2021 Lake Forest Park Water District Water Protector Award

Friday, February 18, 2022

Cheryl Brady, 2021 Water Protector
Photo courtesy LFP WD
Customers of Lake Forest Park Water District enjoy untreated well water because they pump from an aquifer that has consistently produced an adequate supply of quality water. 

"We value this resource and in an effort to encourage the protection of it, each year the district recognizes someone that has made a prominent effort to protect it."

As a strong champion of the Water District, a voice of courageous support and practical action we present this year’s Water Protector Award to Cheryl Brady. 

Cheryl has been inspirational in her dedication to protect our water and raise community awareness of this great resource that we enjoy. 

She was a founding member of the Wellfield Protection and Communication Advisory Committee (Adcom) and has served faithfully since that time, leading with a willingness to take on any task. 

During the pandemic Cheryl was chairperson and instrumental in holding the group together; despite the challenges of zoom meetings she encouraged dialog and brought energy and a sense of fun to the group while progressing on various projects.

Presented to Cheryl Brady “With appreciation of your steadfast leadership and continual source water protection advocacy.”

Congratulations Mrs. Cheryl Brady! Your continuing engagement, leadership and advocacy for protection of our community’s resources are important, exemplary and inspirational. On behalf of the LFPWD community, thank you!

LFPWD Commissioners Dave Hammond, Eli Zehner, Bill Donahue, our General Manager Alan Kerley, our District staff and community thank her for her service.



Read more...

Scene on the Sound: The Worthy - research or surveillance?

The Worthy in Puget Sound
Photo by Jan Hansen

The Worthy is called a special craft and she certainly is. Some say military ops and surveillance.  
 
The general description is as follows: The vessel WORTHY (IMO: 8835229, MMSI 338982000) is a Research Vessel built in 1988 (34 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of USA. 



Read more...

AG Ferguson: Center for COVID Control blocked from operating testing centers in Washington while case continues

Unprocessed test kits were shoved
into plastic bags. Previous article here.
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that his office obtained a preliminary injunction in a case against Illinois-based testing company Center for COVID Control. 

Under the order, the court blocked the company from providing COVID-19 testing services or collect consumer health information in Washington while the case is litigated.

In addition, as part of the court order, the company agreed to never again operate in Washington. 

The company shut down its Washington-based testing centers on or about January 13, 2022 and has not reopened them since.

The case will now enter the discovery phase, and will continue on the merits of the legal claims.

“Calling this conduct a ‘scam’ is an understatement,” Ferguson said. “It was unethical, illegal, and jeopardized the health of thousands of Washingtonians. Our investigation put a stop to Center for COVID Control’s Washington operations.”

More information here



Read more...

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: OOPS

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE




Read more...

LFP Police welcome new officer - a lateral transfer from Duvall

Scott Benjamin, 2nd from right
The Lake Forest Park Police Department welcomes their newest police officer, Scott Benjamin. 

Originally form Portsmouth, VA, Scott moved to the Puget Sound area in 2009. Scott served in the US Navy for 26 years and was honorably discharged in 2017 with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

In 2017, Scott was hired by Duvall Police. He spent most of his time on patrol, but had additional duties like Field Training Officer, Bicycle Officer, Fleet Manager, etc.

From 2017 to 2021, Scott received numerous commendations and awards from leaders and peers at Duvall PD. Scott is married to Stephanie and has two grown children.

We are grateful that he decided to join our team and serve our community. Welcome aboard Scott!

Benjamin is a lateral transfer. A lateral transfer is when a sworn police officer leaves one police agency to work for another, usually at the same or greater rate of pay. 



Read more...

Salomon bill would provide permanent solution to Blake drug ruling

Sen. Jesse Salomon D-Shoreline
Legislation introduced by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) would establish a civil, non-criminal process for intervening and providing treatment for people found to possess illegal drugs while creating a higher level of accountability for behaviors like using drugs in public.

Senate Bill 5976 would address the legal crisis created in 2021 when the state Supreme Court totally invalidated the law prohibiting illegal drug possession in State v. Blake. 

A temporary legislative fix in response to the ruling (SB 5476) reduced the penalty for possession to a simple misdemeanor and required two free passes against court involvement as long as that person is given information on how to get treatment. 

This law expires in 2023. Salomon’s bill would put in place a permanent process that specifically requires treatment when medically indicated and mandates court oversight to ensure the process is completed.

“Drug use in public is rampant, and police have told me they do not have the ability to stop this,” Salomon said. 
“We need a law that gives them a tool to stop public drug use without relying on the criminal law as the only tool in our toolbox. We need new ideas for accountability that address the treatment needs of substance-addicted people while ensuring accountability for behavior that endangers people.”

Under Salomon’s legislation, someone caught with illegal drugs would undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and, if warranted, complete a treatment plan. A court would monitor compliance and could impose penalties up to and including short stays in jail for non-compliance. 

The jail time would be for civil contempt of court and would not appear as a criminal conviction on the subject’s record, ensuring a non-criminal process that provides more accountability than the misdemeanor criminal charge available now.

“This bill won’t pass this year, but we need to start the discussion now if we want to have a viable system in place when the Legislature’s temporary response to the Supreme Court decision sunsets,” Salomon said. 
“There is no path forward at this point to just re-write the old statute to just straight re-criminalize drug possession.

In his 15 years practicing criminal law, Salomon said he repeatedly saw how misdemeanors merely placed a conviction on someone’s record but did not result in completed treatment.

“The only thing that does is make it hard for someone to get a job if they do try to change their lives for the better,” Salomon said. 
“This bill starts a discussion that will be neither simple nor easy and will take considerable effort and time to get right. That’s why we need to start now.”

After a person goes through this process twice, prosecutors would have the option of filing criminal charges for third and subsequent violations if they deem that someone violating drug laws would be unlikely to succeed in a third course of court-ordered treatment. 

Violators would be liable for the cost of assessment and treatment unless found indigent and without third-party insurance, in which case the state would pay the cost.



Read more...

SEATTLE: I-5 off-ramp to NE 130th St to close overnight this week

As early as Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Sound Transit contractors will close the NE 130th St off-ramp from northbound I-5, and the 130th St overpass to facilitate work on the light rail guideway as part of the ongoing Lynnwood Link Light Rail Expansion.

The ramp will close nightly from 11pm to 5am Wednesday, February 16 though the morning of Friday, February 18.

The work will continue overnight Tuesday, February 22 through the morning of Friday, February 25.



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline is hiring Summer Day Camp Leaders - teens welcome


The City of Shoreline is hiring day camp leaders, directors and assistant directors for Camp Shoreline Summer Camp Program. 

Also hiring bilingual camp leaders for Outdoor Camp who speak Spanish, Amharic, or Tigrinya. 

Camp leaders need to be age 16+, Directors need to be age 18+. These are great summer jobs that are fun and help build leadership skills. 

If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to apply at www.shorelinewa.gov/jobs (scroll down the list of jobs)

Application closes March 7, 2022
  • $15/hr leaders
  • $17/hr bilingual leaders (Spanish or Amharic)
  • $17.50/hr asst. camp director
  • $20/hr camp director


Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Extra Help – Teen Program Leader - 3 positions

City of Shoreline
Extra Help – Teen Program Leader

CLOSING DATE: 3/10/2022 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.

General Purpose

We have three (3) open Teen Program Leader positions in our Youth and Teen Development Program. In this position you will serve as a positive role model for youth by helping to plan, lead and participate in activities that reach and respond to the changing needs of youth in our community. This program works out of Richmond Highlands Recreation Center and school district locations. Below is an example of the schedule. Expanded hours available in the summer.

Maximum of 20 hours per week.

Programs exist between these hours:
  • Monday thru Friday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Expanded hours in the summer
Scope of Work

Provide leadership at all city sponsored teen program events. Assist in sports, music, arts and environmental program development for youth in middle and high school, up to 18 years old. Must have the ability to work late afternoon, evening and/or weekends 10-20 hours per week.

Job description and application



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Extra Help – Public Works Seasonal Laborer

City of Shoreline
Extra Help – Public Works Seasonal Laborer

CLOSING DATE: 3/08/2022 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.

Two 40-hr per week seasonal positions in the Public Works Department available.

First review of applications March 1, 2022

This is a seasonal 40-hour per week position. The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday with an occasional evening or weekend assignment. Schedule details will be worked out with selected applicant. Seasonal Laborers may work up to six months (1040 hours) during the vegetation growing season and weather sensitive street and surface water maintenance activities between April/May and September/October.

DEFINITION:

This position performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and repair duties under the supervisory direction of the assigned work section Public Works Superintendent, Senior Maintenance Worker or other full-time maintenance staff.

Job description and application



Read more...

Fraternal organizations collaborate to aid community

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Back row (L – R): John McSweeney, US Army (Ret), Elks #1800 Veterans Committee Chair; Richard Garrison, US Navy, Elks 1800 and American Legion Post #227 Member; Richard Christianson, US Navy, Elks #1800 & American Legion #227 Member; Bruce Sagor, Elks #1800 Chaplain; 

Front Row: Sherri Pelletier, Elks #1800 Exalted Ruler; Debbie Martinson, American Legion Auxiliary #227 President; Sarah Andrews, US Navy, American Legion #227 Member.


Shoreline Elks Lodge #1800 recently donated $5,500 to the Shoreline American Legion Post #227 with the intent of providing additional, collaborative support to assist the Shoreline community-at-large, and displaced veterans in particular, to fight hunger, homelessness and COVID-19.

During the past two years, members of the Shoreline Elks and American Legion combined part of their volunteer efforts to purchase perishable food, transport it to prep kitchens and, ultimately, prepare and deliver hot meals to needy veterans and other members of the community. 

This cooperative venture was developed, in part, because of the greater difficulty each organization faced in the execution of their respective in-house large projects because of the pandemic. 

Because of various waves of the virus, there has been a significant increase in the number of people needing these services. 

When Elks volunteers heard of their partner organization’s need to replace their dying refrigeration system, the Lodge made the financial donation to purchase a new refrigerator and restore the American Legion Post’s ability to continue helping their Shoreline community.

This year alone, the Legion Post’s delivery of perishable food to Compass House's Shoreline Veterans Center amounted to150 pounds per week. Meals were served for up to four dozen individuals biweekly. 

This amounted to an increase of over 50% in the number of people served last year. The monthly home delivery of food and meals to the families of disabled and disadvantaged veterans also increased proportionally during the same period of time.

With or without the impact of COVID, the Shoreline community will continue to face the need of food assistance for the needy. 

If you would like to donate food, money or your time to help out with this program, please contact:


Read more...

Rainbow Bingo March 11 at the Senior Center



Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center is bringing back RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O'Stayformore.

On Friday, March 11, 2022 starting at 7pm, participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!

Cost: $20 Admission and $10 at the door for your bingo cards.
  • The $20 Admission reserves your seats and includes the evening’s entertainment and loaded nachos.
  • Register online https://shorelinelfpseniorcenter.org/events/special-events/
  • Call 206-365-1536
  • $10 Bingo cards must be purchased at the door by cash or check as required by the Washington State Gambling Commission.
Ticket sales are limited to 50% usual capacity. Tables are limited to 5 guests.

This event sold out last month so don’t delay!

Bingo is a 21 and over event. Cash bar will serve beer, wine and jello shots.

Please have ID and Proof of Vaccination available.

Masks are required.


Read more...

King county ends order requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into restaurants and bars - but local business may implement their own policies

With new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decreasing, and nearly 80% of all King County residents fully vaccinated, King County is ending the local health order requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test for entry into restaurants and bars, indoor recreational events and establishments, or outdoor events. 

The vaccination verification policy will no longer be in effect as of March 1. 

Businesses and organizations may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments.




Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Legal Assistant

City of Shoreline
Legal Assistant

CLOSING DATE: 2/24/2022

GENERAL SUMMARY

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

DEFINITION

To perform a wide variety of complex confidential legal and administrative support duties in support of the City Attorney’s Office to assure smooth, timely and efficient office operation; to maintain financial records, files, and budgets related to departmental operations, programs, and expenditures; to provide information and assistance to the public regarding departmental policies and procedures; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Job description and application



Read more...

Jobs: City of Shoreline Parks Bond Project Manager

City of Shoreline
Parks Bond Project Manager

CLOSING DATE: 03/13/2022 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.

Recruitment Process: This position is pending the City Council's approval on February 28th. First application review to occur on March 1st. Preference will be given to applications received by that date.

The City of Shoreline is seeking a talented experienced project manager to oversee the delivery of Parks Capital projects supported by the City’s $38.5 million 2022 Parks Improvement Bond approved by voters on February 8, 2022. Delivery of these projects is a major step in the implementation of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. Information about these projects can be found on the City’s Website.

The City will use an alternative project delivery methodology, most likely progressive design build, to deliver these projects and has contracted with Parametrix to assist in this effort. This position will serve as the City’s Contract Manager for the Parametrix contract and will be the City’s point of contact, responsible for public engagement to ensure a successful delivery of the projects to our residents. This position will also work with a consultant to lead the update of the City’s PROS plan in 2022 and 2023 as we continue to plan for the future of our Parks. This position is fully project supported and will be eliminated when the projects supported by the bond are physically complete and transferrable to operational staff. We anticipate that the position will be required for a period of 3 years.

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of complex, professional planning and project management functions in support of Parks acquisition, expansion, improvements, and operations; to partner with an assigned supervisor to provide detailed staff assistance; and to perform a variety of planning and project management functions supporting relative to the implementation of the City’s Park’s Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, with a focus on projects funded through the 2022 Voter Approved General Obligation Bonds for Park Improvements and Acquisitions. to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with committee members, co-workers, other departments, outside agencies, consultants, contractors and citizens.

Job description and application



Read more...

COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Shoreline Community College closes

The vaccine clinic was held in the PUB at SCC
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The COVID-19 vaccine clinic on the campus of Shoreline Community College closed down on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

This decision was made by the partners who staff the clinic--the UW and the Shoreline Fire Department-- due to diminished demand.

A spokesperson for the college said "We are proud that thousands of vaccines and boosters were administered to our community throughout the life of the clinic."



Read more...

Get help with your genealogy brick walls

Sno-Isle Genealogy research library

Sno-Isle Genealogy Society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their "brick wall" problems on Saturday February 26, 2022, at its Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood. 

To make a reservation call 425-775-6267 to leave a message. Your call will be returned later to confirm your appointment. 

Caroll Budny is an experienced researcher who can direct your research efforts. The free 40 minute session is an "in person" appointment. 



Read more...

UW Med: Hospitals brim even as COVID-19 cases plummet

Dr. John Lynch
Today fewer than 50 inpatients are being treated for COVID-19 across UW Medicine’s four hospital campuses. This is down from a pandemic high of 204 in January. Yet hospitals are brimming with patients, as demand remains high for care beyond COVID-19.

“For the most part, every bed is full,” said UW Medicine’s Dr. John Lynch, an infectious diseases physician and medical director of Harborview Medical Center’s infection-control program. 
"It is not just the decision to have care, it's care that is desperately needed by people."

Lynch encourages everyone to decide their own level of continuing caution. “Surgical masks, medical masks, K95s, N95s and similar shouldn't go anywhere, if you feel that’s the right move for you,” he said.


Read more...

Shorecrest High School Boys Swim Team wins District Title

Shorecrest Boys Swim Team

The Shorecrest High School Boys Swim Team won the Class 3A District 1 Title on Saturday, February 12, 2022. 

Seniors going to State

The team will be sending 13 swimmers to the State meet on February 18th and 19th in Federal Way.

400 free relay team

Congratulations to the following boys and the events they will be swimming at the State Meet
:
  • Cade Birgfeld - all relays and 200 IM, 100 FL
  • Dutch Chandler - 400 Fr relay
  • Ian Franklin - Med relay, 200 FR relay, 100 BR
  • Kason Kirkpatrick - All relays
  • Alec Lewis - 200 FR relay
  • Porter Lewis - 200 M relay
  • Andrew Miner - All Relays, 50 FR (passing), 100 FR
  • Liam Muilenburg - 500 FR
  • Sean Neils - All Relays, 100 FR, 100 BK
  • Diego Reed - All Relays, 100 FR
  • Tristan Serrano - 200 FR relay, 400 FR relay
  • Colton Stoecker - 200 FR, 500 FR, 400 FR relay
  • Jiahao Zeng - Med relay, 100 BK
Shorecrest High School District Champions

The team has been able to use the outdoor, private Sheridan Beach pool during the season as the Shoreline Pool was closed and then demolished.



Read more...

Notes from council meeting February 14, 2022

Pam Cross, reporter
Shoreline City Council Meeting
February 14, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully. Councilmember Ramsdell was excused for personal reasons.

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update

The trend of new COVID-19 infections continues to go in the downward direction. However cases currently remain at a higher point than in previous waves.


Please continue to follow the above public safety guidelines until Governor Inslee’s changes go into effect.

At this time people visiting any city facility are still required to wear face coverings while in the facility.

ShoreLake Arts Lantern Festival

We had a great and enthusiastic crowd celebrating Lunar New Year on Feb 12, with a Lion Dance and Kung Fu performances at Monka Brewing and Uplift Climbing. We are wishing everyone happiness, health and prosperity in the Year of the Tiger.

Proposition 1 Update

Nearly 70% of the voters in Shoreline approved Prop 1 for park improvements and park land acquisition. There will be opportunities for public input on final designs in the coming months.
Shorelinewa.gov/prop1

CityWise Applications due Friday Feb 18


There will be 9 informational sessions that will be held virtually this year. Learn who is eligible and apply at: Shorelinewa.gov/citywise

Black History Month



Public Reminders


The Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, Feb 17 at 7:00PM to discuss the Transportation Master Plan Update: auto level of service approach.

The PRCS/Tree Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, Feb 24 at 7:00PM for the Director’s Report.

In recognition of President’s Day on Monday, Feb 21:
  • City Hall will be closed
  • Spartan Recreation Center will be open on their regular schedule.
  • There will be no City Council Meeting. The next meeting will be Feb 28.
Council Reports

Deputy Mayor Robertson attended the meeting of the North King County Coalition on Homelessness (NKCCH) and provided a brief update:
  • During January, six individuals moved to permanent housing from The Oaks enhanced shelter. The shelter remains at capacity with a wait list of 30-40 individuals.
  • Emergency housing vouchers were allocated to King County as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) but housing is not available in order to fully utilize them.
Councilmember McConnell met with the Domestic Violence Initiative for the first time this year:
Progress in preventing domestic violence is very slow and it got worse during the pandemic. I have been involved in this for decades and know it can take years or even to address because jurisdictions are not coordinated in their. But we now have a regional approach to laws and how to conduct the cases through the system. I was surprised and saddened by the number of firearms in these homes which increases the danger astronomically. We want to get firearms out of these homes but you often have to have the victim’s cooperation to admit there is a firearm in the house. They are also now keeping track of strangulations because they are predominately a product of domestic violence. As a community we have to help these victims who are living in fear.

Mayor Scully went to Olympia for the AWC’s (Association of Washington Cities) Mayors Conference.
I was also fortunate to be able to testify in favor of the State Spending Bill, on the Senate side. I have very good news: Our staff, due to years of effort, have managed to get money into the Senate side of the budget (still have to get the House) that will go a significant way to funding the 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge. Current appropriation would be about $7M. We need a total of $19M but staff has identified a variety of other sources.

Public Comment

Jacke Kurle, Shoreline
Thanks for the recent report on The Oaks Shelter in Currents, and today’s update about the six residents who have found permanent housing. I look forward to regular updates.

The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously 6-0.

8(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 954 – Amending the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget
  • Presentation by Rick Kirkwood, Budget and Tax Manager
It was a very brief presentation referring to the staff report and its attachments for the details.

The City Council approved Ordinance No. 922, which allocated a portion of the 2020 unobligated ending fund balance towards expenditures carried over from the 2019-2020 biennial budget, Ordinance No. 923 for other budget amendments, and Ordinance No. 945 for the mid-biennial budge modifications.

This is an opportunity for the Council to review proposed Ordinance No. 954 and ask specific questions and provide staff direction. If the Council does not have any concerns, staff will immediately commence recruitment to fill the positions impacted by this amendment and schedule action on proposed Ordinance No. 954 on February 28, 2022.

  • NOTE: This was the end of the report. The following has been taken from the staff report:
Information Technology Reorganization: The current job market for technology positions is challenging and the City has been unsuccessful in recruiting for a critical higher level Information Technology (IT) position to support critical enterprise software. Additionally, staff have been unable to identify qualified consultants to assist in this effort. To address this challenge and workload demands in the short term, the City Manager is proposing a reorganization of existing IT positions that support critical enterprise applications.

  • NOTE: those positions include a Parks, Fleet and Facilities manager which is critical now that Prop 1 has passed.
Plans Examiner III: The City has maintained only two full time commercial building plans examiner positions since the year 2000. Since that time, projects and the associated construction codes have grown in both volume and complexity. Developer assemblage activity has recently accelerated and pre-application appointments are increasingly representative of large new multifamily projects. Compared to the City of Seattle, where permitting can take years, the accessibility and timeliness of Shoreline’s entitlement process has historically been a selling point. Ensuring adequate staffing to review permit applications in a timely fashion could be a meaningful stimulus in and of itself, while also quickening the pace of added housing to a regional supply that has been at crisis levels for many years.

Discussion

Pleased to see we have added a Full Time Facilitator for Parks.

This might seem like a quick look at this but it is actually a culmination of numerous meetings over a long time.

Ordinance No. 954 will come back Feb 28 on the Consent Calendar.

MEETING ADJOURNED



Read more...

Bog Whisperer - they only come out in the sun

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Aren't bog creatures supposed to come out at night? Maybe they do, but Bog Whisperer Martin DeGrazia was out in the sunshine at Ronald Bog, N 175th and Meridian Ave N.

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This bog creature looks like he's falling asleep. It was a nice day for a nap on a log. By the way, those are branches, not his tail.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Making Space for Community at Third Place Commons

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

This week, Third Place Commons continues to explore the building blocks of community in the lead-up to the Rebuilding Community Annual Celebration and Fundraiser on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 5pm.

There are many factors that go into fostering a strong, vibrant community at any time, especially when rebuilding community that’s been fractured by the challenges of a global pandemic. So where do we start?

If building block #1 is Guiding Principles, then perhaps #2 would be an all-important gathering space.

Building Block #2: Gathering Space

For a community to grow strong, it needs the space in which to gather and build together.

At Third Place Commons, gathering space is a foundational element. The Commons space is always open for friends and family to visit, eat, read, listen to music, or plan important community initiatives. The stage and space are likewise available to partners for no-cost programming so that community can gather and engage through a wide range of live events when it’s safe to do so.

And, of course, Third Place Commons provides the space where neighbors and vendors connect and support each other at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.

In addition, since the pandemic, the Commons has also provided a virtual space where community can safely stay connected through weekly and monthly groups and clubs as well as stand-alone special programs like city forums, go green programs, and Civic Saturdays.

How can you use the gathering spaces available to you to foster a stronger community?

Share your thoughts with friends, start a dialogue, and bring your ideas to the conversation for the Rebuilding Community event on March 5th.

Click here to get more information on the Rebuilding Community Annual Celebration and Fundraiser featuring the extraordinary Eric Liu as guest speaker.

And get your tickets here to show your support for this vital community space.

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.



Read more...

Jobs: Vision House child care positions

Vision House, with a childcare center in Shoreline and and in Renton, has five positions open in Shoreline.




Read more...

Shoreline Farmers Market is seeking new Board members

Laura, SFMA Board Member
Photo courtesy SFMA
The farmers market seeks to connect the Shoreline community: neighbors, local farmers, and producers. 

We are looking for motivated people to join our Board to work with us to plan for the future of the Shoreline Farmers Market.

“As a new Board member this year, I have been welcomed by the dedicated volunteers who make the market hum each week. 
As a Shoreline resident, giving back to my community through the Board is both fun and rewarding.”

– Laura, SFMA Board Member

Why should you be a Board Member?
  • Meet and collaborate with new people
  • Contribute to your local community
  • Use your skills to make a difference
What will the Board do?
In 2022, the Board will focus on:
  • Collaborating with community organizations
  • Cultivating sponsorships with local businesses
  • Expanding community programs
How will Board members participate?
  • Attend monthly board meetings
  • Participate in strategic planning & long-term solutions
  • Fundraise on behalf of the board
  • Attend at least two markets each summer to connect with customers
  • Join special project committees
What type of commitment is required?
  • Board members should expect to spend about four hours a month on market-related volunteer activities.
  • Board members serve a two-year term.
Interested? Questions? Contact Kara Conner, Market Director at info@shorelinefarmersmarket.org
www.ShorelineFarmersMarket.org



Read more...

The Garden Guy’s Tips for Your Houseplants

Bruce Bennett, The Garden Guy
By Bruce Bennett, the Garden Guy

As some of you already know, I am not an indoor plant kind of guy. In my compendium of ’interesting’ experiences, I note that compost and air freshener do not provide for the best of living room fragrances (My wife will strongly testify to this fact). 

However, I am mindful that a good number of readers are outdoor gardeners who also have greenery throughout their homes and, then, there are our green-thumbed condominium and apartment dwellers who might want a suggestion or two for the care of their own indoor plants. 

I try to provide folks what they ask for (as well as what they need). So, here are a few tips I have learned through decades of growing lingering anemic plants or totally dispatching them. In general, realize that indoor plants and outdoor plants that are brought indoors cannot be treated as you would outdoor plants. This means extra attention is needed for certain requirements..

Choose plants based on your light

Pixels.com
Assuming you purchase the majority of your own plants, determining their place in the home and the window next to which they will repose should always be a consideration before your buy. 

If you are not sure, your first question should be, “What direction does that window face?” Most indoor plants prefer south-facing windows that offer bright, indirect light for most of the day (Think Cacti, Croton, Jade Plant, Ponytail Plant, succulents, etc.). 

East- and west-facing windows provide partial sunshine, with the former offering a more gentle light (Think Anthurium, Boston Fern, Butterfly Palm, Calathea, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Hoya, Kalanchoe and Monstera, etc.) and the latter with a harsher afternoon light (Think Aechmea, Aloe Vera, Bird-of-Paradise, Christmas/Thanksgiving and Easter Cactus, Dieffenbachia, English Ivy, Strawberry Begonia, Ti Plants, etc.). 

North-facing windows will offer low light (Think Golden Pothos, ferns, Peace Lily, Pinstripe Calathea, Moth Orchid, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, etc.). When possible, with all indoor plants, remember to do a quarter-turn of plant container every month so that all areas will receive the same amount of sunshine and avoid ‘The Lean’ toward the window.

​Know when to skip the fertilizer

Photo courtesy FamilyHandyMan.com
Be conservative when using fertilizer on your houseplants. Too much fertilizer can do more harm than good. Houseplants tend not to need nearly as much fertilizer as outdoor plants. 

If you choose to fertilize your plant, it’s best to do so during the growing season (April to October) and follow the general rule of thumb of ‘less is more’. 

Consider using half the amount of fertilizer recommended on the package. I have a preference for water-soluble fertilizers, but, an annual once-and-done granular, organic fertilizer is also a possibility.

If you have a new plant or you recently changed the potting soil, forget about fertilizer for a year. There’s enough in the pot already.

Water needs change throughout the year.

Pixels.com
Did you know that it is better to underwater your plants than to overwater them? Over watering can lead to root rot and, ultimately, plant death. Use a watering calendar, rather than a ‘To Do List,’ as a reminder. 

The easiest process is to stick one (unmanicured) finger two inches into a container’s soil to determine if the soil is moist. If it is dry that far down, it’s time to just add water. If manicured fingers are an integral part of your life, consider investing in a moisture meter. They are cheap enough at a box store.

How often you water will also change throughout the year. Plants need less water in the winter months, when they’re growing slower and the home is cooler. 

If the heat is on in the house and the potting soil is drying out quicker, they may need a bit more water. Wilting leaves or soil that looks pulled away from the sides of the planter are signs of a water-stressed plant. Use warm water as it absorbs into the soil the best.

Keep drainage in mind

Photo courtesy FloraGrubb.com
If you tend to have a heavy hand when watering your plants, definitely keep drainage in mind. 

You can opt for a planter with a drainage hole and saucer, or keep your plant in a grow-pot snuggled inside of a larger planter, or add pebbles or gravel to the bottom of a planter with a drainage hole. 

The excess water will drain into the pebbles, evaporate and create beneficial humidity for the plant. 

Do what works best for you! 

Don't be afraid to try different methods for different plants.


Don’t worry about repotting

pixels.com
Finally, repotting doesn’t need to be a right-of-passage for the indoor gardener. It doesn’t necessarily mean tearing the plant apart and putting it in a new container(s). It could be a simple matter of changing out the container’s soil with a fresh potting mix to provide new nutrients. 

Depending on how actively they are growing, plants typically need to be repotted every 18 to 24 months. If your plant has outgrown its current container, you can also use this as the justification to ‘size up.’ 

Choose a planter that is 1 to 3 inches larger than the current one being used. You don’t want your plant roots swimming in soil. This could actually delay growth. You want just a little extra space for them to grow. And, yet, some other plants prefer to be pot-bound. 

Remember to do your horticultural research about specific requirements for each plant you own! They will appreciate your diligence and you’ll appreciate their increasing beauty. It’s a win-win situation, and, isn’t that what we strive for in life? For some reason, life is hardly ever that easy. But, these five tips can easily help to keep your plants healthy and make you look like a house plant star. You rock!

If you have questions concerning this article or would like to suggest a topic for a future column, contact your WSU Master Gardener, Bruce Bennett, at gardenguy4u@gmail.com. See you next month!



Read more...

Gloria's Insects: Can't wait 'till the bees start hangin' around the garden again...

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

 (Took in past season in community garden. I miss da bees!)

--Gloria Z Nagler


Read more...

Zydeco Swamp Boogie Meets Rockin’ Rodentz Saturday at Aurora Borealis


Saturday, February 19th at 8pm
Zydeco Swamp Boogie Meets Rockin’ Rodentz

Aurora Borealis


(No cover charge)


Read more...

Critical fish habitat would receive increased oversight and protection through legislation passed today by the Senate

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline
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.

“Illegally built docks and seawalls are unnecessarily harmful to shoreline habitat and marine life,” Salomon said. 
“They damage eelgrass habitat, disrupt salmon migration, and expose salmon to more predators.”

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. 

His bill was amended on the Senate floor to include derelict vessels in the surveys.

Salomon noted that bulkheads line more than 700 miles of Puget Sound shoreline and said active monitoring of shoreline conditions is the only way for the state to stay abreast of the many disruptions to habitat.

“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. “We can make our shorelines healthier while still allowing people to enjoy time on and near the water.”

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



Read more...

NUHSA meeting on February 23, 2022 features director of Center for Human Services

Center for Human Services Shoreline
Photo from Google Maps

NUHSA Member and Community Partner Meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd (9-10:30am) features special guest Beretta Gomillion, Executive Director of Center for Human Services.

She will share not only how her organization is serving youth and families in North King County, but how their work is expanding through partnerships with cities and ARPA funding.

As always, we'll have the latest community information to share and discuss, and we welcome your organizational updates!

Register in advance for the meeting HERE!



Read more...

Scene on the Sound: USS Omaha

USS Omaha photo by Jan Hansen
Jan Hansen says "I thought I was seeing USS Gabrielle Giffords, LCS-10 passing; then I saw the number.

"Today’s vessel is a sister ship LCS-12, the USS Omaha. She is headed in with flags flying high."

Type, class: Littoral Combat Ship - LCS; Independence class
Builder: Austal-USA, Mobile, Alabama, USA

STATUS:
  • Awarded: December 29, 2010
  • Laid down: February 18, 2015
  • Launched: November 20, 2015
  • Commissioned: February 3, 2018
IN SERVICE:
  • Homeport: Naval Base San Diego, California
  • Namesake: City of Omaha, Nebraska
  • Ships Motto: FORTITER IN RE (resolute in execution)
More information about the Omaha: https://seaforces.org/usnships/lcs/LCS-12-USS-Omaha.htm



Read more...

Still time to join the free online CityWise class - applications due by Friday February 18

There is still room! CityWise 2022 Applications Are Due by Friday, February 18, 2022

Have you ever wondered who maintains our roads? Or how the City creates a budget or plans for the future of our parks? 

The City is offering its popular CityWise Project online in 2022. This series of 9 informational sessions will provide participants an overview of City government and operations. 

CityWise is free of charge, and open to residents, employees, business owners, and students age 16 and older in Shoreline.

Detailed information and the application are available online and must be received by 6pm on Friday, February 18 to be considered. 

If you have any questions, please contact Constance Perenyi, Neighborhoods Coordinator, at cperenyi@shorelinewa.gov.



Read more...

Jobs: Join King county's Stream Team this summer

Stream Team at work. Photo courtesy King county.

King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams.

By collecting and categorizing aquatic insects, and studying the environment in and around the streams, the “Stream Team” provides valuable long-term data to inform King County about the impacts of development on local water quality and whether restoration efforts are working.

Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county. They collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health.

More information here


Read more...

Rep. Valdez: Move Ahead Washington legislation proposes investments in transportation

Rep. Javier Valdez, D-46
Rep. Javier Valdez represents the 46th Legislative District which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, northeast Seattle.


As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I’m proud to announce the introduction of Move Ahead Washington, our transportation package making historic investments in multimodal transportation, transit, and bike and pedestrian safety. 

By providing reliable, accessible, and affordable options to reach our destinations, this package makes big moves to cut carbon emissions and protect our environment.

I’m proud to support this proposal, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts as it moves through the legislative process.

Here’s an overview of the transportation investments I’ve requested for our district:
  • $50 million to improve safety on Aurora Ave, including reduced speeds, better biking and pedestrian infrastructure, fewer lanes, and more amenities near the road
  • $3.5 million to replace the damaged and inaccessible sidewalk on 61st Ave NE, along with installing bike lanes and crosswalks
  • $100,000 to build a new walking and biking trail connecting the Lake Forest Park town center and the Burke-Gilman trail


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