And we are all hoping for a better year!
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Agenda for Shoreline council meeting January 4
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| Shoreline City Council 2020 |
By Pam Cross
The following items are included in the Consent Calendar, authorizing the City Manager to:
- Enter Into a Two-Year Contract with Sound Generations for 2021 and 2022 in the Amount of $191,416 to Provide Programs to Support Health and Social Services at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
- Enter Into a Two-Year Contract with the Shoreline Historical Museum Contract for 2021 and 2022 in the Amount of $120,000 for Programs to Support Education and Understanding of the History of Shoreline
- Enter Into a Two-Year Contract with the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council for 2021 and 2022 in the Amount of $120,000 to Provide Educational, Arts and Cultural Services
- Execute a Two-Year Lease Agreement with the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services to Continue Operating the Two-Acre Off-Leash Dog Area at the Fircrest Campus Located at 1750 NE 150th Street
- Approve an Amendment to the Conservation Futures Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with King County for Open Space Acquisition Projects
Discussing the Light Rail Station Subareas Parking Study 2020 Update.
Highlights will be presented at the meeting. The data was collected prior to COVID-19 impacts.
Discussing the Arterial Speed Limit Study.
Recent shifts in research and practices urge local governments to utilize new speed limit setting methods that consider pedestrians, bicyclists, collision history and land use as significant and relevant factors. Based on this, six key arterial corridors have been analyzed for possible speed limit reductions.
Discussing Ordinance No. 914 - Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 15.05 Construction and Building Codes to Provide Amendments to the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Fire Code
The Shoreline Fire Department is seeking to expand fire sprinkler installation coverage to include all new single family and duplex projects constructed in the City as part of this update. This was discussed by the City Council on December 7, 2020. A significant majority of the remaining proposed local amendments are intended to maintain consistency of applicable Fire Code provisions among King County Zone One Fire Districts.
Gas smell reported at courthouse elicits strong response from Shoreline Fire
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| Shoreline courthouse Photo by Stephen H. Robinson |
Shoreline Fire responded to report of gas smell at the Shoreline district courthouse. There is no gas on site at the courthouse, so it would have to be coming from surrounding properties.
Nothing was found so the report was turned over to PSE.
Wonderland Child and Family Services offers first therapy session at no cost to families through March 2021
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| Wonderland baby Photo courtesy Wonderland |
Thanks to generous community donors and grantors, Wonderland is kicking off 2021 by providing the first therapy session at no cost to new families starting birth-to-three therapy services.
Wonderland already provides developmental evaluations at no cost to families. But getting their baby or toddler started with virtual therapy may seem overwhelming during social isolation.
Currently, all Wonderland services, including physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapies, specialized education, and family support, are delivered via telehealth.
Wonderland is committed to giving caregivers an opportunity to experience virtual services without worrying about how they are going to afford it.
During the first three years of life, development moves so fast that every week of therapy can make a long-lasting impact. “We’ve found our coaching model to work so well through telehealth that caregivers find our services as valuable for themselves as for their children,” Kirchoff says.
In addition to no-cost evaluation and no-cost first therapy session, Wonderland offers free developmental ASQ screening to all families on the website. All results are reviewed by Wonderland specialists who can recommend further evaluation, services, and resources if any concerns are discovered during the screening.
“We want to eliminate barriers to vital developmental therapies and supports for families that need them right now more than ever,” says Mary Kirchoff, Executive Director at Wonderland.
“Social isolation can cause developmental delays to go undiagnosed due to less frequent doctor visits or perhaps financial stressors. Wonderland is honored to offer our unique no-cost-to-families first session, thanks to our uncompensated care fund supported by community donors.”
During the first three years of life, development moves so fast that every week of therapy can make a long-lasting impact. “We’ve found our coaching model to work so well through telehealth that caregivers find our services as valuable for themselves as for their children,” Kirchoff says.
In addition to no-cost evaluation and no-cost first therapy session, Wonderland offers free developmental ASQ screening to all families on the website. All results are reviewed by Wonderland specialists who can recommend further evaluation, services, and resources if any concerns are discovered during the screening.
Wonderland services are available to all families, regardless of income, insurance, or ability to pay.
About Wonderland Child and Family Services:
Wonderland Child and Family Services is a multi-program nonprofit agency serving children from birth through age 12 with developmental delays, disabilities, and prenatal substance exposure.
About Wonderland Child and Family Services:
Wonderland Child and Family Services is a multi-program nonprofit agency serving children from birth through age 12 with developmental delays, disabilities, and prenatal substance exposure.
Founded 50 years ago, Wonderland’s mission is to provide a strong and equitable foundation for children and their families with diverse needs and abilities to flourish through therapy, education, advocacy, and resources. We reach hundreds of families every month through Early Childhood Programs and Services and Hope RISING Clinic for Prenatal Substance Exposure.
Wonderland is located in the Richmond Beach neighborhood of Shoreline and serves families in five school districts.
Special school board meeting January 5 to choose search consultant for new superintendent
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| 2021 Shoreline School Board |
- Top row: District #1/Board President Meghan Jernigan, District #2 Emily Williams, District #3 Sarah Cohen, District #4 Rebeca Rivera.
- Bottom row: District #5 Sara Betnel, Shorecrest Rep Mareshet Pulliam, Shorewood Rep Raphael Berhane, Superintendent Rebecca Miner.
There is a Special School Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 5 at 6:30pm to review, discuss and select a superintendent search consultant.
You can view the posted agenda for this meeting on our website calendar and can listen to the meeting by using the links or call-in phone numbers below.
If you would like to provide written public comment for the January 5 meeting, you can do so by filling out this online form by 12:00pm on Tuesday, January 5 and it will be provided to the Board.
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85295558954?pwd=ZWVhZWdhS0dYVVRjZTFxQTZZd08vdz09
Password: 376893
Call-in numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85295558954?pwd=ZWVhZWdhS0dYVVRjZTFxQTZZd08vdz09
Password: 376893
Call-in numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Craft Together while you're Apart in an online embroidery class
Are you missing the camaraderie of fellow crafters or looking for a fun project to tackle remotely with friends or family?
Continuing Education at SCC now offers Embroidery for Beginners, an online class focused on the fundamentals of embroidery.
In just four weeks, you’ll learn how to choose the ideal fabric, ways to transfer a design, and how to finish and secure the back of an embroidery hoop.
Join facilitator Tricia Karsky as you work through four main stitches and embroider a landscape design featuring a saying of your choice. (Puns are welcome!)
The cost of the course includes a basic embroidery kit that will be mailed to students prior to the first class, so friends or family can craft together while you're apart!
Fee: $69
2021 Dates: January 14th - February 4th (Thursdays)
Time: 6:30 - 8pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Click here to view the full details for this course and register today! Questions? Please email continuing-ed@shoreline.edu
Fee: $69
2021 Dates: January 14th - February 4th (Thursdays)
Time: 6:30 - 8pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Click here to view the full details for this course and register today! Questions? Please email continuing-ed@shoreline.edu
Case updates December 29, 2020; Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety
If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211.
Hours are from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method.
Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org
Case updates December 29, 2020
United States
- cases 19,432,125 - 199,282 cases since yesterday
- deaths 337,419 - 3,390 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers.
- cases 242,330 - 1,484 since last report
- hospitalizations 14,571 - 126 since last report
- deaths 3,420 - 51 since last report
King county
- cases 61,392 - 593 since last report
- hospitalizations 4,116 - 16 since last report
- deaths 1,082 - 16 since last report
Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
- cases 15,403 - 161 since last report
- hospitalizations 984 - 7 since last report
- deaths 279 - 3 since last report
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
- cases 1,566 - 7 since last report
- hospitalizations 163 - 1 since last report
- deaths 81 - 1 since last report
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 191 - 1 since last report
- hospitalizations 15 - -1 since last report
- deaths 3 - 0 since last report
Captain Jay Fischer retires from Shoreline Medic One
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| Jay Fischer retires after a 36 year career Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire |
Jay started his career as a part-time firefighter with Shoreline Fire Department in 1981 and was hired full-time in March 1984.
In 1988, Jay attended the University of Washington’s Paramedic Training Program and graduated in July 1989 from Class #15.
In September 1998, Jay was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and three years later, he was promoted to Captain-MSO. For the past 19 years, Jay has successfully served as a Medical Services Officer for Shoreline Medic One.
In addition to playing a critical role in the medic program, Jay has also been an active participant in Shoreline’s Technical Rescue Team and has taught hundreds of firefighters rescue techniques across the region.
Additionally, Jay is one of the founding members of WA Task Force 1, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team. He has been deployed numerous times, including the Oklahoma City bombing, September 11th World Trade Center terrorist attacks, and Oso mudslide.
Jay has also served as a member of our Wildland Team over the past four years and was deployed to assist with numerous wildland fires. Jay is currently one of our longest-serving tenured employees. His cool, calm demeanor will be missed by all. Best of luck, MSO Fischer!
--Shoreline Fire
School Families: OSPI extends Free K-12 Internet Access Program deadline and removes some restrictions
Families who qualify now have until March 31, 2021 to apply.
Along with this extension, OSPI has removed the initial requirement that families did not have Internet access prior to August 2020 to qualify for the program.
Families now just need to show they are low-income and eligible for free or reduced-price school meals to be eligible for the free internet access program.
Hot Spot waiting list
Shoreline Schools are currently are out of hotspots to provide for families. They are working on alternative sources and hope to have some hotspots returned as families enroll in the State Internet Access Program. You can submit a home help desk request and you will be contacted when more hotspots become available.
Small power outage south of Shorewood
34 households have lost power in the area just south of Shorewood High School, a block west of Aurora.
Apparently there were previous outages near the county line at 205th N or NW.
12-30-2020 10pm
May at the Arboretum
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| Photo by Mike Remarcke |
I've been saving this photo by Mike Remarcke for a special occasion - and a dark winter day seems like the perfect occasion.
People: The Legend of Mr. Kim
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| Mr. Kim used to have a sailboat, and go fishing. The bell is what he attached to his fishing pole to alert him that a fish was on the line. Photo by Gary Cross |
Update: Mr. Kim died on March 4, 2021. His daughter Dawn sent this message:
Thank you for this beautiful article about my dad! I’m his oldest daughter, Dawn from LA, and this post brought tears to my eyes, as he passed away a few days ago on March 4, 2021. Thank you for your kindness to my dad, in giving him car rides during COVID isolation. His back couldn’t endure much time in a car, but he loved seeing parts of Seattle he’d not seen before. Thank you for spending time to know him, and discover for yourself what the treasure he was. Your example challenges me to open my eyes to those who may feel invisible or isolated in my community. May God bless you. — Dawn (Kim) Carter
Original article:
What began for me as an act of charity became an enriching experience, a stimulating walk back in time.
Any person passing this elderly man slowly making his way on foot to the local QFC in Shoreline wouldn’t guess that he’s an unusually rich man, rich in knowledge, rich in life experiences.
His name is Yung Gul Kim, known to us as Mr. Kim.
He was born in 1934 in Pyongyang, North Korea, of a strong Christian mother and a philandering father.
At that time Korea was under Japanese control, and his life was pretty much the same as many other kids his age in the world, playing in the yard, or in the summer, swimming in the clear clean water of the Taedong river, which flows from the Rangrim mountains in the north, through Pyongyang, and out into Korea Bay at Namp’o.
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| Kim in the North Korean Army as a boy |
His mother, Dong Ok Lim, owned land which she had inherited. It had been taken from her by the Communist party and given to the farm workers with whom she had shared profits from the land for many years. Because of her generosity and kindness to the peasants in years past, they kept her in food.
There was much oppression, and church pastors were sent to concentration camps. She was greatly fearful of the Communist influence upon her son, and was compelled to risk what was necessary to provide him with the opportunity a free country could offer.
At age 13, young Mr. Kim soon found himself aboard a sampan, a Korean fishing boat, to be smuggled to South Korea under the guardianship of his uncle.
The boat was apprehended by North Korean security forces, but the experience and sheer boldness of its trusted pilot facilitated their escape to the safety of South Korea.
…………But this is not nearly the end of the story.
June 28, 1950, North Korea invades South Korea, and takes the city of Seoul. Yes, young Mr. Yung Kim was there. Then came the day he was walking down an alley going about the business of living.
What? What were the odds….? Rounding a corner, there standing in front of him was a former fellow classmate, entering from another street. That classmate had become a North Korean soldier, as was required. So now, after making a clean break to South Korea, was it all over? Would he be captured?
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| Kim as a university student at Cal Berkeley |
The comrade told him in detail, and Mr Kim assured him he would come and pay a visit. After cordial goodbyes, and after he was out of eyesight, he ran and ran, never looking back. In Korea, an incident like this is known as “a meeting on a one log bridge”.
September, 1950. McArthur and the UN forces made a surprise attack at the port of Inchon, near Seoul. Mr Kim was there, taking cover with his uncle and other family members wherever they could. There were 16 inch shells coming from the ships 20 miles away, as well as bomber groups.
Then there was a substantial period of quiet when the Seoul citizens emerged to see the carnage and death. Many were hungry. As the US Marines moved through to clear the city, Kim observed the hungry children moving in behind them, looking for half-eaten C-rations to fill their stomachs.
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| Kim and Elaine with their first child, a boy named Lynn. |
Affluent individuals in California, mostly wives of 1 and 2 star Generals, provided full funding for these 20 to come and study at UC Berkeley. In exchange, Mr Kim would be their “houseboy” for one year. It was tough, but a worthwhile endeavor.
Mr Kim studied architecture at Berkeley, and later at the University of Oregon. There he had become quite ill from all the hard work and stress. Tending to him at the University infirmary was an attractive, younger, nurse named Elaine.
She was described as “extremely kind, understanding, and very gentle.” After a while, he thought about asking her out, but didn’t have the nerve to invite her on a “formal kind of date.”
He was taking English Literature at the time, so he asked her to help him get through the class. It worked! He says he doesn’t remember where they went on their first “real” date, but no matter. He was 26, she was 19 when they got married.
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| Mr. Kim in his garage workshop Photo by Gary Cross |
Four children and many grandchildren later, they came to settle and retire in Shoreline, where they reside today.
Western States Traffic Safety Coalition of 11 states initiates special New Year’s Eve safety effort
The ‘Coalition’ includes the Arizona Department of Public Safety, California Highway Patrol, Colorado State Patrol, Idaho State Police, Montana Highway Patrol, Nevada Highway Patrol, Oregon State Police, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Utah Highway Patrol, Washington State Patrol, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
These law enforcement agencies are committed and unified to keeping the people of their communities’ safe during this Holiday. When it comes to drunk or high driving, there is no state line or safe harbor. Violators will receive the full attention of law enforcement wherever they go.
Even during the current pandemic, state law enforcement agencies worry that some may feel New Year's Eve is the ultimate party night and engage in risky driving behavior.
On average, 300 people die each year in the US during the days associated with New Year’s celebrations.
Even during the current pandemic, state law enforcement agencies worry that some may feel New Year's Eve is the ultimate party night and engage in risky driving behavior.
On average, 300 people die each year in the US during the days associated with New Year’s celebrations.
Since 2007, WSP has responded to an average of 469 collisions during New Year’s celebrations each year. On average, 14 percent of those have resulted in injury. WSP makes an average of 217 DUI arrests each New Year’s holiday and on average two people die on our state highways and two more are seriously injured during New Year’s celebrations.
Last year, drunk and high driving caused one third of all national road fatalities in in the US accounting for over 10,000 entirely preventable traffic fatalities.
Driving impaired by any substance - alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal - is against the law in all states.
All law enforcement officers are trained to observe drivers’ behavior and to identify impaired drivers. Specially trained DREs (Drug Recognition Experts) identify those drivers impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. Washington residents should remember that even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of the drug.
As WSP Chief John Batiste recently stated, “We all agree that 2020 has been a tough year and we are all hopeful that 2021 will be a new year worthy of celebration. BUT we can’t start that New Year with bad decisions on the roadways."
Boeing robot arm donation helps Shoreline Manufacturing students get job-ready
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| Students will train on robot arm Photo courtesy SCC |
Shoreline’s Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics program has a new robot arm for students to train on thanks to the generosity of Boeing.
The arm is used for drilling and riveting on assemblies for airplane programs and was previously used at Craft College, a Boeing employee training program. Boeing donated the arm to the College through the MechWA grant.
With the addition of the arm, Shoreline’s Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics students will gain job-ready training on the setup, programming, and operating of an industrial robot commonly used in manufacturing in the Puget Sound region.
“We’re really excited to add this fantastic training tool to our curriculum,” said Wanda Waldrop, Program Navigator at the College.
“This robot arm is representative of the types of equipment workers use on a regular basis in manufacturing, so having it on hand will increase student learning. It’s also just a really cool, advanced piece of machinery we’re happy to have in-house.”
It took a flatbed truck and a forklift to move the 5,000-lb arm from Boeing’s Everett facility to its new home at the College.
Learn more about Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics here.
Gloria's Birds: Gull as hood ornament
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| Photo by Gloria Z Nagler |
Isn't there a car called a Gull? There should be.
Maybe one of those amphibious vehicles considering that this gull looks like it's standing on water.
Case updates December 28, 2020; State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline
You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are.
You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.
Case updates December 28, 2020
United States
- cases 19,232,843 - 176,974 cases since yesterday
- deaths 334,029 - 1,783 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers.
- cases 240,846 - 2,174 since last report
- hospitalizations 14,445 - 169 since last report
- deaths 3,369 - 174 since last report
King county
- cases 60,799 - 167 since last report
- hospitalizations 4,100 - 34 since last report
- deaths 1,066 - 10 since last report
Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
- cases 15,242 - 17 since last report
- hospitalizations 977 - 9 since last report
- deaths 276 - 5 since last report
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 1,559 - 7 since last report
- hospitalizations 162 - 2 since last report
- deaths 80 - 0 since last report
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 190 - 1 since last report
- hospitalizations 16 - 0 since last report
- deaths 3 - 0 since last report
Sno-King School Retirees announce 2021 grants to local teachers
These can be for field trips, guest speakers, materials for integrated units of study or for materials/equipment to augment their students’ learning (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones).
Since the grant program was started in 1998, SKSR has awarded over $92,000 to its active members in these districts.
Because of the uncertainty about when schools would reopen and social distancing restrictions, this year’s applications needed to be for projects and activities that could be conducted remotely. SKSR awarded $3,754 to 16 grants.
This year’s SKSR funded the following grants:
SHORELINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Briarcrest Elementary
- Cindy Ebisu: jump ropes (third grade).
- Amy Pitts: digital subscriptions to Scholastic News and stress balls (second grade).
Echo Lake Elementary
- Kathryn Pihl: leveled books (first grade).
Lake Forest Park Elementary
- Frank Kleyn: 11 titles from “Blastoff Readers (Level 2): World of Insects” series to supplement second grade science curriculum.
Ridgecrest Elementary
- Joanna Freeman: 30 chapter books from Capstone Publishers (library).
Syre Elementary
- Maggie Dunleavy: subscriptions to Scholastic News and Scholastic Book Club prize books (fifth grade).
- Jenny Hodgen: subscriptions to Scholastic News and Scholastic Book Club prize books (fifth grade).
- Debbie Hubbell: subscriptions to Scholastic News and Scholastic Book Clubs prize books for (fifth grade).
EDMONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Cedar Way Elementary
- Kristi Pihl: leveled books (first grade).
Hilltop Elementary
- Matt Grover: 19 copies of Brown Girl Dreaming (fifth grade).
- Lisa Reid: decodable Flyleaf Publishing books for emergent readers.
Lynndale Elementary
- Kari Park: 18 books from the “Little People, Big Dreams” biography series (second grade).
- Stacey Sateren: art supplies, including watercolor paints, crayons, neon pencils, and black lights for art/literature unit (second grade).
- Jill Walzer: books that reflect diversity (second grade).
Lynnwood Elementary
- Debra Comfort: Capstone leveled readers (D-I) and Step Into Reading sets (second grade).
NORTHSHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Canyon Creek Elementary
- Joanne Burkett: historical fiction (third grade).
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Lake City fire destroys commercial property with seven small businesses
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| Photo courtesy Seattle Fire department |
The building, in the 3000 block of NE 127th St, housed Aloha Ramen, Teriyaki Time, Gifted Cutz barber shop, Papa Murphy’s, Maytag laundromat, Swan Massage, and 99-cent smoke shop.
The two-alarm fire was intentionally set by burglars, who were observed running from the building seconds before the flames were visible.
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| Photo courtesy Seattle Fire department |
According to the Seattle Police Blotter, just before 11:00pm, a caller reported that several individuals were breaking into a business in the one-story strip mall.
While the caller was still on the phone with dispatch, he watched the individuals leave in a vehicle and said the business they had burglarized was now on fire.
Police and fire responded. Fire crews attacked the fire in a defensive position by pouring water onto the fire from the exterior because it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building. Sections of the roof collapsed 30 minutes into the fire.
Puget Sound Energy secured the natural gas lines from the building while Seattle City Light turned off the electricity.
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| Building with seven small businesses destroyed by arson fire Photo courtesy Seattle Fire department |
By 12:30am the fire was under control, but a crew remained on site overnight to check for hotspots. There were no injuries. One firefighter was evaluated at the scene but did not require additional medical treatment.
A total of 11 fire engines, 5 ladder trucks and additional support units consisting of 84 firefighters responded to this incident
Detectives from Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad investigated and ruled the fire as incendiary (intentionally set). Anyone with information is asked to call Seattle Police.
Estimated dollar loss is $2.7 million. Several of the businesses have set up GoFundMe pages.
Firefighters were able to keep the flames from nearby businesses, such as Ace Hardware Tweedy and Pop, and Grocery Outlet.
--Diane Hettrick
--Diane Hettrick
Scene on the Sound: Mountains
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| Photo by Jan Hansen |
Jan Hansen says that it's nice to have our mountains back. You might want to keep this photo since it doesn't sound like we'll be having beautiful sunny weather again for a while.
King County Library System will use grants to help at-risk populations
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| The Shoreline Library building is closed Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
The King County Library System (KCLS) will use the funds to help bridge the digital divide for at-risk populations most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since closing library buildings in March, following orders by Governor Jay Inslee to help slow the spread of COVID-19, KCLS staff expanded access to digital collections and resources, and transitioned programming and services to online platforms.
Since closing library buildings in March, following orders by Governor Jay Inslee to help slow the spread of COVID-19, KCLS staff expanded access to digital collections and resources, and transitioned programming and services to online platforms.
Hardest hit by the closures are those who rely on KCLS’ in-person services, and may have limited access to technology, including seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and residents with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
To address digital inequities, and help reduce barriers to learning, telehealth, job training and other vital services, KCLS will use the King County grant funds to purchase 270 Wi-Fi hotspots with data plans and 220 Remote Patron Laptops (RPLs).
The hotspots and RPLs will be delivered to designated assisted living and retirement centers, homeless communities and service provider locations, and refugee organizations. The long-term loan hotspots and RPLs may be checked out for up to one year.
The grants will also fund teleconferencing technology to outfit study rooms at select library locations. Once it is safe to reopen KCLS’ buildings to the public, residents may use the teleconferencing rooms as a secure space to access telehealth, career services, learning opportunities and more.
The grants will also fund teleconferencing technology to outfit study rooms at select library locations. Once it is safe to reopen KCLS’ buildings to the public, residents may use the teleconferencing rooms as a secure space to access telehealth, career services, learning opportunities and more.
KCLS staff will be available to help residents, especially those who may have limited digital literacy, schedule services vital to their health and well-being.
“Computers and broadband internet services are unaffordable to many people in our community,” added KCLSF Executive Director Ken Ryals. “Yet, especially today, they are absolutely essential to access education, health information, job services and much more. That’s why we’re excited to fund these vital assets to help get computers and technology directly into the hands of those who need it most.”
“Ensuring that all communities have equitable access to information and resources is not only an essential library service, it helps level the playing field and gives everyone an opportunity to realize their full potential,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum.
“These grants provide funding to expand digital access across King County at a crucial time, and help KCLS create communities of inclusion and belonging.”
“Computers and broadband internet services are unaffordable to many people in our community,” added KCLSF Executive Director Ken Ryals. “Yet, especially today, they are absolutely essential to access education, health information, job services and much more. That’s why we’re excited to fund these vital assets to help get computers and technology directly into the hands of those who need it most.”
Case updates December 27, 2020
United States
- cases 19,055,869 - 145,959 cases since yesterday
- deaths 332,246 - 1,345 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers.
- cases 238,672 - 1,953 since last report
- hospitalizations 14,276 - 180 since last report
- deaths 3,195 - 11 since last report
King county
- cases 60,632 - 513 since last report
- hospitalizations 4,066 - 26 since last report
- deaths 1,056 - 13 since last report
Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
- cases 15,225 - 208 since last report
- hospitalizations 968 - 8 since last report
- deaths 271 - 4 since last report
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
- cases 1,552 - 10 since last report
- hospitalizations 160 - 2 since last report
- deaths 80 - 0 since last report
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 189 - 5 since last report
- hospitalizations 16 - 1 since last report
- deaths 3 - 0 since last report
Burglar shot in Kenmore Monday
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| Scene of shooting in Kenmore Photo courtesy Kenmore Police |
An employee had found a female suspect attempting to break into the residential portion of the business.
The employee confronted the suspect and held her at gunpoint. The suspect then pulled out a handgun at which time the resident shot the suspect once.
The suspect sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Kenmore officers arrived less than a minute after the 911 call was made. The burglary suspect was transported to an area hospital and will eventually be booked in jail.
Kenmore police's detective along with KCSO Major Crimes detectives are conducting the investigation.
Logging truck loses logs on Edmonds ferry ramp
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| Photo courtesy My Edmonds News |
Thanks to MyEdmondsNews.com for this photo of a truckload of logs that tumbled onto the Edmonds ferry offramp on Monday, December 28, 2020 around 11am.
As the truck was exiting the M/V Spokane at the Edmonds ferry dock, more than half a dozen logs slid off the truck onto the ramp. They had to call in a company with log handling equipment to remove the logs.
In the meantime, around 150 vehicles and passengers were stranded on the ferry. The logs were cleared around 2:30pm.
Logging trucks travel the Kingston - Edmonds route frequently.
An equipment failure Saturday kept Ballinger neighborhood in the dark
According to a City Light spokesperson,
"It was an equipment failure. It was not a transformer, as people on social media surmised, but a sectionalizer, which is a protective device that automatically isolates a faulted section of line from the rest of the distribution system."
The power went out about 6am and was restored about five hours later.
The photo shows three sectionalizers on a utility pole, courtesy of the webpage Fundamentals of Electricity.
Monday, December 28, 2020
Moonrise at Paramount
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| Photo by Janet Way |
The moon makes filigree lace out of the trees in Paramount Open Space.
Scene on the Sound: Sea lion chorus
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| Photo copyright Marc Weinberg |
Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020 Richmond Beach was awakened to the multiple chorus of two large groups of sea lions floating just south of Saltwater Park.
The barking went on for nearly 30 minutes, then they slipped away as mysteriously as they had appeared.
According to a local marine biologist these males are "rafting." They drift with the current, packed closely together, with one flipper in the air.
Sometimes they are completely silent and watchers are afraid that they are dead. Other times, like this, they are extremely vocal.
No one quite understands the behaviors and they're not telling. It might be a male bonding ritual or a bachelor party.
They don't come by all that often, so enjoy the spectacle.
--Marc Weinberg and Diane Hettrick
Math tutoring from local resident
If your student is struggling with online school, having trouble staying up to date with their workload, or needs some additional support in math, consider contacting a local Shoreline area tutor!
I am a current college-age female tutor with experience tutoring students 4th grade - college for the past several years, and I am currently offering sessions via Zoom.
If you’re interested in learning more, or would like to set up a session, please visit: https://www.thetutorgirl.com/contact
--the tutor girl
Secret-Shoreline-Stones hidden in local parks for kids to find
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| Kids! This stone is hidden in Twin Ponds. There are clues on the blog page to tell you where it is hidden. |
I am a 10 year old kid who lives in Shoreline, WA. I created SecretShorelineStones.blogspot.com for kids stuck at home during the pandemic who need something fun to do.
My friend and I painted stones to hide in Shoreline parks, and now it's up to you to find them!
- If you find one of our stones, leave it for the next kid but take a picture if you like.
- Come to our blog site, comment on that park's post and upload a pic if you want.
- See if you can find another stone at a different park!
We have hidden stones in these parks so far:
Case updates December 26, 2020
United States - no updates 12/26/2020
- cases 18,909,910 - 179,104 cases since yesterday
- deaths 330,901 - 1,309 deaths since yesterday
Washington state - the DOH is still reviewing and adjusting numbers. No report for this day.
- cases 236,719
- hospitalizations 14,096
- deaths 3,184
King county
- cases 60,182 - 182 since last report
- hospitalizations 4,042 - 23 since last report
- deaths 1,043 - 0 since last report
Seattle - population 744,995 (2018)
- cases 15,038 - 40 since last report
- hospitalizations 961 - 4 since last report
- deaths 266 - 0 since last report
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 1,542 - 7 since last report
- hospitalizations 160 - 3 since last report
- deaths 80 - 0 since last report
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
- cases 183 - 0 since last report
- hospitalizations 14 - 0 since last report
- deaths 3 - 0 since last report
Whoa, that's a long way down! thought Patty
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| Photo by Gloria Nagler |
Why couldn't we be ground-feeders?
Female Pileated Woodpecker in our yard. Rarely see them, often hear them:)
You can see her using her tail feathers to brace herself on the vertical surface.
--Gloria Z Nagler
WA Notify users top 1.5 million, exceed 25% of adults in Washington state
The number of WA Notify users puts Washington state among the top five states for the use of exposure notification technology, when compared to our state’s adult population.
“By using WA Notify, Washington residents are stepping up to protect themselves and our communities from COVID-19,” said Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary of health for COVID-19 response. “The more people who use exposure notification technology, the more effective it is.”
Thanks to a recent operating system update by Apple, people with an older iPhone who hoped to use WA Notify may now be able to. Once they are updated to the new version of the operating system – 12.5 – WA Notify can now be enabled on iPhone 6, 6 Plus, or 5s.
When people in Washington add WA Notify to their smartphones, they will get an alert if they spent time near another WA Notify user who later tests positive for COVID-19. WA Notify uses privacy-preserving technology jointly developed by Google and Apple and works without collecting or revealing any location or personal data.
WA Notify is free and can be enabled in iPhone settings or downloaded as an app from the Google Play Store for Android phones. Users can opt out at any time.
To learn more:
- Visit WANotify.org to see how easy it is to add WA Notify to your smartphone.
- Information about WA Notify is available in multiple languages: WANotify.org/languages.
- View a video that describes how WA Notify works.
Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter activated for Monday night
The Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter has been activated for Monday night, December 28, 2020.
The Hotline number is 206-801-2797. See previous information about the Shelter HERE
For shelter help at other times, call 211 from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Monday through Friday.
Outside of that time, call the King County’s Crisis Line at 866-427-4747 to connect people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.
Death notices July 1 - July 31, 2020
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| Painting by Chrystine Westphal |
Like a memorial service, they tell us things we may not have known about the person, and may leave us wishing we had known them better
Obituaries extracted from The Seattle Times and other sources
Carol Marie (Poolman) Minden 1934 - 2020 Carol had a long career at Shoreline Community College as a Veteran's Registrar. She had a large circle of friends at SCC and maintained contact with many even after her retirement in 1996. She died June 25, 2020.
Christina (Lerch) Riveland 1934 - 2020 Died June 30, 2020 in Shoreline. Born in Frankfort, Germany, she met her husband in Copenhagen and moved with him to Richmond Beach where they raised four children. After the children were grown she returned to school at Seattle Pacific University and Central Washington University to earn her Master's degree in education. She spent her final years at Richmond Beach Rehab where she knew the names of her caregivers and how to say hello and thank you in their languages (eleven!). Remembrances to the First Lutheran Richmond Beach Youth Program.
Ann Dolores Adams 1932 - 2020 Died June 21, 2020. After her husband Ron completed his Navy service, they bought a home in Lake Forest Park. Married for 68 years, she and Ron traveled the world. They had a second home on Whidbey. Ann enjoyed genealogy and quilting, friends and family. She was an artist known for her pottery.
Viola H. Erickson age 102 Died July 4, 2020 in Edmonds. She was an elementary school teacher at Sunset School in Shoreline where she met her second husband, Joe Erickson, who was the painting supervisor. Viola and Joe were members of the Berean Bible Church in Shoreline. Graveside services for the family were held at Acacia in Lake Forest Park.
Chen-Ming (William) Wang 1935 - 2020 Born in Taiwan on January 30, 1935, he passed away peacefully at home in Shoreline on July 8, 2020 of natural causes. "His love of nature and travel shine through in his beautiful photography-a hobby he took up in his later years."
Dixie L. Buol 1927 - 2020 Died July 15, 2020. She married Melvin in 1968 and they moved to Shoreline where they raised four children. They were lifelong Husky fans. Dixie was a volunteer for Seattle Providence Hospital and the Kidney Association of Puget Sound as well as being active in her church.
Sunday, December 27, 2020
FTD: From Wholesale Market to your Holiday Table
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| Ready for FTD delivery |
For Shoreline residents receiving an *FTD floral delivery this holiday season, there’s a good chance that it was arranged by Kayla Bradley, floral manager of Shoreline Safeway on 15th NE and NE 175 in North City.
Since August of this year Kayla has been assembling FTD online orders which are then delivered through FTD (or sometimes through Doordash).
Kayla is also responsible for arrangements sold over the counter in North City Safeway as well as ordering flowers from the wholesale flower market, putting together gift baskets and maintaining the retail flower department.
The delivery process is carried out by Kegan Rivers of Jet City Services, who contracts with FTD to pick up the flower displays at Shoreline Safeway.
The delivery process is carried out by Kegan Rivers of Jet City Services, who contracts with FTD to pick up the flower displays at Shoreline Safeway.
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| Kayla Bradley, floral manager of Shoreline Safeway Kegan Rivers of Jet City Services, who contracts with FTD |
Karla and Kegan have been challenged by a very busy covid Christmas, averaging 70 orders per day in the latter part of December.
*FTD, Florists' Transworld Delivery, is a floral wire service, retailer and wholesaler based in Downers Grove, Illinois. It was founded in 1910.
Shoreline native releases debut novel
Two lives forged out of truth and trust. Can their love survive, or will it take its last breath?
"Till My Last Breath checks all the boxes: a western with action, adventure, and great characters, including upright heroes and evil villains, but most of all, the passionate tale of Caleb and Emily, time-crossed lovers who defy history itself to be together. An entertaining page-turner from Deborah Swenson."
--Kathleen Morris, Award-Winning Author of The Lily of the West.Synopsis:
Emily Sweeney, MD, is a vibrant young trauma physician at a major Seattle medical center who is tragically taken from the comfort of her 21st Century life. Suddenly, dropped into the 1880s unforgiving frontier, she is determined to survive, or die all over again. Using her knowledge and skills as a physician, Emily struggles to save a stranger in the Arizona Territory desert hills. In the end, can she return to her previous life and leave behind the man she's come to love?
Caleb Young, a once-prominent Boston attorney in 1880, is haunted by his past filled with lies and deception. Hoping to outrun his demons, he willingly leaves his privileged life behind. Heading straight into unforeseen trouble, he is shot for revenge and left to die in the desert hills. Now, dependent on a beautiful woman who appears out of nowhere using her hands and heart to save him, will he finally have reason to live?
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| Deborah Swenson |
Deborah Swenson, a long time resident of Shoreline, graduated from Shoreline High School and Shoreline Community College before attending Seattle Pacific University.
She remembers well the sense of community that Shoreline afforded her and her family for over fifty years.
She is now at home writing from an island in her beloved Pacific Northwest.
She loves everything country from its pristine mountains, raging icy rivers, and freshly plowed fields, right down to the sweet smell of a barnyard.
After an extensive and rewarding career in healthcare, Deborah turned to her love of writing clean Western Romantic fiction.
She is thrilled to announce her debut novel, Till My Last Breath, Book One in the Desert Hills Trilogy. Available now on Amazon.com or your local bookstore.