. In addition, this position performs both in-office and field work, providing variety and balance to the workday, and an ability to adapt to inclement weather.

DEFINITION
To lead, schedule, oversee, and participate in traffic control device maintenance, repair and construction; purchase materials and supplies; monitor work equipment and materials; provide construction inspection on traffic projects to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, ordinances, codes and regulations; perform traffic studies; respond to traffic related questions and inquiries from contractors, developers and the general public; and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Job description and application



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Environmental Program Specialist

City of Shoreline
Environmental Program Specialist

CLOSING DATE: 2/03/22 11:59 PM

GENERAL SUMMARY

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

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

Employees Working Remotely: The City is implementing a remote work policy that will allow staff to work up to three remote days a week. However, the City currently remains in Phase 1 our reopening plan, during which time, employees will primarily work remotely with occasional work performed on-site at Shoreline City Hall as required.

To demonstrate skills and interest, please complete the application, please complete the Supplemental Questions in lieu of the cover letter. (This application does not allow for attachments. Providing complete responses in the Supplemental Questions section will help us determine your qualifications for the job.)

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: A candidate selected and offered the job must demonstrate proof of vaccination against Covid-19. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader).

The Environmental Services Division advances the City's environmental sustainability goals and commitments by creating innovative solutions to dynamic, interdisciplinary challenges. This position will assist with development and implementation of the City's Climate Action Plan update and will develop and coordinate innovative, grant-funded programs to reduce waste, increase access to recycling and composting services, and promote sustainable behaviors in the community. Successful candidates will be creative problem-solvers with an ability to engage a wide range of audiences and be driven by a passion to create a more just, sustainable, and resilient community.

DEFINITION
To coordinate the City’s environmental sustainability outreach programs; to provide a high level of customer service and administrative support for the City’s solid waste contract and other related programs.

Job description and application



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Structural Plans Examiner

City of Shoreline
Structural Plans Examiner

CLOSING DATE: 2/02/22 11:59 PM

GENERAL SUMMARY

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

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

Employees Working Remotely: The City is implementing a remote work policy that will allow up staff to work up to three remote days a week, however during the 6-month probationary period it is expected that all work will be performed at City Hall.

To demonstrate skills and interest, please complete the application, please complete the Supplemental Questions in lieu of the cover letter. (This application does not allow for attachments. Providing complete responses in the Supplemental Questions section will help us determine your qualifications for the job.)

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: A candidate selected and offered the job must demonstrate proof of vaccination against Covid-19. A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader).

Job description and application



Read more...

All about the School District Levies Renewal

By Donna Hawkey

Two Shoreline School District levy renewals on the February 8th ballot will soon arrive in your mailbox. Proposition 1 replaces the expiring levy for “Educational Programs and Operations”. Proposition 2 replaces the expiring “Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support.”

School levies are essential as they pay for what is not paid for by state and federal governments. Even after the 2012 McCleary legislation act designed to fund public schools fully, the complex controversy over the definition of "fully" or well-funded schools continues today in Olympia.

Did you know that the state allocates less than one school nurse for our entire district? Every Shoreline School has a nurse due to the difference paid by the local Prop 1 levy.

Parent Sara Betnel, who is a school board member, said, "Having a nurse in every school has always been important for the health of our students, and it's been even more so over the past few years. Can you imagine not having nurses in our schools during a pandemic?"

Levies support students and teachers, culminating in the district receiving numerous acknowledgments for its high-scoring schools, as noted in publications such as The Washington Post and US News.

An example of how the Shoreline District invests in its teachers; Prop 1 allows for additional teacher training with a total of eight days per year versus just three that the government budgets.

And the Proposition 2 levy has earned the Shoreline School District the reputation of being a leader in education technology access and assisting learners at every level.

Ms. Betnel said, "We are so fortunate to have this levy so that our students can learn with modern and ever-changing technology skills. Having access to devices and the many applications used across the district aids all our learners and prepares them for the future."

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) membership percentage is one of the state's highest with an active group at every school.

"Both the communities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park show how much they highly value education," said Marla Miller, Deputy Superintendent, Shoreline School District.

Proposition 1 - Renewal Levy for Educational Programs and Operations.

Prop.1 pays for over 20% of the district's general operating budget. For mandatory special education services, the levy renewal pays approximately 40%, which is the amount not paid by the state or federal government.

This renewal includes (taken from the Shoreline School website):
  • Special education staff and instructional programs, highly capable programs and academic support for students
  • Nurses, family advocates, librarians, and counselors
  • Building maintenance, utilities and transportation
  • Extra-curricular student activities, including music, drama and athletics
  • Professional development and all Time Responsibility and Incentive (TRI) compensation for teachers and staff
Proposition 2 renews the expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support.
  • Student and staff computers and technology access
  • Software, online subscriptions, resources and classroom curriculum
  • Annual maintenance and licensing
  • Equipment upgrades and replacement
  • Staffing, professional development and training
  • Network servers and wireless infrastructure.
  • Email and website services for families, students, and staff.

For further levy renewal information: https://www.shorelineschools.org/domain/1334

It's not an easy job being a school board member tasked with juggling restrictive budgets. Rod Dembowski, King County City Council member, commented during a Best Start for Kids levy discussion in 2021. "Of all the public service jobs I witness, being a school board member is the hardest one you can do."
 
Director of District 1, Meghan Jernigan, offered her perspective as a community member "These are unusual and challenging times, and they have revealed how much we rely on our educational system for all that it provides our community. As we enter a new season for the district, with our replacement levies and an incredible superintendent, we have the opportunity to continue investing in our youth. And our commitment to our youth is part of what makes this community so special."

Historically, levy renewals in the Shoreline School District have voter support.

If you have any specific questions about either of the two levy renewals, you can contact Deputy Superintendent Marla Miller at: marla.miller@shorelineschools.org.

Ballots are due no later than 8pm on February 8th.

For people with disabilities, or if you're a senior over the age of 61, you can apply for a property tax reduction. Not everyone over 61 qualifies, but all eligible residents should check their status for this tax exemption program






Read more...

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Crocs

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



Read more...

Edmonds woman sentenced to five years probation for wire fraud relating to fire she set in her business

Aftermath of fire damage

An Edmonds, Washington, business owner was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to five years of probation, with one year of house arrest, for wire fraud related to the April 30, 2018, fire at her business, CJN Miniatures and More, a dollhouse, miniatures, collectibles, and antiques shop, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

Connie L. Bigelow, 54, set the fire to try to collect insurance money to solve her financial troubles. (see previous article)

 At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said he was opting for home confinement because of the COVID pandemic.

According to records filed in the case, Bigelow set fire to her business to collect insurance money as the store was struggling to make enough money to pay the rent. Bigelow moved her business, CJN Miniatures LLC, into the building at 23030 Highway 99, in Edmonds in September 2017. 

The store maintained an inventory of miniatures and collectables for sale, consigned items on behalf of other individuals, and rented out space to other vendors. Between October 2017 and April 2018, the business fell behind in rental payments and payments to consigners.

Bigelow carried an insurance policy with State Farm Fire and Casualty Company that covered up to $100,000 in loss of business personal property, as well as loss of income. The policy did not cover loss arising from arson.

Bigelow set the fire underneath three Thomas Kinkade paintings worth thousands of dollars. 

In May 2018, Bigelow initiated a claim to State Farm for the losses arising from the fire. On May 3, 2018, Bigelow communicated with the insurance agent via email as part of the wire fraud scheme. Bigelow made false statements to law enforcement, as well as representatives of State Farm as part of the scheme to defraud.

Prosecutors had asked for a year in prison, citing the inherent danger of the fire and the losses to the community. In pleading guilty, Bigelow agreed to make full restitution. Currently the restitution is over $200,000 to the building owners and some 50 victims who lost consigned items in the fire.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), along with the Snohomish County Fire Marshals’ Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amy Jaquette.


Read more...

Shoreline voters - don't forget the back of the ballot

Ballot drop box at 192nd Park and Ride
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Ballots are arriving in the mail for the February 8, 2022 election.

There are three measures on Shoreline ballots and two on Lake Forest Park. Two on Seattle ballots.

Each ballot has two school levies. On the Shoreline ballot the second levy ended up on the back of the ballot. Be sure to turn your ballot over!

Shoreline voters have a parks measure on their ballots. This is the same measure that failed in 2021 only because not enough people voted. 

Ballot drop boxes are out: LFP City Hall, Shoreline Library parking lot, 192nd / Aurora park and ride rain garden. Lake City Library. Broadview Library.  Find other locations here

Key Dates


Read more...

Order free COVID-19 at-home tests from the state DOH - when they are in stock


Washingtonians can order free COVID Tests for delivery to their homes. These are in addition to the tests offered by the federal government.

The state ordering portal is quick and easy! sayyescovidhometest.org 

In an effort to increase access to at-home rapid tests across the state, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is launching a statewide portal that will allow COVID-19 tests to ship directly to households. 

People can order up to 5 free tests for a household. However, supply will be limited at first, and will restock as supply into the state increases.

UPDATE: As of 2am Saturday they were out of stock. Check the portal regularly. sayyescovidhometest.org 

Report positive results to state hotline

It is possible to report a positive test result from an at-home test through the state’s COVID-19 hotline. Hotline personnel will determine next steps based on zip code so results can be recorded and reported, and can guide callers through any questions they may have.

The state hotline, 1-800-525-0127 (then press #), is available Monday from 6am to 10pm, and Tuesday to Sunday (and observed holidays) 6am to 6pm. Language assistance is available.

WA Notify on smartphones

DOH encourages all smartphone users to download or enable WA Notify for not just exposure notifications, but plugging in positive results. For anyone using WA Notify at the time they test positive for COVID-19, they can record their positive test results directly into WA Notify on their devices.



Read more...

Case updates January 21, 2022

COVID-19 Updates
 

United States  

  
  • Total cases 69,437,067 - 765,504 new  
  • Cases in past 7 days - 5,088,100
  • Total deaths 858,909 - 2,621 new   

Washington State
  • Total confirmed cases 997,703 last reported   
  • Total hospitalizations 50,556 last reported      
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 31.6%
  • Total deaths 10,339 last reported      
  • Friday, January 21, 2022: Due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, Department of Health is experiencing substantial slowdowns in our data systems. This will result in delays in reporting cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. 

King county

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

  • Total confirmed cases 285,205 -  3,893 new   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 28,925 
  • Total hospitalizations 10,407 -  56 new   
  • Total deaths 2,274 -  1 new   
  • Level of community transmission HIGH  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 76,544  -  1,086 new   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 7,632   
  • Total hospitalizations 2,256  -  14 new   
  • Total deaths 550  -   0 new  
  • Level of community transmission HIGH  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 6,364 -   103 new  
  • Cases in past 7 days - 679    
  • Total hospitalizations 287 -   -1 new   
  • Total deaths 119 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 1,113 - 25 new   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 122 
  • Total hospitalizations 29 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH


Read more...

Help Shoreline protect its streams, lakes, and creeks

Friday, January 21, 2022

Boeing Creek photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline residents are invited to share ideas and opinions on how the City can better protect and restore our streams, lakes, and creeks. 

This link includes an interactive map of Shoreline's waterways and information on pressures they face. Check it out, then participate in a survey to share your ideas and priorities.

Echo Lake photo by Gidget Terpstra

The city wants citizen feedback to help them prioritize and plan future Surface Water Utility projects and programs. 

"We want to know what matters most to you! Successful planning for the future needs your input and ideas.

"How can we better protect and restore our natural surface waters?"

 
Ballinger Creek photo by Londa Jacques

The weblink contains interactive maps on Shoreline's drainage basins, water quality conditions, and areas of development. After reading through the maps, we'll ask for your feedback on:
  • Programs and projects the City should prioritize to restore and protect our waterways
  • Which drainage basins are most important to you and why
  • Suggestions for new programs and projects

Footbridge over Whisper Creek. Photo by Dan Short

Planners will use this information to help prioritize and plan on which drainage basins and streams to focus our programs and infrastructure improvements.



Read more...

Comment on the Paine Field Master Plan


Don't miss your chance to share your thoughts on the Paine Field Master Plan.

To submit your comments online visit the reopened comment form

Use the tabs at the top of the page to see information from the Open House, project details, what they've done, what's ahead.

Comments will be accepted through Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:00 PST



Read more...

Federal government will send four COVID-19 test kits to every household


COVIDtests.gov is the webpage to order four free COVID-19 test kids from the federal government.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.

UPDATE: the state of Washington also has free test kits for its citizens.


Read more...

The freshmen of the Shorewood StormRays sparked the wrestling match with Meadowdale Thursday night

By Clark Norton

Shorewood went on the road Thursday night to to face the Mavericks of Meadowdale High School. It was Senior Night for Meadowdale with parents and fans supporting the nine graduating wrestlers in Meadowdale's varsity line-up. Yet, it was the freshmen of Shorewood who rose up and sparked their team.

It the opening bout of the night Shorewood freshman Sky Klein took to the mat at 120 pounds. Klein was immediately on the defensive, giving up an early takedown and fighting off everything he could while falling behind 6-0 midway through the second period. 

Then, as Klein said, “I’m not sure what I did, but it worked.”  Klein was able to reverse his opponent to his back for a pin with just seconds remaining in the round. It was Klein’s first varsity win of the season and Shorewood grabbed a 6-0 lead in the team score.

Following Klein was another freshman for Shorewood, Masa Taura. Taura also fell behind big, trailing 8-1 early in the second. However, Taura kept going, relentlessly attacking his opponent. As the Meadowdale wrestler began to falter, the StormRay never stopped. Taura took his tired challenger down and punished him for a pin that extended the Shorewood team lead to 12-0.

Coach Derek Norton made the strategic move at 132 pounds to give up a forfeit, and the free six team points, to move up his Senior captain Quincy Laflin to 138 pounds, where Meadowdale was set to receive a forfeit and six team points of their own. Laflin rewarded his coach’s faith in him as he dominated from start to finish, building a large lead before pinning his opponent in the third round. Instead of the six points for each team, Shorewood grew their led to 18-0.

It was all Shorewood through the 145 pound match as StormRay Isaac VanHorn controlled the action for a 14 to 4 victory and a 22-0 team lead. Meadowdale made a brief rally with a win by forfeit and two pins over the next four weight classes to close to 28-18 with four matches to go. 

Shorewood’s only other Senior, RJ Buchheit, stopped the Maverick rally in its tracks at 195 pounds as he used a “Gilbertson,” a feet-to-back cradle utilized by legendary Washington wrestler and current Arlington head coach Johnny Gilbertson, to shock and pin his opponent in the first period. Combined with a pin by Hunter Tibodeau at 220 pounds, Shorewood built an insurmountable team lead before winning by a final team score of 40 to 30.

Shorewood 40 - Meadowdale 30
@ Meadowdale High School
*Match began at 120lbs

106: Double forfeit
113: Himly Burch MD pinned Owen Mulder 0:39
*120: Sky Klein SW pinned Maddox Millikan 3:29
126: Masa Taura SW pinned Miguel Garcia 3:56
132: Double forfeit
138: Quincy Laflin SW pinned Skylar Rivera 5:29
145: Isaac VanHorn SW maj. dec. Cy Deflets 14-4
152: Daniel Sok MD win by forfeit
160: Henry Gates MD pinned Ahmed Abdeen 2:39
170: Alberto Solano SW pinned Abi Hernandez 2:45
182: Saul Hernandez MD pinned Nathaniel Hernandez 0:53
195: RJ Buchheit SW pinned Bolar Sodnombayar 1:05
220: Hunter Tibodeau SW pinned Joseph Williams 1:51
285: Aiden Falin MD pinned Milan Johnson 1:46

Shorewood Record: 7-3 Overall, 3-0 Wesco 2A/3A




Read more...

For the Birds: Barred Owls — Denizen of Long Winter Nights

Photo by Elaine Chuang

By Christine Southwick

Barred Owls are noisy owls, frequently making contact calls with their long-term mates, or maybe just making comments. They have a distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all…?” call, but they will often make kind of a barking sound, and other sounds that vary upon their mood.

They are a medium-large owl, with dark eyes and a smooth head, and require lots of trees. They prefer old-growth forests, but readily move into second-growth forests, especially damp ones which have more prey. Their preferred meals are voles, shrews and mice, rats, young rabbits and moles. They will eat small fish, frogs, and larger insects.
 
They have large, feathered talons.
Photo by Elaine Chuang
Females are larger than males and may weigh up to a fluffy two pounds. So no, they can’t take your dog.

They prefer to sit on a prominent branch and wait for prey to come into their visual range before silently swooping down and capturing the prey with their strong feathered talons.

Owls hunt silently due to the noise-canceling evolution of their feathers. The leading edge of their wing feathers has comb-like serrations, and the trailing edge has a soft fringe to break up the sound produced by their large wings. Additionally, all owls have a unique velvety feather texture.

Give owls space. Photo by Elaine Chuang
Their large eyes and sensitive hearing allow them to locate their small prey. Dark cloudy days they may be seen hunting before dark, especially once breeding season begins in about March.

The female lays two-three eggs, two-three days apart, and starts brooding them as they are laid, unlike most birds which don’t start brooding their clutch until all are laid. 

The significance of brooding from the first egg means that the nestlings are different ages- in a nest with three eggs the first would be six-nine days older than the youngest.

"Here's lookin' at you, kid!" Photo by Elaine Chuang
The male brings food to his mate and nestlings until the youngsters leave the nest at about four weeks, but they don’t fly for a week or more after “branching,” the term used when they crawl out on a nearest branch using their beaks and talons. 

Both parents care for their offspring for usually four months, which is much longer than most owls.

Cavity nesters, Barred Owls need large old trees with holes. They will use nest boxes (unlike their only natural enemy the Great Horned Owl).



Read more...

FTC returns more than $10 Million to consumers who paid hidden fees to LendingClub

The Federal Trade Commission is returning more than $10 million to consumers who were charged undisclosed fees by online lender LendingClub Corporation. The FTC is distributing refunds directly to more than 15,000 LendingClub customers and encouraging additional LendingClub customers to apply for refunds.

The FTC sued LendingClub in April 2018, charging that the company falsely promised loan applicants that they would receive a specific loan amount with “no hidden fees,” when in reality the company deducted hundreds or even thousands of dollars in hidden up-front fees from the loans. The FTC also alleged that LendingClub told consumers they were approved for loans when they were not and took money from consumers’ bank accounts without authorization.

The FTC is sending refunds via PayPal to 15,748 LendingClub customers who complained to the company or the FTC about the hidden fees. Recipients have until February 16, 2022 to accept the payments. Recipients who have questions about their payments should call the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, at 833-630-1417. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.

In addition, between January 18 and 20, the FTC will email additional LendingClub customers who took out loans before January 6, 2017 and repaid the loan. The email will provide instructions on how to request a refund. LendingClub customers who believe they may be eligible for a refund but do not receive an email by January 20 should contact the refund administrator at 833-630-1417. The deadline for additional consumers to file claims is February 16, 2022.

The FTC’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the country, but the United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that the FTC lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court going forward. The Commission has urged Congress to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP