Shoreline food truck closed by Public Health

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Wet Mex, a mobile food establishment at 14602 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA was closed by a Public Health food inspector on February 1, 2022 at 2:15pm due to no available running water. 

The establishment will be reopened once the inspector confirms this issue has been resolved.

The Food Establishment Closures homepage is online at www.kingcounty.gov/closures



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Hua Zhang brings Lunar New Year happiness to kids

Hua Zhang with dragon headdress

By Diane Hettrick

Hua Zhang is a Shoreline resident who is passionate about sharing her Chinese Mandarin language and culture. She has taught Mandarin classes in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park at all grade levels as before and after school activities. She immerses her students with language, art, music, dance, and food.

She buys the clothes and costumes from China.

Since the pandemic, her primary before/after-school Mandarin program have been closed. Elementary school students need face-to-face, in person language learning and it is hard for them to learn Mandarin on Zoom.

Hua adapted to the small screen instead of a room full of families

Her Shoreline library in-person Chinese story times have been canceled too. 

"I am glad that I can continue to present Mandarin stories for kids online for the King County Library System." 

Last year she gave Chinese Lunar New Year presentations in three different King county libraries for a total audience of 300. This year KCLS invited her to make online presentations.

"Before the pandemic," Hua said "at this time of the year, I usually take dragons and lions to various elementary schools to hold New Year's dragon and lion dance parades with the kids, but now we can't get together to celebrate the Lunar New Year. 
"What I can do for kids’ Lunar New Year celebration? I thought of many ways and tried countless times. I decided to drum and rap the New Year for the children in front of the small computer screen, twist Yangko, dance fans, dance dragons and lions, and bring the Lunar New Year happiness to everyone." 
 

A creative and resourceful person, Hua created a one-woman parade. She practiced every day for three weeks.

"I held the dragon in one hand, danced the colored ball in the other, and practiced repeatedly. Soon my arm was so sore that I couldn't lift it. In order to learn the solo lion dance, I followed the videos on You Tube and danced around with a lion head on my head every day. Although I was tired because of my age, I was very happy.
 
"I imagined that children may like this show very much. On the other hand, dancing has strengthened my physique and changed all kinds of worries and physical discomfort caused by the pandemic." 
Hua and the Dragon

She dedicates this Chinese Lunar New Year event with stories, children's songs, presentation, fan dances, Yangko, dragon and lion dances to all the children.

Mandarin Story Time/中文故事時間.
Come and join us this Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 11:00am! 

Here is the 請在這裡在線註冊: Registration link



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Chinese New Year


Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE


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Case updates January 31, 2022

COVID-19 Updates - 
increases will now be reported in 7 or 14 day figures 

 

United States  

  
  • Total cases 74,282,892
  • Cases in past 7 days - 3,481,080
  • Total deaths 881,887

Washington State

  • Monday, January 31, 2022: Due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, Department of Health is experiencing substantial slowdowns in our data systems


King county

Levels of Community Transmission is 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 - 325,618
  • Cases in past 7 days - 20,439 
  • Total hospitalizations - 10,863
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 412  
  • Total deaths - 2,328
  • Deaths in past 14 days - 69  
  • Level of community transmission HIGH  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases - 87,268 
  • Cases in past 7 days - 5,233   
  • Total hospitalizations - 2,365
  • Hospitalizations in past 14 days - 115    
  • Total deaths - 562
  • Deaths in 14 days - 12     
  • Level of community transmission HIGH  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases - 7,420 
  • Cases in past 7 days - 567    
  • Total hospitalizations - 295    
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 7
  • Total deaths - 123
  • Deaths in 14 days - 3 
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases - 1,304   
  • Cases in past 7 days - 92 
  • Total hospitalizations - 29    
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH


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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan’s will be open Tuesday night

Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan’s Church will be open Tuesday
Photo courtesy St. Dunstan's

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be Open and Activated Tuesday night, February 1, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th Street in Shoreline.

The threshold for activation is generally a prediction of four-plus hours of temperatures at or below 33 degrees overnight or snow accumulation of two or more inches. Activation is determined on a daily basis by 9:00am. Call the shelter hotline at 206-801-2797 for activation status or check the Facebook page here.

Other resources
  • King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747 connects people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.
  • Families with children can access help by calling the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026.
  • A complete and continually updated list of Severe Weather Shelters and Day Centers can be found on King County Regional Homelessness Authority's website.
  • Call 2-1-1 for more information.


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AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Center for COVID Control over invalid and false test results

Center for COVID Control stored
week-old tests in garbage bags
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit against Center for COVID Control, an Illinois-based company that ran several testing centers in Washington state, for providing invalid, false and delayed COVID-19 test results to Washingtonians, or sometimes providing no results at all. 

The company’s unlawful practices included storing tests in garbage bags for over a week rather than properly refrigerating them, and backdating sample collection dates so that stale samples would still be processed.

Employees reported that the company instructed them to “lie to patients on a daily basis” when Washingtonians complained about their delayed results.

Ferguson’s lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, asserts the company violated the Consumer Protection Act when it deliberately failed to deliver prompt, valid and accurate results. 

Moreover, the company also violated the Consumer Protection Act when it made deceptive promises that it could deliver results within 48 hours. 

The Attorney General’s Office plans to file a motion for preliminary injunction soon to immediately stop the Center for COVID Control’s unlawful conduct. The office will request a preliminary injunction hearing for the soonest available date.

“Center for COVID Control contributed to the spread of COVID-19 when it provided false negative results,” Ferguson said. “These sham testing centers threatened the health and safety of our communities. They must be held accountable.”

Center for COVID Control operated about 300 testing sites nationwide. 

The company had at least 13 testing sites in Washington, located in Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, Seattle, Bellevue, Auburn, Lynnwood, Everett, Port Orchard and Yakima. The company provided COVID-19 tests to thousands of Washingtonians.

The company did not have a license to operate a business in any municipalities in Washington, except for Yakima, at the time they conducted COVID-19 tests. These testing sites paused all operations on or about Jan. 13, and are still closed.

The company advertised that they could provide COVID-19 test results within 15 minutes for a rapid antigen test, and within 48 hours for a more accurate PCR test.

However, in reality, the company was aware it could not actually process tests at this speed. Former employees reported that the company was receiving between 8,000 to 10,000 tests per day, and data entry staff could not keep up. The company’s owners refused requests to hire more staff to keep up with the demand for testing.

Employees began storing tests in garbage bags and piling them up in various corners of the office with no semblance of organization. Some former employees reported regularly finding tests sitting in trash bags that were over a week old, never refrigerated properly and never tested by the company’s lab.

More here



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Back in stock - free COVID-19 tests


Have you ordered your COVID-19 tests yet?

If not, Say Yes!

COVID Test is now open again with more COVID-19 test kits. Tests are delivered directly to your home for free! Each test kit includes 4-5 COVID-19 tests.

Households are limited to only 1 order.

Tests can also be ordered free from the federal government at COVIDtests.gov



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Third Place Commons welcomes noted speaker and author Eric Liu

Third Place Commons invites you to join with your community on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 5pm for the Rebuilding Community Annual Celebration and Fundraiser. Get your tickets here.

In addition to great music and fun social time, the program will also feature a celebrated guest speaker who knows more than a little about rebuilding community.

Eric Liu

Eric Liu is the co-founder and CEO of Citizen University, which works to build a culture of powerful and responsible citizenship in the United States (read more below). Liu also directs the Aspen Institute’s Citizenship and American Identity Program.
 
Liu’s most recent book, Become America: Civic Sermons on Love, Responsibility, and Democracy — was a New York Times New and Notable Book. He has also authored several other acclaimed books, including The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker; The Gardens of Democracy (co-authored with Nick Hanauer); and You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen.
 
He has been selected as an Ashoka Fellow and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is featured on the PBS documentary American Creed and is a frequent contributor to The Atlantic

Liu served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and as the President’s deputy domestic policy adviser. He was later appointed by President Obama to serve on the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service. He and his family live in Seattle.
 
Among Citizen University’s many impactful initiatives is the creation of nonpartisan Civic Saturdays, a nationwide movement to inspire a renewed sense of shared civic purpose and moral courage in community. Third Place Commons began proudly hosting these nonpartisan events in 2021, led by local Civic Saturday fellows Erika Olson and Caroline Sayre. The next gathering takes place on Saturday, February 26th via Zoom and you’re invited! Register here for Civic Saturday.
 
In addition to Civic Saturday, Third Place Commons hosts countless free events to foster and enrich community every year including live music every Friday and Saturday night, book and movie clubs, foreign language groups, and the LFP Farmers Market from May to October. All of which is possible with your support.
 
So don’t miss your chance to connect with community, have some fun, hear from a great speaker, and help raise vital funds for Third Place Commons and the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. 



Third Place Commons – a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. 

In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org.



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Thankful

Monday, January 31, 2022

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Just one of the wonderful things that Lee and Roger Lageschulte discover on their daily walks.


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Creative Exchange: Art and Archaeology

"Everyday Artifacts: Working-Class Waste from 1890s Seattle,” by Kate Clark at BAM.

Creative Exchange: Art and Archaeology 

Saturday, February 5, 2-3:30pm
For adults, tweens and teens
 
Join the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) for a conversation exploring the intersection of art and archeology.

BAM Biennial 2021 Artist Kate Clark will describe the process behind her installation, "Everyday Artifacts: Working-Class Waste from 1890s Seattle,” which features some 800 objects discovered during excavation for the Washington State Convention Center expansion. 

Clark will be joined by Laura Phillips, Archaeology Collections Manager at the Burke Museum for discussion of the context behind the artwork, archaeological collections stewardship and consideration of Clark's idea that "the world is a living museum, and we are its interpreters."

Please register

You will receive a Zoom link within 24 hours of the program. If you do not see an email, please check your Junk or Spam folder.

Kate Clark is the lead artist of Parkeology, a collaborative art project that produces installations about hidden stories of public spaces such as museums. Parkeology has developed work for the Smithsonian Institution, the Bauhaus Institute Weimar, The Oakland Museum, Balboa Park, and The San Diego Museum of Natural History. 

Kate Clark is currently an Artist-in-Residence with Seattle City Light, and her work "Everyday Artifacts: Working-Class Waste from 1890s Seattle" is featured in the BAM Biennial 2021: Architecture and Urban Design.

Laura Phillips has been the Archaeology Collections Manager at the Burke Museum for 28 years, caring for a collection of over one million objects, and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in museum management and archaeological stewardship. She began her archaeological fieldwork in the Pacific Northwest in 1990, and has since worked throughout the region.

Supported by BAM members and partners, including King County Library System, with additional funding provided by Humanities Washington and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) approved by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden.

Closed captioning is available for online events. Captioning is auto-generated. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request for all events. Contact the library at least seven days before the event if you need accommodation. Send your request to access@kcls.org



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Using Screen Time to Support Creative Hobbies


Using Screen Time to Support Creative Hobbies - From Woodwork to Threadwork, Online Sources Help Your Projects from Idea Phase to Global Sharing

Wednesday, February 2, 2-3pm
For adults. Presented by Bridget of Gentle Tech Help via the King County Library System (KCLS)

Artists, hobbyists and makers of all types are often unaware of the online resources available to enrich and support their craft. Especially during the cold, dark winter, spending screen time in the right places to gather ideas, get inspired and acquire tools can start your next project off on a strong footing.

Additionally, learn how taking and using the right kinds of photos can help tell the story of your work, Seriously, people don’t know what it takes to make what you make unless they can see it! We’ll end with info about how to share that work online locally or globally and a brief dip into selling online.

Please register

You will be emailed a link no later than one hour before the program start time. If you do not see an email, check your Junk or Spam folder.

Closed captioning is available for online events. Captioning is auto-generated. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request for all events. Contact the library at least seven days before the event if you need accommodation. Send your request to access@kcls.org.



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Virtual Black Books Fair to benefit Shoreline Schools' libraries


January 31 – February 13
Virtual Black Books Fair

This year’s Black Books Fair will be held virtually in partnership with Third Place Books. Beginning on January 31, 2022 you can view the Black Books Fair here. Proceeds will benefit school libraries throughout our district. 

Be sure to put “Black Voices” in your purchase notes so our book fair gets credit.

Join us as we kick off our annual (Virtual) Black Books Fair! Every purchase will benefit putting titles in schools. We are thrilled to have Kwame Alexander and Jewell Parker Rhodes join us in discussing their novels, including Alexander's Crossover books and Rhodes's newest title, Paradise on Fire.

Why Black Books?

Though they make up approximately 40% of the US population, less than 10% of children's books released the last 24 years were written by and for people of color. 

Even more, the Cooperative Children's Book Center of the University of Madison-Wisconsin discovered that children's books published in a given year were 3x more likely to feature an animal or other character than a Black character. 

When children see mirrors of themselves or positive windows into the world of another, they are able to better develop empathy, more well-rounded narratives and critical thinking skills needed to talk about matters of identity. (diversebooks.org) 

Lastly, books can communicate JOY! There is much to celebrate about community, and by featuring selected books, it helps change the narrative for everyone.

Please purchase a book, support a local bookstore and help put titles back in schools!

Special thanks to Third Place Books for their partnership on this endeavor, and a special thanks to the Shoreline Equity and Family Engagement Department, Shorelake Arts, Shoreline PTA Council, Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kwame Alexander.

Click here to buy books, beginning on January 31st: https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/black-voices-book-fair

**Please don't forget to put "Black Voices" in the notes so that our Book Fair gets credit!**


Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times Bestselling author of 35 books.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. 

In 2018, he founded the publishing imprint VERSIFY, and opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded. He is the writer and executive producer of THE CROSSOVER TV series on Disney plus.



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New Lake Forest Park Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant

LFP Municipal Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant
In December 2021, longtime Municipal Judge Linda Portnoy retired, and the City of Lake Forest Park hired Jennifer Johnson Grant to serve in the position, effective January 3, 2022.

Judge Grant received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in 1992 and her Juris Doctor degree in 1996 from Seattle University School of Law where she was a Diversity Scholar, Chair of the Women’s Law Caucus, and an associate editor of the Law Review.

Judge Grant has extensive experience as a prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s office, where she gained experience as a trial attorney, an appellate attorney, and a supervising attorney overseeing the prosecution of cases in Seattle Municipal Court’s specialty courts—Community Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court.

Ms. Grant transitioned to private practice in 2013 and was a judicial officer for Lake Forest Park Municipal Court, where she was a judge pro tem for Judge Linda Portnoy.



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Shoreline Chamber to hear from Shoreline's Acting Chief of Police at February 9 meeting

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is proud to invite the community to a free Zoom presentation from the City of Shoreline's Acting Chief of Police, Captain Ryan Abbott, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 starting at 11:30am.

Shoreline Chamber of Commerce - February ZOOM Luncheon featuring Captain Ryan Abbott from the King County Sheriff's Office




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Shoreline Planning Commission Public Hearing Thursday

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Shoreline Planning Commission 2022

The Shoreline Planning Commission will hold a public hearing virtually on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 7 - 9pm, re Misc. SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) and Tree Amendments


Agenda Highlights

Link to Full Meeting Packet


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One Question, One Point, One Action

One Action: come to the virtual LFP City Council meetings

By Sally Yamasaki with Tracy Furutani

From my humble community member standpoint, it seems at times that elected councilmembers enter the world of city hall to do all the work to keep our town running, yet we rarely see them after that unless, of course, there is an issue that upsets us!

At the beginning of the year, Tracy Furutani was sworn in as Lake Forest Park’s first Asian American city councilmember. In a casual conversation with him, I shared my concern and hope that he does not “disappear” from us, the community.

With that, we came up with the idea of writing a simple, informal article each month called: “One Question, One Point, One Action.” This is our first attempt with the hope that we will have a diversity of LFP writers so that the community would have an opportunity to engage with Tracy by asking one question and Tracy will have a chance to tell us about one point to highlight about the council meetings and one action we could take.

Here goes!

One Question:

Sally: Hi Tracy. You ran for LFP City Council and won. How was your first council meeting on January 6th. Were you nervous?

Tracy: A bit nervous, but everyone was so kind and friendly. I think the mayor really does set a tone.

Sally: OK. But can that not be my one question?

Tracy: Sure.

Sally: Here is my one question. I’ve gone to many city council meetings and sometimes made a 3-minute citizen comment on an issue that was important to me, but then poof, the meeting was over and I always wondered if you all even listened to what I said?

Tracy: Yes. I was curious about that as well. As it turns out, all of the citizen comments are archived in the audio-visual city website so that there is a record, and anyone can go back and view them. In addition, our city staff takes notes and will often follow up with the person who gave the testimony.

Sally: But what if no one from the city reaches out?

Tracy: If you don’t hear back, then I would follow up with a call to the appropriate department head for your issue. And if you still don’t get a reply, contact a city councilmember.

Sally: Thanks! Now, what would you say is your One Point and One Action at this time?

Foot care at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center

Tracy’s One Point:


The one point I would like to highlight is the significant number of social service organizations that play an important role in LFP residents’ lives.

Due to COVID, many of the organizations our community utilizes have suffered. As a result, the federal government created the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Due to ARPA, Lake Forest Park is able to allocate some funds to organizations that service our citizens in order to help them survive. Organizations such as Hopelink, Dale Turner Family YMCA, the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, and other social services, are examples of some that were just funded. In May, we will be voting to fund more social services.

Sally: I know I am very thankful to the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center. My mother, who is 91, is enrolled in Toshiko’s online senior exercise class three times a week. And, what’s more, my husband, Dan, my mother, and I all get pedicures there by Echo!

Tracy: Oh, that’s great! And what I am hoping is that if these organizations have touched your life in some way, you will come …

Sally: Oh Wait! Is this your one action you are talking about?

Tracy: Yes.

Tracy’s One Action:

Come to the next virtual City Council meeting (Feb. 10th, 7pm) and give a shoutout in the public comment period to a social service organization that affects your life in some way, whether as a user of the service or as a volunteer. That would be really awesome, as I think a lot of people are not aware of the many social services that our community utilizes in one way or another. I know I was surprised.

Here is a list of the organizations the city just approved for ARPA funding at this time: Center for Human Services, Hopelink, NorthHelpline, Shoreline LFP Senior Center, Dale Turner YMCA

Next Virtual Regular-Business City Council meeting:

Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7 pm
Zoom Link to the City Calendar. When the agenda packet has been posted, there will be an agenda link on the calendar item:

Lake Forest Park City Council meetings are at 7pm January to October: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. November and December the meetings change to the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Currently they are on zoom. You can also access the zoom link at the LFP City website: https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Virtual-Meetings-during-COVID-19

Do you have a question for Tracy? Send it here: resident.of.lfp@gmail.com

NOTE: In this interview, Tracy is speaking on behalf of himself, not on behalf of the LFP City Council or the city of LFP.

Updated 2-1-2022 to add link to city calendar

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Jobs: WSDOT Transportation Engineer 2 (In-training)

WSDOT
Transportation Management Center Engineer - Transportation Engineer 2 (In-training)

Washington State Department of Transportation has an exciting engineering opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to ensure the successful and satisfactory completion of projects affecting the local community. 

This position inspects permitted local agency/developer and utility projects on state highways and insures the proposed projects meet all state design and construction standards while implementing department policies.

Job description and application



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Edmonds sunset

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

A low tide changed the entire look of the Edmonds waterfront in this spectacular setting sun.



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Jobs: WSDOT Fiscal Analyst

WSDOT
Fiscal Analyst 2

Washington State Department of Transportation’s is currently seeking a savvy financial professional to fill a Fiscal Analyst (FA2) position within our Accounting and Financial Services division.

This position performs professional level financial review and analysis of complex financial activities transacted by the region to ensure accountability. This FA2 will ensure financial activities and transactions are complete, accurate and compliant with related requirements. 

In addition, it ensures disbursements and receipts comply with state and federal regulations, and agency and regional policy and procedures.

Job description and application



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Salomon bill would increase protections for shoreline habitat

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-32
Critical fish habitat would receive increased oversight and protection through legislation heard Thursday by the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee in the state legislature.

SB 5885, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), builds on his 2021 legislation to require friendly shoreline development by directing the state to identify illegally built docks and seawalls and to enforce laws prohibiting them.

“When docks and seawalls are built the right way, people can enjoy all the benefits of waterfront property and marine life can thrive at the same time,” Salomon said. “But when these structures are built wrongly, they can destroy shoreline habitat and the species that depend on it.”

Salomon’s bill would direct the Department of Ecology to survey Puget Sound shorelines and identify unpermitted development. A large number of shoreline projects are built illegally and without required permits from local governments, presenting a glaring need to actively monitor shorelines for illegal structures, Salomon said.

“Bulkheads exist on more than 700 miles of Puget Sound shoreline,” Salomon said. “The only way to stay abreast of all the projects that are going on under the radar is by monitoring actual shoreline conditions.”

Salomon’s bill would also mandate that any construction to replace older shoreline structures meet the standards required for new structures.

“Every time someone replaces an older dock or seawall, it’s an opportunity to incorporate techniques that will have the mildest possible impact on marine life,” Salomon said. “With each new structure, we can make our shorelines healthier while still allowing people to enjoy time on and near the water.”

SB 5885 is scheduled for executive action on February 3.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



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Birds in the Backyard: Lunch Buddies

 
Photo by Paula Anderson

Paula Anderson was pleased and surprised to see these two sharing a lunch date at her hummingbird feeder in the Westminster Triangle.

Patty Hale, who knows more about birds than I could ever think to, says that "On the left is a male Anna’s Hummingbird. On the right, male Townsend’s Warbler."

Who says we can't all get along?

Update: Bird identification



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LFP Council Corner – A Look at 2022

Tom French, Deputy Mayor
City of Lake Forest Park
By LFP Deputy Mayor Tom French

It is my great pleasure to join with our continuing Council Members Phillippa Kassover, Lorri Bodi and Semra Riddle in welcoming the three newly elected members of the Lake Forest Park City Council.

Tracy Furutani, Larry Goldman, and Jon Lebo all bring a wealth of outstanding professional and volunteer experiences and skills to the policy-making body of our city. We are very thankful for their willingness to serve our city in this capacity and know that they will make excellent contributions in different and meaningful ways to the conversations we have with our community.

I would like to take a moment to thank our former Deputy Mayor, Phillippa Kassover, who has led the City Council for the past two years with distinction, dignity, and grace. We all thank her for her substantial work on behalf of the city and for all that she has led to completion for the City of Lake Forest Park. I look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with her in her new role as Council Vice Chair.

Taking a look at the year ahead, the short State Legislative Session is underway, and we will continue to advocate with our delegation for our City’s top priorities:

Additional Resources for Fish Barrier Removal

The City has successfully replaced six culverts in the past six years on Lyon Creek and there have been observed increases in fish activity. The state culvert project at SR 104 is fully funded and will begin construction in 2023. There are still many barriers to remove and considerable habitat to be restored. The City will continue to advocate for additional funds from the Legislature to keep moving forward with this top environmental priority.

Town Center to Burke Gilman Trail Connector

Thanks to the hard work of our legislative delegation in Olympia during the last biennium, the City was awarded funds to bring the project to a 10% design level and undertake two engineering studies to determine whether an overpass or underpass was the best option. To take the project to the 30% level, we are asking for additional funds to continue this essential work.

Regional Crisis Triage Center

Lake Forest Park and our neighboring cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, and Shoreline have joined together to study the feasibility for a regional crisis triage center in North King County. This facility would support the Radar program and other ways of engaging those in crisis with additional capacity for acute behavioral health interventions in our area. In conjunction with our neighbors, we are requesting the State’s support for construction and operating costs.

State Route 104 Investments

State Route 104 (or Ballinger Way) is a poorly maintained highway and carries around 26,000 vehicles per day, including more commercial freight vehicles that are very heavy. This State Route also is sorely lacking in the appropriate safety measures that could increase the use of human powered or multimodal transportation options. The City is seeking a partnership with the State to make significant investments in improvements that will enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclist as well as increase the use transportation alternatives.

The year ahead is a very full one for the Lake Forest Park City Council, and some major topics we will be considering include:
  • Recommendations by the Planning Commission to our Accessory Dwelling (ADU) and Detached Dwelling Unit (DADU) regulations
  • Tree Board recommendations for changes to our Tree Code
  • Traffic calming and speed limits within our city
  • The work of a new citizen-led Climate Committee

Lastly, 2022 is a very full Budget year and we will begin consideration of the City’s budget mid-summer. While the City has largely weathered the financial challenges that the pandemic has wrought these past two years, this budget is very tight, and we are going to have to make some difficult choices as a community.

I wish you all the best in this new year! Stay well and stay safe.

--Deputy Mayor Tom French



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Letter to the Editor: Special Needs PTSA Board Members Support Shoreline Parks Proposition 1

Saturday, January 29, 2022

To the Editor:

Many students with disabilities are not able to access and enjoy our current play spaces; this park bond will finally address that big need in our community. The proposed design for Richmond Highlands park includes a sensory trail and playground, which would be such a wonderful addition to our community. 

If passed, it will allow families with special needs to enjoy the parks on a whole new level. We love that the plan includes better play surfaces that are accessible to students with mobility challenges.

Please return your ballot and vote YES on Prop 1.

Ananda Scott, Jessica Mercer, and Kirsten Bannister
Shoreline Special Needs PTSA Board Members



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Jobs: WSDOT Reposted - Communications Consultant 3

WSDOT
Communications Consultant 3

Washington State Department of Transportation has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated communications professional to join the Northwest Region Communications Team. This is a key role tasked with informing the traveling public about road closures, incidents, and maintenance. 

The ideal candidate is a self-starter that can effectively identify, research, and respond to issues that arise and become progressively more independent as the knowledge base increases. The successful incumbent will create transparency for the agency, helping to build trust, maintain public confidence, and support people and goods traveling safely.

Job description and application



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American Legion to honor the Four Chaplains at meeting Tuesday

The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 General Membership Meeting
February 1, 2022 at 6:30pm

1st Vice-Commander John Brady will perform the Four Chaplain’s Ceremony 
that honor their Heroism on February 3, 1943
 
Post 227 general business will occur afterwards. Doors open at 5:30pm. Open to the public.

On February 3, 1943, the American troop ship SS Dorchester was on duty in the Atlantic Ocean when she was hit by a torpedo and sank 20 minutes later. There were not enough life jackets for everyone. 

That’s when four Chaplains, a Methodist, a Jewish Rabbi, a Catholic priest and a Reformed Church minister, did acts of great courage and sacrifice. They worked to calm the men, gave up their own life jackets to those without and helped direct the evacuation of the ship. 

One of the survivors, Grady Clark, later reported, “As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. 

"The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.” 

Four Chaplains' Medal
As we have just reached the 79th anniversary of the event, the February 1 meeting of American Legion Post 227 will feature a Four Chaplains Ceremony commemorating the event. 

The Four Chaplains were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart but were ineligible for The Congressional Metal of Honor. Instead, the U.S. Congress created a medal of equal weight and importance, the Four Chaplains’ Medal.

The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion

COVID-19 protocols will be observed, please wear a face covering (ones will be provided at the Post) and practice six-foot social distancing.


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Rah Rah in the rain

 
Photo by Leslie Boyd

Echo Lake Elementary PTA president Kaija Dalan and her kids at a Shoreline corner on a rainy night.



 

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Bragging rights for Highlanders after cross-town wrestling match Friday

By Clark Norton

It was a classic rivalry Friday night, January 28, 2022 as the Shorewood Stormrays hosted the Shorecrest Highlanders in their final contest of the regular season. Shorewood was looking to continue their winning streak in the series, having won the past two meetings and eleven of the past twelve.

Wrestling began at 126 pounds when Shorewood Senior captain Quincy Laflin dropped a weight class to face Shorecrest’s Joseph Martinez. Although Martinez was the favorite on paper, currently ranked ninth in the state, Laflin took over the match. Laflin took Martinez down early and often as he steamrolled his way to a dominating 12-3 victory.  

Next up, at 132 pounds, was a battle of freshmen between Stormray Masa Taura and Highlander August King. Taura took advantage of a small mistake by King to grab the pin and give Shorewood an early 10-0 lead in the team score.

At 138 pounds Highlander Jacob Lougee got his team right back into the match as he solved the puzzle of James Nottingham for a second round pin. 

Senior Thomas Rhodes, ranked #2 in the state at 145 pounds, continued his personal streak of never having lost to a Shorewood wrestler as he methodically man-handled his opponent for a first round pin, giving Shorecrest their first lead of the night at 12-10.

Shorewood sent out their own top-notch wrestler, 6th ranked Isaac VanHorn, at 152 pounds. It took a bit for VanHorn to figure out his opponent, but once he did there was no stopping him. VanHorn’s first round pin pulled the Stormrays back into the lead. The Shorewood lead disappeared almost instantly though when Highlander Max Rutledge snatched it away with a pin at 160 pounds.  

After a win at 170 pounds the visiting team held a narrow 24-16 lead with half the weight classes to go.  Shorecrest coach Bryan Officer made a last minute substitution at 182 pounds, inserting sophomore Malachi Stream into the varsity line-up. Stream took full advantage of his opportunity, taking an 8 to 3 lead over Shorewood’s Nathaniel Hernandez into the third period. Starting in the bottom position, Stream was able to get a huge reversal and pin that brought the Shorecrest fans to their feet.

#1 ranked wrestler Hunter Tibodeau scored his fourteenth pin of the season, in just seventeen matches, to keep Shorewood alive. Stormray teammates RJ Buchheit and Milan Johnson got pins of their own at 220 and 285 pounds to pull Shorewood back into the lead at 34-30.  

However, it was too little, too late for Shorewood. The Highlanders received two forfeits around a pin by Kaiju Fergerson at 113 pounds to sweep the final three weights and go home with a 48-34 victory and cross-town bragging rights.

Shorewood 34 - Shorecrest 48
@ Shorewood High School
*Match began at 126 pounds

106: Micah Fergerson SC win by forfeit
113: Kaiju Fergerson SC pinned Owen Mulder1:42
120: George Fernandez SC win by forfeit
*126: Quincy Laflin SW maj. dec. Joseph Martinez 12-3
132: Masa Taura SW pinned August King 1:23
138: Jacob Lougee SC pinned James Nottingham 3:15
145: Thomas Rhodes SC pinned Oli Dalan 0:54
152: Isaac VanHorn SW pinned Finn Kennedy 1:19
160: Max Rutledge SC pinned Addison Brueck 1:34
170: Peter Grimm SC win by inj. def. Alberto Solano
182: Malachi Stream SC pinned Nathaniel Hernandez 4:40
195: Hunter Tibodeau SW pinned Evan Claar 1:10
220: RJ Buchheit SW pinned Jessie Gigrich 0:42
285: Milan Johnson SW pinned Brett Gigrich 1:08

Shorewood Record: 7-6 Overall, 3-2 WESCO 2A/3A


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Gloria's Birds: LESSER Scaup?!?

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

What slanderous person gave me that second-class moniker? You might know, photog: can I sue?

(Actually, Sybil's my first scaup image of any kind, lessor or greater! Didn't even know I'd photographed a scaup 'till I looked her up in my bird book:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


 

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ICHS distributes COVID-19 test kits to community organizations

From left: Zafu Aragai from the Tigrean Community Center looks on while Ramon Mallari and Caitlin Stougard load boxes of COVID-19 test kits in the trunk of her car outside of the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic. 

On January 28, 2022 International Community Health Services (ICHS) began distributing 5,400 rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits to representatives from 16 community organizations in front of the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.

This was ICHS’ first concerted effort to deliver COVID-19 at-home test kits to trusted community partners to reach medically underserved communities across the Puget Sound region. Recipients included nonprofit social service organizations as well as places of worship serving first-generation immigrant communities.

Reactions were jubilant. All the representatives shared how difficult it has been for their members and clients to find rapid test kits during the surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.

“These test kits mean safety”
Sieng Douangdala, community engagement manager at Kandelia, arrived early to pick up their boxes. With a plan in place to put test kits in Kandelia’s weekly food bags given to Seattle World School students, they will find their way to hundreds of families across Seattle.

“This is a great opportunity for us,” said Douangdala. “We know that the federal government is issuing test kits, but there are four [kits] per household, and a lot of our families have five, six, all the way up to 12 people in the household.”

And not only that, but many of their clients have found the English websites completely inaccessible, and due to transportation, internet, or language barriers have been unable to find COVID-19 testing during the Omicron surge.

“These test kits mean safety,” Douangdala added.

Zafu Aragai, from the Tigrean Community Center, drove up from Skyway to pick up test kits from ICHS. She’s heard from church members who have driven for “like five, six hours looking for COVID-19 testing.”

“This Saturday we're gonna work on instructions,” said Aragai. “Write down bullet points, we’re trying to draw little illustrations so people can see. We’re going to do a demonstration so that people know how to go about it and do it properly.”

  Caitlin Stougard, ICHS Patient Navigator Supervisor, loads boxes of COVID-19 test kits in the trunk of Sieng Douangdala's car in front of the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic. 

“These can’t wait”
As part of the Biden administration’s “Path Out of the Pandemic” COVID-19 Action Plan, community health centers like ICHS that serve medically underserved communities will receive at-home self-test kits directly from the federal government to distribute to patients and communities for free.

When a large shipment arrived on Monday, January 24, ICHS quickly leapt into action, said Sherryl Grey, ICHS director of community services.

“These can’t wait,” she added. “People need these now.”

Members of the ICHS community health services team reached out to community partner organizations that ICHS has worked with in the past, nonprofits that make mutual referrals, and community organizations like the Tigrean Community Center that serve as anchors for communities facing barriers to healthcare access.

As a community health center, ICHS’ work has always been to go out into the community and meet people where they are, Grey said. These test kits are only the most recent example of ICHS’ dedication to serving the community.

COVID-19 testing safety and guidelines

If you test positive from an over-the-counter COVID-19 test kit, please report it immediately by calling the Washington state COVID-19 hotline at (800) 525-0127. Language assistance is available. The hotline is open Monday, 6:00am - 10:00pm, and Tuesday-Saturday, 6:00am - 6:00pm.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that fake COVID-19 test kits are being sold online. Make sure the test you’re buying is authorized by the FDA. Follow these Federal Trade Commission tips if you’re shopping online for COVID test kits and related items.

ICHS administers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines at ICHS pharmacies in Shoreline and Seattle (International District and Holly Park neighborhoods). Non-ICHS patients may walk in Monday through Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Visit the ICHS website to learn more.



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