Shoreline Area News: January 2022

Thankful

Monday, January 31, 2022

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Just one of the wonderful things that Lee and Roger Lageschulte discover on their daily walks.

Creative Exchange: Art and Archaeology

"Everyday Artifacts: Working-Class Waste from 1890s Seattle,” by Kate Clark at BAM.

Creative Exchange: Art and Archaeology

Saturday, February 5, 2-3:30pm

For adults, tweens and teens

Join the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) for a conversation exploring the intersection of art and archeology.

BAM Biennial 2021 Artist Kate Clark will describe the process behind her installation, "Everyday Artifacts: Working-Class Waste from 1890s Seattle,” which features some 800 objects discovered during excavation for the Washington State Convention Center expansion.

Clark will be joined by Laura Phillips, Archaeology Collections Manager at the Burke Museum for discussion of the context behind the artwork, archaeological collections stewardship and consideration of Clark's idea that "the world is a living museum, and we are its interpreters."

Please register

You will receive a Zoom link within 24 hours of the program. If you do not see an email, please check your Junk or Spam folder.

Kate Clark is the lead artist of Parkeology, a collaborative art project that produces installations about hidden stories of public spaces such as museums. Parkeology has developed work for the Smithsonian Institution, the Bauhaus Institute Weimar, The Oakland Museum, Balboa Park, and The San Diego Museum of Natural History.

Kate Clark is currently an Artist-in-Residence with Seattle City Light, and her work "Everyday Artifacts: Working-Class Waste from 1890s Seattle" is featured in the BAM Biennial 2021: Architecture and Urban Design.

Laura Phillips has been the Archaeology Collections Manager at the Burke Museum for 28 years, caring for a collection of over one million objects, and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in museum management and archaeological stewardship. She began her archaeological fieldwork in the Pacific Northwest in 1990, and has since worked throughout the region.

Supported by BAM members and partners, including King County Library System, with additional funding provided by Humanities Washington and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) approved by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden.

Closed captioning is available for online events. Captioning is auto-generated. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request for all events. Contact the library at least seven days before the event if you need accommodation. Send your request to access@kcls.org

Using Screen Time to Support Creative Hobbies

Using Screen Time to Support Creative Hobbies - From Woodwork to Threadwork, Online Sources Help Your Projects from Idea Phase to Global Sharing

Wednesday, February 2, 2-3pm
For adults. Presented by Bridget of Gentle Tech Help via the King County Library System (KCLS)

Artists, hobbyists and makers of all types are often unaware of the online resources available to enrich and support their craft. Especially during the cold, dark winter, spending screen time in the right places to gather ideas, get inspired and acquire tools can start your next project off on a strong footing.

Additionally, learn how taking and using the right kinds of photos can help tell the story of your work, Seriously, people don’t know what it takes to make what you make unless they can see it! We’ll end with info about how to share that work online locally or globally and a brief dip into selling online.

Please register

You will be emailed a link no later than one hour before the program start time. If you do not see an email, check your Junk or Spam folder.

Closed captioning is available for online events. Captioning is auto-generated. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request for all events. Contact the library at least seven days before the event if you need accommodation. Send your request to access@kcls.org.

Virtual Black Books Fair to benefit Shoreline Schools' libraries

January 31 – February 13

Virtual Black Books Fair

This year’s Black Books Fair will be held virtually in partnership with Third Place Books. Beginning on January 31, 2022 you can view the Black Books Fair here. Proceeds will benefit school libraries throughout our district.

Be sure to put “Black Voices” in your purchase notes so our book fair gets credit.

Join us as we kick off our annual (Virtual) Black Books Fair! Every purchase will benefit putting titles in schools. We are thrilled to have Kwame Alexander and Jewell Parker Rhodes join us in discussing their novels, including Alexander's Crossover books and Rhodes's newest title, Paradise on Fire.

Why Black Books?

Though they make up approximately 40% of the US population, less than 10% of children's books released the last 24 years were written by and for people of color.

Even more, the Cooperative Children's Book Center of the University of Madison-Wisconsin discovered that children's books published in a given year were 3x more likely to feature an animal or other character than a Black character.

When children see mirrors of themselves or positive windows into the world of another, they are able to better develop empathy, more well-rounded narratives and critical thinking skills needed to talk about matters of identity. (diversebooks.org)

Lastly, books can communicate JOY! There is much to celebrate about community, and by featuring selected books, it helps change the narrative for everyone.

Please purchase a book, support a local bookstore and help put titles back in schools!

Special thanks to Third Place Books for their partnership on this endeavor, and a special thanks to the Shoreline Equity and Family Engagement Department, Shorelake Arts, Shoreline PTA Council, Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kwame Alexander.

Click here to buy books, beginning on January 31st: https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/black-voices-book-fair

**Please don't forget to put "Black Voices" in the notes so that our Book Fair gets credit!**

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times Bestselling author of 35 books.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award.

In 2018, he founded the publishing imprint VERSIFY, and opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded. He is the writer and executive producer of THE CROSSOVER TV series on Disney plus.

New Lake Forest Park Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant

LFP Municipal Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant

In December 2021, longtime Municipal Judge Linda Portnoy retired, and the City of Lake Forest Park hired Jennifer Johnson Grant to serve in the position, effective January 3, 2022.

Judge Grant received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in 1992 and her Juris Doctor degree in 1996 from Seattle University School of Law where she was a Diversity Scholar, Chair of the Women’s Law Caucus, and an associate editor of the Law Review.

Judge Grant has extensive experience as a prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s office, where she gained experience as a trial attorney, an appellate attorney, and a supervising attorney overseeing the prosecution of cases in Seattle Municipal Court’s specialty courts—Community Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court.

Ms. Grant transitioned to private practice in 2013 and was a judicial officer for Lake Forest Park Municipal Court, where she was a judge pro tem for Judge Linda Portnoy.

Shoreline Chamber to hear from Shoreline's Acting Chief of Police at February 9 meeting

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is proud to invite the community to a free Zoom presentation from the City of Shoreline's Acting Chief of Police, Captain Ryan Abbott, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 starting at 11:30am.

Shoreline Chamber of Commerce - February ZOOM Luncheon featuring Captain Ryan Abbott from the King County Sheriff's Office

Shoreline Planning Commission Public Hearing Thursday

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Shoreline Planning Commission 2022

The Shoreline Planning Commission will hold a public hearing virtually on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 7 - 9pm, re Misc. SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) and Tree Amendments

Click Here to Watch Online Live Streaming Video of the Meeting
Call into the Live Meeting: (253) 215-8782 (Webinar ID: 862 7997 1242)
Click Here to Sign-Up to Provide Oral Comment at the Meeting via Calling-In
Click Here to Submit Written Public Comment

Agenda Highlights

2021 Development Code Amendments Batch #2 - Public Hearing - Misc., SEPA and Tree Amendments

Link to Full Meeting Packet

One Question, One Point, One Action

One Action: come to the virtual LFP City Council meetings

By Sally Yamasaki with Tracy Furutani

From my humble community member standpoint, it seems at times that elected councilmembers enter the world of city hall to do all the work to keep our town running, yet we rarely see them after that unless, of course, there is an issue that upsets us!

At the beginning of the year, Tracy Furutani was sworn in as Lake Forest Park’s first Asian American city councilmember. In a casual conversation with him, I shared my concern and hope that he does not “disappear” from us, the community.

With that, we came up with the idea of writing a simple, informal article each month called: “One Question, One Point, One Action.” This is our first attempt with the hope that we will have a diversity of LFP writers so that the community would have an opportunity to engage with Tracy by asking one question and Tracy will have a chance to tell us about one point to highlight about the council meetings and one action we could take.

Here goes!

One Question:

Sally: Hi Tracy. You ran for LFP City Council and won. How was your first council meeting on January 6th. Were you nervous?

Tracy: A bit nervous, but everyone was so kind and friendly. I think the mayor really does set a tone.

Sally: OK. But can that not be my one question?

Tracy: Sure.

Sally: Here is my one question. I’ve gone to many city council meetings and sometimes made a 3-minute citizen comment on an issue that was important to me, but then poof, the meeting was over and I always wondered if you all even listened to what I said?

Tracy: Yes. I was curious about that as well. As it turns out, all of the citizen comments are archived in the audio-visual city website so that there is a record, and anyone can go back and view them. In addition, our city staff takes notes and will often follow up with the person who gave the testimony.

Sally: But what if no one from the city reaches out?

Tracy: If you don’t hear back, then I would follow up with a call to the appropriate department head for your issue. And if you still don’t get a reply, contact a city councilmember.

Sally: Thanks! Now, what would you say is your One Point and One Action at this time?

Foot care at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center

Tracy’s One Point:

The one point I would like to highlight is the significant number of social service organizations that play an important role in LFP residents’ lives.

Due to COVID, many of the organizations our community utilizes have suffered. As a result, the federal government created the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Due to ARPA, Lake Forest Park is able to allocate some funds to organizations that service our citizens in order to help them survive. Organizations such as Hopelink, Dale Turner Family YMCA, the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, and other social services, are examples of some that were just funded. In May, we will be voting to fund more social services.

Sally: I know I am very thankful to the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center. My mother, who is 91, is enrolled in Toshiko’s online senior exercise class three times a week. And, what’s more, my husband, Dan, my mother, and I all get pedicures there by Echo!

Tracy: Oh, that’s great! And what I am hoping is that if these organizations have touched your life in some way, you will come …

Sally: Oh Wait! Is this your one action you are talking about?

Tracy: Yes.

Tracy’s One Action:

Come to the next virtual City Council meeting (Feb. 10th, 7pm) and give a shoutout in the public comment period to a social service organization that affects your life in some way, whether as a user of the service or as a volunteer. That would be really awesome, as I think a lot of people are not aware of the many social services that our community utilizes in one way or another. I know I was surprised.

Here is a list of the organizations the city just approved for ARPA funding at this time: Center for Human Services, Hopelink, NorthHelpline, Shoreline LFP Senior Center, Dale Turner YMCA

Next Virtual Regular-Business City Council meeting:

Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7 pm
Zoom Link to the City Calendar. When the agenda packet has been posted, there will be an agenda link on the calendar item:

https://www.cityoflfp.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=2193&month=2&year=2022&day=1&calType=0

Lake Forest Park City Council meetings are at 7pm January to October: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. November and December the meetings change to the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Currently they are on zoom. You can also access the zoom link at the LFP City website: https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Virtual-Meetings-during-COVID-19

Do you have a question for Tracy? Send it here: resident.of.lfp@gmail.com

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

Updated 2-1-2022 to add link to city calendar

Jobs: WSDOT Transportation Engineer 2 (In-training)

WSDOT

Transportation Management Center Engineer - Transportation Engineer 2 (In-training)

Washington State Department of Transportation has an exciting engineering opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to ensure the successful and satisfactory completion of projects affecting the local community.

This position inspects permitted local agency/developer and utility projects on state highways and insures the proposed projects meet all state design and construction standards while implementing department policies.

Job description and application

Edmonds sunset

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

A low tide changed the entire look of the Edmonds waterfront in this spectacular setting sun.

Jobs: WSDOT Fiscal Analyst

WSDOT

Fiscal Analyst 2

Washington State Department of Transportation’s is currently seeking a savvy financial professional to fill a Fiscal Analyst (FA2) position within our Accounting and Financial Services division.

This position performs professional level financial review and analysis of complex financial activities transacted by the region to ensure accountability. This FA2 will ensure financial activities and transactions are complete, accurate and compliant with related requirements.

In addition, it ensures disbursements and receipts comply with state and federal regulations, and agency and regional policy and procedures.

Job description and application

Salomon bill would increase protections for shoreline habitat

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-32

Critical fish habitat would receive increased oversight and protection through legislation heard Thursday by the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee in the state legislature.

SB 5885, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), builds on his 2021 legislation to require friendly shoreline development by directing the state to identify illegally built docks and seawalls and to enforce laws prohibiting them.

“When docks and seawalls are built the right way, people can enjoy all the benefits of waterfront property and marine life can thrive at the same time,” Salomon said. “But when these structures are built wrongly, they can destroy shoreline habitat and the species that depend on it.”

Salomon’s bill would direct the Department of Ecology to survey Puget Sound shorelines and identify unpermitted development. A large number of shoreline projects are built illegally and without required permits from local governments, presenting a glaring need to actively monitor shorelines for illegal structures, Salomon said.

“Bulkheads exist on more than 700 miles of Puget Sound shoreline,” Salomon said. “The only way to stay abreast of all the projects that are going on under the radar is by monitoring actual shoreline conditions.”

Salomon’s bill would also mandate that any construction to replace older shoreline structures meet the standards required for new structures.

“Every time someone replaces an older dock or seawall, it’s an opportunity to incorporate techniques that will have the mildest possible impact on marine life,” Salomon said. “With each new structure, we can make our shorelines healthier while still allowing people to enjoy time on and near the water.”

SB 5885 is scheduled for executive action on February 3.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.

Birds in the Backyard: Lunch Buddies

Photo by Paula Anderson

Paula Anderson was pleased and surprised to see these two sharing a lunch date at her hummingbird feeder in the Westminster Triangle.

Patty Hale, who knows more about birds than I could ever think to, says that "On the left is a male Anna’s Hummingbird. On the right, male Townsend’s Warbler."

Who says we can't all get along?

Update: Bird identification

LFP Council Corner – A Look at 2022

Tom French, Deputy Mayor
City of Lake Forest Park

By LFP Deputy Mayor Tom French

It is my great pleasure to join with our continuing Council Members Phillippa Kassover, Lorri Bodi and Semra Riddle in welcoming the three newly elected members of the Lake Forest Park City Council.

Tracy Furutani, Larry Goldman, and Jon Lebo all bring a wealth of outstanding professional and volunteer experiences and skills to the policy-making body of our city. We are very thankful for their willingness to serve our city in this capacity and know that they will make excellent contributions in different and meaningful ways to the conversations we have with our community.

I would like to take a moment to thank our former Deputy Mayor, Phillippa Kassover, who has led the City Council for the past two years with distinction, dignity, and grace. We all thank her for her substantial work on behalf of the city and for all that she has led to completion for the City of Lake Forest Park. I look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with her in her new role as Council Vice Chair.

Taking a look at the year ahead, the short State Legislative Session is underway, and we will continue to advocate with our delegation for our City’s top priorities:

Additional Resources for Fish Barrier Removal

The City has successfully replaced six culverts in the past six years on Lyon Creek and there have been observed increases in fish activity. The state culvert project at SR 104 is fully funded and will begin construction in 2023. There are still many barriers to remove and considerable habitat to be restored. The City will continue to advocate for additional funds from the Legislature to keep moving forward with this top environmental priority.

Town Center to Burke Gilman Trail Connector

Thanks to the hard work of our legislative delegation in Olympia during the last biennium, the City was awarded funds to bring the project to a 10% design level and undertake two engineering studies to determine whether an overpass or underpass was the best option. To take the project to the 30% level, we are asking for additional funds to continue this essential work.

Regional Crisis Triage Center

Lake Forest Park and our neighboring cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, and Shoreline have joined together to study the feasibility for a regional crisis triage center in North King County. This facility would support the Radar program and other ways of engaging those in crisis with additional capacity for acute behavioral health interventions in our area. In conjunction with our neighbors, we are requesting the State’s support for construction and operating costs.

State Route 104 Investments

State Route 104 (or Ballinger Way) is a poorly maintained highway and carries around 26,000 vehicles per day, including more commercial freight vehicles that are very heavy. This State Route also is sorely lacking in the appropriate safety measures that could increase the use of human powered or multimodal transportation options. The City is seeking a partnership with the State to make significant investments in improvements that will enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclist as well as increase the use transportation alternatives.

The year ahead is a very full one for the Lake Forest Park City Council, and some major topics we will be considering include:

Recommendations by the Planning Commission to our Accessory Dwelling (ADU) and Detached Dwelling Unit (DADU) regulations
Tree Board recommendations for changes to our Tree Code
Traffic calming and speed limits within our city
The work of a new citizen-led Climate Committee

Lastly, 2022 is a very full Budget year and we will begin consideration of the City’s budget mid-summer. While the City has largely weathered the financial challenges that the pandemic has wrought these past two years, this budget is very tight, and we are going to have to make some difficult choices as a community.

I wish you all the best in this new year! Stay well and stay safe.

--Deputy Mayor Tom French

Letter to the Editor: Special Needs PTSA Board Members Support Shoreline Parks Proposition 1

Saturday, January 29, 2022

To the Editor:

Many students with disabilities are not able to access and enjoy our current play spaces; this park bond will finally address that big need in our community. The proposed design for Richmond Highlands park includes a sensory trail and playground, which would be such a wonderful addition to our community.

If passed, it will allow families with special needs to enjoy the parks on a whole new level. We love that the plan includes better play surfaces that are accessible to students with mobility challenges.

Please return your ballot and vote YES on Prop 1.

Ananda Scott, Jessica Mercer, and Kirsten Bannister
Shoreline Special Needs PTSA Board Members

Jobs: WSDOT Reposted - Communications Consultant 3

WSDOT

Communications Consultant 3

Washington State Department of Transportation has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated communications professional to join the Northwest Region Communications Team. This is a key role tasked with informing the traveling public about road closures, incidents, and maintenance.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter that can effectively identify, research, and respond to issues that arise and become progressively more independent as the knowledge base increases. The successful incumbent will create transparency for the agency, helping to build trust, maintain public confidence, and support people and goods traveling safely.

Job description and application

American Legion to honor the Four Chaplains at meeting Tuesday

The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 General Membership Meeting

February 1, 2022 at 6:30pm

1st Vice-Commander John Brady will perform the Four Chaplain’s Ceremony

that honor their Heroism on February 3, 1943

Post 227 general business will occur afterwards. Doors open at 5:30pm. Open to the public.

On February 3, 1943, the American troop ship SS Dorchester was on duty in the Atlantic Ocean when she was hit by a torpedo and sank 20 minutes later. There were not enough life jackets for everyone.

That’s when four Chaplains, a Methodist, a Jewish Rabbi, a Catholic priest and a Reformed Church minister, did acts of great courage and sacrifice. They worked to calm the men, gave up their own life jackets to those without and helped direct the evacuation of the ship.

One of the survivors, Grady Clark, later reported, “As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under.

"The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.”

Four Chaplains' Medal

As we have just reached the 79th anniversary of the event, the February 1 meeting of American Legion Post 227 will feature a Four Chaplains Ceremony commemorating the event.

The Four Chaplains were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart but were ineligible for The Congressional Metal of Honor. Instead, the U.S. Congress created a medal of equal weight and importance, the Four Chaplains’ Medal.

The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion

14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

COVID-19 protocols will be observed, please wear a face covering (ones will be provided at the Post) and practice six-foot social distancing.

Rah Rah in the rain

Photo by Leslie Boyd

Echo Lake Elementary PTA president Kaija Dalan and her kids at a Shoreline corner on a rainy night.

Bragging rights for Highlanders after cross-town wrestling match Friday

By Clark Norton

It was a classic rivalry Friday night, January 28, 2022 as the Shorewood Stormrays hosted the Shorecrest Highlanders in their final contest of the regular season. Shorewood was looking to continue their winning streak in the series, having won the past two meetings and eleven of the past twelve.

Wrestling began at 126 pounds when Shorewood Senior captain Quincy Laflin dropped a weight class to face Shorecrest’s Joseph Martinez. Although Martinez was the favorite on paper, currently ranked ninth in the state, Laflin took over the match. Laflin took Martinez down early and often as he steamrolled his way to a dominating 12-3 victory.

Next up, at 132 pounds, was a battle of freshmen between Stormray Masa Taura and Highlander August King. Taura took advantage of a small mistake by King to grab the pin and give Shorewood an early 10-0 lead in the team score.

At 138 pounds Highlander Jacob Lougee got his team right back into the match as he solved the puzzle of James Nottingham for a second round pin.

Senior Thomas Rhodes, ranked #2 in the state at 145 pounds, continued his personal streak of never having lost to a Shorewood wrestler as he methodically man-handled his opponent for a first round pin, giving Shorecrest their first lead of the night at 12-10.

Shorewood sent out their own top-notch wrestler, 6th ranked Isaac VanHorn, at 152 pounds. It took a bit for VanHorn to figure out his opponent, but once he did there was no stopping him. VanHorn’s first round pin pulled the Stormrays back into the lead. The Shorewood lead disappeared almost instantly though when Highlander Max Rutledge snatched it away with a pin at 160 pounds.

After a win at 170 pounds the visiting team held a narrow 24-16 lead with half the weight classes to go. Shorecrest coach Bryan Officer made a last minute substitution at 182 pounds, inserting sophomore Malachi Stream into the varsity line-up. Stream took full advantage of his opportunity, taking an 8 to 3 lead over Shorewood’s Nathaniel Hernandez into the third period. Starting in the bottom position, Stream was able to get a huge reversal and pin that brought the Shorecrest fans to their feet.

#1 ranked wrestler Hunter Tibodeau scored his fourteenth pin of the season, in just seventeen matches, to keep Shorewood alive. Stormray teammates RJ Buchheit and Milan Johnson got pins of their own at 220 and 285 pounds to pull Shorewood back into the lead at 34-30.

However, it was too little, too late for Shorewood. The Highlanders received two forfeits around a pin by Kaiju Fergerson at 113 pounds to sweep the final three weights and go home with a 48-34 victory and cross-town bragging rights.

Shorewood 34 - Shorecrest 48

@ Shorewood High School

*Match began at 126 pounds

106: Micah Fergerson SC win by forfeit

113: Kaiju Fergerson SC pinned Owen Mulder1:42

120: George Fernandez SC win by forfeit

*126: Quincy Laflin SW maj. dec. Joseph Martinez 12-3

132: Masa Taura SW pinned August King 1:23

138: Jacob Lougee SC pinned James Nottingham 3:15

145: Thomas Rhodes SC pinned Oli Dalan 0:54

152: Isaac VanHorn SW pinned Finn Kennedy 1:19

160: Max Rutledge SC pinned Addison Brueck 1:34

170: Peter Grimm SC win by inj. def. Alberto Solano

182: Malachi Stream SC pinned Nathaniel Hernandez 4:40

195: Hunter Tibodeau SW pinned Evan Claar 1:10

220: RJ Buchheit SW pinned Jessie Gigrich 0:42

285: Milan Johnson SW pinned Brett Gigrich 1:08

Shorewood Record: 7-6 Overall, 3-2 WESCO 2A/3A

Gloria's Birds: LESSER Scaup?!?

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

What slanderous person gave me that second-class moniker? You might know, photog: can I sue?

(Actually, Sybil's my first scaup image of any kind, lessor or greater! Didn't even know I'd photographed a scaup 'till I looked her up in my bird book:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler

ICHS distributes COVID-19 test kits to community organizations

From left: Zafu Aragai from the Tigrean Community Center looks on while Ramon Mallari and Caitlin Stougard load boxes of COVID-19 test kits in the trunk of her car outside of the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.

On January 28, 2022 International Community Health Services (ICHS) began distributing 5,400 rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits to representatives from 16 community organizations in front of the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.

This was ICHS’ first concerted effort to deliver COVID-19 at-home test kits to trusted community partners to reach medically underserved communities across the Puget Sound region. Recipients included nonprofit social service organizations as well as places of worship serving first-generation immigrant communities.

Reactions were jubilant. All the representatives shared how difficult it has been for their members and clients to find rapid test kits during the surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.

“These test kits mean safety”
Sieng Douangdala, community engagement manager at Kandelia, arrived early to pick up their boxes. With a plan in place to put test kits in Kandelia’s weekly food bags given to Seattle World School students, they will find their way to hundreds of families across Seattle.

“This is a great opportunity for us,” said Douangdala. “We know that the federal government is issuing test kits, but there are four [kits] per household, and a lot of our families have five, six, all the way up to 12 people in the household.”

And not only that, but many of their clients have found the English websites completely inaccessible, and due to transportation, internet, or language barriers have been unable to find COVID-19 testing during the Omicron surge.

“These test kits mean safety,” Douangdala added.

Zafu Aragai, from the Tigrean Community Center, drove up from Skyway to pick up test kits from ICHS. She’s heard from church members who have driven for “like five, six hours looking for COVID-19 testing.”

“This Saturday we're gonna work on instructions,” said Aragai. “Write down bullet points, we’re trying to draw little illustrations so people can see. We’re going to do a demonstration so that people know how to go about it and do it properly.”

Caitlin Stougard, ICHS Patient Navigator Supervisor, loads boxes of COVID-19 test kits in the trunk of Sieng Douangdala's car in front of the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.

“These can’t wait”

As part of the Biden administration’s “Path Out of the Pandemic” COVID-19 Action Plan, community health centers like ICHS that serve medically underserved communities will receive at-home self-test kits directly from the federal government to distribute to patients and communities for free.

When a large shipment arrived on Monday, January 24, ICHS quickly leapt into action, said Sherryl Grey, ICHS director of community services.

“These can’t wait,” she added. “People need these now.”

Members of the ICHS community health services team reached out to community partner organizations that ICHS has worked with in the past, nonprofits that make mutual referrals, and community organizations like the Tigrean Community Center that serve as anchors for communities facing barriers to healthcare access.

As a community health center, ICHS’ work has always been to go out into the community and meet people where they are, Grey said. These test kits are only the most recent example of ICHS’ dedication to serving the community.

COVID-19 testing safety and guidelines

If you test positive from an over-the-counter COVID-19 test kit, please report it immediately by calling the Washington state COVID-19 hotline at (800) 525-0127. Language assistance is available. The hotline is open Monday, 6:00am - 10:00pm, and Tuesday-Saturday, 6:00am - 6:00pm.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that fake COVID-19 test kits are being sold online. Make sure the test you’re buying is authorized by the FDA. Follow these Federal Trade Commission tips if you’re shopping online for COVID test kits and related items.

ICHS administers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines at ICHS pharmacies in Shoreline and Seattle (International District and Holly Park neighborhoods). Non-ICHS patients may walk in Monday through Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Visit the ICHS website to learn more.

Wenatchee jumbo ferry back in service

Wenatchee photo courtesy WSDOT

For the first time in more than a year, all three of our largest Jumbo Mark II-class ferries are available for operation after repairs and successful sea trials on Wenatchee wrapped up earlier this week.

The vessel was pulled from service in November 2020 for scheduled maintenance and was preparing to return in April 2021, when an engine caught fire while the boat was conducting sea trials with no passengers on board.

As a reminder, WSF is still operating on alternate service schedules on most runs until further notice as there are many employees out due to the recent COVID-19 omicron surge.

Should crewing allow, a second boat will be put into service on the Seattle/Bainbridge, Edmonds/Kingston and Mukilteo/Clinton routes on a daily basis. Riders are encouraged to sign up for rider alerts to receive updates on what schedule we’re operating on each route each day.

Online and mail voter registration deadline for February Special Election – January 31, 2022

King County Director of Elections Julie Wise
with King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski

The February Special election is quickly approaching with ballots due to drop boxes by 8pm sharp or postmarked by Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

The deadline to register to vote online or by mail (received, not postmarked) is Monday, January 31.

After the deadline has passed, voters can still register to vote, update their registration or signature, receive a replacement ballot, or use an assistive device at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton.

About 1.2 million registered voters are eligible to vote in this election, primarily weighing in on ballot measures impacting schools and parks. All participating voters should have received their ballot by Monday, January 24.

Those who have not received their ballot or misplaced it should request one online or give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683) during business hours. Registered voters can also download and print their ballot online through the accessible online ballot marking program.

Voters may opt to receive their ballot and voting materials in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese and King County Elections provides customer service in over twenty languages.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:

A citizen of the United States
A legal resident of Washington State
At least 18 years old by Election Day
Not currently serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections for a Washington felony conviction
Not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction

Call for Artists: An evening of art for STEM

The Edmonds SnoKing Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), is hosting an Art Show and Silent Auction. We are raising scholarship funds for women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

We are seeking 30 local artists to showcase their works to event ticket holders on March 25, 2022, at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.

Call for Artists

We are now accepting applications from artists. This flyer has all the information you need, as well as links to the application form. Email AAUWartshow@gmail.com, or use our Contact Us form for more information.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: The Iron Age

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE

Case updates January 28, 2022

COVID-19 Updates since Wednesday 1/26/2022

United States

Total cases 73,512,366
Cases in past 7 days - 4,044,240
Total deaths 876,632

Washington State

Friday, January 28, 2022: Due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, Department of Health is experiencing substantial slowdowns in our data systems. This will result in delays in reporting cases, hospitalizations, and deaths

Information at this page.

King county

Levels of Community Transmission:

based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100

Substantial: 50-99

Moderate: 10-49

Low: < 10

Total confirmed cases 315,148 - 6,963 new
Cases in past 7 days - 22,568
Total hospitalizations 10,553 - -140 new
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 300
Total deaths 2,311 - -3 new
Level of community transmission HIGH

Seattle

Total confirmed cases 84,183 - 1,676 new
Cases in past 7 days - 5,507
Total hospitalizations 2,285 - -31 new
Total deaths 557 - 0 new
Level of community transmission HIGH

Shoreline

Total confirmed cases 7,095 - 204 new
Cases in past 7 days - 488
Total hospitalizations 287 - -6 new 287
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 4
Total deaths 122 - 0 new
Level of community transmission: HIGH

Lake Forest Park

Total confirmed cases 1,253 - 30 new
Cases in past 7 days - 108
Total hospitalizations 28 - -1 new
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1
Total deaths 5 - 0 new
Level of community transmission: HIGH

Local students on President's Honor Roll at University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming

January 27, 2022 - The University of Wyoming lists the following nonresident students on the 2021 fall semester President’s Honor Roll.

The President’s Honor Roll consists of regularly enrolled undergraduates who earned a 4.0 (“A”) grade-point average for the semester. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours taken for letter grades.

Washington

Lake Forest Park

Benjamin H. Newell

Seattle

Claire Elizabeth Bartlett

Local students achieve academic distinction at Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, Wash. (January 26, 2022) - Local students earned academic distinction for the most recent semester at Whitman College.

This recognition is given to students who have completed a minimum of 12 credits, passed all credits attempted, and have earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on no fewer than nine graded credits during the semester.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HIGH SCHOOL

Lake Forest Park, WA

Madeleine Stolp, Shorecrest High School
Sylvia Wang, Shorecrest High School

Seattle, WA

Derivan Dockter, O'Dea High School
Philip Ratner, Garfield High School
Olivia Wing, Ingraham High School

Shoreline, WA

Avery Mangel, Shorewood High School

About Whitman College: Situated within the rich and complex landscape and history of the Walla Walla Valley, Whitman College provides a rigorous liberal arts education of the highest quality to passionate and engaged students from diverse backgrounds. Whitman students develop their intellectual and creative capacities in a supportive scholarly community that prioritizes student learning within and beyond our classrooms. We help each student translate their deep local, regional, and global experiences into ethical and meaningful lives of purpose.

Register your youth for Shoreline Little League

Shoreline Little League is the local Little League for Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Washington for tee ball, softball, and baseball.

Registration deadlines are:

2/7/22 for AAA, Majors and Juniors SOFTBALL DIVISIONS
2/21/22 for A and AA SOFTBALL DIVISIONS
2/21/22 for AAA, & Majors BASEBALL DIVISIONS
and 3/21/22 for A, AA baseball, and Tee ball

Let's Play Ball!

Notes from Shoreline Council meeting January 24, 2022

Reporter Pam Cross
Shoreline City Council Meeting

January 24, 2022

Notes by Pam Cross

The remote meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully. All Councilmembers were present.

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

COVID-19 Update

The extremely transmissible omicron variant is showing decreasing transmission rates, but transmissions are still significantly higher than in many of the previous waves. King County hospitalizations are now starting to decrease but are still higher than at any other point in the pandemic.

Cloth masks should have at least two layers.

Testing capacity is still strained. Don’t go to emergency rooms for testing because this impedes their ability to care for those with medical emergencies.

Enhanced Shelter Update

The City receives quarterly updates on the shelter, but due to the transition we are still waiting for some of the information from the third and fourth quarters of 2021. Shelter capacity remains at 60.

The shelter has met their required goals that were part of the contract with the City: they have to provide at least 200 bed nights per year and complete 50 case management referrals which they did in 2021.

We will provide more information in the future.

RADAR

REMEMBER TO VOTE!

Public Reminders

Councilmembers will attend the Association of Washington Cities’ “City Action Days” virtual conference on Jan 27.
The PRCS/Tree Board will hold a remote meeting on Jan 27 at 7pm

Council Reports

Deputy Mayor Robertson attended the North KingCo Coalition on Homelessness meeting. They discussed the upcoming Point in Time Count that tries to get a grasp of the current homeless population. They are aware it is not a perfect process and are creating a plan now for the count that will be conducted in March. They were provided with an update on severe weather sites in North KingCo. The DM also attended her first meeting as an alternate for the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).

CM Roberts reported PSRC is seeking public comment on the draft Regional Transportation Plan. Anyone on the Council or any member of the public can comment on the plan. Go to psrc.org to make a comment.

Mayor Scully attended the WRIA 8 meeting which is the salmon recovery council. There is an exciting package of funding proposals that the Governor has sent to the legislature. We are hopeful a lot of that stuff gets enacted.

I’m delighted to announce the Councilmembers who have volunteered for committees for the coming year. These are all outside committees that we participate in. It’s a way for Shoreline to participate in regional governance as well as within our City. It’s voluntary and I’m grateful for Councilmembers who step up for it.

CM Roberts has agreed to remain as the delegate to Public Issues Committee with CM Ramsdell serving as the alternate;
CM McConnell is going to remain on SeaShore with CM Pobee as the alternate;
Mayor Scully is staying on WRIA 8 and the Lake Ballinger Forum with CM Mork as the alternate for WRIA 8.
CM Mork has volunteered to serve on the K4C which is the environmental umbrella organization;
DM Robertson is going to be joined by CM Ramsdell on the North King County Task Force.

Public Comment

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline
I’m glad about success story at The Oaks, and hope to hear more of these successes.

Abdi Ahmed, Shoreline, Family Advocate for Shoreline School District
Turning Point is very useful for families of East Africans and is most appreciated by the families.

Note: Turning Point provides after-school tutoring, community meals and STEM programs, working to close the equity gap for students in the Shoreline School District.

The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously 7-0.

Action Item 8(a) Action on Resolution No. 486 Declaring Support for Shoreline School District Ballot Proposition No. 1 – Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations and Proposition No. 2 – Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvement and Support

Prior to the presentation, Mayor Scully disclosed that his wife, Sarah Cohen, is a member of the Shoreline School Board. This is an unpaid position so there is no financial incentive for the Mayor to support this ballot.

No other disclosures.

Christina Arcidy, Management Analyst made the brief presentation

This was discussed at the Jan 10 Council meeting. There is no resource or financial impact to declaring support for the Shoreline School District Ballot. Council has done this in the past in support of other school district or special district measures that Council believes will support the overall well-being of the community.

Staff recommends that City Council adopt Resolution No. 486.

An opportunity for Public Comment will follow the staff presentation and precede the Council discussion.

PUBLIC COMMENT
None

DISCUSSION

Move and second to adopt Resolution 486.

We have an excellent School District because the community has supported it. Children come first. It’s been a tough couple of years. We need to invest in the future of our children. This is a ceremonial action to show belief in the strength our community,

VOTE
Resolution adopted unanimously 7-0

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Proposed 2022 Human Services Allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Margaret King, City Attorney

Before discussing this matter, I wanted to draw Council’s attention to State Law RCW 42.23.030 that prohibits an interest in contracts that may be approved by a municipal officer (including members of the Council). It states: No municipal officer shall be beneficially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract which may be made by, through or under the supervision of such officer, in whole or in part, or which may be made for the benefit of his or her office, or accept, directly or indirectly, any compensation, gratuity or reward in connection with such contract from any other person beneficially interested therein.

Conflicts must be disclosed ahead of time.

We are not taking action tonight, but any Councilmember who feels they may have a conflict or potential conflict should contact her. If a Councilmember has a question, they should refrain from participating in or advocating for anything you feel you might have a conflict in. You may remain in this meeting as long as you don’t advocate for it.

CM Ramsdell disclosed that as a licensed mental health counselor, in 2022 he will be assuming, on a very part-time basis, a position as a clinical supervisor for Charm’d LLC which provides mental health counseling for East African immigrants. As a result he will be recusing himself from the vote when that time comes.

Colleen Kelly, Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Director, gave the presentation

The $7,533,842 in Federal ARPA funding the City will receive will cover COVID-19 eligible expenditures that are fully obligated by December 31, 2024. Budgeting these funds will happen through a 2022 budget amendment and as part of the 2023-2024 budget process.

We had an initial discussion with Council back in June and presented some high level recommendations regarding how to think about allocating these funds in Shoreline. At that time Council indicated its support to allocate $1.6M for human services.

Navigators will now be called Community Support Specialists which we think might be a more acceptable term to the general public.

Specifics around small businesses will be discussed at a later Council meeting.

We have found that many residents are still struggling to meet basic needs. There are significant federal, state and county resources for rent and utility assistance so they are not part of our recommended package.

Staff recommendations:

Because this is an evolving situation, and there is much we don’t know, we felt it was best to begin with 2022 and wait to see how things evolve and unfold.

Donations and Holiday Basket Grocery gift cards will go toward holiday food and gift support for Shoreline School students and their families.

Additional grocery cards are for distribution through other organizations that work with families that might not be attached to the school district (either without children or with children who are in private schools).

Flexible financial assistance is challenging to administer as there are only a few organizations in Shoreline that have programs to provide it. This money would go to those organizations to distribute.

Charm’d provides mental health support for immigrant and refugee individuals and families.
Grounded is for youth mental health specialists of color to support Black youth and other Youth of Color.
Canopy is tutoring and family support services for immigrant and refugee families (formerly called Turning Point).
Police requested emergency hotel vouchers mostly for domestic violence victims, or other dangerous situations that require immediate temporary housing.
The City currently runs a small grant program called Love Your Community Grants. This is not for neighborhood associations (who have a separate grant program). This is a pilot for other groups but it started at the same time as the pandemic so we don’t know how it will work.

In summary,

Total 2022 recommendations: $518,000
Balance remaining for future allocation: $994,500

Discussion

It’s great that after all of these expenditures, we would still have almost one million dollars in the account.

The $100,000 flexible financial assistance, would we contract that out with folks with operations in place, or is the City going to manage it? How will we track it?

Reply: we are recommending that this money be contracted out to organizations that have operations in place for managing flexible funding assistance and have the internal mechanism to do the necessary tracking. The advantage of flexible financial assistance is it can be used for car repairs or work boots that allow someone to get a job. These things are very hard to get funding for in other places. We are looking at Center for Human Services, Canopy (Turning Point), and a smaller organization called Shoreline Community Care to contract with.

Flexible financial assistance is a great idea. Is there a maximum amount per request? So it doesn’t all go to the first comers?

Reply: we see these initial allocations as our first best guess - we will have to adjust as we see how it develops. That’s one of the advantages of having the excess $900k to draw from as needed.

Is there a comfort level with staff that these flexible funds will get out to the communities that need the support, communities that don’t necessarily have access to or engage with certain providers?

Reply: These are organizations that are already managing funds like this. We will promote the investments we are making so people are aware of them, and we have dedicated staff available to actively assist residents in accessing us (dedicated phone line, dedicated email, a website that will go live in February).

But we’ll send them from the Shoreline website to another website to actually fill out the forms. And the forms won’t live on the City’s website.

Reply: True because the agencies that we work with have way more capacity. It’s better to come to the City because we can assist them and make it less daunting. We don’t want to refer people into a blackhole and not achieve anything. We have staff who can walk them through the process.

Do you have a sense of how strict the requirements are in terms of funding allocations for human services? With screening and monitoring it can take time. We want to streamline the process. When people need money they need it now if not last week or last month. I want to make sure these funds go out quickly to the people who need them. We have other grants that have expired. Inflation is rising fast. We need funds out quickly - less screening and a streamlined process to make it easier.

Reply: We have actually front loaded that work so it’s basically done. We are ready to go.

Holiday gift card baskets, that money will be spent in Nov-Dec . We need to put more into the other gift cards now rather than wait for the holidays. People are struggling today. We need to push funds out faster - sooner than later will better help the community.

Will there be some way to make sure it all goes to Shoreline residents because other cities have their own access. I don’t want our system taken advantage of. We have more than enough need in our community after two years of COVID. The money will go pretty quickly.

I’m very concerned about when the Moratorium for eviction ends and people need to find new housing in a very short time. All these programs will be needed.

Limited term navigators. How long is the term?

Reply: the maximum term is 3 years. But we actually hired them for 2 years with an option to extend to 3 years as we see the need develop.

I like the impressive list of recommendations, diversity of organizations, and trusting the expertise of these organizations.

We all agree that we need to get the money out quickly because it is needed now. I don’t want too much wait and see. We need to make decisions now. I agree gift cards for holidays could come from a later release of funds and shift those gift cards up to earlier in year.

Money needs to be used well and effectively. What performance measurements are in place to make sure that we’re doing appropriate evaluations of the programs? Will that data be made available? I think that would be interesting to the public as well as the Council.

Reply: outcome is measured quarterly in expected units of services but that doesn’t really provide an evaluation. Evaluation is trickier because it’s different from data collection, as you know. Nonprofits don’t have resources to access that kind of information. We want to make sure that Shoreline residents are being served in reasonable numbers for the investment we are making.

Does the City do any checking if all of the information comes from the various non-profits? Does the city validate it in any way?

Reply: we visit the organization and have one-on-one meetings. These are mostly organizations we are familiar with having worked with them over the years. There are boilerplate requirements in the contract. Quarterly invoices must be submitted with the data reports on the service units provided and they are checked before payment is made. We hope dedicated staff will be helpful here since we have additional staff that we don’t usually have. We don’t want all the money that we expect to last a year be gone in 3 months.

Not everybody has school-age kids so we need to make sure that the elderly and other people don’t fall through the cracks

Have we previously funded the grocery cards? What funds did we use?

Reply: we used CARES Act funding. We did direct distribution with recommendations from family advocates. I think we did two rounds of that. Funding has always been pandemic specific (not through the City general fund). And this time we have the separate grocery cards for people who do not have a connection with the school district.

Edmonds is doing a household support program where they are giving out up to $2,500 grants to families. There are pros and cons to what we’re doing and what Edmonds is doing. Edmonds recognizes people need cash. Our gift card is specifically for food. There are other options to consider if there are problems with the gift card program.

If there is Council consensus to support these recommendations, staff will move forward with implementation and prepare a budget amendment to authorize the proposed expenditures.

Contracts come back on consent so we can get to them quickly.

Are there any objections to proceeding on this basis?

Would the gift card thing be contracted out.

Reply: We made the direct purchase so it’s not a contracted item.

Have we budgeted $50,000?

Reply: the actual budget authority will happen as part of the budget amendment process so everything that we’re bringing to you tonight will get rolled into the budget amendment as part of the expenditure authority. The specific programs will have contracts. The grocery cards we will purchase directly and then distribute them to our partners either through the gift baskets program or through other community based organizations that are working either with seniors or other populations that are struggling to meet their needs. That will be a distribution process, not a contracting process.

So if a CM wanted to increase a particular line item it would be part of the reconciliation process where we would change that amount.

Reply Debbie Tarry: Just a reminder we do adopt the budget at the fund level. We have enough budget authority - we just need to know if Council is supportive of this. Even though we will come back with the budget amended, we don’t have to wait until that happens because we have enough budget authority in our biennial budget to get the cards purchased.

If we want to increase the amount, where would we have the discussion?

Debbie Tarry: My suggestion would be for us to move forward with what staff recommended. We’ll be working with our partners to understand how fast they are going out. If it’s happening quickly, we can purchase more gift cards. We’re trying to understand what the demand is. We can be nimble enough to increase it in a pretty short order if we need to. Doing large enough sums provides us with a discount.

When do we start talking about the 2023 money?

Reply: the funds are not actually delineated into 2022, 2023, 2024 dollars. We used an artificial delineation in order to plan for 23 and 24. We could spend all of the money this year if that’s what we felt we needed to do, or we could delay it until the end of 2024. It’s not like our annual budget. It’s just what is the need and when do we think the resources should be deployed and in what way. That is why there is so much flexibility.

Will Council have a chance to talk about this rather than just being on Consent Calendar as we get closer to talking about larger amounts of money?

Reply Mayor Scully: What will come to us on Consent is a particular individual contract so it won’t be a discussion of the grocery cards - it will be asking Council to approve or disapprove a contract with XYZ in “this" amount. And we can pull it from Consent for additional discussion if necessary. We have the authority from Council Action to change budget categories and amend the budget, either through the regular budget process or as a one-off. Given what we’ve heard tonight and given the flexibility, what I suggest is we stay in contact with staff and when we have concerns we ask staff to put another study session on.

Council is in agreement.

MEETING ADJOURNED

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