Lake Forest Park City Hall to be closed on Friday, December 23, 2022, due to inclement weather

Thursday, December 22, 2022

LFP City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
In view of the winter storm warning and inclement weather predicted for Friday, December 23, 2022, Mayor Jeff Johnson has determined that, for the safety of the public and city employees, City Hall will be closed.

Reminder that City Hall is closed on Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas Day holiday.

City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, December 27, at 9:00am.


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Decision about Severe Weather Shelter to be made Friday morning

The weather forecast is a little uncertain right now (welcome to Northwest weather!).

It looks like we will not meet conditions to open Friday, however we are also hearing about nasty weather Thursday night which might change predictions for Friday night.

At this time, we are going to wait to make that call in the morning.

The shelter is housed at St. Dunstan’s Church at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133.

If you would like to be a shelter volunteer, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626



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Paramount School Park in snow

 
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Familiar landscapes look very different in snow.




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COVID relief funding awarded to PSE clears more than $20 million in unpaid customer bills

BELLEVUE, Wash. (Dec. 21, 2022) – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) helped thousands of customers this holiday season pay off millions in past due bills.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) awarded PSE $20.4 million in COVID relief funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021. 

The money went toward paying off or reducing unpaid electric and natural gas utility bills for nearly 36,000 current and former customers.

“Ensuring every household can meet basic needs is essential for an equitable economy that provides opportunities for all. We are pleased to be able to support PSE in their commitment to make sure no customer has to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for food, medicine or other necessities,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown.

Eligible customers were those who received bill assistance during the pandemic and had a current outstanding debt of at least $10 accrued between March 2020 and Dec. 2021. PSE ended up crediting an average of $570 to the nearly 36,000 customers.

Customers who continue to need help can check on whether they qualify through PSE’s bill assistance program (Home Energy Lifeline Program), the government LIHEAP program, and the Salvation Army Warm Home Fund. 

All customers can participate in PSE’s payment arrangement plan and we will work with customers to create a manageable payment schedule.

In 2023, PSE plans to introduce a new discount rate for low-income customers and seniors, increased funding for low-income bill payment assistance, as well as a new pilot program that would help manage the debt of eligible customers facing significant past-due balances.



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Snowflakes bloom in Shoreline Park

Photo by Sara Cameresi
Shoreline resident Sara Camaresi took advantage of a beautiful day to check out her favorite Shoreline park and was delighted to find these snowflakes in bloom.

Photo by Sara Cameresi
While not rare, this is the first time they have been seen in this environment. The red one is particularly rare and may have been consorting with the COVID family.

--Diane Hettrick



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AG Ferguson files lawsuits against three national pharmacy chains

Photo by Stephen Foster on Unsplash
Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit today against Albertsons, Krogers and Rite Aid, whose pharmacy chains helped fuel Washington state’s opioid epidemic. 

Ferguson asserts the pharmacies served as the last line of defense in the opioid supply chain and failed in their collective responsibility to prevent the overuse of opioid prescriptions.

Ferguson also announced today resolutions with five other companies that produced or sold opioids. This will bring Washington state’s total recoveries to more than $1.1 billion for funding opioid abatement and treatment programs.

These announced resolutions are not final until certain conditions are met: Each company will evaluate the number of states that join then decide whether to proceed with notices to local governments.

“Opioids tore apart Washington families, overburdened our health care system and caused an epidemic of addiction we are still struggling to contain,” Ferguson said. 
“My office won a billion dollars to help fund recovery efforts, but I am not done. I will continue to hold accountable the corporations that enriched themselves off the suffering of Washington families.”

More information here



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and what will poor robin do then, poor thing?

 
Robin in snow photo by David Walton

The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?

He'll sit in a barn,
And keep himself warm,
And hide his head under his wing, poor thing.

--16th century English rhyme


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Shoreline road closure map and other winter storm resources

Check the map for current conditions

Depending on conditions, the City of Shoreline may post road closure signs on some of our known danger spots. You can see where those are on the Snow Event Closure Map

Additional closures may be added as conditions are assessed.

Winter Storm Resources


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2022 Winter Porch Light Parade through December 31


The 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade Map is available for the rest of December! Enjoy a walk or drive around your neighborhood to see the displays across Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Kenmore, and Bothell.

View the map and learn more about the Winter Porch Light Parade here.



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Learn Basic Quilting in workshop February 5th - register now

Photo courtesy Shoreline Community College
Practice quilting design, cutting, measuring, applique, and machine sewing in this workshop from Shoreline Community College's continuing education.

By the end of class, you will go away with a quilting square and knowledge to move forward on bigger projects. For students 16+ and adults of all ages.

2/5 - 1:30 – 4:30 pm Sunday - Fee: $59 -Lee Ann Hittenberger
Location: 1500 Building, Room 1515, Shoreline CC Campus
16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133




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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Thursday, December 22, 2022

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 8:30pm.

The shelter is housed at St. Dunstan’s Church at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133.

If you would like to be a shelter volunteer, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626




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WeatherWatcher: Winter storm watch Thursday afternoon through Friday evening

 
Freezing rain event in February 2021
Photo by Carl Dinse
The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect for Thursday afternoon into Friday evening. This is for our next winter storm that is expected to move into the area before we thaw. A messy wintery transition is expected to happen Friday morning through afternoon.

  • First Act: Accumulating snow (1-3 inches)
  • Second Act: Accumulating freezing rain ( 0.0 to 0.25 inches )
  • Gradual warm up starting Friday morning - moving above freezing Friday evening.
  • Potential flooding rains over the weekend, with potential for wind.

Temperatures Wednesday night and Thursday night are expected to dive into the teens to low 20's. An approaching Pacific storm is moving in from the southwest. This storm has sub-tropical origins and is very warm, but we have very cold air in place before and as it arrives.

Precipitation is expected to start around Thursday afternoon in the 1pm to 3pm time frame, starting mainly as light snow for the most part. We could see an additional 1-3 inches of snow accumulation before freezing rain begins mixing in during the overnight hours into Friday. 

The precipitation that arrives Thursday afternoon is expected to continue non-stop through Saturday and beyond. Around 1am to 3am Friday morning the atmosphere is expected to warm up enough for that snow to change over to rain or mix with rain. 

Temperatures at the ground level though are expected to remain below freezing, which means freezing rain. Around a quarter of an inch of freezing rain accumulation is possible from Friday morning through Friday evening.

This kind of event can put a lot of weight on trees and power lines, and it is expected that scattered power outages will occur. Travel will also be extremely difficult as roads become glazed in ice on top of new snowfall.

Once we get through Friday temperatures are expected to warm to the upper 40's or low 50's. It'll feel very nice compared to the temperatures we've had for all of December so far. With the warm air comes a lot of rain. 

We have a large atmospheric river approaching that could bring us 4-6 inches of rain through the holiday weekend. Urban flooding and stream flooding will be our next concerns as everything melts and the heavy rains arrive.

There is a lot of uncertainty in our forecast for this transition over to rain and for coming events through the weekend. Snow or freezing rain could linger several hours longer than forecasted. 

Another item in the forecast is potential for a wind event. The general trend for the remainder of the month looks to be an active and seasonal pattern. A lot of rain, and potential for one or several wind events on the horizon.


For current weather conditions please visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Senior Activity Center closed Thursday and Friday

Wednesday, December 21, 2022


From the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center

We have decided out of consideration of safety and the state of our parking lot, among many other factors, to close the Center tomorrow 12/22/2022, Thursday. 

Friday is a staff holiday, the center was already planned to be closed this day.

We thank you all so much for being part of a wonderful 2022 here with us! We look forward to seeing you all next year,

2023 will be an exciting year for all of us together at the Shoreline Lake-Forest-Park Senior Activity Center!



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Today was something to crow about

Photo by Jan Hansen

Crow in Snow


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Rudolph

 
Cartoon by Whitney Potter



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Christmas Eve service live and livestreamed at First Lutheran Richmond Beach

 
Christmas Eve Worship
at First Lutheran Richmond Beach

4:30 pm - Family Candlelight Service
8:30 pm - Traditional Candlelight Service*
10:30 pm - Traditional Candlelight Service

*Service livestreamed, visit www.flrb.org for livestream details

18354 8th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177, 206-546-4253


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Recology and Republic Services kept their trucks home on Tuesday

Bins ready for collection
Photo courtesy Republic Services
Both Recology in Shoreline and Republic Services in LFP and Kenmore chose to be prudent and keep their collection trucks off the streets on Tuesday because of the weather and road conditions.

They may not be out on Wednesday, either. Both companies will rely on robocalls to inform the day's customers what to do.

On Tuesday, Recology advised customers to leave their bins by the street in case the trucks are able to get to them. 

In any case, customers can leave double for the next collection day, without extra charge.

--Diane Hettrick


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Seasonal services at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, United Church of Christ


Richmond Beach Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Corner of NW Richmond Beach Rd and 15th Ave NW

In-Person or Live Online on YouTube: https://www.youtubecom/channel/UC ju7FWIhoY hn4-Ig7mF-A
  • Advent services
  • Blue Christmas Service
  • Christmas Eve service


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CDC National Health Survey is coming to King County

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public
Health Seattle-King county
The CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey will be surveying randomly selected households in King County beginning January 4, 2023. 

Begun in 1960, the NHANES is the most comprehensive survey of health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, with data informing national health policy, programs and care. 

Each year, NHANES selects different U.S. counties to survey, and this year King County will be surveyed. 

Randomly selected King County households will be mailed a letter inviting them to be a part of the study and are strongly encouraged to participate.

“I’m so pleased that our community was selected to participate in this year’s study,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health — Seattle - King County. 
“I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so. The information provided by our residents will help us to better inform our policy makers and provide us with important information as we make decisions on how to best use our public health resources to meet the needs of our community.”

Since 1960, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. 

NHANES data address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop evidence-based health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge of the nation. NHANES data also help produce national references and standardized growth charts used by pediatricians across the country.

NHANES collects a broad range of data that affect the lives of everyone in the country, regardless of age, addressing everything from air quality to the low-fat and “light” foods found in grocery stores.

Study participant selection and study involvement

An NHANES team of health professionals, nutritionists, and health technicians is heading to King County and urges everyone who has been selected for the survey to participate.

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way, when combining data from all counties visited this year, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Benefits of participating in NHANES, if selected:
  • Participants receive a free and comprehensive health and nutrition evaluation.
  • Participants help develop and evolve national health programs and policies.
  • Participants receive a token of appreciation for their time.
All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law. NHANES is taking all precautions needed, as recommended by the CDC, to keep survey participants and staff safe by following guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, handwashing, and sanitation of the mobile examination center and all equipment.



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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open on Wednesday December 21, 2022

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 8:30pm.

The shelter is housed at St. Dunstan’s Church at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133.

If you would like to be a shelter volunteer, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.



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King county libraries were closed on Tuesday - check for Wednesday

Shoreline Library photo by
Steven H. Robinson
Due to weather conditions, all King County libraries were closed Tuesday, December 20. 

Holds and due dates will be extended. 

You can still access digital collections. Enjoy downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Stream movies, music, and more. 


Check for openings on Wednesday and the rest of the week

Our King county libraries are Richmond Beach, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore.



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Slow down and make way for snow plows

Photo courtesy WSDOT
By Diane Hettrick

Every municipality I follow is saying the same thing. Stay home. Stay out of the way while they take care of the roads.

People are going too fast and treating snow plows as an annoyance. Already someone managed to run into a state patrol vehicle that was blocking the road for the snow plow. No one hurt.

The photo looks west on SR 104 (aka Ballinger Way, NE 205th, 244th SW, Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds Way). Right here it's Ballinger Way.

WSDOT didn't explain the photo but it looks like a couple of collisions.



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Jobs: City of Lake Forest Park - Maintenance Worker

City of Lake Forest Park
Public Works - Maintenance Worker full time
$5,136.00 - $6,043.00 Monthly

We're looking for the newest member for our Public Works Team! The City of Lake Forest Park offers competitive benefits, a great work environment, and supports the growth and training of our staff. 


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Jobs: Shoreline Farmers Market - Market Director

Shoreline Farmers Market
Market Director
Priority Application Date: January 9, 2023
Compensation: Dependent on experience, starts at $65,000/year, full time 

Are you passionate about the local food system and creating opportunities for the community? We’ve got great news: Shoreline Farmers Market has the job for you!
 
We’re seeking a Market Director to oversee the farmers market, develop programming, cultivate partnerships, and outreach to the community. 

The Market Director will be the face of the organization, working directly with the Board of Directors and community organizations. This role will focus on fundraising, strategic planning, and oversee all market operations.
 
Get more detailed info on our website: shorelinefarmersmarket.org/jobs



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Check before you go out

Photo courtesy Sky Nursery
Leena's closed early on Tuesday. So did Sky Nursery. So did a lot of businesses in the face of this weather. 

Check before you try to go anywhere to see if they are open and how long they think they will stay open.

By the way, Wednesday is the first day of winter.



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Canopy Cat Rescue is still on the job

Felix was 12 days in a tree 
See the YouTube video of the rescue
By Diane Hettrick

The arborists / cat rescuers of Canopy Cat Rescue (CCR) are my heroes. They travel Puget Sound from Bellingham to Olympia getting cats out of trees. I think I have the distinction of having owned the only cat in the known universe who knew how to climb down a tree. The rest are great at climbing up, particularly when they are being chased by a coyote, but can't get back down.

The CCR guys climb 100' trees to coax kitties into nets to take them safely to their owners on the ground. And they only ask for donations!

They just published an Ask with the one year anniversary of their Mewsletter:

"Tis the season for our one year anniversary of our CCR "Mews" AND for giving so that CCR can help rescue more cats who need us in the coming years.

"In this edition, with our #KittyStarofCCR Omar prominently featured... in a bread basket no less (his merch will be launching soon!) - you'll read about Felix, the sweetest grey kitty with his moon eyes who was adopted because of a professional business pitch, survived a house fire and then went missing 13 days in a tree with the family giving up all hope... until CCR saved the day!

"(spoiler alpurrt) Plus our partnership with Your Cat Backpack by Travel Cat and upcoming event on Dec 28!

"You can read the "mews" with this link - https://files.constantcontact.com/.../3718d524-140c-4b6f...

"We have so many big plans for CCR to expand our reach to be able save cats in other areas. We need to train new climbers with extensive knowledge of cat behavior and we can do that in the future with your help!

"We want to assist as many families and kitties like Felix' that we can, which is why we humbly ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation this holiday by December 31st.

"You can do this in many ways - visit our website and donate here - https://www.canopycatrescue.com/donate-.html , our Venmo @canopycatrescur, create a Facebook or Instagram campaign and outreach to your kitty loving network (it's SO easy), become a monthly supporter, make a planned gift or a gift of stock... or just share our organization with your friends and family!
 
"No matter which way you decide to give, it makes a HUGE difference for us and cats who need our help, both kitties with families and stray kitties. Last year we rescued around 720 cat and this year over 800. So we definitely need your help so we can keep growing! You helped us do this!
 
"Thank you so much for believing in what we do, and for your unwavering support. All of us and the kitties we save wish you a very meowy holiday with lots of purrs and chin scratches! If you need assistance making a donation, please reach out to erin@canopycatrescue.com

#canopycatrescue "


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Winter update: City of Shoreline

Winter weather update 12/20/2022 10am:
ROADS: Snow crews moved to 12 hours shifts Monday night and are currently plowing primary routes. Once the snow stops and primary routes are cleared, they will move to secondary routes. Only after primary and secondary roads are clear will we start plowing neighborhood streets. See plow maps at update link below.

SIDEWALKS: Please clear your sidewalks! Shoreline homeowners and business/property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice off driveways and sidewalks near their property. Help our pedestrians stay safe!

ROAD CLOSURES: Road conditions are being assessed and some of our known danger spots are already closed. See more at update below.

CITY FACILITIES and PARKS: Camp Shoreline has been cancelled for today, but Spartan remains open for drop-in use. Richmond Highlands Rec Center is closed and teen programming is cancelled. City Hall is open. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is closed to vehicles.

  • Spartan Recreation Center closed at 5:00pm. today, Tuesday, December 20.
  • All of the roads on the Snow Event Road Closure Map are currently closed.
  • Road crews will work to apply as much salt and sand where necessary on primary and secondary routes before the temperatures drop and wet spots freeze over. 
    • If you do not need to be on the roads, please stay home! Ice on roadways will pose a significant danger tonight and tomorrow morning. 
    • If you do drive, go slow, leave extra room for others, and be aware of your surroundings.
  • We expect Holiday Break Camps to be open tomorrow. However, if that changes, we will notify families via email.


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Shoreline Lake-Forest-Park Senior Activity Center will be closed Wednesday, 12/21/2022

Photo by Jon Ann Cruver
The Shoreline Lake-Forest-Park Senior Activity Center will be closed Wednesday, 12/21/2022 due to inclement weather.

The Senior Activity Center normally closes for weather when the school district has a snow day.

Since the school district is closed from December 19 to January 2, the Senior Activity Center has sent out a separate notice.



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LFP Police Blotter as of 12-7-2022

Lake Forest Park police blotter 12-7-2022

On 11-04-22, Officers responded to a domestic violence call. The caller stated her husband slapped her in the face during an argument. Officers found history of domestic calls at the residence. Officers completed an investigation and sent assault charges to the spouse.

Officers arrested a suspect in a theft at Ross. The suspect admitted stealing clothing, hats, and shoes from the store. The suspect was found in possession of a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka with a partially attached broken Rite-Aid security lock. The suspect claimed that he purchased the vodka. When the questioned further, he said he bought it from someone else who had stolen it.

On 11-05-22, a strong windstorm went through our city. Officers and Public Works crews worked through the night and day conducting traffic control and street closures. Officers also responded to several traffic collisions, two DUI investigations and arrests during the storm and power outage.

Officers responded to three death investigations over the last two weeks, consisting of medical conditions, two calls were CPR, and an AED were utilized.

On 11-16-22, a fight occurred at Ballinger Estates between two tenants. One of the tenants was playing loud music, which was reported as being a constant issue over several months. The other tenant knocked on the door to ask the male occupant to turn down the music. The subject initially threw something at the door, which the complainant then opened. The tenant immediately attacked the complainant inside his apartment. The victim stated said he was punched in the head three times and knocked to the floor by the suspect. The victim stated he was able to get up and the suspect then chased him down the hallway. The victim stated that as he was chased, the suspect told him he had a gun and threatened to shoot him. The specific threat was he would “make me bleed” the next time. The suspect was arrested for assault.

A small child called 911 to say hi to the police. Ofc. Carlsrud had conversation on how to use 911 and invited him to come by the police station one day to say hi.

An officer located a lost dog. The officer called the number on the collar and eventually received a call-back from the dog owner and claimed her dog. The dog had bolted after a deer and was separated from its owner.

Officers were dispatched to a possible fight, the reporting person (RP) stated they heard a fight and yelling. The RP stated he heard someone say "come outside, you’re dead” outside his bedroom door. Officers investigated determining there was no fight. Another tenant was woken up by officers, who indicated there was no sign of disturbance within the residence.

A husband called reporting his wife had been missing for a several hours. Officers located the wife in the backyard where she had fallen, injuring her shoulder. The husband stated his wife suffers from dementia. Shoreline Fire provided husband with resources.

Det. Teschlog responded to Lake Forest Park Elementary School for a malicious mischief report. Principal Minor advised that sometime over the weekend someone had damaged roofing material at the school and had burned some signage. She then advised that two staff members had signed in at the school the day before and had observed an unknown number of juveniles on the roof. The staff scared them off but did not call the police. They believed the unidentified juveniles caused the damage.

An officer contacted two subjects washing a truck at Subaru's Only. The truck had no license or vehicle ID. One subject stayed and spoke with officers, the second walked away. Officers arrested the subject on a Lynnwood warrant and issued him a trespass warning from Subarus Only. The vehicle was impounded for VIN verification, and later confirmed stolen out of Marysville. The vehicle had catalytic converter cutting tools inside the cab along with stolen mail.

Officers responded to a possible fight at Deja Vu. A subject was reportedly becoming aggressive and had attacked a staff member. Officers determined the subject had been involved in an altercation with security. At the businesses request the subject was issued a trespass warning and escorted from the property.

An unknown subject detonated a battery of commercial grade fireworks in the parking lot of city hall. They were positioned to fire directly into a stand of trees and within feet of a motorhome. Officers collected the spent fireworks for fingerprint processing and collected video surveillance of the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Officers contacted a subject in a motorhome in the parking lot of the mall. It was determined the owner works a business at the mall. The owner stated they are homeless other than the motorhome. Resource/housing assistance information provided.

In the Sheridan Heights neighborhood, a resident reported an unknown person/s had removed and stolen a catalytic converter from their vehicle sometime overnight.



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Space available in Hopelink's English for Work orientations

There is still space available in Hopelink's upcoming English for Work orientations.

Winter quarter orientations are offered on January 4 and 5. New students can contact us now to register.

We are eager to welcome Afghan and Ukrainian refugees into our program. Please see our webpage for flyers in Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, and other languages.

About English for Work

This one-quarter program supports refugees and immigrants with improving their English language skills and preparing for employment. Students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing while learning about topics such as skills and strengths, job search, resumes, and interviewing. 

Near the end of the quarter, students participate in mock interviews conducted by local employers—a highlight of the program!

Class Information
  • Students participate in online class on Zoom two times per week. Hopelink computers are available to borrow if needed.
  • Morning and evening class options are available.
  • Classes are best for students who have intermediate or advanced-level English skills. We assess students to determine their level and help decide if our program is a good fit.
Eligibility
  • Students must: plan to get a job in the U.S. or enroll in job training/college to prepare to get a job (within the next 6 months)
  • be 18 years or older
  • not have a temporary visa (for example, individuals who have a B, F, J, M, or other non-immigrant visa are not eligible)
  • live in Hopelink’s service area (for example, in Shoreline, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, or surrounding cities)
Please contact us at englishforwork@hopelink.org or 425-250-3007 if you have any questions. We are happy to help!



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Ecology news: Washington adopts plan for transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs)

OLYMPIA – Today, the Washington Department of Ecology updated its Clean Vehicles Program to require that all new, light-duty vehicles sold in Washington meet zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards by 2035.

Washington is only the third state in the nation to adopt the expanded ZEV standards since an historic decision by the California Air Resources Board paved the way in August. 

Under a law passed by the Washington Legislature in 2020, Ecology is required to follow California’s strong emissions standards for cleaner vehicles. A further 15 states are also committed to transitioning to zero-emission transportation.

“The EV revolution has begun, and momentum will only continue to build over the coming years,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“I’m excited to see the future unfold as more and more electric vehicles and charging infrastructure come online, battery range increases, and ZEVs transform into the most affordable and convenient option for almost everyone in Washington.”

Under the new standards, “ZEVs” include electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in hybrids with at least 50 miles of all-electric range.

Most major automakers are increasing ZEV production now, including some that are already committed to the emerging trend of 100% ZEVs for new car sales by 2035. ZEVs currently make up approximately 13% of new vehicle sales in Washington, and numerous new models – including trucks and SUVs – are being introduced to the market. 

Studies indicate that many ZEVs are cheaper to own over the long term than comparable gas- and diesel-powered vehicles due to major fuel savings and lower maintenance costs.

“These new standards will accelerate a market transition that is already happening,” said Laura Watson, Ecology’s director. 
“They’re designed to incentivize manufacturers to produce more affordable, clean vehicles in a wider array of models to suit everyone’s needs. And by targeting transportation – the state’s largest source of harmful greenhouse gas emissions – these standards will make a significant contribution on our path to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

The new ZEV standards begin with model year 2026, affecting 35% of new passenger vehicle sales. Auto manufacturers will be required to sell 6 to 9% more new ZEVs per year until ZEVs make up 100% of new sales starting in model year 2035. The standards do not apply to the use or sale of older, gas-powered vehicles.

In addition to requiring 100% ZEVs for new car sales by 2035, today’s adopted standards include California’s rules for cleaner, heavy-duty internal combustion engines, early-action credits for ZEV sales in model years 2023 and 2024, and a one-time fleet reporting requirement.

Ecology has adopted the new standards after a six-week public comment period. The department received and responded to more than 1,400 comments.

The transition to ZEVs will work alongside Washington’s other major new climate policies – the Clean Fuel Standard and Cap-and-Invest Program – both of which begin on Jan. 1, 2023.



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Photo:Poem - Christmas Tree

Boeing Creek Park photo by Tom Wear

Christmas Tree

See the meaning in the seed
Recipe awaiting life and growth
Its story waiting to be told.

Hear the whisper speaking truth.
See the quiet dance of fingers.
It is so graceful to behold.

Feel the fresh against your touch,
Breathe the scent and fill your lungs,
Calm the noise of daylong stress.

Evergreens mean so much, no wonder
We cherish and remember
There in the dark of winter night.

An evergreen tree is ours to ponder.
It leaves room for hope to grow
All year long. And in December

We love it, light it tenderly
And hang our cherished memories.
As it bathes us in it’s glow.

Dec. 9, 2022 Vicki Westberg



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Gloria's Birds: Move your hand, photog.

Monday, December 19, 2022

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

I can't see what model camera you have. I hope it's a pricey puppy! I'm worth it.

(It's a good-enough camera, Sylvia the Steller's Jay! And you ARE worth it!)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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LFP Water District: double check your outdoor fixtures and irrigation system

We just wanted to give you a friendly reminder that the forecast for this week is calling for an arctic blast with sustained sub-freezing temperatures, even down to 15F. 

This means that if you haven't winterized your outdoor fixtures or irrigation system, they will be prone to damage and subsequent leaks.

Now is the time to double check that you are prepared.

Wishing you the best this Holiday Season, from all of us at Lake Forest Park Water District!

--Alan Kerley, General Manager


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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter closed Tuesday December 20, 2022

The shelter will be CLOSED Tuesday evening due to a volunteer shortage. They will reopen on Wednesday evening, December 21, 2022.

If you would like to be a shelter volunteer, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.



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Senior Center closed Tuesday due to inclement weather

File photo by Jon Ann Cruver
The Shoreline Lake-Forest-Park Senior Activity Center will be closed Tuesday, 12/20/2022 due to inclement weather.

The Senior Activity Center normally closes for weather when the school district has a snow day. 

Since the school district is closed from December 19 to January 2, the Senior Activity Center has sent out a separate notice.



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Blue Christmas service Wednesday at Saint Dunstan's

Saint Dunstan’s The Church that Feeds People is having a Blue Christmas service this Wednesday December 21st at 7pm. This service is a somber time to stop and allow yourself the time to feel some of the harder emotions that the Christmas season can bring up but are also more difficult to grapple with when surrounded by “holiday cheer”.

You can RSVP on our Eventbrite

722 N 145th St, Shoreline WA 98133



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Pam Cross: I have never been a collector...

Classic styles
Story and photos by Pam Cross

I have never been a collector of things.

When my son was young, we attended the Nutcracker, listened to the music, and he assembled a cardboard nutcracker in school. 

At that time, Bartell’s carried several nutcrackers during the Christmas holiday season. I decided to give him a nutcracker every Christmas.

The first few years I stuck with the classics.

He was excited the first year, and maybe the second.

In order to rekindle his interest, I decided to widen my search to less traditional ones. Santa Claus of course. And a Firefighter.

He was politely interested. He hugged me and thanked me, but I could tell his heart wasn’t in it. 

His interests were now on getting a Game Boy and all things electronic. 

In retrospect, I didn’t think to look for an electronic game involving nutcrackers. Another missed parenting opportunity.

Salvation Army and a chimney sweep
So for the next few years I went with my favorites. A Salvation Army Bell-ringer and a Chimney Cleaner whose face and clothes are painted to look dusty. 

I keep trying to dust it off.

A watchmaker with great details, and a carpenter who is holding a toy tool chest with two-dimensional tools that look remarkably like the toys that his grandfather had given to him years earlier. 

That was his favorite.

A watchmaker and a carpenter
He’s 40 now. And since moving out over 20 years ago, has never asked for the nutcrackers.

I have never been a collector. But I guess I am now and love each and every one of them.




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New passenger trains coming to the I-5 corridor

New Amtrak trains will arrive in 2026
OLYMPIA – A new fleet of Northwest-themed Amtrak Cascades trains will transport passengers in style between Seattle, Vancouver, BC, Portland and other stations along the I-5 corridor when eight new trainsets and two new locomotives arrive in the Pacific Northwest in 2026.

Newly released renderings of the new trainsets show the traditional Amtrak Cascades evergreen and mocha color scheme incorporated in the state-of-the-art design, which also adds graphics of Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier on each car.

“Amtrak Cascades is eager to welcome new trains to our scenic 18-city route linking Washington, Oregon and British Columbia,” said Ron Pate, Director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division. 
“The branding of our new trains is unique to the Amtrak Cascades corridor, distinguishing them from others in the Amtrak fleet. Their arrival will herald a new generation of train travel in the Pacific Northwest.”
New seating
The new trains are part of a larger transformation that will revolutionize the national Amtrak experience. 

Manufactured at Siemens in California, the new trains are funded as a part of the Federal Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act awarded to Amtrak for their procurement. 

The Amtrak Cascades trains will be the first delivered by Siemens, with equipment for routes in the eastern United States following. The new trains will arrive in Seattle over a period of several months, entering into service once they have been thoroughly inspected, tested and approved.

Redesigned café car
The new trains will elevate the Amtrak Cascades journey with a focus on comfort and efficiency:
  • Environmental improvements: The new trains are more fuel efficient and produce significantly less air pollution
  • Amenities: Individual outlets, USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting, digital customer information systems, automated steps and touchless restroom controls
  • Comfortable seating: Each train seats more than 300 passengers and prioritizes ergonomics, offering large and sturdy tray tables, cushioned headrests, a dedicated water bottle holder and a seatback tablet holder
  • Redesigned café car: Featuring local Northwest favorite foods including beer, wine and spirits along with some self-service food options
  • Elevated experience: With panoramic windows and additional table seating, customers can enjoy some of the best views and connect to the some of the most scenic landscapes in the world

Amtrak Cascades is a partnership between WSDOT and the Oregon Department of Transportation, who sponsor the service operated under contract by Amtrak. It serves 18 stations between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia.

All photos courtesy WSDOT / Amtrak




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