UW Med: Vaccines can keep kids in school after mask mandate lifts

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Source: UW Medicine
As COVID-19 restrictions start to lift in Washington state, the latest data reveals that many children still need to be vaccinated. 

According to the Washington State Department of Health, less than 30% of children ages 5 to 11 years in Washington state are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The rates improve with older children (53.7% for ages 12 to 15; 61.1% for ages 16 to 17), but lag behind all adult groups in the state.

UW Medicine pediatrician Dr. Beth Ebel is calling for families with unvaccinated children to begin their COVID-19 shot series before Washington’s mask mandate expires on March 21.

“As those masks come off, getting your child vaccinated is safe. It’ll protect them from getting COVID, and will help them stay in school with their friends so they can continue to learn,” said Ebel, who practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Appointments for vaccines and booster shots are widely available through UW Medicine.

“The vaccine has been shown to protect against kids getting really sick, and also spreading [COVID] to their families. That's a critical factor,” said Ebel. 
“The vaccine dose for younger kids between 5 and 11 is reduced. What we've also found is that even with that lower dose, those kids get a better antibody response, and presumably better protection than even adults. So, it's a good situation. They have fewer effects from getting the shot, and they get better protection.”

In King County, an updated data tool shows vaccinated and boosted people face much lower risk of a serious COVID-19 illness than do unvaccinated people.



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(Hilarious) Birds in the Backyard: Move over chickadees!

Friday, February 25, 2022

 
Photo by Colleen Weum

This one's MINE

Photo by Colleen Weum

This pileated woodpecker looks more than a little awkward but his beak is long enough that he might be able to reach the suet cake. The design of the feeder is good enough to keep away rats and squirrels but not this determined woodpecker.


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Jobs: City of Shoreline Parks Maintenance Worker I

City of Shoreline
Parks Maintenance Worker I

CLOSING DATE: 3/10/2022 1:36 PM

GENERAL SUMMARY

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


Selection process:
Selected candidates will be subject to virtual interviews. In addition, they may be subject to work-related skills assessments on site.

Schedule: This position is scheduled to work Saturday through Wednesday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

This job is represented by Local Union No.763.

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

Job offer to the most successful candidate is contingent upon verification of driving history and a successful passing of a criminal background check.

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance and repair of park equipment and facilities; to operate a variety of park maintenance vehicles, equipment and tools; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; basic landscaping maintenance including planting, trimming, watering, mowing, raking, clearing debris; preparation of ball fields, tennis courts and shelters; trash pick-up and graffiti clean-up; inspect parks and facilities for damage, vandalism, broken equipment or hazardous conditions; assist in tree removal; operate a variety of vehicles, gas powered equipment or power tools.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the Park Maintenance Worker series. This class is distinguished from the Park Maintenance Worker II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including basic maintenance and work under the guidance of a Parks Maintenance Worker II or Senior Parks Maintenance Worker.

Job description and application



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Bog Whisperer: New visitor to the area - a Green-Winged Teal duck

A pair of green-winged Teal ducks at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia
The ducks are Green-Winged Teals. I don't think I have ever come across one of these before. If I had known what I was photographing I would have taken more pictures of them.

--Martin DeGrazia

Green-Winged Teal duck at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

The green is vivid on the male. I went through my photos and I've never heard of these before. I found a few other unpublished photos of unusual ducks, which I will start publishing. We have a lot of the brown ducks and the wood ducks.

I saw duck decoys long before I ever saw a photo of an actual wood duck. I was shocked. I had always assumed that the lurid coloring was some fetish that duck hunters used to lure ducks and not a representation of an actual bird.

--Diane Hettrick



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Brooke Belman named as Acting Sound Transit CEO following Peter Rogoff’s May 31 departure

Brooke Belman named Acting
CEO of Sound Transit
While the Sound Transit Board continues its national search for the agency’s next CEO, it voted unanimously to appoint longtime agency leader Brooke Belman to the role of Acting CEO upon CEO Peter Rogoff’s departure on May 31.

"Sound Transit will not miss a beat as Brooke steps forward to lead during the final phase of our CEO search," said Sound Transit Board Chair Kent Keel, a member of the University Place City Council. 
"Brooke brings seasoned leadership, deep knowledge of Sound Transit’s work, and a strong commitment to our riders and the public as we advance the nation’s largest transit expansion."

Upon the arrival of a permanent CEO, Belman will return to her current role as the agency’s Chief of Staff. Since joining Sound Transit in 2004, Belman’s leadership roles have included Deputy Executive Director, Land Use Planning and Development; Chief of Staff of the Design Engineering and Construction Management department; and Director of Community Engagement. Belman previously held consultant roles in communications and politics.

"I am honored to serve the Board and our dedicated staff during this transition. There is no shortage of important and exciting work at Sound Transit, and I am thrilled to partner with our leadership to deliver on our promise to the Puget Sound region," said Belman.

A subcommittee of the Sound Transit Board of Directors chaired by Keel is leading the national search for a new CEO to succeed Rogoff. The position is currently advertised, and this spring, the subcommittee is scheduled to identify finalists who will be considered by the full Board.



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Northshore Fire Battalion Chief retires

Thursday morning, February 24, 2022 Battalion Chief Jeff Tagart worked his last shift of a nearly 29 year career with the Northshore Fire Department. 

Jeff started in April, 1993 as a Firefighter/EMT. In 1998, Jeff was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and in 2005 Jeff became a Battalion Chief. 

Jeff has been involved in various projects over the years.

He has been instrumental in working with fire engine manufacturers to spec out our fire apparatus from design work to what tools we will use and how they will be stored on the engine. 

You, your wealth of knowledge, leadership, experience, stories and Suzette’s cooking will be sorely missed. Enjoy your retirement – happy trails and safe travels BC Tagart!!


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New at the ShoreLake Arts Gallery: Erik Amundsen, Kristy Swanson and Barry Roitblat


Erik Amundsen, Kristy Swanson and Barry Roitblat

February 23 - April 2, 2022

ShoreLake Arts Gallery is exhibiting a selection of works by Photographer Erik Amundsen, Encaustic Artist Kristy Swanson and Woodworker Barry Roitblat. See these works and the creations of other local artists during gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday, Noon to 5pm. Located in the Town Center at Lake Forest Park. You can also view and purchase art in the online shop!

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is not-for-profit and features changing art exhibits on the walls every 6 weeks, as well as jewelry, ceramics, glass, paper goods and more by over 100 local artists.
Erik Amundsen FruitsSquared
Erik Amundsen


Artist Bio

Having lived abroad and traveled to 30 countries Erik is currently living in Newcastle, WA with his wife and 4 year old son. His main form of creative expression is flat lay nature photography, taking objects from nature and arranging them on a solid color background to express a fine art feel. 

Erik operates under the name The Botanic Table of Elements, conjuring up images of order and categorization of the periodic table of elements but with the natural feel of botanicals. Other mediums include making inks and dyes from foraged material, watercolor painting, furniture making and block printing.

Artist Statement

While my art is typically classified as photography, to me the artistry lies in having the eye to recognize beauty, the creativity to reimagine it in the studio and the patience and technique to carry out my vision. In doing flat lay nature photography I take elements from nature and arrange them on a solid colored background in patterns and shapes. They are often accompanied by a short written reflection. I have arranged over 300 photos during the past 5 years.

The entire process is a meditation for me. First to wander in nature with the purpose of finding beautiful and interesting things. Then to let my mind play at creating a layout concept. Once I have an idea my hands take over, while my hands are occupied my mind is finally free to dive deep into thought. In this flow state my mind begins to process the things I have been experiencing recently. Emotions rise to the surface, new ideas take shape, and I often finish a piece both exhausted and renewed. These emotions and thoughts are simultaneously influencing what I am creating but also directed by what I am creating. It is a nonverbal conversation between my body and mind. My titles and reflections come out of the things I was ruminating on while creating them.

I love visiting new ecosystems and working with the natural elements of a place. It connects me to a physical location and the animals/people who subsisted off the native plants. The work is essentially a collaboration with nature, I collect things forged in wild places and highlight them. It is a deeply meaningful and spiritual practice for me. Many of the elements I work with (flowers, leaves) wilt quickly, I have only a few hours to work with them until they are visibly degraded. The pieces themselves are ephemeral and seasonal, it is only through photographing them that I can capture their moment in time.

Website: https://www.botanic-table.com/
Instagram: @thebotanictabelofelements

Kristy Swanson
Kristy Swanson


Artist Bio

Kristy Swanson is an emerging artist working in encaustic, encaustic monoprints, and mixed media. Influenced by shapes and patterns found in both natural and urban environments, she creates subtle and meditative artwork using transparent layers of beeswax, pigments, hand pulled monoprints, and mark making, creating intimate impressions and visual fields that hold the feeling of place that she's experienced. She strives to make intangible experiences visible, aiming for a quiet and complex beauty, balancing simplicity of expression with rich sensory details. Kristy began painting in 2016 and is primarily self-taught. She has worked as both a hair colorist and as a master's level therapist, and threads of these careers inform her art: a love of color and beauty, as well as an interest in quiet reflection and introspection, show up in her artworks. In addition, she is an avid lover of nature, pursuing skiing, cycling, hiking, and gardening as time allows. She lives in Woodinville, WA.

Artist Statement

I draw my inspiration from the natural world. I'm fascinated by shapes, patterns, rhythm, repetition, and nuance that I see everywhere I look. I'm particularly drawn to tiny details that typically go unnoticed - the fractals of a leaf, the shifting patterns that wind creates on water, the multitude of colors found in a handful of sand. Inspired by the ordinary and the everyday, I respond to the little details in my environment, discovering beauty in the expected and the unexpected. My artwork references nature indirectly, conjuring images of landscape, or water, or stone, or flora, without being intentionally representational.

I strive for balance between two polarities: on the one hand I seek simplicity, clean lines, elegance, and calm; and on the other hand I want to create nuance and complexity within that spareness through the inclusion of texture, layers, and detail. I aim to achieve a quiet and complex beauty that balances simplicity and subtlety with rich sensory details.

Website: https://www.kristyswansonart.com/
Instagram: @kristy.a.swanson
Barry Roitblat
Barry Roitblat


Artist Bio

Barry creates functional works, hand-crafted from nature's treasures and specializes in hand turned bowls, pepper mills, and more, from exotic and embellished natural wood.

Based in Bellevue, Washington, Barry has been turning for about 16 years and has had pieces on display at the Bellevue Arts Museum, ShoreLake Arts Gallery, Revolution Gallery, Edward A. Dixon Gallery (Ohio), Maria V Howard Art Center (North Carolina) and other local and national venues.

Artist Statement

I am fascinated by the grand works of art created by “Mother Nature” and enjoy turning nature’s art to a human purpose. I delight in the beauty revealed as an apparently nondescript piece of wood becomes a polished, functional art-piece.

Website: https://artonpurpose.square.site/

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is a program of ShoreLake Arts and is located inside the Town Center in Lake Forest Park on the lower level. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

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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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting February 28, 2022

The agenda for the February 28, 2022 Shoreline City Council Meeting includes one Action item and two Study items:

Action Item 8(a)
*This is a quasi-judicial action for which the Council does not take public comment.

Action on Preliminary Formal Unit Lot Subdivision No. PLN20-0139, Dividing Eleven (11) Existing Parcels into Seventy (70) Unit Lots at 2105, 2117, and 2123 N 148th Street; 2116, 2122, 2132, 2142, and 2150 N 147th Street; 14704, 14710 and 14718 Meridian Avenue N (East side of Meridian Avenue N, between N 147th and 148th Streets)

The public hearing for this subdivision was held on Jan 18, 2022 by the Hearing Examiner, which created the record for the basis of a recommendation from the Hearing Examiner to the City Council. As such, the City Council cannot hear any additional public comment on this item and should not have external discussion regarding this request with members of the public.

As part of the City’s Planned Action Determination and subsequent adopted 145th Street Station Subarea Plan, a total of 2,214 housing units were allocated throughout the station area. 

As the proposed Shoreline 5 Degrees Townhomes project would remove 11 single- family homes and construct 70 low-rise multifamily units, a net increase of 59 housing units would result (assuming a 1:1 equivalency). As such, the proposed Shoreline 5 Degrees Townhomes development is consistent with the 145th Street Station Area Subarea Plan and EIS, as the combined known redevelopments along the 1st Ave N and Meridian Ave corridors result in a net increase of 405 housing units (280 as part of the Shoreline 147th Apartments, 66 units as part of the Shoreline Townhomes project, and 59 housing units of the proposed project) representing approximately 18 percent of housing growth planned within the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan.

The Hearing Examiner recommends that the City Council approve the application subject to 25 conditions listed in the staff report.

Study Item 9(a)
Discussion of Required Undergrounding in the South Shoreline/148th Street Light Rail Station Area and the Impact on the Sound Transit Project


The staff report has not been finalized yet but will be issued no later than Saturday Feb 25.

Study Item 9(b)
Discussion of Ordinance No. 955 – 2021 Batch Development Code Amendments Group C - Related to Tree Regulations, Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Sections 20.20 and 20.50


The Development Code Batch Amendments consists of three distinct groups of amendments that have been grouped by topic:
  • Group A: Miscellaneous amendments proposed by City of Shoreline staff.
  • Group B: Amendments to the procedure and administration of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The proposed amendments to SEPA procedures are largely clarifying amendments that make the administration of SEPA less cumbersome and clarify that SEPA is not a permit type but a decision that is tied to a proposed permit or action.
  • Group C: Amendments to tree regulations. The proposed tree amendments are mostly proposed by individual members of the Tree Preservation Code Team, which is a group of residents committed to protecting and preserving trees in Shoreline. One amendment in the Group was proposed by staff.

This discussion will focus on Group C.

Full agenda, links to staff documents, attend the meeting, make comments: here

--Pam Cross



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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Friday night

Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open and activated Friday night, February 25, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

The shelter will be open for those seeking a safe and warm place to be.

Details in previous article



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Civic Engagement and Getting Involved – This Week at Third Place Commons

Thursday, February 24, 2022

With the Third Place Commons Rebuilding Community Annual Celebration and Fundraiser just around the corner on March 5, 2022 two building blocks of community are taking center stage this week.

If Building Block #1 is a set of guiding principles, and Building Block #2 is gathering space, then Building Blocks #3 and #4 go hand in hand in fostering a solid foundation for a strong community.

Building Block #3: Civic Engagement

The strength of a community depends, in part, on folks plugging into the issues that shape their daily lives. From local city council meetings to federal legislation and elections, the voices of engaged citizens can and do transform communities in ways large and small. The greater the gathering of voices, the greater the transformation. Indeed, in a democratic society, those voices are the very foundation of our community.

Building Block #4: Getting Involved

Whether you want to change the world or just make new friends, getting involved is essential. The same is true if you’re joining groups of folks with common interests (like book or movie clubs or a foreign language group), participating in activities that amuse and entertain (like attending a live music performance), or attending civic events (like local city forums and Civic Saturdays) as an engaged citizen. Getting involved with your community is where the rubber meets the road.


This Saturday, February 26th at 10am, these two components fall into perfect harmony with Civic Saturday. Join in to connect with others in civic community and reflect on what it means to live as a citizen in today's American society. Civic Saturday is a growing, nonpartisan, national initiative, with our gathering led by local Civic Saturday fellows Erika Olson and Caroline Sayre.

Meet one another, enjoy music, poetry, and readings, and talk informally in small groups. Register here for Civic Saturday.

By the way, Civic Saturday is an initiative of Citizen University, whose co-founder and CEO Eric Liu will be the featured speaker at Third Place Commons Rebuilding Community Celebration and Fundraiser on Saturday, March 5th.

You won’t want to miss hearing from this inspiring and acclaimed author, speaker, and thought leader. Get your Rebuilding Community tickets here.

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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Burning of the Palms at St. Dunstan's

There will be fire. There will be prayers. There will be a bucket of water too, just in case.

Each year we do a little ritual, usually privately, where we burn the palm fronds and palm crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration to use the ashes in our Ash Wednesday rituals.

This year we will offer a brief, public event where we will burn the palm fronds. This ritual will occur on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, which is February 27, 2022 at 11:30am. 

We will gather in the outdoor chapel on our property. You can park in either the upper or lower lot and there is a paved walkway to get to the chapel.

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a season of preparation through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and study, with the imposition of a cross on our foreheads in ash. These ashes, and this sign, remind us of our humanity and our need for God, and of God’s forgiving love.

St. Dunstan's is located at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133



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LFP Mayor: It's a busy year ahead

Mayor Jeff Johnson
Lake Forest Park
By Jeff Johnson, Mayor of Lake Forest Park

I would like to begin this article by again thanking the volunteer members of all of the City’s advisory bodies for their hard work and dedication to the Lake Forest Park community.

One of the boards that will be especially busy in the coming year is the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The Board will be working on the public outreach process for the planning and design of the City’s new park located on the north shore of Lake Washington.

The City’s newest advisory body is the Climate Committee. At its meeting on February 24, the City Council will consider approving a resolution creating the new Climate Committee, first tasked with drafting a 2022 Climate Committee Work Plan for recommendation to the City Council and Administration. At the meeting on February 24, the City Council will also consider appointments to the Climate Committee.

I am still considering venue options for a future Coffee with the Mayor event. If you haven’t already done so and are interested in a future coffee event, please email the Deputy City Clerk to let us know your level of interest and thoughts you may have on a location.

I’m excited to note that, the next time I write, it will be spring, and we will be observing Daylight Saving Time!

--Mayor Johnson


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Snow again on Wednesday

Cold and light snow photo by Diane Hettrick 

As predicted (see WeatherWatcher) snow fell again on Wednesday evening. It was slightly more than on Monday. It didn't stick to the roads but seems to be on everything else, including all those early blooming plants (who don't mind at all).



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Obituary: Deborah Senn, former Insurance Commissioner

Deborah Senn, former State
Insurance Commissioner
Photo courtesy state of Washington
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement on the death of his predecessor, Deborah Senn. 

"I was deeply sorry to learn of Deborah Senn's passing. Her dedication to the plight of the unheard consumer transformed the Office of the Insurance Commissioner into the "people's office." She embraced her role and used it to improve people's lives and give voice to the unheard. 

"Her actions improved health insurance coverage and access, protected the innocent insured victims of domestic violence, helped holocaust survivors recover long-lost insurance policies and so much more. Watching her channel her authority into such a power of good inspired me to run for the office more than 20 years ago. 

"In many states, the Insurance Department is often an unknown resource. Deborah saw her role and the office as a vehicle to lift up and improve peoples' everyday lives and she never lost sight of that vision. She was a fighter, a watchdog and a consumer protection pioneer. I'm forever grateful for her leadership and for showing me the way. 

"I hope every Washingtonian takes a moment to appreciate her and what she did for them, too."



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Property tax bills coming: Somewhat modest increases despite rising values

Property tax increases were considered modest in King County for the 2022 tax year -- about 3 percent in general; 5.88% for Shoreline and 7.73% for Lake Forest Park – despite the fact that property values rose by about 9 percent. 

This is because voter approved levies, and not rising property values, are the main drivers of property tax increases. 

By state law, values are set as of January 1 each year. Taxes collected this year are based on the value of the property on January 1, 2021.

Overall, countywide property tax collections for the 2022 tax year are $6.79 billion, an increase of $190 million --3% -- over last year’s total of $6.6 billion. Total County property values, however, increased by more than 9%, from $ 659.5 billion to $722.5 billion

Tax Change 2021 vs 2022

City: Shoreline
Roll Year: 2021
Median: 534,000
Levy Rate:   $ 11.79380
Taxes:  $ 6,297.89

Roll Year: 2022
Median: 625,000
Levy Rate: $ 10.66872
Taxes: $ 6,667.95 

Increase: 5.88%

Click here for a spreadsheet showing the changes by city for all of King County: 

“Residential property values have continued to rise during the COVID 19 pandemic, partly driven by a lack of housing inventory,” said King County Assessor John Wilson. 
“Still, it is important to remember that voter approved levies, and not the value of your property, is the primary cause of increased property taxes. Local governments may only increase property tax collections by 1% per year without a vote of the people. Voter approved levies are not subject to that restriction.”

Property taxes vary depending upon location, the assessed value of the property, and the number of jurisdictions levying taxes (such as state, city, county, school district, port, fire district, etc.).

King County Treasury has begun sending out tax bills. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities, and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts) and distributes the revenue to these local governments.

About 57 percent of property tax revenues collected in King County in 2022 pays for schools. Property taxes also fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks. King County receives about 17 percent of your property tax payment for roads, police, criminal justice, public health, elections, and parks, among other services.

For seniors and the disabled, it is important to be aware of our state’s property tax relief programs. King County taxpayers who are 61 years or older, or disabled, own their home, and have an annual income of $58,423 or less after certain medical or long-term care expenses, may be eligible for tax relief. 

Taxpayers should visit this site: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief.aspx for more information and to apply online.

Property owners can find tax levy rates and more property related information by visiting the eReal Property Search on the King County Assessor’s website or by calling 206-296-7300.


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John Pinetree and the Yellin' Degenerates live at North City Bistro Saturday

Come on up to see why the North City Bistro is a favorite amongst musicians and music lovers alike. 

Great sound, fantastic from scratch Mediterranean inspired cuisine, a world class wine and spirits collection all served up with mom and pop love.

John Pinetree and the Yellin' Degenerates are on the books for Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 8 - 10:30pm.

"We've got some originals, and reimagined covers from the past century." 

Check out their website at www.pinetreemusiccollective.com 

and go to www.northcitybistro.com for tickets and reservations. 

"It's gonna be a funky good time!"

The North City Bistro is a family-friendly venue, serving small plates and fine wine.

In the North City Business District at 1520 NE 177th St, Shoreline, WA 98155



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Point Wells: Court gives BSRE yet another chance to fix and resubmit its applications to develop Point Wells as an Urban Center

Point Wells photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Tom McCormick

Point Wells, located at the northern end of Richmond Beach Drive, is home to a contaminated marine fuel and asphalt oil storage and distribution facility. 

In 2009-2010, at the urging of the oil company that owned Point Wells, Snohomish County designated the site as an Urban Center, re-zoned it, and enacted an updated Urban Center Development Code—the County’s code.

Prior to 2010, Paramount of Washington, LLC, owned all of Point Wells, including the land and the oil tanks, pipelines, equipment, etc. A related company, Paramount Petroleum Corporation, used the site to run its marine fuel and asphalt oil storage and distribution business. Together, these entities are referred to as "Paramount".

In 2010, Paramount sold the land at Point Wells to BSRE Point Wells, LP (BSRE) for $19.5 million, but not the oil tanks, pipelines, equipment, etc. As part of the purchase agreement, BSRE gave Paramount a 10-year license to continue using the site to operate its marine fuel and asphalt oil storage and distribution business (operations were discontinued in June 2020). Also in 2010, BSRE and Paramount entered into a development agreement, whereby BSRE agreed to seek Snohomish County's approval of a proposed urban center at Point Wells.
Architectural drawings from Perkins+Wells

In 2011, BSRE submitted development applications to Snohomish County for a massive urban center with more than 3,000 residential units, in towers as tall as 180 feet, and more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space.

Both the City of Shoreline and the Town of Woodway opposed the County’s 2009-2010 designation of Point Wells as an urban center, concerned that their infrastructures could not possibly handle a massive urban center there. They, along with Save Richmond Beach, filed a petition with the Growth Management Hearings Board asking it to invalidate the County’s action. 

The Board did invalidate the County’s urban center designation in April 2011, but by then BSRE had submitted its development applications to the County, thereby acquiring vested status to proceed. The City, the Town, and Save Richmond Beach filed a lawsuit in 2011 asking for a ruling that BSRE was not vested. But in 2014, the Washington Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision confirmed BSRE’s vested status.

In recent years, the City, the Town, and local residents have continued their opposition to BSRE's proposed urban center, all having submitted materials and testimony to the county and its Hearing Examiner in support of denying BSRE's applications.

2018 hearing 

Because BSRE failed to make numerous corrections required by the County, the County in 2018 denied BSRE’s applications. It based its denial on a provision in the County’s code that allows for denial of a proposal without preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) when the proposal is in “substantial conflict with adopted plans, ordinances, regulations or laws.”

In the 2018 denial, the County’s Hearing Examiner identified seven substantial conflicts:
  1. 21 buildings exceeded the County’s 90-foot maximum building height, and did not qualify for a 90-foot height bonus available for projects with nearby access to high capacity transit (HCT);
  2. multiple buildings in the proposed urban plaza did not comply with the County’s setback requirements because they were not stepped down in height according to each building's distance from the adjacent low-density residential zones;
  3. plans for a secondary access road substantially conflicted with the County’s landslide hazard rules;
  4. the proposed urban plaza buildings were impermissibly located in a landslide hazard area;
  5. the geotechnical report failed to confirm the site's suitability for the proposed development—virtually the entire site is susceptible to high liquefaction;
  6. several buildings are impermissibly located within the marine buffer, less than 150 feet from the ordinary high water mark; and
  7. the proposal to mitigate impacts to critical areas by innovative development design substantially conflicted with County requirements.

2019 court ruling
 
BSRE appealed the Hearing Examiner’s 2018 denial of its applications by filing a Land Use Petition with the King County Superior Court. Rather than rule on whether the above seven substantial conflicts were valid reasons for the County to deny BSRE’s applications, the court’s Judge John McHale ruled on procedural grounds that BSRE should be given a "one-time reactivation opportunity." BSRE was given six months to fix and resubmit its applications to address the seven substantial code conflicts.

Point Wells from Google Earth

2019-2021 resubmittal and hearing

BSRE resubmitted its applications in late 2019. A second hearing was held in November 2020. BSRE fixed two of the seven substantial conflicts — it relocated several buildings so that none were within 150 feet of the ordinary high water mark, and it revised its proposal to mitigate impacts to critical areas by its innovative development design. BSRE failed to fix to the County’s satisfaction the other five substantial conflicts (items 1 through 5 above). As a result, on January 29, 2021, the County’s Hearing Examiner for a second time denied BSRE’s applications. BSRE again appealed, filing a second Land Use Petition with the King County Superior Court.

2022 court ruling

On February 22, 2022, the court’s Judge Josephine Wiggs-Martin issued her decision, kicking the can down the road yet again. Rather than ruling on whether BSRE’s applications substantially conflicted with the County's code, the judge gave BSRE additional time to try to fix the five remaining substantial conflicts.

"The Court finds that there was a lack of good faith [by the County] in the processing and review of the application upon reactivation and thus, a lack of compliance with Judge McHale’s Order on Remand. Reactivation is meaningless if a full and fair process and review does not occur. A fair and meaningful process and review on reactivation must occur.

A meaningful reactivation also means that the same things are not resubmitted with minor tweaks. The Court agrees with the County that “hope is not a plan.” The identified issues need to be addressed; the review process is not going to go on ad infinitum."

New Timeline
  • BSRE gets six months, until August 22, 2022, to submit its "initial revisions" to the applications. Parties must engage in a back-and-forth during this time ("BSRE shall have the opportunity to meet at least once with the County and correspond with the County during this period to discuss any questions or comments BSRE may have.”).
  • The County gets four months, until December 26, 2022, to provide a "comment letter" to BSRE based on the revisions submitted. Parties must engage in a back-and-forth during this time.
  • BSRE gets two months from the date of receipt of the County’s comment letter to revise its plans and make its final submission. Parties must engage in a back-and-forth during this time. The whole process must be complete by February 27, 2023.
  • After BSRE’s final submission, it is expected that the County will review BSRE’s applications one last time. If any substantial conflicts with the County's code remain, one would expect that the County would again deny BSRE’s applications without the preparation of an EIS. If all conflicts are resolved, one would expect that the County would continue to process BSRE’s applications, and resume the previously suspended preparation of an EIS.

Commentary

It seems that Judge Wiggs-Martin’s 2022 ruling puts BSRE in the same dilemma it was in after Judge McHale issued his ruling in 2019. BSRE gets additional time to fix and resubmit its applications to address the five remaining substantial code conflicts, but without the help of a court ruling that BSRE says it needs on two critical path issues: the maximum building height (BSRE contends it is 180 feet, not 90 feet), and the applicability of the required residential setback (BSRE contends the setback rules do not apply).

Consider, for example, the dilemma presented by the maximum building height. When BSRE resubmits its applications in six months, will it unconditionally reduce the height of all buildings to 90 feet thereby acquiescing to the County’s interpretation that the maximum building height is 90 feet, and that a 90-foot bonus height is unavailable due to the lack of HCT access, or, will BSRE resubmit with buildings as tall as 180 feet, thereby all but guaranteeing that the County will again deny BSRE's applications due to a substantial conflict with the County’s maximum building height provision?

I would not be surprised if BSRE, the County, or the intervenor City of Shoreline, asks Judge Wiggs-Martin to reconsider her ruling, to rule specifically on the two critical path issues (maximum building height, and required residential setback). 

Will history repeat itself? 

After Judge McHale issued his 2019 ruling, the City of Shoreline asked Judge McHale to reconsider his ruling. The City asked him to rule on the merits of the maximum building height issue. Without explanation, Judge McHale declined to do so. Separately, BSRE appealed Judge McHale’s 2019 reactivation ruling to the Court of Appeals, asking the court to rule on the merits of the two critical path issues (maximum building height, and required residential setback). The court declined to do so, saying that the appeal was not yet ripe for review.

We will soon know whether Judge Wiggs-Martin will be asked to reconsider her decision (motions for reconsideration must be filed by March 4, 2022). The question then becomes will she grant the motion, and agree to rule on whether the Hearing Examiner was correct or incorrect in concluding that the maximum building height under the County’s code is 90 feet due to the lack of HCT access, and second, whether the Hearing Examiner was correct or incorrect in concluding that the code’s residential setback provisions do indeed apply to Point Wells.

Judge Wiggs-Martin's remand to give BSRE time to fix its applications, without the benefit of a ruling on the merits of the two critical path issues, returns the parties to where they were after Judge McHale’s 2019 ruling -- which also gave BSRE time to fix its applications. 

We know how that turned out. BSRE did not acquiesce to the county’s interpretation of the two critical path issues. In late 2019, BSRE resubmitted its applications with numerous buildings remaining taller than 90 feet, and with several buildings violating the residential setback requirements.

2-25-22 revision of final paragraph


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In case you missed the sunset

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Here's a sunset for you from Tuesday evening in Edmonds.




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KCLS Libraries Function as Warming Centers

Stay warm at King county libraries
The King County Library System has advised that, with the extreme cold weather forecast for this week, residents can find refuge from the cold in the heated community libraries.

The Lake Forest Park Library hours are:
  • Monday- closed
  • Tuesday - 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday - 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday - 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday - 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday - closed

Visit kcls.org/locations for all library hours and directions.

Masks are currently required for all patrons ages 5 and up. All library staff members are required to wear a mask.


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Health Chiropractic and Massage celebrates 25 years

Dr. Tim C. Norton 
Dr. Tim Norton celebrates the 25th Anniversary of practice in the month of February

Dr. Norton grew up in the Shoreline area (Shorewood Class of 89’) before attending Life Chiropractic College West in California. In 1996, he graduated with highest honors – Summa Cum Laude.

In February of 1997 he opened his first practice “Health Chiropractic and Massage“ in North Seattle until moving it to Shoreline in 2005. Since then he has been involved in local organizations and charities as a board member, volunteer and sponsor.
 
Dr. Norton has created a family practice with a contemporary, open, and friendly environment. Using a “team” approach, he works with his patients to achieve their health goals.

Dr. Norton is a Distinguished Fellow of Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP)/Advanced Certified CBP, as well as a highly respected CBP Instructor. He has published two medically indexed research articles on spinal correction.
 
Dr. Norton is also a certified Industrial Injury Prevention Consultant working with two major airlines as well as local businesses. He is a member of the Washington State Chiropractic Association, The International Chiropractic Association, and is on the Executive Board of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. 

“Here is to 25 more years!” 



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Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary S. Franz: Forest Health Strategic Plans

In 2019 smoke from Washington and Canadian wildfires
filled Puget Sound and spread across the U.S.
Building on the success of our 20 year forest health strategic plan
From Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary S. Franz

Last month, the federal government announced a plan to help address the wildfire crisis with a 10-year goal of increasing forest restoration treatments in wildfire-prone states like Washington.

Many of the focus areas in this plan have significant overlap with priority areas in our state’s 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, which we launched in 2017. 

Thanks to great work by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and our partners, we are already almost 30 percent of the way to reaching the goal we set of treating 1.25 million acres of unhealthy forests.

We have built the groundwork for success here in Washington state and this federal commitment will allow further investment in our “all hands, all lands” strategy to make our forests more resilient to wildfire across jurisdictions, property lines, and even state borders.

Read my conversation with Crosscut on this new plan and the potential impact here in Washington state.

It’s a privilege to lead these efforts and serve as your Commissioner of Public Lands. We’ve got much more in store for this year, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you. If you’d like to stay updated, be sure to follow along on my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Brrrr

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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Jobs: City of Shoreline Extra Help – Parks Maintenance Seasonal Labor (2) seasonal

City of Shoreline
Extra Help – Parks Maintenance 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 (2) full time seasonal positions in the Parks Maintenance Division available beginning mid-March through mid-September.

First review of applications March 1, 2022

Employment is contingent upon verification of driving history and successfully passing state/federal pre-employment background checks.

This is a seasonal 40-hour per week position. The work schedule is typically 5 consecutive days with weekend shifts required. Schedule details will be worked out with selected candidate. Seasonal Laborers may work up to six months (1040 hours) during the peak park and baseball field use season performing parks maintenance tasks beginning Mid-March through Mid-September. Work is completed in all weather conditions.

DEFINITION

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

Job description and application



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Lake Forest Park council meeting Thursday - Public Hearing on Accessory Dwelling Unit code amendments

Lake Forest Park City Council public hearing and regular meeting Thursday, February 24, 2022, 7pm. Both are virtual meetings.

Public Hearing and Action on: 
  • Ordinance 1235/Amending Chapters 18.08, Definitions; and 
  • Sections 18.50.050, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and 
  • 18.50.060, Accessory Structures and Buildings, of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code
Process for Hearing
  • Staff presentation
  • Questions from Council
  • Open the public hearing for comments (3 minutes per speaker)
  • Staff address questions that may have been presented during public comments and from Council

The Planning Commission has recommended reducing the lot size eligible for a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) from 15,000 sf to 10,000 square feet. It is estimated that this would increase the percentage of DADU-eligible lots from 28% to 64% of single family lots. 

Reducing the minimum lot size to 9,600 square feet would increase the percentage to approximately 70% of single family lots being DADU-eligible. 

Regular meeting

Following the hearing the council will hold its regular meeting with these on the agenda:
  1. Resolution 1839/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement AG 21-020 with PACE Engineers, Inc. for Accessible Curb Ramp
  2. Design and Construction Management Services
  3. Resolution 1836/Creating a Climate Committee
  4. Resolution 1837/Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Agreements with ShoreLake Arts and Glacial Cryotherapy, LLC
  5. Resolution 1840/Purchasing Policies and Procedures for Federal Award Standards

Staff documents can be viewed via links here, as well as information about commenting

Viewing the meeting:

When: Feb 24, 2022 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 
Topic: City Council Regular Meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87965871806



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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter open Wednesday night

Shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open and activated Wednesday night, February 23, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

The shelter will be open for those seeking a safe and warm place to be.

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One Question, One Point, One Action: Bike lanes in Lake Forest Park

One Question, One Point, One Action
-- a monthly article where a Lake Forest Park resident asks LFP Councilmember Tracy Furutani one question, and councilmember Tracy will highlight one point from a recent council meeting and one action we as a community can take.

If you have a question you would like to ask Tracy, email your question here: resident.of.lfp@gmail.com

This month we are lucky to hear from a 6th-Grader at Kellogg Middle School who lives in Lake Forest Park and likes to bike.

One Question

LFP- Kellogg- 6th Grader: Hi Tracy, I was wondering if the council was in the process of doing anything addressing the lack of bike lanes in Lake Forest Park. 

Bike lanes are very important because they encourage biking, skating, skateboarding and other climate friendly activities, but there aren't that many in LFP. Thanks!

Tracy: Thanks for the question! I like to bike too and try to bike whenever I can. I work at North Seattle College, and I try to ebike to work once a month, but it is not easy because you have to be a little brave and comfortable with a certain amount of risk to try to get to the intersection of NE 145th and 15th NE (Goodwill Corner). There are not many bike boulevards between Town Center and there!

This feeds into the narrative of LFP needing a “real” Interurban Trail to Burke-Gilman Trail connector for non-motorized vehicles and walkers.

To answer your question about more bike lanes in LFP, that issue is one of the council's priorities this year. LFP residents have expressed their desire for safer options for walking, running, biking, skating and so forth because, as you point out, they are climate-friendly and encourage good health (both physical and mental).

With the voters not approving Proposition 1 last November, the challenge will be to pay for these improvements. For instance, a quarter-mile of sidewalk costs approximate a million dollars to build.

Thus, the council will be exploring how safe areas for pedestrians and bicyclists and skaters can be paid for using ideas generated by the Parks Board and the newly-forming Climate Committee. 

Both of those bodies are comprised of volunteer LFP residents who want to make the city a better place. They come from every corner of the city, and from every walk of life. So I'm hoping that we will come up with the money needed to get this city the sidewalks, walkways, cycle lanes and other improvements that will make all residents' lives better and help fight climate change!

We can certainly chat about this more if you want.

Take care, Tracy

One Point:

I promised to work to build a Climate Action Plan for Lake Forest Park during my campaign. At the last Council meeting, we introduced and interviewed five people who applied to serve on a proposed Climate Committee. 

They were Sarah Phillips, Julian Anderson, Brian Saunders, Anne Udaloy, and Tamara Erickson. At our next Council meeting on Thursday, four more community members will be introduced and interviewed: Miriam Bertram, Dana Campbell, Jessica Cote and Linda Holman. 

If the Climate Committee resolution passes the Council, the committee members will decide on a meeting schedule, which will be publicized through the city website. I hope when the date is set, many of you will attend the inaugural meeting!

One Action:

In order for the city and residents of Lake Forest Park to do our part in helping King County reach its greenhouse gas reduction goal of 50% by 2030*, it will mean that all of us will need to work together. 

Of course, corporations and other large institutions shoulder the most in terms of needing to reduce their carbon usage, but we as individuals have a role as well. The "one action," then, would be to do something - big or small. 

For example, stop driving one day during the week, or call your state representatives and tell them your climate concerns. Turn your thermostat down by a degree or two, or wash your clothes in cold water. 

These simple actions do make a difference because, in addition to any greenhouse gas reduction, it focuses your attention on the positive difference you can make in reducing our city's total carbon footprint. * (50% off a 2007 baseline)

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

Next Virtual Regular-Business City Council meeting:

Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 7pm

https://www.cityoflfp.com/calendar.aspx?CID=14

Zoom Link to the City Calendar. When the agenda packet has been posted, there will be an agenda link on the calendar item:

https://www.cityoflfp.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=2205&month=2&year=2022&day=24&calType=0


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Gloria's Birds: New home construction at the wetlands

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Northern Flicker, male -- coz of red mustache line -- tossing wood chips as he drills…notice how he (wisely) closes his eyes, or could be nictitation, when he tosses the scraps.

--Gloria Z Nagler



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A virtual evening with Dolly Parton and James Patterson for their book launch Run Rose Run


From America’s most beloved superstar and its greatest storyteller—a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run.

About this event

From Dolly Parton and James Patterson comes a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run, and determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Every song tells a story. She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. 

Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny. It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her. And destroy her. Run, Rose, Run is a novel glittering with danger and desire — a story that only America’s #1 beloved entertainer and its #1 bestselling author could have created.

Your ticket includes admission to this exclusive event and a hardcover copy of Run Rose Run, as well as sales tax, shipping, and handling. We are unable to offer signed copies of Run, Rose, Run.

Please contact us with any questions at events@thirdplacebooks.com We can’t wait to see you there!

Please note: Third Place Books CANNOT offer international shipping at this time.

Dolly Parton is a singer, songwriter, actress, producer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. The composer of more than 3,000 songs, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide, and has given away millions of books to children through her nonprofit, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of Alex Cross, he has produced more enduring fictional heroes than any other novelist alive. He lives in Florida with his family.

About Third Place Books

Founded in 1998 in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Third Place Books is dedicated to the creation of a community around books and the ideas inside them. With locations in Lake Forest Park and Seattle's Ravenna and Seward Park neighborhoods, Third Place Books is proud to serve the entire Seattle metro area. Learn more about their event series at thirdplacebooks.com/events

How To Get Your Book

By purchasing a ticket through this Eventbrite page, you will receive your copy of the featured book shipped via USPS Media Mail to the address you provide. Every ticket purchased on Eventbrite includes a copy of the featured book. Books will be shipped after ticket sales have closed.

Please note: Third Place Books CANNOT offer international shipping at this time.


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