The Cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Present... Salmon SEEson!

Sunday, September 4, 2022

The Salmon SEEson program helps everyone in the community witness amazing salmon as they migrate upstream at locations throughout King County. 

Check out these salmon viewing locations that provide the chance to potentially see salmon in Lake Forest Park:
Signs are posted in each of the three parks. Check out the Salmon SEEson website for other viewing locations in King County.



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First rain - and now fall color

Photo by Janet Way


Flowers are still blooming but this grape leaf says that fall is here.



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COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, September 2, 2022

KING COUNTY HOSPITALIZATIONS    

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, September 2, 2022

King County COVID‑19 Call Center - Contact the call center at 206‑477‑3977 with medical questions related to COVID-19. The call center is available daily from 8am to 7pm and isolation and quarantine requests can be made from 8am to 10:00pm. If you need language interpretation or online help, contact the call center and say your preferred language when connected. If you have a disability and need accommodation, contact the call center or email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov

General questions about COVID-19 in Washington State - Contact the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1‑800‑525‑0127

 

FREE COVID-19 Tests in mail:

   
King county cases

Cases in past 7 days - 2,322
Average daily cases - 349

King county hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 67
Average daily hospitalizations - 10

King county deaths

Deaths in past 14 days - 38
Daily average deaths - 3


Seattle Cases

Cases in past 7 days - 871
Average daily cases - 127

Seattle Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 17
Average daily hospitalizations - 2

Seattle Deaths

Deaths in 14 days - 11
Average daily deaths - 1


Shoreline cases

Cases in past 7 days - 86
Average daily cases - 13

Shoreline Hospitalizations

Total hospitalizations - 356
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0
Average daily hospitalizations -  0

Shoreline Deaths

Total deaths - 150
Deaths in 14 days - 0
Average daily deaths - 0


Lake Forest Park cases

Cases in past 7 days - 23
Average daily cases - 3

Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations

Total hospitalizations - 41
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0
Average daily hospitalizations - 0

Lake Forest Park Deaths

Total deaths - 7
Deaths in 14 days - 0
Average daily deaths - 0



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Shoreline Historical Museum to partner with UW's Racial Restrictive Covenant Project and the City of Shoreline

The Shoreline Historical Museum will partner with the University of Washington’s Racial Restrictive Covenant Project and the City of Shoreline to offer information on the history of racial restrictive covenants. This program will also highlight actions that people can take researching these deeds.

You can learn more about the project here.

You can register for the event on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 from 6:30pm-8pm here.

The language of segregation haunts the cities and suburbs of Washington State. Racist restrictions, although now void, remain in the property records of hundreds of neighborhoods, a toxic residue from the decades when racial segregation and exclusion was allowed, indeed promoted, by local governments throughout the state.

The Racial Restrictive Covenants Project involves teams of researchers at the University of Washington and Eastern Washington University. Authorized by the state legislature under SHB 1335 (May 2021), this project is charged with identifying and mapping neighborhoods covered by racist deed provisions and restrictive covenants.



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Health care giant Centene to pay Washington $19 million for overcharging state Medicaid program

Fortune 50 company allegedly overcharged for pharmacy benefit management services

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Health Care Authority announced that managed health care giant Centene will pay $19 million to Washington state. The payment resolves allegations that the Fortune 50 company overcharged the state Medicaid program for pharmacy benefit management services.

The resolution is the second-largest Medicaid fraud recovery for Washington state.

The Health Care Authority (HCA) contracts with managed care organizations like Coordinated Care of Washington, a Centene subsidiary, to manage its Medicaid program. Coordinated Care of Washington in turn contracts with pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, that negotiate prescription drug prices and other pharmacy related costs, including negotiating rebates and discounts on the cost of drugs.

The Attorney General’s Office and HCA’s Program Integrity Team began investigating pharmacy benefit managers in 2019 after a whistleblower provided information that they were failing to disclose true pharmacy benefits and services costs. 

Centene allegedly failed to pass on discounts it received to the state Medicaid program and inflated dispensing fees. The whistleblower later filed a separate claim against Centene.

The resolution was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Washington Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division and the Health Care Authority.

More information here



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Former Shoreline resident takes 3rd place in Puyallup Fair mini art category

Miniature acrylic painting, "The Mountains Melt" Artist Chrystine Westphal

The Rainier Art Club has announced that former Shoreline resident Chrystine Westphal received a 3rd Place Award in the Washington State Fair mini art category for her miniature acrylic painting, "The Mountains Melt". There were 250 entries in this category.



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LFP Police calls 08/26 – 09/02/22

Lake Forest Park police department

Weekly police calls 08/26 – 09/02

Your officers responded to 205 calls for service or self-initiated incidents, which included the following:
  • 76 Traffic related incidents
  • 55 Extra patrols / Business checks
  • 15 Suspicious Circumstances
  • 5 Theft / Shoplift
  • 4 Welfare checks / Suicidal subject
  • 7 Alarms
  • 5 911
While we don't routinely respond to social media posts, please call 206-364-8216 if you have any questions.



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Want to learn to play bagpipes? Open house and sign up for Northwest Junior Pipe Band

Now that the Northwest Junior Pipe Band is back from its tour of Scottish bagpipe competitions, they are back to fall activities.

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022 they will hold their annual Open House and sign up night from 7 - 8:30pm at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Shoreline.

Anyone age 8-18 is welcome to sign up for bagpipe or drum lessons. NWJPB is the only youth pipe band in Western WA and is looking for kids who are interested in something fun, different and LOUD! 

Find out more at their website, nwjpb.org



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The flowers are on their own timetable

Saturday, September 3, 2022

All photos by Lee Lageschulte
 
Whether it's a blistering 90+ degrees or an overcast 65, the flowers keep blooming according to their own timetable. And our photographer Lee Lageschulte has a homing device for finding beautiful blooms.



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Ramp closures planned for nights at 145th and Northgate Way Sept 5-9

Shoreline South / 148th station design
Beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022 Sound Transit will close multiple northbound I-5 ramps in the Shoreline area to continue the ongoing Lynnwood Link expansion project. 
  • The Northeast 145th Street off-ramp and on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close nightly from 11pm to 5am the following morning Tuesday, Sept. 6 through the morning of Friday, Sept. 9.
  • The northbound I-5 on-ramp from Northgate Way will also close nightly from 11pm to 5am the following morning Tuesday, Sept. 6 through the morning of Friday, Sept. 9.

"Know before you go" resources:

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Call for Artists: Create a wreath for Art Walk Edmonds - due by September 23

“Joyful Colors Of Nature”
by Rohini Mathur 2021
Art Walk Edmonds (AWE) is looking for wreath artists for the 3rd Annual Wreath Walk Edmonds. 

Created in 2020 as a way for artists to show their creativity during the pandemic, AWE is continuing the tradition of hanging juried, original, artist-designed and decorated wreaths in select storefronts for the downtown Edmonds during the holiday season. 

This year, wreaths will be hung November 17th through December 15th. We are calling on you, our talented Art Walk artists, to use your creative juices and design a wreath.

Details:
  • Wreaths will all be 24” in circumference. Art Walk Edmonds will provide the wreath base. Artists will choose either a base of faux evergreen or grapevine (pictures down below).
  • Artists who are interested in participating need to apply by September 23, 2022 (submission details below).
  • Art Walk Edmonds will jury wreath concepts and let artists know if their wreath has been chosen by September 30th.
  • Art Walk Edmonds will match each artist's wreath with a location in downtown Edmonds for hanging.
  • Each approved artist will get a stipend of $200. (A check will be sent to the artist once wreath has been hung.)
  • Wreaths must be completed and pictures sent to AWE no later than November 13th, and hung NO LATER than November 16th.
  • AWE encourages the wreath artist to be in attendance for the November 17th and the December 15th Art Walk Edmonds (5-8pm) to talk about their wreath, their artwork, and to help promote the online wreath auction (if the location of their wreath is open during the Art Walks).
  • Every wreath will include a biography and contact information for the wreath's artist to be hung by the wreath.
  • A picture of the wreath, location, and biography will be included on the Art Walk Edmonds website.
  • All wreaths will become the property of Art Walk Edmonds and will be auctioned off during the month they are hanging.
“A Very Kraken Christmas” by Brooke Fotheringham 2021

What we are looking for in a wreath:
  • We are looking for artists who think outside the "wreath" and create high quality designs using their own styles and techniques. All submissions will be juried for acceptance based on the following:Wreaths that have a unique, creative theme. (Must be family-friendly and non-political). Wreaths should be festive, but do not need to be holiday-themed.
  • Wreaths that have good artistic composition.
  • Well-filled wreaths that incorporate high quality, original, artist-created elements.
  • Wreath materials must be non-perishable.
“Nature is All” by Fresia Valdivia 2021
Artists should submit their entries online
at www.artwalkedmonds.com/wreath-walk-edmonds

Any questions, suggestions? Please get in touch with Art Walk Edmonds at info@artwalkedmonds.com or call 425-298-7947. Let's do something AWEsome!

Art Walk Edmonds is held monthly year-round in the picturesque waterfront town of Edmonds. It consists of new art displayed all month long and an Art Walk held on the third Thursday. 

With multiple downtown galleries and businesses hosting local and regional artists, Art Walk Edmonds attracts visitors from throughout the greater Seattle metropolitan area.



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Best Starts for Kids may be able to help with child care subsidies

Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy – Families may be able to receive help with child care if eligible. 

Go to the webpage for more information and to complete an eligibility form. 

Eligible families will be contacted at the end of September to complete a full application. There is no guarantee of enrollment. Interpretation and assistance available. Call 206-208-6865.

Requirements:
  • Live in King County
  • Have one or more children under age 12
  • Below the income eligibility (below 85% of State Median Income, ex. $91K for a family of 4)
  • Using a licensed child care provider
  • Not eligible to receive WA State’s Working Connections Child Care subsidy (WCCC)


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Busy Labor Day weekend ferry travel

Photo courtesy WSDOT
If your holiday weekend plans include a ride aboard our ferries in a vehicle, plan for long lines or consider taking an off-peak sailing or walking on.

The busy Labor Day travel weekend comes as ridership is up to 82 percent of pre-pandemic levels while some routes remain on alternate service schedules. 

Ferry travelers are encouraged to sign up for rider alerts to receive an update each night and morning on what sailing schedule is operating on each run. 

The alerts also provide updates if staff shortages lead to unexpected service reductions.

On Monday, September 5, 2022 there will be a few holiday schedule changes. Holiday sailings are marked on the schedules for each route.

The busiest sailings will be westbound (or onto an island) today to Saturday, then eastbound (or off island) Sunday to Tuesday.



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Hopelink has financial help for renters in Lake Forest Park

Hopelink’s Financial Assistance Program is offering financial aid to those affected by the pandemic in order to prevent evictions and assist with move-in costs for renters in Lake Forest Park. 

If you’re behind on rent or having trouble making the high up-front costs for a new place, call Hopelink today!

Who qualifies?
  • Must be currently renting or moving into a rental unit in Lake Forest Park.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic affected your finances.
  • Household income be at or below 50% AMI (area median income) or 200% FPL (federal poverty level)
YOU MUST APPLY BEFORE NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Call your local Hopelink Center in Shoreline at 206-440-7300 to apply or visit https://www.hopelink.org/need-help/financial-assistance to learn more about the program.

*If you want to learn about other Hopelink programs, please visit our website https://www.hopelink.org

We offer Food Assistance, Transportation Services, Adult Education programs, and much more!



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Change your password

 
Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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AG Ferguson announces Assistant Attorney General Morgan Damerow as new Open Government Ombuds

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today he has selected Assistant Attorney General Morgan Damerow as the Attorney General’s Office Open Government Ombuds.

State open government laws exist to promote democracy and ensure that the government is transparent to the individuals it serves. To hold government accountable, the public must be able to stay informed of their government’s activities and how it is exercising the powers they have given to it.

“Open government is vital to a free and informed democracy,” Ferguson said. “The Attorney General’s Office created the Ombuds position to help the public and elected officials navigate complex systems for public records. Morgan has played a critical role in this open government work for years. He will continue to help Washingtonians better understand how their governments operate.”

For the previous two years, a team of Assistant Attorneys General performed the Ombuds’ duties. That team included Morgan Damerow and one of the Deputy Attorneys General who serves on the office’s Core Leadership Team.

During this period, the Attorney General’s Office:
  • Led more than a dozen Open Public Meetings Act trainings across the state with more than 1,000 individuals attending — primarily elected officials;
  • Conducted 263 public records trainings — for example, “Public Records Act University” and “Public Records Act Boot Camp” — across the state and to more than 15,600 attendees;
  • Answered more than 200 queries from the public regarding open meetings and public records;
  • Assisted with more than 800 requests from local governments for public records and meetings assistance; and
  • Public Records and Open Public Meetings, the Open Government Resource Manual and other training materials.

The Ombuds can provide guidance to the public and elected officials regarding open meetings and public records. You can contact the Ombuds by email at AGOOmbuds@atg.wa.gov or by phone at 360-570-3418.

More information here



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Shoreline filmmakers in Local Sightings Film Festival

THE 25th ANNUAL
LOCAL SIGHTINGS FILM FESTIVAL
FULL PROGRAM IS LIVE!

An annual showcase of PNW moving image artwork, screenings, workshops, and filmmaker gatherings, taking place in-person and online September 16–25, 2022.

Opening Night Shorts: Head Trip
Closing Night – Forum Family Reunion: NWFF's 2022 Gala

Presented by Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum, the 25th Annual Local Sightings Film Festival is a virtual-and-in-person showcase of creative communities from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Outlanders. Directed by Azure Kwok

These directors are from Shoreline:

The Outlanders - from HKG to SEA
Directed by Azure Kwok
After the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in Hong Kong, a young Hongkonger chose to leave her hometown and made her way to Seattle. She talks about how this decision marked a pivotal turning point in her life.

Therapy
Directed by Chace Biddle
A man takes part in an experimental new Therapy method.

The Calling. Directed by Jeff Schick

And this one was shot in Shoreview Park:


THE CALLING
Directed by Jeff Schick
Woven with undertones of Greek Mythology, this genre-bender screen dance is an allegory for the power struggle between the Devine Feminine and Masculine energies.

Therapy. Directed by Chace Biddle

Local Sightings has been championing emerging and established talent in the region for 25 years! This is a festival that filmmakers trust with their creations, and create specifically for, returning again and again to share their work and engage in critical dialogue.

The 2022 lineup boasts sequels to films from prior festivals, premieres of first features by women of color, several alumni from our fiscal sponsorship program, and 40% of the works are world premieres!

Full program here

The 2022 festival runs from September 16–25, closing with the Forum Family Reunion: NWFF's Annual Gala. We can’t wait to celebrate 25 years of homegrown goodness together!



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Destinations: Washington State Fair in Puyallup

Night ride at Puyallup Fair. Photo by Will Myers on Unsplash.com

The Fair kicks off Labor Day weekend in Puyallup with special shows, exhibits, deals and fun all day, through Monday!

The Washington State Fair is the largest fair in the state and in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the biggest in the world. The 20-day fair starts the Friday of Labor Day (closed Tuesdays), and welcomes more than a million guests who enjoy top-name entertainment, animals and agriculture, feature exhibits, booths, the arts, food and rides. 

The Fair started in 1900, and offers the tradition of the past, while celebrating the future. 

Closed September 7 (Wednesday) then open until September 25, 2022 (closed Tuesdays).

Just a couple of the highlights:
  • Rodeo September 8 - 12
  • Concerts - 20 nights of music and comedy.
  • Exhibits of animals, produce, and flowers
  • Rides and games
  • Dinosaur experience (additional charge)

All the information is here: https://www.thefair.com/



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Gloria's Birds: Our neighborhood Barred Owl catchin' a few zzzz's before her nocturnal noshing...

Friday, September 2, 2022

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

...catchin' a few zzzz's before her nocturnal noshing

--Gloria Z. Nagler



 

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Not as advertised: Federal Trade Commission settles with Credit Karma for deceptive claims

By Lesley Fair, Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Consumer Protection

In the annals of marketing, “pre-approved” ranks right up there with “free” and “low-calorie” as a term guaranteed to attract people’s attention. 

The FTC just announced a $3 million proposed settlement with Credit Karma for allegedly luring consumers in with deceptive promises they had been “pre-approved” for financial products, including major credit cards. 

The truth? For many of these offers, almost a third of the people who received a “pre-approved” offer from Credit Karma and went to the time and trouble to apply for it were denied.


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UW Med: Start the school year by getting your kids vaccinated

As students return to classrooms, pediatrician Dr. Beth Ebel says this is a sensible time for children to receive a booster COVID-19 vaccination, if they’re eligible.

“Getting this (current) third dose, or the booster dose, has been shown to provide better protection against the Omicron variant that we're going to see as kids get back to school,” said Ebel, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. 
“It's time for your kid to get the booster if he or she is above 5 years of age.”

On August 31, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized two new booster vaccines [fda.gov] engineered to target Omicron variants along with the original strain of COVID-19. Both are awaiting final emergency authorization from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before they become available.

Older children may soon be eligible to receive one of the revamped booster vaccines, as the CDC is considering Pfizer-BioNTech's formulation for people ages 12 and up. The updated Moderna formulation will be available only to adults.

At this time, the CDC recommends that children 5 and older get one COVID-19 booster after completing their primary two-shot series. Some children over age 12 and who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for two booster shots.

Now is also a good time to ensure that children's routine immunization schedules are up to date, Ebel said, as many children have missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I see vaccines as freedom and as getting back to school, reclaiming our lives, and what we have lost for the last couple of years,” she said. 
“Part of the path to that is to get covered for your vaccines so we prevent these easily preventable illnesses and keep our children well.”


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Change of venue for concert by French guitar master Pierre Bensusan

Pierre Bensusan photo by Christian Taillemite
The concert by French guitar master Pierre Bensusan (see previous article) has been changed from a house concert to a more formal, and larger, setting at the Church Of The Redeemer, 6210 NE, 181st Street, Kenmore, WA 98028.

CONCERT Friday September 9, 2022 at 8pm

Ticket Prices: 
  • $25 in advance
  • $30 at the door
Buy tickets at https://www.pierrebensusan.com/store_viewproduct.asp?ID=625

Information for the concert and the master class @ peter.pjahn@gmail.com or 425-791-8430.



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Science: Dung beetles navigate using the Milky Way

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash
Note: not the nocturnal variety
Homo sapiens aren't the only astronomers. 

Dung beetles are, too. New research shows that the insect navigates using the Milky Way and may be capable of recognizing broad features within the galactic plane. 

Get the full story @ Spaceweather.com Friday, September 2, 2022



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Here's a story we almost missed: The Bear Spray Bandit


On July 23, 2022 while assisting Shoreline Deputy Rodriguez on an unrelated subject stop, Deputy Stultz noticed and recognized the outstanding “Bear Spray Bandit” walking by.

With the help of Deputies Dromgool, Wunderlich, Swanson, Coblantz, Gluaymai, Schettler and Glavin, he was taken into custody without incident and after giving a verbal confession to Deputy Stultz for one of the robberies he was booked into King County Jail.

It should be noted that the suspect was carrying two canisters of bear spray when he was arrested by Deputy Stultz.

This excellent work getting him off of the streets certainly saved other innocent citizen(s) from being bear sprayed. Well done to everyone involved!


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LFP Police calls 08/19 – 08/26/2022

Lake Forest Park Police Department
Weekly Police Calls 08/19 – 08/26

Your officers responded to 209 calls for service or self-initiated incidents, which included the following:
  • 74 Traffic related incidents
  • 42 Extra patrols / Business checks
  • 17 Suspicious Circumstances
  • 8 Theft / Shoplift
  • 5 Welfare checks
  • 5 Disturbance / Domestic Violence
  • 5 alarms
  • 5 911
While we don't routinely respond to social media posts, please call 206-364-8216 if you have any questions.



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School Zone cameras begin September 7, 2022 in Lake Forest Park

By Diane Hettrick

School starts on September 7, 2022 and Lake Forest Park will be turning on their school zone cameras.
  • Monday through Friday 7:30am - 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:30pm*
  • * Wednesday early release times are 7:30am - 9:30am and 1:00pm - 2:30pm
If you are not familiar with the schools in LFP, you may not realize how close you are to one.

First of all, believe any sign that says "school" and slow down whether lights are flashing or not.
Brookside Elementary. The roof is below the level of the street

If you are traveling on NE 178th, Brookside Elementary is in a gully on a large curve. 17447 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155.

Coming down the hill, the school is invisible until you are right next to it. Visibility isn't much better the other direction. But children do walk to school down the hill.

Lake Forest Park Elementary is not easily visible from 40th

Lake Forest Park Elementary is right on Ballinger Way, 18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, but the problem street is behind the school on 40th NE. 

Please be extra cautious in school zones, watch for pedestrians and busses. Also expect some delays during drop off and pick up times.

The purpose of the school cameras is to keep the children safe to and from their way to school. So slow down, and pay attention.



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LFP Council Corner – Budget and Speed Limits

Thursday, September 1, 2022

From LFP Deputy Mayor Tom French

It is hard to believe that our seemingly very short summer is coming to a close. As is tradition, the Council took the last couple of weeks of August off before diving back into our very full fall schedule of meetings.

The Council has held three Council Committee of the Whole meetings over the past few months, with the primary topic being safety on our roadways and state routes. 

This is a prime focus for all of us as there is an urgency to find ways to make our community safer for walkers, bicyclists, and other multi-modal transportation users.

As policy makers, we are aligned in the path forward to making our community safer for everyone. We will be taking action on adopting a Lake Forest Park-appropriate methodology for setting local speed limits that is mandated under state statutes. The method under consideration is NACTO’s (National Association of City Traffic Officials) very comprehensive and wholistic “City Limits” document.

City Limits prescribes three categories for setting speed limits:
  1. Default Speed limits: Set default speed limits on many streets at once.
  2. Slow Zones: Designate slow zones in sensitive areas, such as schools, parks, and churches.
  3. Corridor Speed Limits: Set corridor speed limits on high priority major streets using a Safe Speed Study.
Reduce speed limits on neighborhood streets
The Council is also considering moving forward with a reduction on many neighborhood streets at once. This method has shown to dramatically reduce speeding and increase safety simply through this action alone and without increases in enforcement. Seattle; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and several other cities have shown great success in reducing the number of serious accidents by a whole-scale reduction in neighborhood speed limits.

Lower speed limits on state routes in LFP
It is also our intent to lower the speed limits on our two state routes using safe speed studies as prescribed by City Limits. Preliminary conversations with the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit have been positive and support our approach. This process is more involved and will take a year or more to complete, but in the end our community will be much safer for the effort.

Budget season
A quick reminder that our 2023-2024 biennial budget season is underway. Check our website for a detailed calendar of Budget and Finance Committee meetings, where the public is always welcome. With the excellent guidance of the Administration and city staff, our community has weathered the pandemic well, despite very uncertain times and challenging economic stresses. However, this budget will be a lean one, with very little room for additional programs or policies and the community will have to make some tough choices and compromises.



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Help grade Sound Transit on how their service is doing

Over the past few years, Sound Transit has conducted an annual Passenger Experience Survey. 

"To help keep our priorities in line with our riders, we’re conducting these surveys three times a year."

Their summer survey is open now through September 14, 2022.

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In the sky: Flying Angels

 
Photo by Barbara Twaddell

A flight of angels in the sunset.



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Riders 18 and under can now ride free on Washington transit systems

Beginning September 1, 2022 riders 18 and younger can ride for free on transit systems across Washington, including:
  • King County Metro buses, 
  • water taxis, 
  • Access paratransit and on-demand services, 
  • Sound Transit buses and 
  • Link light rail, 
  • Seattle Streetcar, 
  • and more as part of the Free Youth Transit Pass

With the launch of the program, young riders can use current youth and student ORCA cards, show their student identification, or simply board and ride free. 

By adopting a year-round free youth fare policy, King County Metro and other agencies across the state are providing young people access to the region’s innovative, integrated network of public transportation, expanding opportunity, and providing more equitable access. 

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Snohomish county purchasing Edmonds SR 99 hotel for "bridge housing"

By Bob Throndsen
Republished from MyEdmondsNews.com

A major change to help those experiencing homelessness is coming to Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. Snohomish County plans to buy the America’s Best Value Inn on Highway 99 in Edmonds, which will provide 55 units of what’s called “bridge housing.”

Assuming approval by the Snohomish County Council, the purchase will mark the first time this type of housing will be available in South Snohomish County.

Bridge housing is designed to provide immediate shelter in a stable environment, with 24/7 support services. It is considered a first step toward permanent housing and comes with medical and mental health help, job services and other immediate needs. 

Kelsey Nyland, with the county’s office of recovery and resilience, said that providers in South County “have been asking for this for a long time; the need is vast across the county.”

“The county’s purchase of the America’s Best Value Inn is a natural fit,” said Shannon Burley, who oversees the City of Edmonds human services division. The city and other nonprofits already use vouchers to send people to the Best Value Inn for a few nights of emergency shelter. 
Burley thinks that “through partnerships with the county and nonprofit service providers, individuals will receive much needed wraparound care and services. This is a great addition for South Snohomish County.”

In the last week, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has announced three new initiatives to dramatically increase temporary housing and health services for the homeless. 

The county is creating 36 new shelter and behavioral health units; announced the purchase of Everett’s Days Inn, providing 74 housing units; and now the Best Value Inn. That means 165 new housing units just this year – a 26% increase in the ability to shelter people.

The county is buying the Best Value Inn — located at 22127 Highway 99 — with $9.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic recovery money. 

“We can provide safer places for vulnerable residents, create stability to support communities’ overall health and wellbeing,” Somers said.

The Snohomish County Council is expected to confirm the purchase of both the Everett and Edmonds locations at its Wednesday meeting. It will be early fall before the deal closes, and county crews will decide if repairs or renovations are needed. The Edmonds property should be ready to accept applicants early next year.

The Edmonds City Council does not have to vote on the purchase; county approval is all that is needed.

America's Best Value Inn purchased by Snohomish County

The county will contract with local mental and physical health professionals to staff the Best Value Inn 24/7. Only single adults or adult couples — no children — will be housed in both of the county properties. The housing will accept those who are going through substance abuse treatment. The nonprofits supervising the units will vet applicants.

Regarding security for the Hotels, Nyland said that it is “really crucial to make sure we have staff available at the facility 24/7.” She said the county had not yet made decisions about providing on-site security but added that “when there is 24/7 (staffing) the need for emergency services really decreases.”

Verdant Health Superintendent Lisa Edwards praised the county plan: “This project will help ensure unhoused South County community members can access essential services that support wellness and guide them towards permanent housing,” she said.

Brad Smith, chief operating officer for Volunteers of America, Western Washington, said: “This is a fantastic development and comes at a time when the challenges facing our community have never been higher. Housing stability will always be the first step towards self-sufficiency, and this will provide that path forward.”

Compass Health President Tom Sebastian agreed: “A key component of our work involves helping community members access housing on their paths to recovery, and we applaud Snohomish County for making it a priority to increase crucial housing resources in our area,” he said.

You can find additional information on the county’s recovery plans at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery



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LFP Picnic in the Park on Saturday, September 10, 2022

Help the City celebrate our Lake Forest Park community on Saturday, September 10, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Pfingst Animal Acres Park

Bring family and friends and enjoy music, community, and educational booths, a petting zoo, kids’ attractions and activities, food trucks, Public Works “big rigs,” and more!

This year’s Picnic in the Park will also feature a culvert crossing mural painting on the McAleer Creek 178th Bridge adjacent to Pfingst Animal Acres Park! 

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, along with the City, ShoreLake Arts, and Urban ArtWorks, are collaborating with 17-year-old high school artist Austin Picinich (https://www.austinsart.net/) to paint a 188-ft-long “Save Our Salmon Mural” around the corner from Pfingst Animal Acres Park. 

The project is a “mural with a purpose” with the goal of raising awareness for salmon restoration in McAleer Creek.

Learn more at the mural’s website: https://www.austinsart.net/salmonmural/lfp.



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LFP Mayor’s Corner – We’re Changing Seasons…from Summer to Budget

LFP Mayor Johnson
From Lake Forest Park Mayor Jeff Johnson

As we wrap up our summer activities and look toward fall, I’d like to say how much I really enjoyed meeting with people this summer at the recent Family Day at the Farmer’s Market and Battle of the Bands.

I look forward to the upcoming Picnic in the Park and the culvert crossing mural painting on the McAleer Creek 178th Bridge adjacent to Pfingst Animal Acres Park. 

One of my other favorite chances to meet with residents and talk about what’s on their mind is Coffee with the Mayor. I will be scheduling another Coffee with the Mayor in the fall, so keep an eye on the eNews, newsflashes, and our social media for details.

As budget presentations begin in September and Council deliberates before approving a balanced budget later this year, I encourage residents to please take time to attend meetings and review budget documents. 

The Council wants your feedback as it makes these important budget decisions. There are several budget-related council meetings coming up in September and October that can be attended in person at City Hall or virtually via Zoom.

Please support your Council as they deliberate on the future of the city.

--Mayor Johnson


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Newly refurbished Log Boom Park in Kenmore has something for everyone


All photos by Steven H. Robinson

Kenmore, WA - Log Boom Park reopened to the public after a year of renovations on the 1.5-acre Waterfront Access and Viewing Project. The project improves waterfront access to Lake Washington while restoring native vegetation for wildlife habitat.


The 3.9 acre park features a range of new amenities including a new sandy beach and lake access area, water access for hand-powered watercraft, a picnic shelter, a boat rental building, public artworks including the signature “Flume” sculpture by Jennifer Dixon, seating, and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible concrete path promenade.


A local concessionaire, WhatsSup Stand Up Paddle and Surf, will also be on site this summer renting hand-powered watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards.


Photographer Steve Robinson says "The kayak rental is run by the same person as the rental at Bothell Landing. People can rent a kayak in Bothell and paddle down the river to Kenmore. Then pick up a bicycle and go back to Bothell on the Burke Gilman Trail. This makes for a pretty adventure."

Bicyclists are to dismount and dogs to be on leash

Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig remarked that "Residents and visitors to Kenmore will have a much-improved experience when they dip their toes in the sand, launch their kayak, or take in a sunset. I am especially proud of the planning and care taken to preserve, protect and restore the natural habitat along Kenmore's shoreline."

New shrubs, trees protected by rail fencing.
 
The project includes environmental enhancements such as protection of one acre of on-site wetlands from public access, improvements to aquatic habitat, removal of invasive plant species, and riparian and upland plantings of native vegetation. The work resulted in 106 new trees and over 1,000 new shrubs being planted within the project site.

Sculpture and lake view 
"We want to thank the Kenmore community for their support of this project and their patience as we have awaited project completion", said City of Kenmore Project Manager Maureen Colaizzi. We are so excited to share this beautiful new outdoor space with the public."

View of the park from across the lake

Maureen Colaizzi was previously employed by the City of Shoreline Parks department, and among other projects, designed Echo Lake Park.

The park is a pleasant stop off for bicyclists on the Burke Gilman Trail. Parking is about two city blocks from the beach and kayak rental.

Log Boom Park is in Kenmore, at the head of Lake Washington. The address is 17415 61st Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028. The Burke Gilman Trail runs through the middle of the park and Bothell Way is within view.



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