Federal Trade Commission's ongoing investigation into robocalls

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, federal courts in California ordered two Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers to turn over information that the agency is seeking as part of ongoing investigations into potentially illegal robocalls. 

Companies that fail to comply with such federal court orders can be held in contempt.

“Companies that receive FTC Civil Investigative Demands must promptly produce all required information,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 
“These demands are not voluntary. Companies that don’t respond fully, or don’t respond at all, will have to answer to a federal district court judge, as these cases demonstrate.”

VoIP service providers are companies that facilitate the transmission of telephone calls over the Internet. As billions of illegal telemarketing calls and robocalls pass through VoIP service providers each year, the FTC has worked to ensure they do not transmit illegal calls – especially those coming from overseas.

The Commission frequently issues Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to VoIP service providers that carry potentially illegal calls to collect important information to help stop the calls, including information about the company’s customers and efforts to comply with the Telemarketing Sales Rules.

More information here



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Shoreline residents on Dean's List at Dickinson College


CARLISLE, Pa. (February 14, 2022) - Dickinson College has announced the following students were named to the dean's list for the fall 2021 semester. 

All students earning a position on the dean's list - a recognition of academic excellence - must have a grade-point average of 3.7 or above on a 4.0 GPA scale for the semester.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, CLASS YEAR, MAJOR (if listed), HIGH SCHOOL, PARENTS

Shoreline, WA
  • Lily Hogan, a first year. Hogan is a graduate of Shorewood High School and is the daughter of Don and Shelly Hogan of Shoreline, Wash.
  • Michael Wymer, a first year. Wymer is a graduate of Shorewood High School and is the son of Bill and Annie Wymer of Shoreline, Wash.

Dickinson College, located in historic Carlisle, Pa., was chartered in 1783. The private, liberal-arts college is nationally recognized for its cross-disciplinary, active approach to learning, international education, civic engagement and its commitment to teaching its students about sustainability across the curriculum, the community and the globe. www.dickinson.edu.



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Shoreline Mayor and City Manager are featured guests at ELNA Zoom meeting Tuesday to discuss the city's response to COVID-19


The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) will hold their regular 3rd Tuesday meeting February 15, 2022 at 7pm on Zoom.

Guest speakers are Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully and City Manager Debbie Tarry, who will discuss the city's response to the COVID-19 epidemic over the past two years and what they see for the future.

The link for the meeting is available upon request to ELNABoard@gmail.com



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Shorecrest wrestlers head to State

Shorecrest wrestling team 2022

By Sean Rhodes

Thomas Rhodes, Champion 145lbs

Congratulations to the Highlanders heading off to the Tacoma Dome for the State Championships next weekend!

Joseph Martinez, 5th, 120lbs
Four Scot wrestlers punched their ticket to state Monday at the 3A region 3 tournament at Foss HS in Tacoma:

  • George Fernandez (Junior) - 113lbs - 4th place
  • Joseph Martinez (Junior) - 120lbs - 5th place
  • Thomas Rhodes (Senior) - 145lbs - Champion
  • Peter Grimm (Sophomore) - 160lbs - 5th place

George Fernandez, 4th 113lbs

The “fire in the belly” award at the 3A Region 3 tournament in Tacoma on Saturday goes to George Fernandez.

George qualified for regionals last week at 3rd place in the district tournament and didn’t have a great seed starting out. He lost his second match, which put him in the consolation bracket. Undeterred, George fought his way through five back to back matches against highly ranked opponents (winning one match in overtime) and qualified for state at 4th place!

Peter Grimm, 5th 160lbs



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Lantern Festival held at local businesses in North City Business District

Monday, February 14, 2022

The lion dance brings good fortune and chases away evil spirits

By Diane Hettrick
Photos by Mike Remarcke

Musicians performed

ShoreLake Arts sponsored the Lantern Festival Saturday, February 12, 2022 with a Lion Dance and Kung Fu Show at Monka Brewing Co. and Uplift Climbing on 15th NE in Shoreline just south of NE 175th.

Kung fu class presentation

Lion Dances are traditionally performed at festivals or big occasions to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits. The Lion Dance is one of the most important Chinese New Year traditions. It is performed to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year.

Children at the festival learned a few kung fu moves

This special performance took place on Saturday afternoon and was followed by music from local artist Jeannie Rak at Monka Brewing Co. 

ShoreLake Arts helped visitors with paper lanterns

ShoreLake Arts and the City of Shoreline teamed up with artist Hua Zhang to create an at-home paper lantern template. 

"They look amazing, are fun to make, and are a great way to learn about a long-standing Lunar New Year tradition."

Many people stopped by the ShoreLake Arts booth to create their own paper lantern. 

Monka's patio was decorated with lanterns

Visitors enjoyed the lanterns, artwork by local Asian and Asian diaspora artists, and grabbed a bite to eat from the local restaurants and food truck.

ShoreLake Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts. Established in 1989.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Valentine Stud

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Every tree has a story

Every Tree Has a Story by Cécile Benoist
illustrated by Charlotte Gaustaut

In Piplantri, India, villagers plant eleven trees each time a baby girl is born.

In Kenya, non-profit organizations employ women to plant seedlings to reforest the country, resulting in more than 52 million seedlings planted thus far.

In the United States, an art professor creates a series of "art trees": heavily-grafted fruit trees that bloom over 5 months and produce 40 types of cherries, peaches, and plums.

Graceful, oversize illustrations draw the reader's eye over the page and into each brief, true story of remarkable trees and the people who care for them.

Share this book with a friend… or a tree... or a friendly tree.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages.  


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Plan your SideHustle at Shoreline Community College continuing education

Photo courtesy SCC
Do you have an idea for a new business or "SideHustle" but don't know where to start? 

Join Maggie Karshner, a small business coach with 10+ years of experience, as you explore pricing, marketing, and planning your SideHustle.

REGISTER TODAY!
https://www.campusce.net/shoreline/course/course.aspx...

2 Saturdays - February 26 and March 5 from 1:00 - 5:00pm. In person, On Campus. 1601 Greenwood Ave N.



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Valentine's Day Fudge available Monday



The Senior Center sold out at their holiday fudge sale, so they made sure to have enough this time.

So you are in luck! You can run by the Senior Center at 18501 1st Ave NE #1 between 10am and 2pm Monday, February 14, 2022 and pick up some boxes of fudge - plain or walnut. Three boxes for $20.

The Senior Center is in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus. Wear your mask.



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Home sales in Shoreline during January 2022

The following are properties that sold in Shoreline during the month of January 2022. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.



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Alpha Delta Shoreline chapter scholarship for education majors

Scholarship by RUT MIIT
on Unsplash.com
Seniors at Shorecrest, Shorewood, and Edmonds-Woodway High Schools who are planning a career in the field of Education are encouraged to apply for a $1,000 scholarship offered by Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa. 

ADK is an international fraternity of women educators who support education, families, and world understanding.

Alpha Delta Chapter, established in Shoreline in 1963, contributes to international and national projects as well as local schools, charities, and programs that facilitate education. 

We have given to school supply drives, The Works clothing room, Hopelink Food Bank, PTA and YMCA programs, Children’s Hospital, NW Harvest, and much more. 
Our local focus is on the Shoreline School District and schools where we have, or have had, members.

The Alpha Delta Scholarship, open to graduating seniors, may be accessed through each school’s Scholarship Listing. 

The application is due March 11, 2022. Selection will be based on scholarship, service, and intent to become an educator. Questions may be sent to the Scholarship Committee at alphadeltaadk@gmail.com



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Stand with the Uyghurs

STAND WITH THE UYGHURS

As the world is watching the Olympic event in China, we want to bring awareness, deep listening, advocacy, and solidarity to stand with our Uyghur neighbors.

Join us on Sunday, February 20, 2022 during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics to hear stories from the Uyghurs, share a meal, and learn how we can advocate for human dignity.

Listening Event - February 20, 2022 at 5pm - Holy Trinity Edmonds, 657 Daley St, Edmonds WA 98020 Potluck meal - bring a dish to share.

For more information, contact The Practicing Church at www.thepracticingchurch.org or 425-770-6265.

As the 2022 Bejing Olympics began this past week, we are aware of the atrocities that are currently being whitewashed by much of the world. The Uyghurs, an ethnic and predominantly Muslim minority, are victims of a genocide perpetrated by the Chinese regime for their cultural and ethnic identity; and yet the International Olympic Committee has failed to acknowledge these horrific human rights abuses.

Bill and Julie Clark, members of The Practicing Church in Shoreline and Northwest Directors for Peace Catalyst International, have been advocating for justice for the Uyghurs over the past four years. In 2017, the Uyghur diaspora began to notice their relatives in China asking to limit their phone and texting communication, and, finally, stop altogether. The Clarks were greatly distressed to hear credible reports that the Chinese government was interning citizens in (what the government calls) “reeducation” camps.

As many as a million people have been detained in 300 to 400 facilities in Xinjiang province, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, including “political education” camps (part of a 70-year program of forced cultural assimilation), pretrial detention centers, and prisons. 

Detainees are subjected to torture, cultural and political indoctrination, and forced labor. The U.S. Holocaust Museum says this state-sponsored violence meets the threshold for genocide and crimes against humanity. Friends, family, and colleagues have disappeared.

A recent CNN article states, “The Chinese government's alleged actions in Xinjiang have violated every single provision in the United Nations' Genocide Convention, according to an independent report by more than 50 global experts in international law, genocide, and the China region.


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A great day for Shorewood wrestling teams

Top row: Libby Norton, Kiana Yoshimura, Fiona Blair and Abby Tveit. 
Front: Coaches Brady Houck, Clark Norton and Zach Matthews

By Clark Norton
All photos courtesy Shorewood Wrestling

It was a great day for both Shorewood's Boys and Girls wrestling teams on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

Kiana Yoshimura, 5th place 190lbs

While the boys were competing at the 3A Region 3 tournament at Foss High School in Tacoma, the girls competed in the Girls Region 1 tournament at Sedro-Woolley High School.

Abby Tveit, 6th place 120lbs

The girls team took three regional qualifiers and got a bonus when 120lb alternate Abby Tveit got into the event due to a girl from Arlington not being able to participate. Tveit was the first Stormray to actually wrestle and tossed her opponent straight from her feet to her back for a pin in just 26 seconds.

Fiona Blair, 5th Place 110lbs

The rest of the tournament was far more nerve-racking as all four girls lost in the quarterfinals, sending them into the loser-goes-home consolation brackets. In an awesome show of grit, determination, and will to survive, the team went a combined nine and one (9-1!!!) in must-win matches. 

Libby Norton, 5th Place 110lbs

100lb Freshman Libby Norton, 110lb Junior Fiona Blair, and 190lb Junior Kiana Yoshimura all punched through to the Mat Classic with 5th place finishes, while 120lb Junior Abby Tveit came up just short and placed 6th to be an alternate to state.

This is the first time Shorewood has ever sent more than one girl to the state tournament. As a team the group placed 17th out of the 48 schools in the tournament.

While the girls were giving their all at Sedro the boys were one hundred miles south at Foss High School. Although not as anxiety-producing as the girls, the boys showed an immense amount of heart and determination. 

Quincy Laflin, 4th Place 126lbs

Senior Quincy Laflin recovered from a heart-breaking one point loss in the semifinals to rally and take fourth place at 126lbs.

Isaac VanHorn, 5th place 145lbs

Junior Isaac VanHorn also lost in the semifinals, and then lost again in the consolation semifinals to put himself into a winner-to-state match for 5th place where he pulled out a huge second round pin to earn his ticket to state.

Milan Johnson, 3rd Place 285lbs

Junior Milan Johnson was the surprise of the weekend as he upset three different wrestlers seeded higher than him. In his final match he faced a Bonney Lake wrestler who had pinned him in the first round just three weeks ago. Johnson got a takedown in sudden death overtime to avenge the loss and take 3rd place. 

Hunter Tibodeau, 1st Place 195lbs

The final Shorewood wrestler of the day was Hunter Tibodeau at 195 pounds. When Tibodeau stepped on the mat for his final match at 8pm it was ten hours after the tournament had begun. It was an exclamation point of a match as Tibodeau dominated from start to finish, improving his season record to 22-1, and claiming his first Regional Championship with an 8-1 victory.

 Isaac VanHorn, Hunter Tibodeau, Quincy Laflin and Milan Johnson

Both teams wrestle next this Friday and Saturday in Mat Classic XXXIII at the Tacoma Dome.Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 10am on both days.


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Valentine's Day at the Sheridan Market - John Pinetree and The Yellin’ Degenerates

Sunday, February 13, 2022

The Sheridan Market has a special Valentine’s Day show with live music from John Pinetree and The Yellin’ Degenerates. Monday, February 14, 2022 from 7-9pm. 


Come see the cool Jazz and Blues of John Pinetree and the Yellin' Degenerates! 

See a sample of their music on YouTube here.

Doors open at 6pm, entertainment starts at 7pm

If you have any questions, please email SheridanMkt@gmail.com

Sheridan Market

Address
15348 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park

Phone 206.550.4879



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Ryu’s catalytic converter theft deterrence bill passes House

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-32
Olympia—In a rare Saturday floor session, the Washington House of Representatives passed legislation to stem the sharp rise in catalytic converter thefts across Washington state. 

HB 1815 requires a scrap metal business engaging in a transaction involving a catalytic converter removed from a vehicle to record documentation indicating that it came from a vehicle registered in the seller’s name.

“Stolen catalytic converters contain precious metals which can be sold for quick cash. However, the amount that thieves receive for a stolen catalytic converter is typically around 10 percent of the total costs suffered by the owners of the vehicles they are stolen from,” said Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), the legislation’s lead sponsor.
“Older vehicles are effectively totaled by catalytic converter theft, compounding the harm for people who depend on their vehicle to get to work, or to drive their kids to school.

“All of our constituents are finding higher prices at the grocery store, and policymakers have a responsibility to do all we can to keep supply chains moving. The trucking industry is begging us to help prevent catalytic converter thefts from further breaking down the delivery of goods and food. That’s why I am pleased by the bipartisan vote, but surprised it wasn’t unanimous,” Ryu continued.

The bill also requires the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to establish a program to assist local law enforcement agencies for special enforcement of metal theft, an important measure to crack down on catalytic converter theft and illegal sales. 

“We need to make sure law enforcement has the resources and training to deter catalytic converter theft and respond adequately when it happens. This legislation lays the groundwork to reverse the massive spike in theft that communities around our state are experiencing,” said Rep. Jesse Johnson (D-Federal Way), a cosponsor of the bill.

The bill passed the House 68-30 and will now go to the Senate.


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Valentine's pastries from Sweet Pearl Bakery

Sweet Pearl Bakery is a tiny, stand-alone building at 641 NW Richmond Beach Road, across the street from QFC.

The owner has a commercial kitchen in the little building where she creates pastries that are as much works of art as they are food.

She celebrates holidays with specialty cakes and has cinnamon rolls and mermaid cupcakes inbetween.

She doesn't require orders so it's get there before she sells out.

Valentine's Day Menu  
  • Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls - $20 (4-pack) $40 (8-pack) Take and Bake Option Available
  • Valentine's Cookie Kits - 12 Mini Pre-Baked Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies with 2 Frosting and Sprinkles. Everything You Need to Decorate Your Own Cookies At Home!! -$18
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberries - Milk or Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Drizzled with White Chocolate 6/$12 - Dozen/$24
  • Assorted Valentine's Cupcakes - 6/$20
  • Cheesecakes Flavor of the Month -- Red Velvet Cheesecake - $6 Mini / $40 Full Size
Pick up Available through Monday 

Valentine Weekend Hours:
  • Super Bowl Sunday, February 13th 10am - 2pm
  • Monday, February 14th 10am - 2pm


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Home sales in Lake Forest Park during January 2022

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of January 2022. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.



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SCAM ALERT: Lake Forest Park Police will NOT demand money due to an arrest warrant

Lake Forest Park Police Department has and will NOT call looking for money due to a warrant for your arrest. A current scammer is spoofing the police department phone number and has successfully taken thousands of dollars from victims.

Please hang up and call Lake Forest Park PD or any other agency they claim to be with.

  • DO NOT send money, gift cards or any other means of currency.
  • DO NOT give out any personal information

If you are concerned you are being scammed, hang up and call the agency, company or "family member" back by using a trusted phone number for them.

REMEMBER - Local, State and federal agencies do not make phone calls for warrants or financial obligations.



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Legislative Town Hall with 32nd District legislators on Wednesday

Please join your 32nd Legislative District delegation—Sen. Jesse Salomon, Rep. Cindy Ryu, and Rep. Lauren Davis —for a virtual town hall on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 6pm. 

This is an important chance for us to hear about the issues that are important to you, and to answer your questions and concerns about the legislative session. 

How to watch:
How to participate:


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Rep. Lauren Davis: TVW interview on addressing substance use disorder and reducing overdose deaths

Rep. Lauren Davis D-32, top right, on TVW
TVW: Inside Olympia interview: click here to view 

I had the great privilege to join TVW’s Inside Olympia this week for a discussion about our efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and reduce overdose deaths. This is the work that brought me to Olympia, and I’m proud to have many partners on both sides of the aisle.

As I mentioned in the interview, we need to support all three legs of stool for the substance use disorder continuum of care: 
  1. Outreach before treatment, 
  2. treatment, and 
  3. recovery support services.
Take a look and see how new supports are rolling out, plus our work this year.

--Rep. Lauren Davis (D-32)



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting February 7, 2022

Reporter Pam Cross
Shoreline City Council Meeting
February 7, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully. All Councilmembers were present.

Proclamation
I, Keith Scully, Mayor of the City of Shoreline, on behalf of the Shoreline City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2022 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in the City of Shoreline, and encourage all residents to learn more about the history, contributions, and achievements of Black people past and present.

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update
Cases have decreased significantly in King County as shown in the above graph. Public Health is optimistic that this trend will continue. However cases currently remain at a higher point than in previous waves.


ShoreLake Arts Lantern Festival

Teen Center Reopened

Regular hours are
  • 2:30 to 6:00PM Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 1:30 to 6:00PM on Wednesdays
  • 2:30 to 11:00PM on Fridays
  • 5:00 to 10:30PM on Saturdays
Proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours are required for entry and masks are required inside the building.

Public Reminders
None

Council Reports

CM Pobee: I attended the SeaShore Transportation Forum for the first time. Thanks to CM McConnell, I was elected as co-chair which is quite a privilege. There is a lot to learn.

CM Mork attended the first Regional Water Quality Committee meeting. With the growth in the region and with the increasing concern on nutrients in the Sound, there will be rate increases. It’s just a matter of when and how much. We asked to have this discussion earlier in the year so that people can prepare for the increase.

Public Comment

There were multiple written comments as well as over a dozen speakers addressing Item 8(a) Update on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program.

Ofelia De Bernal, Shoreline
Rebecca Jones, Seattle
Barbara Johnstone, Shoreline
Nancy Morris, Shoreline
Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, Save Shoreline Trees

Concern about the number of trees to be cut for 6’-wide sidewalks on both sides of 5th Ave NE, a narrow busy road as well as the loss of mature trees due to sidewalks, current and future. Alternative sidewalk design or narrower sidewalks should be considered to preserve trees. Current sidewalk design does not consider the long term ramifications of climate change that can be mitigated by saving trees
The width of sidewalks changed after the voters approved the sidewalk bond by 52% of the voters.

Joelle Kemmerling, Shoreline
Suzanne Tsoming read a letter on behalf of Kathy Kaye, Shoreline
Mike Parker, Shoreline

Concern about 20th Ave NW from 195th to 190th St, the entrance to Saltwater Park.
10’ wide sidewalks are too wide for this street. 8’ would be more appropriate for a residential low density area. Current plan is 10’ shared use sidewalk on one side of the road. This doesn’t seem safe when people and bikes will travel in both directions.

Bill Turner, Shoreline
Carla Carroll, Shoreline
Lee Keim, Shoreline

Non specific area
Sidewalks are expensive when 10’ or 11’ wide for only a few blocks. Placing them within residential neighborhoods is not in keeping with the neighborhood. We could make more sidewalks and save trees by making them narrower.

More transparency is required on how the funds will be allocated. Support sidewalks but do not support removing trees to achieve these goals. We need to work around mature trees with cut-outs, narrower sidewalks, wrap-arounds and other considerations.

Janet Way, Shoreline
Referred to the letter she wrote that offers alternative sidewalk designs including photos. Shoreline needs to save its trees.

Robin McCLelland, Shoreline
Was a member of the sidewalk advisory committee and agrees sidewalks are needed and also understands the concerns about trees. Sidewalk priorities were based on needs of the users. Many different criteria were used to identify priority sidewalks. Council should review design flexibility based on needs for mobility as well as saving mature trees.

The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously 7-0.

Item 8(a) Discussion and Update on the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program and 2018 Voter Approved New Sidewalk Program

Staff presentation by:
  • Tricia Juhnke, City Engineer
  • Laura Reiter, Project Manager for the Sidewalks Program

The following topics will be included in the discussion:
  • Status of the 2018 Voter Approved New Sidewalk Program;
  • Status of the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program;
  • Key issues that impact both programs; and
  • Plans for future updates to the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan.
We do take saving trees seriously and want to try to address that as well.

In 2017 the Sidewalk Advisory Committee was established to focus on new sidewalks using the sidewalk prioritization plan. The Committee also looked at sidewalk rehabilitation and the ADA transition plan.

In 2018 Council adopted the Sidewalk Prioritization plan and reviewed the draft ADA transition plan. Council approved a $20 Vehicle License Fee (VLF) for sidewalk repair, and voters approved an increase of sales and use tax for new sidewalks. The VLF was then invalidated by voters, but reinstated by the State Supreme Court. This resulted in a delay in spending the VLF fees until the fee was reinstated.

We have made a lot of progress and are working on the remaining projects.

The 5th Ave NE design calls for a 6’ wide sidewalk, narrowed to 5’ to save trees. Initially it appeared 90 trees would be removed but this was reduced to 23.

20th Ave NW is in the early design stages. There will be a shared-use sidewalk on one side, 10’ wide and narrowed to 8’ at the south end where the entrance to Saltwater Park is. We hope to not lose any trees. We will have an arborist evaluate the trees before making a final decision.

An Implementation Plan was developed for the remaining 10 projects. Staff considered opportunities to bundle projects, redevelopment potential which would require the developer to improve the sidewalk, among others. All of the sidewalk projects are projected to be completed by 2028.
  • (Note: the complete New Sidewalk Implementation Plan is included with the staff report.)
Total cost for the 12 sidewalks is estimated to be $53.5M. Projected sales tax revenue is $57.5M.

We are working on our outreach program. We have updated our page on the City website shorelinewa.gov/sidewalks

The webpage includes an introductory video and opportunities for comment and feedback. We are posting signs notifying of upcoming projects and sending advanced notice of upcoming work to the neighborhood.

We recognize the key issues are tree impacts, sidewalk width and location, steep slopes that will require walls, and property impacts. This is covered in some detail in our staff report. We need to keep in mind the Master Plan because we don’t want to put in new sidewalks that have to be removed in 5-10 years when something additional has to be added due to the Master Plan requirement (bike lanes, for example).

The question has come up about rescoring of the Sidewalk Prioritization plan.


TMP - Transportation Master Plan


ROW - Right of Way

The Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program was delayed because of temporary loss and uncertainty regarding its source of funding, as mentioned earlier. The ADA Transition Plan serves as the guide to prioritization for rehabilitation. At an estimated cost in excess of $180M, it’s going to take us a very long time to make a lot of progress.

The two projects in design right now are 15th Ave NE which we hope to complete by 2022 and 5th Ave NE scheduled for 2023. These sidewalks are narrow and buckled due to roots from oversized trees.

We have to measure saving trees vs. ADA compliance. It’s frequently impossible to do both and ADA compliance must take priority. We are already using arborists on all of our projects. We also do short-term fixes of patching sidewalks with asphalt, or grinding. Trees sometimes do damage to curbs and roadways as well.

DISCUSSION

Why did you go with a wider 10’ sidewalk on 20th Ave NE?
  • Reply: It was to accommodate all of the users. It’s just on one side of the road and must accommodate bikes. This is the smallest footprint because bike lanes take up a lot of space. Also, when we talk about bikers on sidewalks, we are thinking of the younger users who would not be riding in the roadway.
I like the idea of alternative sidewalk designs, thank you Janet Way. We do need more sidewalks with minimal impact to trees.

Alternative sidewalks need to be considered early in the design process. There seems to be a certain amount of frustration about them not being considered. Raised sidewalks work well - saving trees and providing mobility for all residents. How can we make sure they are considered early in the process?

The access to Saltwater Park 20th NW- we need to redesign this proposed change. The community was hoping for speed bumps or something to slow drivers, and sidewalks for better access to the park. The neighborhood does not accept the proposed design as seen in public comment. We are still in the design stage so I hope we listen to the neighborhood.

The 5th Ave NE width reduction to 5’ was in response to the neighborhood, correct?
  • Reply: yes it was.
Where will the bike lanes go on 20th NW?
  • Reply: in the roadway. The sidewalk usage by bikers is intended for those who are not comfortable in traffic, such as young children.
Regarding multi-use trails. How wide is the one on 195th?
  • Reply: it’s 12’ to 14’.
Is there best practices for the width on multi-use trails?
  • Reply: Yes, 12’ wide trail with 2’ flat shoulders (buffer) on each side. 10’ is considered the minimum standard.
Would it be possible to put a 6’ sidewalk on one side with separated bike lanes on the roadway going north and south?
  • Reply: Even though the the bike lanes would be the buffer, that’s a much larger area than we are looking at now, so it could have a bigger impact on trees. The wider it gets the more trees are at risk.
We are growing as a city. Sidewalks need to be accessible and safe for all users, people with children in strollers, people walking dogs, people with mobility needs including those in wheelchairs. We want a walkable city and we want a clean city. Trees and sidewalks need to co-exist. Trees are for a healthy environment. And we need sidewalks in order to get around. We want people out of their cars and using light rail, reducing our carbon footprint.

Sound Transit funds are being used for the 5th Ave NE project. If this project doesn’t develop, will the funds be returned for use somewhere else?
  • Reply: ST funds are for specific projects such as 5th Ave. ST gave us $2M for each station so we would have to reprogram the funds into within the 185th station area. But the project would need to be completed by 2024. It would be very difficult to complete a different project in that time frame.
I think 10’-12’ sidewalk would be perfect for Westminster Way. It would be safer by such a busy street. Also bike lanes would get people from Seattle to Shoreline Place. It could be a destination for people on bikes. I formerly biked to work and felt I put my life at risk every time I commuted.
  • Reply: 10’-12’ will have an impact on trees. We have looked at the project only broadly, and see that there will be definite tree impacts, but no measure of the potential impact since we are still in preliminary design.
We have shown that it doesn’t have to be trees v. sidewalks - we are already seeing we can have both as long as we compromise.

Do the bike lanes planned for 5th Ave NE use buffers or painted separation? Physical buffers would be safer for less experienced users.
  • Reply: Painted separation
6’ sidewalks are required for residential, 10’ when there is something non-residential. We need to talk about how this will work around light rail. The difference between residential and multi-use will not be clear cut. We need to find the basis for this distinction as far a sidewalk width.

Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of individual property-owners. How do we make sure sidewalks are maintained without solely responding to citizen complaints?
  • Reply Debbie Tarry: That would incur costs.
In 2023 you are reviewing the prioritization but using the same criteria. I don’t like the criteria used because I think safety was double-weighted. The classification of a road was used but not the traffic volume. Local roads around schools have high volume even though they have a low speed limit.

Thanks to all of the speakers. There were thoughtful comments and we all listened carefully to your concerns. I think we are moving in the right direction - we’re just not all of the way there yet.

Item 8(b) Discussion of Proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Business Recovery Funding Allocation

Presentation by
  • Nathan Daum, Economic Development Program Manager
  • Selam Habte, Small Business Consultant
  • Paul Barrera, our partner from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber Economic Development Committee
Staff developed, based on Council feedback and direction, a comprehensive plan to make the best use of these funds within the required timeframes. The Human Services allocations were discussed at the January 24, 2022 Council meeting.

The comprehensive plan included targeting an allocation of $500,000 for the purpose of business recovery and stabilization. That will be the topic of this discussion.

Selam Habte was hired by the Chamber of Commerce that partnered with us, to work as Shoreline’s consultant for small business outreach. The objective of outreach is to cultivate ongoing relationships and to better understand local business needs, especially in light of the challenges of COVID-19 and economic recovery. 120 businesses were contacted.


Challenges facing small businesses include shortage of skilled employees, owners working 60+ hours a week to cover for missing staff, increased cost and availability of supplies, concerns about safety (predominately on Aurora Ave), slow foot traffic, and increasing rents. Most immigrant business owners are lacking access to recovery assistance information.

We can address those challenges using these funds. Part of the funding can be used for business coaching when needed. We can offer gift cards to business owners to help them recruit new employees. And offer citywide networking events to bring business owners and residents together to support local small businesses.

Staff recommends dedicated business advisory services for Shoreline businesses in the amount of $363,000 for three years (a federal match would cover 50%) and using Small Business Development Centers of Washington as the service provider.

DISCUSSION

You stated 120 Shoreline businesses were contacted. I did not see Arts and Entertainment. These business lost 91% to 100% of their income.
  • Reply: We have continued the outreach. The slides and list were “point in time” figures at the time of the preparation of the staff report. We started with commercial business grant follow-ups to see how those businesses were faring. Those businesses were in our commercial business areas and main street commercial storefronts because we were hoping to maintain their presence as we went through the pandemic. It’s very hard to find commercial users for commercial space for Shoreline. So we wanted to keep that focus in place. I had a discussion with our Arts administrator today about bringing more arts and arts professionals into this discussion as we move out to more home-based businesses. There are 3,000 business licenses registered to Shoreline, at least 1,000 are Shoreline based. So we’re just getting started.
A while ago we discussed Navigators as a use of ARPA funding to help folks find their way through available sources for COVID recovery. Is the Consultant, who has broad knowledge of resources, a replacement for the Navigator Program?
  • Reply: We have a separate person on-board for the navigator role. So they will work in tandem. For example, businesses are having difficulty filling positions at the same time the community is expressing frustration and lack of opportunity in Shoreline. We are working with both sides to bring folks together. The work is similar but from opposite sides of the issue.
We identified a real need to help businesses navigate existing assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program. But there are multiple other assistance programs available through federal, state and county sources. Navigators help businesses find funding sources. I don’t want to lose that. I’m glad we continue with this because I don’t want to replace that with something different.
  • Reply (Debbie Tarry): Those navigator positions helped research what is available and going forward, they be with working with the human services side. Selam will help businesses connect with what is available. One does not replace the other.
What size is the gift card program as a percentage?
  • Reply: This is a program we are considering. We have to decide if it will be a meaningful use of funds. It would come out of the $44,000 remaining after other expenditures so it would be less than 9% of $500,000.
No further discussion.

Council retired for an Executive Session:

Property Acquisition - RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and Potential Litigation - RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
Session ended at 10:00pm without comment.

MEETING ADJOURNED.



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