Initial election results August 6, 2024

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Note that reported results are unofficial until certified by the county election boards on August 20, 2024. The Secretary of State certifies final results by August 23, 2024.

The top 2 advance to the general election in November. Races marked with an asterisk* have only one or two candidates so both are guaranteed a spot on the general election now.

Listed are the top two or three in each race as of the first results. Some of these names could change, depending on when individual counties process their ballots and turn them in to the state.

August 6, 2024 results - a million votes counted

Federal

Senator
  • Sen. Maria Cantwell 58% 
  • Dr. Raul Garcia 21%

State

Governor
  • Bob Ferguson 45%
  • Dave Reichert 30%

Lt. Governor
  • Denny Heck 49%
  • Dan Matthews 22%

Secretary of State
  • Steve Hobbs 49%
  • Dale Whitaker 37%

State Treasurer*
  • Mike Pellicciotti 59%
  • Sharon Hanek 41%

State Auditor*
  • Pat (Patrice) McCarthy 59%
  • Matt Hawkins 41%

Attorney General
  • Pete Serrano 42%
  • Nick Brown 36%

Commissioner of Public Lands
  • Jaime Herrera Beutler 22.64%
  • Sue Kuehl Pederson 20.26%
  • Dave Upthegrove 19.85%

Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Chris Reykdal 40%
  • David Olson 31%

Insurance Commissioner
  • Patty Kuderer 45%
  • Phil Fortunato 28%

Congressional Districts

1st District
  • Suzan DelBene 64%
  • Orion Webster 9.77%
  • Jeb Brewer 9.39%

7th District
  • Pramila Jayapal 78%
  • Dan Alexander 8.82%
  • Liz Hallock 7.82%

9th District
  • Adam Smith 56%
  • Paul Martin 18.92%
  • Melissa Chaudhry 17.73%

State Legislative Districts

Legislative District 1

State Senator*
  • Derek Stanford 96%

State Representative Pos. 1*
  • Davina Duerr 72%
  • Mark Davies 28%

State Representative Pos. 2*
  • Shelley Kloba 96%

Legislative District 32 

State Representative Pos. 1*
  • Cindy Ryu 75%
  • Lisa Rezac 25%

State Representative Pos. 2
  • Lauren Davis 69%
  • Lori Theis 25%

Legislative District 46 

State Representative Pos. 1
  • Gerry Pollet 82%
  • Beth Daranciang 11%

State Representative Pos. 2*
  • Darya Farivar 87%
  • Simone Barron 12%


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Shoreline Fire offers CPR class August 14, 2024 at Kenmore station

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Shoreline Fire Department is offering an in-person CPR class on Wednesday August 14, 2024 from  6 – 8pm at 

Station 51
The class is FREE if you do not need a certification card. 

$75 exact cash or check if you do need American Heart Association CPR/AED Certification

You must register for this class here

They will continue to offer classes through the year. Other dates here


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Don't forget to vote TODAY - Tuesday August 6, 2024

The Primary Election is TODAY!


If you haven’t turned in your ballot already, turn it in by 8pm to a ballot drop box near you.

If you're unable to get to a drop box, pop it in an outgoing mailbox before the box's last pickup time so that it's postmarked TODAY.



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National Night Out - Tuesday August 6, 2024

Night Out in Ridgecrest
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Some of your neighborhood streets may be closed on Tuesday night, with picnic tables in the middle of the street.

It's National Night Out when neighbors gather to get to know each other. Years ago, a cop told me that the best defense against crime is a nosy neighbor. 

I'll never forget the police blotter story about a man who watched workers empty the furniture from his next door neighbor's house. He thought "I didn't know they were moving." 

Well, they weren't. He was watching a bold crime in action. Because he never talked to his neighbor, he didn't know that they had no plans to move.

It's actually not too late to have your own event. Recruit the neighbor with the biggest front lawn or driveway, then invite everyone on the street to a potluck dinner.

--Diane Hettrick


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Restoration work parties in Shoreline parks

Invest in the future of our city’s urban forest! Please join us for upcoming restoration work party events in Shoreline parks

On Wednesday, 8/7 join us in Hamlin Park meadow.

On Friday, 8/9 join us in Hamlin upper forest.

On Saturday, 8/10 we will be in

· Twin Ponds north end

· Shoreview Park

· Hamlin Park

· Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

No experience necessary! Just bring your enthusiasm.

Contact Joy Wood at stewardship@restorationad.com with any inquiries about the Green Shoreline Partnership.



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KidVantage school supply and clothing drive at Ballinger Thriftway August 8, 2024


BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Help collect School Supplies and Clothing

This Thursday from 10am - 1pm KidVantage will be hosting a supply drive in the parking lot outside Ballinger Thriftway on Ballinger Way in Shoreline.

Please consider donating to this foundation! Let’s make sure every kid has the supplies they need to focus on school!


The Shoreline Hub gives easy access to KidVantage for volunteers, agency partners & providers from Kirkland, Edmonds, Shoreline, Bothell, Monroe, and more. 

More than 200 children are helped by the Shoreline Hub each month in partnership with school districts, early learning centers, housing, early intervention services, maternal & infant health, emergency services, and food banks.


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Musicians at North City Jazz Walk Tuesday August 13, 2024


Nine Bands this year playing three 45-minute sets at the North City Jazz Walk

Outdoor bands start at 6:30pm, Indoor bands start at 7pm.

This year’s musicians are:

Indoor venues (requiring a wristband for entrance)
  • Marina Albero at Bethel Lutheran
  • Susan Pascal at Easy Monkey Taphouse
  • Greta Matassa at Sodam Chicken
  • The Stacy Jones Band at Saint Mark parish
  • Pearl Django at North City Bistro
  • Reggie Goings Quartet at North City Water District
  • Greg Schroeder at the North City Lounge
Two FREE open to the public venues (no wristband required)
  • Hook Me Up at Franks Delivery
  • Jazz Overhaul at Frank’s Bargain Barn
For more information visit the Jazz Walk website 

Five blocks of 15th NE from NE 175th to NE 180th will be closed to traffic for the event



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Shoreline Police Chief Kelly Park promoted to Patrol Operations Chief with KCSO

Shoreline Police Chief Kelly Park
Photo courtesy KCSO
Shoreline Police Chief Kelly Park has accepted the position of Patrol Operations Division Chief for the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), effective August 31, 2024.

As a new Division Chief, Chief Park will be part of the Executive Leadership Team leading the important department level work of the Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Park has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 23 years and became the Shoreline Police Chief in October 2022. 

King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall promoted Chief Park to Patrol Operations Chief for her breadth of experience, knowledge in law enforcement, and leadership.

Chief Park will be filling the position resulting from Chief Shawn Ledford’s retirement. Chief Ledford has served the KCSO and its communities for 35 years and was the Shoreline Police Chief from 2012 to 2022.

Police Chief Park and Fire Chief Cowan
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
With Chief Park’s promotion, Shoreline City Manager Bristol Ellington will be seeking to appoint a new Police Chief. 

Shoreline contracts with KCSO for police services. Although officers work for King County, they are assigned to work specifically in Shoreline and focus on building relationships with the Shoreline community. 

The Police Chief reports to the King County Sheriff and the Shoreline City Manager.


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Mobile home is total loss in fire

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire responded to a mobile home fire in the 7300 block of NE 175th St on Monday, August 5, 2024.

The structure was a total loss and the the residents' two dogs perished in the fire. No other injuries reported. 

The cause is being investigated.


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Flowers when you have no yard

Monday, August 5, 2024

Flowers and photo by Shana VanSpoor Boe

Mountlake Terrace resident Shana VanSpoor Boe loves flower gardens. However, she lives in a townhouse with no yard.

Flowers and photo by Shana VanSpoor Boe
Not a problem for her. She found a creative solution to bring flowers to her life.



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Ballots are slow to come in for the primary election

Ballot drop box at 192nd & Aurora Park & Ride
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Less than 11% of the state’s nearly 4.9 million registered voters had returned their ballot as of Tuesday, July 29, 2024 according to data on the secretary of state’s website.
 
Mason County topped all counties with 19.2% turnout. King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Clark counties – four of the most populous in the state – were all at or below 10%.

Washington’s electorate may be moving slowly given the stakes and their role in narrowing the field to two finalists who will meet in the November general election.

For example, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, faces 10 opponents in her bid for re-election with Republican Raul Garcia viewed as the toughest challenger in the crowd

And 28 people are running to succeed Gov. Jay Inslee who is exiting after three terms. Of those, Democrats Bob Ferguson and Mark Mullet and Republicans Dave Reichert and Semi Bird are the frontrunners.

There also are races for eight other statewide executive posts and all 10 of Washington’s congressional districts.

On Tuesday, the secretary of state reported 522,899 ballots returned, or 10.7% of the state’s registered voters. Ballot return figures were updated at 5pm Tuesday.

--Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard


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Real estate market as of July 2024

We observed a 5.8% decline in total home sales compared to the same period last year. 

The median price rose by 5% to reach $840,000. 

The average price per square foot now stands at $567, reflecting a substantial 17% increase. 

Properties are selling in just 20 days—quite an improvement from last year. 

And the sales price to list price ratio? It sits at 101.01%, indicating that homes are fetching slightly above their list prices.

A potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut as early as September could inject new life into the real estate market. 

Lower interest rates typically translate to more affordable mortgage payments, incentivizing potential homebuyers to enter the market. 

Increased demand could drive up property values and spark competition among buyers.

--Lella Norberg, Shoreline Windermere


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4th Annual Safety Day a Success

Sunday, August 4, 2024

The ever popular Dunk Tank with police
chief Hardan cooling off on a hot day
Saturday, July 13th, the Lake Forest Park Police Department hosted its 4th Annual Safety Day. 

The event was a great success, drawing 400 - 500 attendees throughout the day. Over 130 life vests and more than 100 bike helmets were distributed to the community. 

Kids enjoyed free "safety bags", a bounce house, and a cotton candy machine. A big thanks to the LFP Rotary for funding the helmets and vests!

The fair provided a fun-filled day of outdoor safety education for children, featuring biking and water activities.

Goodie bags,bicycle helmets, and life vests for the kids
On this hot and beautiful day, Shoreline Fire used their truck fire hoses to cool off the kids (and parents!). 

The children participated in a bicycle obstacle course to learn about traffic safety and considerate cycling, ending with a "Bike Wash", which was a huge hit!
  • Representatives from King County Search and Rescue and LFP Police Officers discussed outdoor and water safety while giving away bicycle helmets and life jackets.
  • NEMCo joined the event to go over emergency management and show off their search and rescue tools. 
  • The Northsound Police Foundation and the Regional Crisis Response Agency also participated, adding valuable information and support.
  • Fish and Wildlife attended to provide educational material and answer questions. 
  • The US Coast Guard assisted with their interactive robot boat, 
  • Shoreline Fire offered tours of the fire truck, and 
  • LFP police cars were showcased. 
  • Food vendors Macho Burgers and Nekter Juice Bar provided delicious refreshments.
One of the highlights for many kids was throwing softballs that dunked Mayor French and Police Chief Harden in the water, watching them submerge in the cold, refreshing water while wearing safety life vests!


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Fish Prints and Shakespeare - make a full day of it August 10, 2024 at Pfingst Animal Acres Park


Arts in the Park
Saturday, August 10, 2024
2:00 - 6:00 PM

Pfingst Animal Acres Park 17435 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park
(Note: speed limits strictly enforced)

Spend the day in the park experiencing art, local organizations, theater, and community.

This free and family-friendly event features hands-on kid's art, Shakespeare, movement, food, artists and local community organizations.

Volunteers Needed

Double Dutch Divas will be jumping and inspiring movement through their jump roping skills. Watch the performance and try jumping yourself. Starting at 2:30.

Last Leaf Productions will perform William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at 4:00pm.

More Details About Arts in The Park ​
  • Chairs - bring a picnic blanket or a low backed chair (high-back chairs aren't ideal, but if you do bring one, we do need you to sit in the back row so you don't restrict your neighbor's view)
  • Restrooms - there is 1 porta potty on site

Fish Prints are back!


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Sunset with not enough paint on the brush

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
This looks exactly like what happens when you drag a paintbrush across a board and you run out of paint halfway through the stroke.

I do like that solid orange right over the mountains.

Not that I'm criticizing Mother Nature, mind you...

--Diane Hettrick


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REAL ID WA requiring specific ID to take flights goes into effect May 7, 2025

REAL ID WA 2025 – Beginning May 7, 2025, there will be new ID requirements for flying (for those age 18 and older).

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal law, not an actual piece of ID.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant document.

You may already have what you need

These identification options meet REAL ID standards and can be used to board domestic flights:
Standard driver licenses and ID cards

Yes, we'll continue to offer standard driver licenses and ID cards that can be used by Washington residents to drive or as identification. They don't indicate a person's residency or legal status and starting May 7, 2025, they will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for boarding domestic flights.

Enhanced driver license (EDL) and enhanced identification (EID)

An EDL or EID is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and proof of citizenship. An EDL/EID meets federal requirements under REAL ID and is an approved alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Who can get an EDL or EID?

You must be a U.S. citizen and provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington State residency.

Do I have to get an EDL or EID?

If you don't plan to fly domestically, or already have acceptable identity documents, you may not need an EDL or EID. The standard license will continue to permit you to drive and your standard ID will continue to serve as a valid form of identification within the state.

Washington’s EDL/EID doesn’t have a star marking. Will it be accepted?

The enhanced driver license/ID is Washington’s REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Many other states have chosen to offer a REAL ID card with a star marking. The EDL/EID bears a U.S. flag marking instead of a star. For domestic air travel, the EDL/EID and REAL ID card are equally acceptable.

Driver licenses and ID cards that don't comply with REAL ID

A standard Washington driver license or ID card does not meet the federal requirements to be a REAL ID-approved document. We started marking standard driver licenses and ID cards with "Federal limits Apply" in July 2018 to show this.

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Shoreline Profit Mastery offers business owners financial knowledge

SHORELINE, WA.—The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is hosting a three-day Profit Mastery course August 27-29, 2024.

The course is for business owners who want to improve their ability to make data-driven decisions about their business growth.

"Most solo business owners don’t have a business degree or financial training, so staying viable is a big challenge,” said Shoreline Chamber of Commerce President Lara Grauer. 
“Our members told us that business finance is high on their list to learn about, so we’re thrilled to partner with the Washington SBDC and bring Profit Mastery to Shoreline!"

Profit Mastery is an internationally acclaimed financial management program that has been helping business owners and financial managers overcome common business problems and improve performance for more than 40 years. 

In partnership with the Profit Mastery organization, the Washington SBDC is able to offer this course at a steep discount for workshop participants.

“The training provides an understanding of what your business numbers are telling you, and how to use that information to plan for pricing, profitability, financing, growing sales, positive cash, and business valuation,” said Jennifer Shelton, the SBDC advisor in Shoreline.

Course participants will learn to use the Profit Mastery system of analysis to understand their financial position, evaluate cost patterns, set effective prices, leverage financial resources and plan for growth or succession.

Ron Nielsen, an experienced entrepreneur and an SBDC advisor for more than 20 years, will be facilitating the course. United Business Bank will be providing light refreshments.

Feedback from past participants includes testimonials such as this: 

“This is a very detailed and highly informative course addressing the most pressing questions and most confusing issues facing small business owners today. Worth every penny and every minute. Ron did a great job of helping the individuals in the group grasp the material in a meaningful way.”

The workshop is scheduled for 8am to 2:30pm, August 27, 28 and 29 at the Seattle Scottish Rite, 1207 N 152nd St, Shoreline WA 98133. 

The cost is $595 per person and includes a Profit Mastery Guide and three months registration to Profit Mastery University Online. 

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Evening scene

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

 A muted sunset creates varied patterns of water and clouds.



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Driver sentenced for hit and run that killed a Shoreline mother in 2021

On November 16, 2021, a Shoreline mom was driving her daughter to soccer practice when she was hit by an impaired driver who ran from the scene.

The collision took place in Shoreline at the intersection of N 185th and Linden Ave N.

Diane Marx was killed immediately and her two young daughters injured. (see our previous story)

On July 25, 2024 the driver, Aaron Ott,  accepted a plea agreement for counts of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, hit-and-run felony death, and reckless driving that will put him in jail for over ten years.

According to reporting on Fox13Seattle.com,

"Officials said Ott was speeding when he crashed into Diane’s car near the intersection of Linden Ave N and N 185th Street. Investigators said Ott ran away from the scene and hid in a shed before officers found and arrested him. According to court documents, a Drug Recognition Expert Officer was called to the scene where Ott admitted he drank, took Xanax and Adderall on that fateful day.

"A King County judge sentenced Ott to 10 years and nine months in prison. He was ordered not to contact the Marx family and will be enrolled in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. A judge also ordered Ott to wear a portable alcohol breath device immediately after his release for 18 months."



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Sana Biotechnology to open a facility in Bothell to create and deliver engineered cells as medicines for patients

1st District Congresswoman Suzan DelBene joined Sana executives for a ribbon cutting ceremony

Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: SANA), a company focused on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicines, has entered into a lease agreement to develop an approximately 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Bothell, Washington.

Sana executives used sledgehammers on a wall for the groundbreaking ceremony

The Bothell facility will replace their Fremont, California facility and is designed to support the manufacturing of Sana’s multiple product candidates across the company’s cell and gene therapy portfolio as they enter late-stage clinical development and early commercial supply.

“We have long viewed an internal manufacturing capability as core to our long-term success in consistently making these complex medicines at the scale and cost needed to maximize our impact,” said Steve Harr, Sana’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“This new facility enables us to continue to develop our internal manufacturing with no anticipated impact to the timing of our programs, and in a more cost-effective manner.”

The site will officially open in 2025.

Sana Biotechnology, Inc. is focused on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicines for patients. We share a vision of repairing and controlling genes, replacing missing or damaged cells, and making our therapies broadly available to patients.


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Gloria's Insects: One more sip for the road, photog,

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

said Beulah the Yellow-faced Bumblebee, proboscis extended, as she revved up for takeoff...  (At the community garden in King County last week)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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What’s the cost if WA voters erase capital gains tax, end cap-and-trade?

These boxes contain signed petitions for Initiative 2109, a measure to repeal Washington state’s capital gains tax. It will be on ballots in November 2024. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

Analyses bound for the state’s voter pamphlet examine the financial effects of Initiative 2109 and Initiative 2117 passing this fall.

A pair of new reports outline financial consequences if voters approve ballot measures this fall repealing Washington’s capital gains tax and scrapping its cap-and-trade program.

Passing the initiatives will dry up significant streams of revenue the state government is counting on for programs ranging from child care and early learning to electric vehicles and clean energy research.

But the amounts at risk with Initiative 2109 dealing with the capital gains tax, and Initiative 2117 concerning the Climate Commitment Act, differ from forecasts presented to lawmakers in February.

And, in the case of the capital gains tax, it’s billions of dollars less.

That’s according to analyses for each measure prepared by the Office of Financial Management, which is required by state law to write statements of fiscal impacts for initiatives. The statements are posted online and will appear in the voter’s guide for the Nov. 5 election.

OFM’s analysis for Initiative 2124 to make Washington’s long-term care benefit voluntary came out in early July.

Each statement is written in as plain and neutral language as possible. OFM’s examination of Initiative 2109 is just over three pages while Initiative 2117’s spans 15 pages, an indication of how interwoven it is to the state’s operating, capital and transportation budgets.

Initiative 2109

This measure takes aim at the capital gains tax,which lawmakers approved in 2021 and the state Supreme Court upheld in 2022.

It generated about $786 million in 2023, its first year of collections. As of May 15, collections in 2024 totaled $433 million. To put those numbers into perspective, the state’s current two-year operating budget is nearly $72 billion.

Each year, up to $500 million from the tax is deposited into a state account for K-12 schools, colleges, early learning and child care programs. Any tax collections beyond that amount go to an account that helps pay for school construction and renovations.

In its fiscal impact statement, OFM estimates passing the measure will result in a loss of $2.2 billion for the Education Legacy Trust Account over five fiscal years: $424 million in the current year that ends June 30, 2025 and $1.78 billion over the ensuing four years. It will net less than $500 million in each year.

It is a stark contrast from February when a fiscal note provided to lawmakers estimated a loss of $5.6 billion in the same five-year period.

Money in the Education Legacy Trust Account supports K-12 education, expands access to higher education and provides funding for early learning and child care programs, according to the report. The fiscal analysis does not cite any specific program at risk of losing revenue if the measure passes.

Initiative opponents say if the tax goes away it will worsen child care and education funding crises, and put pressure on lawmakers to make up the lost revenue with new taxes.

Backers of the measure, however, say the state collects enough revenue to pay for education and child care without a capital gains tax. And they note it’s a volatile form of revenue, prone to up and down swings, especially during recessions.

In the meantime, the fiscal impact statement projects state agencies will save an estimated $10.1 million over five years as a result of the initiative.

The Department of Revenue, which administers the tax, would save money as it winds down the program. The attorney general’s office anticipates some savings due to less litigation and less time spent advising the Department of Revenue.

Initiative 2117

OFM’s analysis for Initiative 2117 – which repeals the Climate Commitment Act and ends the auction of carbon emission allowances – is lengthy.

That’s because auctions, which began in February 2023, have generated $2.15 billion in revenue to date and lawmakers have spent some in all three of the state government’s budgets, according to the report. For example, $150 million will cover the cost of providing a $200 credit on electricity bills of hundreds of thousands of households by mid-September.

The next scheduled auction is Sept. 4 and would be the last if the initiative passes. Three remaining auctions scheduled in the current fiscal year would be canceled resulting in a projected revenue loss of $758 million through June 30, 2025.

Overall, the state would lose out on $3.8 billion in proceeds from auctions between December, when the measure would take effect, and June 30, 2029.

Initiative 2117 eliminates five accounts created under the Climate Commitment Act and directs the remaining funds to be transferred to two new accounts.

Thirty-seven state agencies have spending authority from Climate Commitment Act funds in the current biennium for programs, projects, and as grants for local governments, community groups, school districts and tribes. The initiative would eliminate the revenue source that pays for these programs.

State lawmakers prepared for this possibility in this year’s legislative session by delaying spending for certain programs until Jan. 1 when the fate of the ballot measure is known.

For each of the various accounts, the fiscal impact statement itemizes “significant activities” that would be eliminated in the current fiscal year and “future impacts” as a result of losing out on money counted on from auctions.

Examples of projects and programs that would see funding reduced or eliminated in the current budget include $42 million for construction of hybrid-electric ferries and electrification of ferry terminals; $29.9 million for public bus and transit facility projects; $5 million in grants for electric boats for federally recognized tribes, tribal enterprises and tribal members, and $1 million for transportation planning for the the 2026 World Cup matches to be played in Seattle.

Looking to the future, the state Department of Transportation would not get money it counted on to cover the cost of allowing those 18 and under to ride for free on state ferries and Amtrak. And funding penciled in for building new hybrid-electric ferries would not be realized.

Slimming or eliminating programs also means jobs will be cut. Overall, 318 full-time positions spread through more than a dozen agencies face elimination, per the report.


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North Cascades Highway to close as fire burns right up to the roadway

Screenshot from WSDOT video
WINTHROP – An increase in fire activity on the Easy Fire will close SR 20/North Cascades Highway between Granite Creek and Easy Pass trailhead at 8am Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Pilot cars guided traffic through until 8:30pm Saturday.

The Easy Fire started July 16 near the Easy Pass trailhead. In the last 24 hours, fire activity has increased near the roadway, and this section of the road will be closed for the safety of the traveling public and the fire response crews. 

There are no detours on U.S. Forest Service roads.

Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center, @wsdot_east and @wsdot_north on X/Twitter and updates will be provided as available. 

Wildfire information can be found by visiting the Washington State Department of Natural Resources wildfire incident information webpage.


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Travels with Charlie: Directions to Lake Ballinger Wetlands

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Directions to Lake Ballinger Wetlands


Head to the Mountlake Senior Center (aka Lake Ballinger Center) and Clubhouse parking lot. Lots of shady parking is nice.


Charlie leads the way on the path toward Lake Ballinger.


Before you get to the lake, look over to the left. See the new structure?


That’s the elevated boardwalk over the wetland ponds. Just wander over to it. This is a passive park without lots of developed pathways.


You can see this new construction has minimum impacts on the area.


Charlie is loving this place. The wetlands soil water has kept lots of green vegetation vibrant during this hot weather.


Wandering across the elevated boardwalk, check out the pond to the south.


Don’t forget to scope out the pond on the north side.


Here’s the check dam used to regulate flow thru the wetlands ponds.


Time out for some Charlie rolling and loving the green grasses near Lake Ballinger.


View from path across the lake to the new pier at the beach area.


Continuing along the mowed path we leave the pond area.


Charlie Panting and Smiling as we head back the Center and Clubhouse.


On the way… notice the work done on Hall Creek and restoration plantings.


Lastly, we cross the new bridge and head to parking lot.

These directions are how Charlie and I get around the New Lake Ballinger Wetlands.

Stop by. It’s a Great place to spend some time wandering around.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Charles Dickens



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Sound Transit night work on 5th NE and at NE 185th station garage

Full night time road closure of 5th Ave NE from NE 145th St to NE 148th St

Starting Monday, Aug. 5, Sound Transit crews will finish paint striping on 5th Ave NE from NE 145th St to NE 148th St, resulting in nighttime road closures. 

The NE 145th St to northbound I-5 on-ramp will also be closed. This work will be performed at night to minimize traffic and community disruption.

Night work at NE 185th Station Garage


Starting Monday, Aug. 5, contractors will be performing night work inside the Sound Transit guideway at the NE 185th Station Garage. This work is part of the Lynnwood Link Extension.

Residents should expect noise from equipment and vehicles such as striping trucks, sweeper trucks, air compressors, light plants/generators, MMA trucks, and various hand tools.

Monday, August 5, through Thursday, August 8, from 8pm to 5am the following mornings.


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WSDOT: Batten down the hatches! It's Seafair weekend!

Friday, August 2, 2024

WSDOT "paint map" of weekend activities
Avast! It's Seafair weekend in Seattle, so expect some pirate puns and a fair bit of traffic.

We'll spare you (from the puns anyway). But we will remind you that it's the heart of summer and there is a lot going on in every corner of the state. There's also road and highway construction that you might encounter on your travels.

Remember, the Interstate 90 bridges between Seattle and Bellevue will be open, along with the trail, but people biking, walking or rolling should not stop or stand along the trail during the air shows. And if you're behind the wheel when the Blue Angels roar past, please keep your eyes on the road.

Wherever you're headed, some words of wisdom: Expect traffic and leave early; "know before you go" with our mobile app and real-time travel map; and if possible take transit to your destination.

Visit Seattle Seafair’s website for more information about Seafair activities.


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Please help WSDOT workers get home safely

68 WSDOT work zone accidents in July
That’s 68 work zone collisions. Not this year. Not this summer. Not statewide. Just the month of July across the greater Puget Sound area. 

We try to keep it pretty light on here, but it needs to be said: This is completely unacceptable and preventable.

Far too often, our workers are hurt in these types of collisions. 

Like many of you, they are just trying to do their jobs. Like many of you, they just want to go home to their families at the end of their shift. 

Whether we work during the day or night, the dangers road workers face has increased exponentially.

The good news is that the fix should be simple. 

The leading causes of these collisions are speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence and following too closely

The solution is quite literally a matter of slowing down, giving the crews plenty of space to work and paying attention to your surroundings.

Please help WSDOT workers get home safely.


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Letter to the Editor: Exclusive waters

To the Editor:

The Shoreline Area News today (Aug.2) showed several views of the proposed development plan for our water park.

The illustrations revealed 11 parking stalls (5 disable,6 standard) and illustrated approximately 12 people using the lawn or water.

I would like to see an illustration of the off-site parking count and location and what the safe maximum count of users will be allowed each day.

Not being able to factor off-site parking facilitation, nor the maximum user counts, I did some simple math projections on the existing plan.
  • 13,300 population LFP, 11 stalls= 3.3 years wait for each resident to park.
  • An ample estimated 36 users= 369 days each group accommodated.
  • Assuming 4 full months of use, new groups would be allowed access every 3 years.
Costs: The park property cost $5 million dollars. The development costs are yet to be determined but it has been discussed at $5-$8 million. I recognize grants have paid much of the costs but the actual tax payer cost is the true reflection of judgement vs. costs. (And for the purpose of evaluation, the future costs for maintenance, personnel, insurance, etc. shall be ignored until some data for those factors are produced.)

2010 census reported 5,268 housing units in LFP. Using the low estimate of $5 million for development, plus $5 million purchase price, the average cost per 5,268 homes is $1,898.

There has been much acclaim from LFP officials how great the news of a water park to be used by all LFP residence, plus no restrictions to those not living in LFP. As with all good news, there is bad news as well and certainly the cost and access issues alone illustrate the poor judgement on the cities part in this
Masquerade of political promise. Only a few will ever be able to dip their toe in these exclusive waters.

I feel deceived by all the city hype over a poor judgement and promise for use.

Jack Tonkin
Lake Forest Park


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