Mercer Island Reporter, April 23, 2025 by Sound Publishing

REPORTER RTER

Mercer Island City Council honors Jacobson at meeting

By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com

It was an emotional April 15 meeting for the Mercer Island City Council.

During the group’s first regular meeting since the passing of councilmember Daniel “Jake” Jacobson, the city memorialized his seat with a bouquet of flowers

placed on the council’s desk in Jacobson’s usual spot.

Before reading a resolution acknowledging and commending Jacobson’s service to the Mercer Island community, Mayor Salim Nice said that flowers were “something that was a central part of Jake’s life.”

A previous Reporter story noted that Jacobson, who died at the age

of 82 following a medical emergency on March 30, enjoyed tending to his garden that featured his prized dahlias. Jacobson was a distinguished Navy veteran, attorney and longtime civic leader who served on council from January 2020 to March 2025.

The resolution reads, in part: “Councilmember Jacobson will be remembered for his

unwavering dedication to public service. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and a heartfelt commitment to Mercer Island. Thank you for everything, Jake. You will be dearly missed.”

During Jacobson’s time on council, he worked tirelessly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support businesses and residents, contributing to Mercer Island’s recovery; helped council adopt the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan in 2022 and the Climate Action Plan in 2023; supported Youth and Family Services and copious capital projects; and much more.

One by one, councilmembers

MIPD diver removes driver from Lake Washington

By Andy Nystrom

A Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) diver removed a 52-year-old male from a vehicle that sunk into Lake Washington near the Island boat ramp on the

morning of April 15.

The Mercer Island resident’s family informed the MIPD that the man remained at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle at press time, according to MIPD commander Jeff Magnan. After the diver broke the driver’s sidewindowandremovedtheman — who was alone in the vehicle — he was taken to waiting medical staff onshore and Bellevue medics later transported him to Harborview for treatment.

MIPD officers were dispatched to the scene just before 6:30 a.m. after a Bellevue homeowner witnessed the vehicle “driving down the boat ramp at a moderate speed, splashing into the water, and sinking,” a press release reads. The boat ramp is located in the 3600 block of East Mercer Way.

Magnan said the resident of Enatai — which is situated across the water from the boat ramp — was looking out their home window at the time the incident

occurred.

“Moments later, we were able to arrive and got our diver in the water. It took about 30 minutes for our diver to locate the car, get the person out of the car, and to medical treatment,” said Magnan, adding that the vehicle was fully underwater by the time MIPD staff arrived on scene.

After the four-door Honda Accord was removed from the lake later on April 15, it was turned over to an impound yard. Magnan said

the tow company will contact the driver’s insurance company and figure out the next steps in dealing with the vehicle.

MIPD was aided by members of Eastside Fire and Rescue (EF&R) and members of the Bellevue and Kirkland fire departments, who provided surface water rescue swimmers and watercraft.

Magnan said that no crime occurred, and for the most part, MIPD has concluded its investigation.

MI eighth-grader shines in NY Times Tiny Memoir Contest

Writer receives honorable mention award for ‘Mi Nombre.’

By Andy Nystrom

anystrom@soundpublishing.com

A young Mercer Island writer’s tiny memoir has garnered massive success.

Paloma “Lola” Melian Lafinur finds it surreal that her 100-word meaningful story — “Mi Nombre” — has reached so many people after it received acclaim in a national contest.

When the 14-year-old Islander Middle School eighth-grader learned from two of her classmates that she notched an honorable mention award in the third annual New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest, she was surprised and excited that her

mini narrative had made such an impact with the judges.

“It really means a lot to me because I really love writing and I have since I was little. So just to imagine all the people who read it is just so insane, but really cool at the same time,” she said.

Lola penned the piece last November in her language arts class, and her teacher Whitney Swope and fellow instructors Taylor Gall and Joseph Gushanas encouraged the scribe to submit “Mi Nombre” into the contest the following month. The Times received more than 12,000 submissions from students around the world and announced 20 winners, 28 runners-up and 72 honorable mentions.

“Mi Nombre” touches upon Lola delving into her Latino

See MEMOIR, Page 8

See JACOBSON, Page 8

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MERCER ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT

Divers search Lake Washington near the Mercer Island boat ramp for a vehicle on the morning of April 15.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MERCER ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT Paloma “Lola” Melian Lafinur sits in the KMIH 88.9 The Bridge studio where she was interviewed about her New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest honorable mention award. She read her memoir, “Mi Nombre,” on both The Bridge and on “The Current” on MIHS.tv.

MIHS boys lacrosse team netting heaps

Islanders are ranked No. 1 in the state.

By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com

Mercer Island High School’s boys lacrosse team is shredding its way through the competition this season with a 10-0 local record and No. 1 state ranking at press time.

The Islanders — who are ranked 17th on the west coast — recently notched victories over powerhouses Lakeridge High School from Oregon and Nanaimo from British Columbia. Over spring break, the locals visited Maine to compete against some stellar New England squads. The Islanders beat Falmouth High School (Massachusetts) and Cape Elizabeth High School (Maine) and lost to Bishop Guertin High School (New Hampshire).

Last year, the team tested itsmettleagainstsolidteams in New York and New Jersey

during spring break.

“The team has really come together over the past few weeks and I’m really excited to see where this team’s going to end up at the end of May,” said senior goalkeeper and captain Jess Geoghagan.

“I definitely think it comes down to just having a lot of really good seniors that have been multi-year contributors on the team,” added Geoghagan, who captains the team with senior

attackmen Laken Hykes and Lucas Rosato.

Other top seniors leading the way to victory are midfielders (or middies) Ryder Davis and Robbie Curry, defenseman Sebastian Gonzalez and attackman Zach Said. Talented juniors are middie Bryce Galgon, defenseman Philip Weil and face-off specialist Declan Manson.

This is Geoghagan’s fourth year playing for the Islanders’ varsity squad,

Woods achieves All-American wrestling status

Mercer Island High School freshman

wrestler Emerson Woods notched fifth place in the U15 age division and the 54k weight class at the U.S. Women’s National Championships and World Team Trials from April 4-6 in Spokane. Woods achieved All-American status and is now recognized as one of the top wrestlers for her age and weight class in the country. Here she is wrestling at the event and sporting her medal along with her Mat Demon club coaches.

COURTESY PHOTOS

which won state crowns the last two years.

Geoghagan said he’s enjoying his second year starting at goalkeeper, adding that he’s got the best vantage point to watch the game while playing one of the prime positions on the field.

The netminder said it gets aggressive in front of him

at times: “Obviously they can’t go into the crease, but it does definitely get a little bit heated close to the net.”

Lacrosse became part of Geoghagan’s life as a kindergartner and he’s never stopped playing the sport that athletes flock to on the Island. He tried his hand at football, basketball and baseball, and lacrosse was

wins

the one sport that stuck and impacted him to continue playing all the way through high school.

“I really think it’s how the program’s structured,” Geoghagan said of the Island lacrosse culture. “At the kindergarten level, I was being coached by the current varsity players. I myself now currently coach the 5-6 team at the middle school. I just think that was a pretty big contributor to have my coaches be varsity athletes where every week, every Friday night, I’d be able to go up to the high school and watch them play a game that they were teaching me.”

Geoghagan enjoys the action of the unique sport and was also drawn toward lacrosse because Mercer Island teams are successful on the field.

The Islander will continue his lacrosse journey this fall at Vassar College in New York where he plans to focus on economics in the classroom.

MIHS athletes unleash stellar performances at Oregon Relays

Special to the Reporter

Mercer Island High School (MIHS) track and field co-head coach Amy Posner Wolf said it was exhilarating to watch the eight Islander runners leave everything they had on the track at the Oregon Relays on April 4-5.

In girls individual races at Hayward Field in Eugene, Victoria Rodriguez and Sophia Rodriguez both claimed gold in their events: the 2,000-meter steeplechase (6:41.62) and the two-mile run (10:17.34), respectively. Victoria’s stunning mark is a United States No. 1 time.

In the thrilling boys distance medley relay, Matthew Lawrence, Alexander Dusseau and Matthew Greer passed the baton to Owen Powell for the final 1,600 meters. Powell picked off seven runners one by one and crossed the finish line to give the team a

first-place time of 10:04.01.

On the girls’ side in the distance medley relay, Victoria Rodriguez, Lauren Balousek, Katie Kolpa and Sophia Rodriguez finished in second place and broke the Washington state record by 15 seconds in 11:39.79.

In the distance medley relay, teams of four runners compete in a 4,000-meter race, with each leg covering a different distance:

1,200 meters (three laps), 400 meters (one lap), 800 meters (two laps) and 1,600 meters (four laps). Overall, 26 Islander highschoolers competed at the relays and set personal records and season bests in hurdles, throws, high jump, pole vault, sprints and distance events. This is the third consecutive year that MIHS athletes have competed at the Oregon Relays.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM JANTOS

Mercer Island High School senior captain and goalkeeper Jess Geoghagan nets the ball during a recent lacrosse match.

Mercer Island High School boys lacrosse players prepare to invade the field.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT KNOBLICH

Here’s a portion of the Mercer Island High School athletes who shone at the Oregon Relays on April 4-5.

MI teams up with Swoop and Riot Games for electric shuttles

They rolled out month-

By Andy Nystrom

Let the electric shuttle buses roll on Mercer Island.

As the city of Mercer Island continuously searches for new and innovative solutions around sustainability, it linked up with southern California’s Swoop all-in-one transportation solutions and the Island’s biggest employer Riot Games to launch the month-long pilot program on April 1.

Swoop co-founder Peter Evenson previously helped lead global business development at Microsoft, so he knows the local terrain and has friends who were born and raised on the Island. Things further fell into place when Riot Games opened up an office in these parts. Swoop representatives later connected with Rioters at the Association for Commuter Transportation Conference and asked if the company wanted to be a partner in the program.

“It’s a combination of all three parties with a centralized vision of combining sustainability with 100% electric vehicles, as well as helping employees and city employees get to and from where they need to be,” said Evenson, whose company noted that the first-of-its-kind pilot is focused on reducing emissions, improving commutes and supporting Earth Day goals.

The electric shuttles were a big draw for the city’s sustainability program manager Alanna DeRogatis, who said that utilizing those types of vehicles aligns well

Island Books holds April events

By Reporter Staff

Island Books will hold the followingeventsthroughout the remainder of April: April 24: All-day West Mercer Book Fair. A percentage of every sale from the day will go to the West Mercer PTSA. Open Book Club from 7:30-9 p.m. features “The Last Ranger” by Peter Heller. April 25: Island Kids Book Club from 5-5:45 p.m. features “The Lost Library” by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. This book club is perfect for third- and fourth-graders who love to read and want to make new friends.

April 26: All-day Independent Bookstore Day. The shop will hold scavenger hunts, prize giveaways and more.

April 30: Nancy Stewart Sings WITHOUT Kids from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can hear many of the songs Stewart will be singing on her “In Celebration of Women” album on all streaming services and YouTube.

The store is located at 3014 78th Ave. SE. For more information, visit www. islandbooks.com.

with the Island’s Climate Action Plan goals around emissions reduction. The city — which is working on electrifying its fleet — is also being mindful of the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction Program.

DeRogatis added that the city is, “Trying to see ways that they could get folks to their office in a more green and sustainable fashion, especially looking ahead to the light rail opening.”

This inaugural electric vehicle last-mile program features two shuttle buses driving employees to and from the park and ride at 8000 N. Mercer Way and nearby bus stations to Riot Games, the City Hall/ Public Works campus, the thrift shop and the community and event center (this stop also serves employees working at the Luther Burbank Park administration building).

The 13-passenger shuttles run on a continuous

loop to and from the four locations from 7:30-10 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 24. If the program is extended, the routes will expand with the light rail opening later this year.

On the funding front, DeRogatis said that the pilot is costing the city under $15,000 with money coming from its budget for sustainability and climate action plan implementation.

“If we were to look to do something more permanent long-term, we’d be seeking out grant funding, some contribution from Riot Games and just kind of broadening the scope and seeing who could help fund this,” she said.

In the program’s preliminary phase, Evenson said they’re receiving a ton of interest from employees and look to ramp things up as the pilot rolls on.

“I think it’s one of the coolest programs we’ve

ever launched here at Swoop,” he said. “The reason for that is, one, it’s

100% electric. We’re seeing such a movement to help this world become more sustainable. And being part of that is a dream come true. And two, it’s very cool to see a collaboration across Riot Games and the city of Mercer Island to help launch this program. Our goal is to really help drive more of these programs across the world.”

DeRogatis said the city feels it’s good to be creative

and find other routes that can get more people excited about taking public transit whenever possible. According to a Riot Games spokesperson, the company is excited about the opportunity to be a part of the innovative program. “We’re continuously looking for ways to make our offices as sustainable as possible and our Rioters are looking forward to having this eco-friendly commuting option.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SWOOP

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On Earth Day’s

Ivividly remember the very first Earth Day: April 22, 1970. I was a graduate student in journalism at Stanford University. Denis Hayes, also a Stanford student, organized the original celebration. As a young environmentalist, I was inspired.

So I bought 50 little clear plastic sandwich bags and filled each one with a handful of dirt. I tied them closed with a green ribbon and handed them out to students, professors and staff. “It’s Earth Day,” I said. “Here’s a bag of earth.” Most of them looked at me like I was crazy. Which I was, in a way. After all, it was the Seventies!

To my credit, I also organized a “Turn In Your Newspapers” drive at the company where I had a part-time job. Every week, employees would bring in a stack of their old newspapers and a local recycling company sent a truck to pick them up. There were no curbside pickup programs at that time, but we collected hundreds of papers and everyone liked the idea.

Those were two early examples of things one individual could do to help the environment.

JOHN HAMER HAMER TIME

Granted, one was largely symbolic, the other reasonably effective.

Today, 55 years later, we are facing similar choices. What policies and programs can actually help the environment, rather than just “virtue signaling” to make us feel good about ourselves?

Todd Myers, vice president and environmental director at the Washington Policy Center, offered some answers at Mercer Island Rotary last week. I had invited Myers to speak. He’s an old friend and I’m a former vice president of the WPC, a respected free-market think tank.

Myers looks at the actual results of policies rather than just their intentions. The latter may be wellmeaning but can be ineffective and even counterproductive.

Myers has spent decades forming his beliefs. A graduate of Whitman College with a bachelor’s degree in politics, plus a master’s degree in Russian studies from the UW’s Jackson School, Myers went to work for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and became a member of its executive team. He was also a member of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council and is a beekeeper with 200,000 honeybees. He writes regularly on environmental issues in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The Seattle Times, and has appeared on CNN, Fox News and the BBC.

Myers has written two excellent books: “ECO-FADS – How the rise of trendy environmentalism is harming the environment” (2011), and “Time to Think Small – How Nimble Environmental Technologies Can Solve the Planet’s Biggest Problems” (2022). Both are enlightening reading.

I told my fellow Rotarians that Myers was the smartest environmentalist I’d ever met, and I knew a lot of them. After leaving Stanford, I became the environmental reporter at Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C. I covered passage of all the major environmental bills of the early 1970s — clean water, clean air, strip mining, marine mammals, wilderness preservation, clearcutting limits, and others. They were all vital pieces of legislation and won wide public support. But times change. Big top-down government regulations and bureaucratic oversight may not provide the best answers today.

I thought he would be a timely speaker with Earth Day approaching. Myers did not disappoint. His speech was titled: “Environmental Stewardship in a Time of Extreme Partisanship.” He began by joking: “I may offend everyone in this room today.” He might have offended a few, but he certainly got everyone to think.

Myers described a disturbing number of well-intentioned environmental efforts that failed and may have done more harm than

good. That’s a difficult case to make when emotions run strong and people insist they’re right and others wrong.

“The environment has become too partisan,” Myers said. “Fundamentally we need to connect people more directly to environmental concerns rather than outsourcing them to government.” He offered several examples:

■ Quinault Timber Harvest. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs ran it based on maximizing revenues, so they “harvested like crazy,” but didn’t encourage reforestation. The tribe took it over and the forests are recovering sustainably, with regular environmental assessments. “Stewardship is most effective when it’s done at the local level,” said Myers. “If you’re on the ground, you have better knowledge and better incentives.” ■ Environmental Report Card. “In Washington state, despite the fact that we talk about how great we are on the environment, our results are actually very

Expanding a WA tax credit could help lower-income patients

People expect their doctors to give them vaccines, medications, or surgeries, but what do you prescribe when someone’s health problem is poverty?

In my 34 years as a pediatrician, many parents have told me: “You can’t help me with some of the problems that I have.” Many are single parents working two or three jobs to raise multiple children. How can I tell someone to buy more nutritious food when they already don’t eat so their children can?

As a clinician, it can be hard to talk to families about money, but people need access to tangible resources. For me, solutions like tax credits that put money directly into people’s hands make good sense. As tax day approaches, some of my patients will soon get a few thousand dollars back from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Washington’s Working Families Tax Credit. These resources make

a big difference in people’s lives, and there is more that Washington state can do to help families that we see every day in our clinics and hospitals.

People in my field know that the Pacific Northwest has been a leader in public health. However, our tax code structure is incongruous with how progressive we have been in health policy. In Washington, people with the lowest incomes pay about three times more of their incomes in state taxes than the wealthiest do. This leaves families struggling to afford the basics and our public services chronically underfunded.

Not only are tax credits one of the most important ways of righting our inequitable tax system, but they are also one of the most effective ways to help working people address their social needs. Unlike more conditional forms of aid, people have control over this money and can use it as they see fit — on groceries, rent, or book supplies for their children. More cash in people’s pockets means better

health outcomes, better educational outcomes for children and teens, better maternal health outcomes, and less chronic illnesses down the line.

So as families are doing their taxes, lawmakers in Olympia could consider ways to improve our state Working Families Tax Credit. They could raise the payment amounts, especially for single filers. They could switch to simpler or even automated payments, as only about half of families receive the money they are eligible for. And they could expand eligibility so that more people across the state can get cash back.

One proposed expansion would remove the age restriction that leaves out 100,000 young adults and seniors who live in poverty. Under the current rules, people without children must be 25 to 65 years old to claim their tax credit.

There’s a misconception among many well-to-do and educated people that young people rely on their families for support. However, one in 10

young adults experiences homelessness each year, and young adults face some of the highest rates of poverty in the US. Many are also exiting the foster care system when they are 18-21 years old. The lack of stability in these young adults’ lives has made it difficult for them to be independent at such a young age. On the other side of the age spectrum, one in 10 of our seniors lives in poverty. That’s shameful for our country, the wealthiest in the world. A lot of grandparents who come through my office have stepped in to care for their grandchildren. The children are being raised by a grandparent who is often tired and may be dealing with their own health problems. Having already been through a lifetime of sacrifices, they often can’t afford the pair of soccer cleats or the afterschool program that would help their grandchildren follow their dreams and build social skills. If people are struggling to make ends meet day to day, they will have a hard time focusing on education, employment, and health. By expanding successful programs like the Working Families Tax Credit and raising progressive revenue, we can help people rise out of poverty. Poverty is not a fixed condition — it can be a temporary setback that we help people get through. With just a little effort, we can bridge the gap for our friends and neighbors.

Dr. Esther K. Chung is a practicing pediatrician and professor, writing as a member of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, a member of the Balance Our Tax Code Coalition. This column first appeared in Washington State Standard, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com. Follow Washington State Standard on Facebook and Twitter.

Dr. Esther K. Chung Commentary

See HAMER, Page 7

Big changes coming at Deane’s Children’s — ‘Dragon’ — Park

By Reporter Staff

One of Mercer Island’s most beloved playgrounds is due for a complete makeover – and citizens can help decide its future.

Deane’s Children’s Park, widely known as “Dragon Park,” is at the end of its useful life. The playground equipment is outdated and doesn’t meet ADA standards. The picnic shelter is deteriorating and the restroom must be replaced.

The city is developing a new site plan focused on accessibility and inclusion. The goal is a final design that works for those of all abilities, including toddlers, disabled children, parents and grandparents.

Design alternatives will be presented in July, followed by public engagement, parks commission review and city council approval. Construction will begin in 2026. (The Dragon will remain as an iconic work of art.)

Community input will play a key role in shaping the park’s

future. The Public Works Department is inviting citizens to help in two ways:

■ Take a brief online survey at www.mercerisland.gov/dcpg and weigh in on priorities. The survey will be open April 21 to May 12.

■ Attend a family-friendly open house from 10 a.m. to noon on May 3 at Island Park Elementary School.

The 2022 Parks Levy, which passed by a large margin, provides funding for universal playground structures but additional funds will be needed for other amenities such as the picnic shelter, restroom, benches, etc.

A citizens’ coalition, Friends of Dragon Park, has formed to help increase public engagement and encourage donations. It includes Mercer Island Preschool Association, Rotary Club of Mercer Island, Friendship Circle, Moms4SafeMI and Mercer Island Chinese Association. Mayor Salim Nice has endorsed the group. To join, email friendsofdragonpark@gmail.com.

The park is located at 5701 Island Crest Way.

poor,” Myers said. “Under Governor Inslee, our state’s total CO2 emissions actually went up. Despite spending all this time and money, what we have done has failed.”

■ Solar Electric Vehicle Chargers. Funded primarily by the state, they cost about 5 times as much as chargers connected to the standard electric grid. But in the winter, they provide only 40 miles of charge per day, while regular chargers offer unlimited power year-round. In Washington state, Myers noted, 90% of our electricity is carbon free because it’s from hydro, nuclear, and wind sources. “There are so many other things we could do with that

money that would truly help the environment,” Myers said. ■ Rooftop Solar Panels. During Q&A, one Rotarian said that she had installed solar panels on her home so her electricity bill is zero. Myers responded: “That’s because I’m subsidizing your solar panels.” He noted that electricity from solar panels costs about 14 cents per kilowatt hour, while the normal cost is only 4 cents per kilowatt hour. “Western Washington is literally the worst place in the country for solar panels,” according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, he said. The reason people with solar panels – including him – earn money is because of high taxpayer subsidies, not because solar panels are efficient. Myers offered several

other compelling examples of how smarter choices can help the environment more efficiently at far less cost. “We need to get more bang for the buck,” he said. “We now have the technology and the tools. We have incredible opportunities. We just need to take action.”

On Earth Day and every day, we should all find something to do that will actually make a difference. Hand out baggies of earth? Probably not. But hey, if you’re reading this in print, you can at least recycle this newspaper!

John Hamer (jhamer46@gmail.com) is a former editorial writer/ columnist for The Seattle Times and co-founder of the Washington News Council. He tries not to throw dirt at anyone, literally or figuratively.

Opportunities for engagement for Mercer Island residents

By Nancy Lee For the Reporter

This is a planned monthly column to provide a “list” of opportunities for citizen engagement with the City of Mercer Island, Mercer Island City Council and Community Resources of interest. Content is based on announcements and presentations made at monthly city council meetings. The following headlines are from the April 15, 2025, city council meeting. Opportunities to learn more, provide feedback and/or input: ■ Transportation Improvement Program:

The public comment period for the 2026-2031 TIP is March 11 to June 17, 2025. Comments may be made at regular City Council meetings, with the City Council scheduled to adopt the TIP June 17.

■ Parks and Recreation Commission Parks Zone Recommendation: The Mercer Island Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at its Regular Hybrid Meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at approximately 6pm, at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center. A public hearing is also scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, for updates and opportunities to comment on proposed revisions to Parks Zones. Time of day will be shared at the April 23 meeting. The Planning Commission is to complete the legislative review by June 2025.

■ Interim Regulations Related to Residential Parking Regulations: The Mercer Island City Council will hold a Public Hearing at its Hybrid Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., to receive comments on Ordinance No. 25C-08, interim regulations related to residential parking standards in response to Senate Bill 6015.

COURTESY PHOTO

Deane’s Children’s Park, widely known as “Dragon Park,” is located at 5701 Island Crest Way.

Jacobson

spoke heartfelt words about Jacobson.

Lisa Anderl said that Jacobson was a dear friend and colleague and this is a huge loss for the Island.

“I will miss him so so very much. Every good thing that’s been said about him is true and then some. What I loved about Jake, I think, was he lived life with the enthusiasm of a young man and the wisdom of an old man.”

At the close of the meeting Anderl turned to her fellow councilmembers and said, “I probably haven’t done it often enough, but I would just like to say how much I appreciate all of you and your collegiality and your hard work. Whether we agree or disagree, this is valuable time and I appreciate all of you.” Mayor Nice responded, “mutual.”

Craig Reynolds said that Jacobson lived an amazing life and he’s in awe of everything Jacobson accomplished.

During their time together on council,ReynoldssawthatJacobson was an incredibly connected Mercer Island community member who was known and respected by thousands of locals.

“Jake seemed to know just about everybody and considered just about everybody his friend and that was very admirable,” said Reynolds, adding about Jacobson’s generosity, “Jake was

Memoir

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family heritage while

throwing himself in in every way possibleinordertohelpthingson the Island.”

Ted Weinberg added:

“Throughout his public service in elected office, his volunteering at his church and his service tothecommunityandthenation, Jake set a high standard for all

reliving a moment from her sixth-grade year on Mercer Island and expanding on a conversation she had with another student. After telling the girl that

F.BoardPolicy1800OE-7:FinancialAdministration-DraftResolutionNo. 7402025-26ReducedEducationSupportProgram(ClassifiedImpact)(1strdg)

G.BoardPolicy1003:BoardJobDescription-ProposedBoardPolicy1012: GuidelinesforSocialMediaAccountsCreatedbyBoardMembersintheir OfficialCapacity(2ndrdg)

Agendaitemsaresubjecttochange.Pleaseverifyagendaitemsbygoingto: go.boarddocs.com/wa/misd/Board.nsf/Public. MERCERISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTBOARDMEMBERS MaggieTaiTucker,President|JodyLee,VicePresident DanGlowitz|DeborahLurie|CristinaMartinez Dr.FredRundle,Superintendent

WallaceDuaneMaier April8,1932-March30,2025

M er cer I s l and Wa shington-Wa llac e Maier p assedaway onMarch30,2025at CovenantLivingat the Shoreson Mercer Island surroundedbyhisfamily.

Wallywas bornin Linton, North Dakotaon April8,1932 toCharles and MathildaMaier.Hewasthe second youngest of thirteenchildren,allhissiblingshavingproceeded himindeath.WallygrewupinNorthDakota,after highschoolheenlistedintheUnitedStatesAir Force serving hiscountry forfour yearsstationed atWilliamsAirForceBaseinChandler,Arizona. WallymarriedLuellaWagneronAugust17,1952in Linton,NorthDakota.Theyhavetwochildren.Son Douglas(Roberta) Maier, grandchild Lisa (Eliott) Willhite,Greatgrandchildren:Nathan,Connorand EllaWillhite.Daughter Melinda (Sam) LeClercq, grandchildrenCodyHall,KristinaHall.

Wally andfamily lived in North Dakotawhere heoperateda propanedistributorshipuntil1968. TheMaierfamilyrelocatedtoWesternWashington residing in Lyndenthen Bellingham.Wallyowned andoperatedStateStreetShellinBellinghamwhere hisson Douglasworkedalongside him.He then went ontobeaBusDriverforWhatcomTransportation Authority where he worked for twenty-fiveyears untilhisretirement.InretirementWallyandLuella movedtoCovenantShoresonMercerIslandwhere heliveduntilhispassing.

A memorial serviceisplanned forFriday, May 9th, 3pm atCovenantLivingat the Shores 9107 Fortuna Dr.Mercer Island, WA. 98040inthe fellowshiphall.

of us and it has been a genuine honor serving with him here on city council.”

Wendy Weiker said that Jacobson was a human-centered public servant and she’ll miss his dahlias, dog walks and their discussions about schools, the chamber of commerce and the

she’sLatino,Lolasaid:“She gave me this very incredulous look, and she was very surprised. And she was like, ‘Oh, but you don’t look Latino.’ And for me, that was very strange, because I grew up in Seattle, and for six years I went to an international bilingual school. So for six years, I was around a lot of people from a lot of different places, and nobody ever questioned where you were from.”

During the piece, Lola said she explores the fear that she and others have of possibly losing their heritage and connection

faith community.

“I will miss talking about the vision that he had for this community, to keep us strong and connected through whatever political discourse and divides that we had. He was the epitome of a gentleman and the epitome of a good public servant,” she

to one or both of their parents’ country of origin. Her father, Rafael, is from Argentina and her mother, Krista, hails from the United States.

“I realized that, yes, you may not go back as often, you may forget some of the language, but you are who you are, and you’re never going to lose that. And for some people, you’re always going to carry things from your past and from your family’s past. For me, it’s my name,” she said.

Lola feels that she encompassed the feeling she was trying to convey

said. Deputy Mayor David Rosenbaum said that he appreciates everything Jacobson taught him, including being present for others.

“Jake is someone who showed up for people and I think that the ways that he did that will be felt for some time. For me, Jake was always there to reach out when something was going on if he thoughtitimpactedmeorifthere was something that he thought I wouldfindupsetting,”saidRosenbaum, adding that Jacobson was alsotheretooffercongratulations when those moments arose.

Mayor Nice said the Jacobson was a good friend and confidante who considered Mercer Island his family. They spent heaps of time together discussing copious topics, including policy, projects and what Islanders would want and need.

“The things that he did for this community, they gave him so much joy: lighting the Christmas tree,bringingbackSummerCelebration — doing the little things that made this community sparkle for him.”

An in-memoriam slideshow followed council’s comments and included photos of Jacobson both solo and joined by friends, city councilmembers and his beloved terriers while the song “Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon accompanied the special moments.

In one photo, Jacobson smiles at the camera and gives a thumbs up.

through that particular experience and is grateful that Swope pushed her to submit the memoir. Lola added that her parents have always encouraged her to be artistic and creative and she wants to continue along the storytelling path.

Krista said that Lola has provided inspiration to others through her writing.

“It’s been a passion of hers. It’s just incredible how articulate she’s been with her own feelings for a really long time, and then just really empathetic and interested in other people,” added the proud mother.

Added Swope: “I’m so proud that The New York Times recognized what I’ve seen in the classroom: Lola has a gift for personal, beautifully crafted storytelling. I tell my students that their voices are powerful, and the world needs their stories. I can’t wait to see where Lola’s stories will take her. She promised to

send me a copy when she publishes her first novel, and I can’t wait to read it.”

Here’s Lola’s tiny memoir:

“Mi Nombre”

“You don’t look Latino,” she says, head cocked to one side. Only four words, but my heart aches; a bruise rather than a vital organ. I worry that someday, the Spanish I spoke so confidently will be nothing but incoherent sounds. Broken, jagged; like rocks tumbling from a cliff. If I don’t have the language, it won’t be enough. Convincing ignorance like hers, won’t be enough. I won’t be enough.

“I know,” I reply. My words betray me. However, there is one thing that I can always pronounce, always claim. It means hope, creativity, family.

Paloma Melian Lafinur. My name.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Images of Daniel “Jake” Jacobson from the Mercer Island City Council meeting slideshow on April 15.

MISD presents Pathfinder Award to Katie-Jay Scott Stauring

The Mercer Island School District is pleased to present its 10th annual Pathfinder Award to 1999 Mercer Island High School graduate KatieJay Scott Stauring whose achievements, strength of character and citizenship inspire and challenge today’s youth to make significant contributions to humankind.

Sadly, this is a posthumous presentation of the award as Katie-Jay passed away in a tragic car accident in November 2022.

Katie-Jay co-founded i-ACT, an organization that supports people living in refugee camps from wartorn Chad to Armenia. She readily traveled to help and connect with individuals while problem-solving how to better their heartbreaking living situations.

More than 36,000 displaced children have benefited from i-ACT programs in refugee camps. They have trained more than 1,200 refugees to lead their own communities. Currently, her organization continues to hire more than 200 refugees for paid positions through i-ACT, which currently

offer programs across Africa, in Mexico, Greece and Armenia.

Pathfinder Award recipients have contributed to society in meaningful ways through their service, leadership and creativity in our communities. Graduates of Mercer Island High School have impacted the world in a variety of fields, including but not limited to the following areas: the arts and athletics; business; education; entertainment; law; medicine; the military; philanthropy and volunteerism; public service; religion; scholarship and

science.

Growing up on an island with committed schools and residents, they embraced the larger world around them and pushed the boundaries of their potential. They are our inventors and artists — imaginative and creating the future. They

understand the global context in which we live today. All are pathfinders who aspire to a better way of living for humankind. They discovered that path, or showed others the way.

Katie-Jay was nominated for the Pathfinder Award by classmate Wendy Dubrow, who included these comments in the nomination.

“Katie-Jay was always a force of nature since her days as a kid on Mercer Island playing competitive soccer right up until her last day serving refugees abroad whose livelihood depended on her. It was on her way home from her last aid trip when she was tragically killed in a car accident in LA.”

“She was the person we all aspired to be. She was driven by an unwavering moral compass and her passion to be the change we all wish to see in the world. She dedicated her life to service and helping others, often at her

own compromises. While others chased high paying jobs to afford them the lifestyle that allowed for travel and indulgences, Katie-Jay lived by modest means to better allow others to survive. It wasn’t just survival she was after for them, but a life with hope, dignity and happiness. Anyone who knew Katie knew she had a boisterous laugh. In her selfless nature, she wanted others to enjoy in the simple true joys of life: love and connection.”

“I can’t make sense of why such a gift to the world was taken so young but I

also appreciate she had a greater impact than most during her 41 short years.”

“Her 13-year-old daughter would find such pride in knowing we haven’t forgotten her mom and her legacy.”

The Pathfinder Award will be delivered to KatieJay’s daughter, who is currently living in Los Angeles.

Dubrow will speak about Katie-Jay receiving the 2025 Pathfinder Award at the April 24 school board meeting and the Mercer Island Schools Foundation Breakfast of Champions on April 29.

preventive care/ patient education; apicoectomies; anesthetics/ manage pain; work w/ general dentists/ specialists; continuing education; DDS w/ 3 yrs’ exp; Certificate in Endodontics; Dentist License/ WA; Annual salary: $190,112.00/ Year; James Cheng-I Lin DDS PLLC, 5900 Balcones Drive, #100, Austin, TX 78731; HQ: 16614 SE 31st. St, Bellevue, WA 98008; Worksites: Lacey; Tacoma; Puyallup; Gig Harbor; Silverdale; University Place, WA; jamesclindds@gmail.com.

Legal Notices

: RecordLP’s,45’s, ReeltoReel, 8TrackTapes&CDs.

sion@mercerisland.gov until such time that the public hearing is adjourned. Detailed instructions on how to comment live during the public hearing will be available online on or before May 22, 2025, at: https://www.mercerisland. gov/bc-pc. DebEstrada,MMC DeputyCityClerk Americans with disabilities accommodations are available by calling(206)275-7791. Published in the Mercer Island Reporter: April 23, 2025 MIR1012311 4/23/25

Woodinville City Center, LLC, Kevin Elswick, 9757 NE Juanita Dr Ste 300 Kirkland, WA 98034-4291, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, Woodin Creek Phase VI, is located at 17311 135th Ave NE in Woodinville in King county. This project involves 3.34 acres of soil disturbance for Residential, Commercial construction activities. The receiving waterbody is Sammamish River. Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi @ecy.wa.gov, or ATTN: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater Washington State Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47696 Olym-

MIPA Circus returns for 58th year on April 26

Special to the Reporter

Mercer Island families will once again gather for one of the community’s most cherished traditions — the 58th Annual Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) Circus — on April 26. Since its beginnings in 1966 as the Dr. Seussinspired “Circus McGurkus,”

the event has grown into a magical day of fun for children aged 1-11, with games, activities and performances that delight attendees year after year.

The event will occur from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Islander Middle School (7447 84th Ave. SE). Magic Hour access forMIPAmembersandearly access ticket holders begins at 9 a.m.; general entry starts at 10 a.m.

This year’s lineup will feature more than 20 games and activities hosted by local preschools: interactive attractions like face painting, balloon animals, inflatables, and a petting zoo, and performancesfromfavorites likeReptileManandamagic show. Families can explore Touch-a-Truck while enjoyingcomplimentarypopcorn and cotton candy. Food trucks will also be on-site.

Zulaev notches two golds at judo championship

Northwood

Elementary School

student

Mikhail Zulaev won two gold medals at the Youth Judo Championship on March

29-30 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mikhail took gold in the Bantam 6 boys born in 2015, up to 35kg, division and the Bantam 6 boys born in 2015, up to 39kg, division.

According to Circus Chair Emily Yu, “It’s incredible to have an event like Circus in MercerIslandwhereparents who attended as kids can bring their own kids and see them grow in what activities they can enjoy year over year.”

A network of 100-plus volunteers from across Mercer Island work tirelessly to make the Circus a success. Mercer Island

preschoolseachhostgames, and volunteer groups include the Mercer Island High School football team, National Charity League, Mercer Island Women’s Club, Youth Theatre Northwest, Cub Scouts Pack 668, Girl Scouts and the city of Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department.

MIPA proudly acknowledges sponsorship support from Mercer Island Storage

Court, The Mercer, Baklinski Home Improvement, Mercer Island Martial Arts, 1:1 Fitness, Stroum Jewish Community Center, Country Village Day School, Jessica Livingston at Windermere, Creation Dance Studio, RobynandRachel Real Estate, Pedalheads and SanMar Printing. For tickets and more information, visit: www. mipacircus.com

MIHS students inducted into National Honor Society

By Reporter Staff

The following students were inducted into the Mercer Island High School National Honor Society on April 7 at the school’s upper commons:

Juniors, class of 2026

Aikum Bains, Milo Berkley, Elizabeth Burke, Abby Butson, Vicky Giler, Audrey Goodman,SarahGribble,SummerHerzinger, Ava Imbesi, Alanna Larson, Sebastian LeRoy, Milo McJannet, Samantha Merritt, Liam Murawski, Misha Pan, Chloe Perla, Maren Schalla, Aadyaa Singhai and Hudson Sulla.

Sophomores, class of 2027

AidinAzeem,ScoutBates,JonahBattema, Justen Bienstock, Adrienne Boerner, Elliot Chang, Shiri Danielli, Kate deStwolinski, Sabria Elarefi, Hayden Feimster, Sarah Garton, Jackie Gonzalez, Finn Hockley, Mattias Hofstetter, Samantha Janusson, Killian Finnegan, Petra Lanctot, Edward Li, Chloe Long, Jonathan Mak, Sophia Mecklai, Julie Moberg, Brody Newcomer, Pragna Prakash, Charles Prophater, Avery Rogers, Brian Rosemund, Rainey Rosenwald, Jasmine Said, Ina Song, Annabelle Wang and Janette Zhao.

Registration is open for summer sports camps

Mercer Island Parks and Recreation is partnering with Skyhawks Sports Academy to bring a summer full of fun camps for kids of all ages. Sports will include soccer, basketball, track and field, baseball, volleyball, field hockey, flag football and lacrosse. Camps will take place at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, Islander Middle School and South Mercer Playfields. Check out the schedule and register at: https://tinyurl. com/8pj8rj3y