Photos: Jerry's garden

Jerry Pickard's garden in Lake Forest Park is in full bloom with beautiful flowers. He photographed a selection of them for us to enjoy.

Daylily - - 

Geranium - - - -

 

Clematis - - - - 

Native Geranium - - - - -

 

Hosta - - - - -

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King county Assessor launches taxpayer transparency tool

Sample property tax bill

“The Assessor’s new transparency tool will make it easier than ever for the people of King County to know how their property taxes are being invested and what portion is supporting local, regional, or state-wide infrastructure and services.” King County Executive Dow Constantine.

King County Assessor John Wilson launched his new Taxpayer Transparency Tool, a website which provides each King County resident an individualized accounting of where their property tax dollars go, and the estimated cost of any proposed property tax levy to be voted on.

The new tool can be found here. There is a link to the tool on left side menu of the Assessor’s web page.

The tool was tested on a ballot measure in April during the special election and will be widely available for the ballot measures appearing in the August primary, including the proposed renewal levy for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). 

All county residents will be able to see how this AFIS renewal levy will affect their tax bill, while residents in the South King County Fire and Rescue District (Federal Way area) can also see how the proposed levy lid lift will impact them.

“Taxpayers have a right to know where their money is going, and what each proposed property tax levy will cost them,” said Wilson. “Property taxes keep going up. We need to make sure the public understands why.”

"A healthy democracy requires a well-informed public,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 

“The Assessor’s new transparency tool will make it easier than ever for the people of King County to know how their property taxes are being invested and what portion is supporting local, regional, or state-wide infrastructure and services.”

Wilson said there were several factors that led him to create this new tool:

• The property tax system in Washington State is complicated. This new tool allows voters to make informed decisions about ballot measures, and helps illustrate how our tax system works.
• News stories or other information about ballot measures typically use a median-valued or average property as the example for the cost of the proposal. “The problem is most people don’t live in a median-valued property, so those estimates just don’t seem relevant,” Wilson said.
• The Assessor’s Office receives a number of inquiries via phone and email in the lead up to voting on property tax measures by residents wanting to know how much these measures will cost them. This tool will be an efficient and effective way to answer these questions, as residents can find the answer on-line whenever it is convenient for them – not just during normal business hours. 

King County taxpayers have seen significant increases in their taxes this year. There are two primary reasons for this increase:

1. In recent years, voters have approved ballot measures that will fund vital services through property tax levies.
2. Last year state lawmakers voted to dramatically raise the state share of the property tax in order generate more school funding to satisfy the Supreme Court order in the McCleary case. In 2019, local school levies will be reduced, offsetting part of that increase. But in 2018, taxpayers will pay both their current school levy, and the new, increased state property tax. That led to a big spike in the property tax bill in 2018.

“We are working on policy proposals to relive some of the property tax burden on homeowners, especially those on fixed income. In the meantime, the least we can do is give taxpayers more information about our complicated property tax system,” said Wilson.

The Tax Transparency Tool was developed for the King County Assessor by Spatialest Inc, a unique enterprise software company focusing on Location, Value and Technology. The company also created “Localscape” for the King County Assessor in 2014, a map-based visualization tool that aggregates data to present information.

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Free events in parks this week, July 23-29

Bayou Envie free concert Sunday
in Edmonds Park

Here's a list of free events in local parks this week July 23-29, 2018

Bring something to sit on (Lynndale Park has wooden bleachers) and something to eat and enjoy the shows!


Tuesday Jul 24
Lunchtime Music Series
Hamlin Park
noon - 1pm
Dabuli
16006 15th Ave NE Shoreline
City of Shoreline

Tuesday Jul 24
Karaoke in the Park
Cromwell Park
5:30 - 8pm
anyone!
18030 Meridian Ave N
Shoreline
City of Shoreline

Tuesday Jul 24
Tuesday Concerts
Hazel Miller Plaza
noon - 1pm
Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre
"Stellaluna"
5th Ave S and Maple St
Edmonds
Edmonds Arts Commission

Wednesday Jul 25
Shakespeare in the Park
Richmond Beach Community Park
6:30 - 8:30pm
“Merry Wives of Windsor”
Richmond Beach Rd at 21st Ave NW
Shoreline
Wooden O

Wednesday Jul 25
Shakespeare in the Park
Lynndale Park Amphitheater 7 - 9pm
King Lear
18927 72nd Ave W
Lynnwood
Wooden O

Thursday Jul 25
Outdoor Movies @ The Square
Kenmore Town Square 8pm / dusk
Coco
6728 N 181st Street
Kenmore
City of Kenmore

Thursday Jul 26
Shakespeare in the Park
Lynndale Park Amphitheater 8 - 9pm
King Lear
18927 72nd Ave W
Lynnwood
Wooden O

Thursday Jul 26
Summer Concert Series
St. Edwards State Park 6 - 8pm
Winston Jarrett + Yogoman Burning Band
14447 Juanita Dr NE
Kenmore
Croasdale Real Estate

Thursday Jul 26
Thursday Concerts
Hazel Miller Plaza 5 - 6:30pm
Classic Klezmer Trio
5th Ave S and Maple St
Edmonds
Edmonds Arts Commission

Sunday Jul 29
Summer Concert in Park
Edmonds City Park  3 - 4pm
Bayou Envie 3rd Ave S and Pine St
Edmonds
Edmonds Arts Commission

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Letter to the Editor: Endorsement letter for Sen. Chase

To the Editor:

I am voting for Maralyn Chase for 32nd LD Senator because she consistently supports issues of concern to me. These include strong support for women's reproductive rights, public education, small businesses (e.g., low cost loans and tax credits), retraining programs for workers who need skills upgrades, protection of the environment, safer gun laws, consistent long term support of labor unions, which are the bulwark of the Middle class plus voting affirmatively for many other measures that benefit those who are adversely affected by current governmental policies.

Sen. Chase is now a member of the Water, Agriculture and Trade Development Committee, a critical legislative committee at this particular time of trade wars that hurt all of us. Her role on this committee is crucial because of the need to address and remedy pollution to Washington State's fresh and salt waters. Both water issues and trade affect this state's agricultural production, marine industries and distribution of the foods we eat.

A host of organizations and notable individuals (e.g., WA State Atty. Gen.) support Sen. Maralyn Chase, which is a testimony to her concern about and support of the issues that directly affect us in the 32nd LD. Sen Chase has a verifiable and proven record. Over her time in office facing a hostile oppositional legislative environment she has pursued and voted for programs and policies that benefit all of us. We cannot afford at this time to vote for candidates who lack a proven voting record at the state level on all these issues.

By voting for Senator Maralyn Chase my vote and that of others will optimize solutions to the increasingly complex problems facing this state.

Gini Paulsen
Shoreline

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Community effort to support Twin Ponds Park North on Saturday

Twin Ponds
Photo by Vicki Westberg

On Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 10am to noon, Washington Native Plant Urban Forest Stewards will be hosting a Community work party at Twin Ponds North, 16501 N 155th St, Shoreline 98133.

We will be removing blackberries and ivy, or potentially sheet mulching the area.

We will meet on the far NW side of the park, along 155th St. 

You will find us set up there, west of the parking lot.

Please bring gloves, hand pruners, and water. 

We will also have all of these items on site.

Contact us with any questions at northtwinpondsrestoration@gmail.com

If you know of anyone else who would love to join us, please feel free to pass on the invitation. We hope you are able to join us!

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Vehicle drives into Shoreline Library wall

Wall and door damaged from a vehicle
Photo by Mary Jo Heller

On Saturday night, July 21, a person drove into the staff entrance door at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th, pushing in the doorway and part of the wall.

The entrance has been closed off with a wooden barricade, and no one can access the area near the back door. The only way in or out for staff and patrons is the main front door.

Staff will need to work around limitations on the back room but there will be no impact on patrons.

Friends of the Library will need to ask that people keep their book donations until the back room is available. The book sale is in September, so they do not expect this will cause major problems.

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WeatherWatcher: Next Heatwave prompts Heat Advisory to be issued

Photo by Carl Dinse

We have another summer heatwave moving in and this one is here to stay for a while. The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Heat Advisory for Monday from 10am until 9pm. Warmest temperatures are expected to peak between 2pm and 8pm, exceeding 90 degrees. At this time the advisory is for Monday only, but temperatures are expected to remain warm all week long and into next weekend.

Forecast: All week, highs in the upper 80's and low 90's are expected, with Monday, Tuesday, next Saturday and Sunday being the warmest of the bunch. Wednesday - Friday highs are expected to be down to the upper 80's. Lows all week and next weekend are expected to be in the low 60's. Clear nights and sunny days.

Some forecasts indicate Shoreline and Lake Forest Park might be a little cooler than Seattle proper by about 3-5 degrees, so there's a chance we might stay a little cooler than forecasted. Longer range indicates we might return back to normal temperatures once again after next weekend.

Here's the temperature graph for July so far, compared to average:

For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com

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New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover at Third Place Books Tuesday

Colleen Hoover, author of Without Merit; It Ends with U, will present her new book on Tuesday at Third Place Books, Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park. 

Presentation FREE; signing line tickets available with paid pre-order of All Your Perfects. 206-366-3333.

Monday, July 23, 7pm

Cristina Curp (in conversation with Kyndra Holley)
Made Whole: More Than 145 Anti-Lnflammatory Keto-Paleo Recipes to Nourish You from the Inside Out (Victory Belt)

Cristina Curp, the creator of the popular food blog and wellness site The Castaway Kitchen, delivers everything you need to do away with diets and discover the right nutritional path for you. Together with Kyndra Holley (Craveable Keto; Keto Happy Hour), Curp will present some tasty tips and encouragement for those looking for a healthier lifestyle.

Tuesday, July 24, 7pm
Colleen Hoover
All Your Perfects (Atria)

We are pleased to welcome back to Lake Forest Park #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover (Without Merit; It Ends with Us), whose new novel is a tour de force about a troubled marriage and the one forgotten promise that might be able to save it. Presentation FREE; signing line tickets available with paid pre-order of All Your Perfects. 

Thursday, July 26, 7pm
Camas Davis
Killing It (Penguin)

A wayward young woman abandons her successful magazine career to learn the old ways of butchery and discover what it means to take life into her own hands. “Her powerful writing and gift for vivid description allow readers to feel as if they, too, are embarking on a life-changing journey” (Publishers Weekly). 

Friday, July 27 at 6pm
Ben Malcolmson
Walk On (Multnomah Books)

A true account of perseverance and hope from Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll's assistant, about a young journalist who walks on to a top-ranked USC football team guided by his faith. 

Sunday, July 29 at 6pm
Find Waldo Local – Victory Party

To celebrate the end of July and the month-long Find Waldo Local scavenger hunt at Third Place Books and Lake Forest Park Town Center, we will be holding a special prize ceremony, complete with snacks and a victory lap scavenger hunt in the bookstore, for participants who found Waldo and his friends.

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Crime in Shoreline week ending July 2 - don't go to Echo Lake park after dark

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Selected items from the Shoreline Police blotter, week ending 7-2-18

Trending:

• BHI dealt with four suicidal subjects
• Echo Lake park after hours - drugs, sex offender, vandalism, alcoholic, pot party
• Stolen vehicles recovered at park, shopping center, residential street
• DV assaults from both males and females - custody disputes, break-ups, most were pushing and scratching but one was a "strangulation" (not requiring medical treatment).

06-24 Physical fight between neighbors. Injured party will not press charges because he hates cops and besides he's an ex-Marine special forces B12 operator.
06-25 Break in and burglary of Malmo manager's office.
06-25 Overdose victim in Fred Meyer parking lot given Narcan.
06-25 Vandalism at Highland Ice Arena.
06-26 Garage side door forced open and leaf blower taken. 195xx x NW.
06-26 Man in his 60s incapacitated by alcohol at Echo Lake park around 6:30pm.
06-26 One person staying at America's Best Value motel stole the alternator from another person's vehicle. Police recovered alternator from thief's motel room and arrested him on warrants.
06-27 Vehicle parked at Darrell's Tavern broken into with a screwdriver.
06-27 Subject arrested while spray painting bathroom at Echo Lake park was assaulted by other subject being transported to jail.
06-28 Residential burglary at Polaris apartments.
06-29 Transient registered sex offender with two grocery carts of possessions arrested after hours at Echo Lake park.
06-29 Back pack stolen from Y locker.
06-29 Four men in Echo Lake park after hours smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, loaded pot pipe. Put out cigarettes, poured out beer, informed of rules, and told to leave.
06-30 Graffiti at Cromwell Park - lumber crayon and blue paint pen.
06-30 Theft from vehicle in locked garage at Echo Lake Apartments.
06-30 Person with mental issues Trespassed from North City Walgreens after causing a scene.
06-30 Aurora Jiffy Lube burglarized.
07-01 Suspect arrested at Y for taking cell phone photos up the skirt of a 10 year old girl.
07-02 Three men on BNSF tracks at RB Saltwater Park, climbing on a tanker car were warned about criminal trespass and park hours.

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Photos: View from the Bluff

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Photos by Lee Lageschulte

Daisies turn their faces to the sun on the hillside above the Shoreline Sea. Bands on the bluff performed at Mark and Karen Weber’s at their beautiful bluff setting above Richmond Beach raising money for Agros International.

View from the Bluff
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

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Destinations: Rob Oxford: Camping Close To Home Vol. 1

The KOA Office at Baycenter, WA

Camping Close To Home Vol. 1

Text and photos by Rob Oxford

Exactly 2 hours and 40 minutes south of Seattle there's a little place we consider to be one of our favorite getaways. Whether for a weekend or longer, visiting Willapa Bay, specifically the KOA in Baycenter, always proves to be a worthwhile escape.

For years our family has been visiting this well kept campground on the Washington Coast and each time we begin packing up our gear for the journey home, we wish we could stay just one or two more nights.

Now there are many ways to "camp" and many places in this great state to do so. For The Oxfords camping is a ritual. From the detailed list my wife begins compiling weeks before our departure, ensuring that while away we'll have all of the comforts of home, to the household chores I insist must be completed prior. Our family has camping down to a science.

Taylor and Robbie racing on rented 3-wheelers

First, one must begin by choosing the direction in which you plan to travel. Next is deciding on whether or not you'll actually be "camping." That is to say "roughing it." For the traditionalist this requires sleeping in a tent, usually at a slight angle and always on a bed of pine cones or an occasional tree root. Anything less is unacceptable. However, the back of a van is sometimes permissible.

Others may choose a more comfortable way of communing with nature. Some call this "Glamping," which until recently is a term with which I was unfamiliar. I suppose the name is derived from the assumption that relying on a 5th Wheel Trailer, RV or Cabin is more "glamorous" than tent camping. This indeed may be true.

Baycenter, WA

Regardless however, I encourage you to seize an opportunity to drag the kids away from the video games and get out and explore this home we affectionately call the Great Northwest.

Now some people simply don't like to camp. They may prefer resort hotels, cruise ships or "staycations" and that's perfectly all right. It's not for everyone... thank goodness. Otherwise, I'd never be able to make a reservation and that is something on which I insist.

I remember as a child we'd pack up the car and just "take off" and when my Dad got tired of driving, we'd find a campsite. Although in some cases this is still possible, not all campgrounds (usually State or Federal) allow this convenience.

I much prefer having a spot reserved -- one I've either stayed in before or one I've investigated thoroughly. Being sandwiched between two giant motorhomes can spoil an outing rather quickly. This has happened in the past and to be honest, sleeping with generators running on both sides of you all night is not the best way to enjoy the "sounds of nature." Thankfully, most campgrounds have areas designated specifically for tent camping and RV'ing.

We have a pop-up trailer that has served us well for many years, but because this was going to be a short three day trip, we decided to rent a Yurt. This particular KOA has a few comfortable little cabins which we've also rented in the past, but the Yurts are a welcome new addition.

Rob digging for clams for dinner

We first chose Baycenter in order to try our luck at clamming. The entire family loves seafood and Willapa Bay is best known for its fresh oysters and shellfish. Ken and Iris Shupe own and operate the Baycenter KOA and they'll tell you when checking in that the WiFi is "spotty." At this your teenagers will probably groan, but soon they'll forget all about Facebook Status Updates. 

The clamming is rather easy and for a minimal fee, if you didn't bring your own, clam buckets and rakes can be rented. Ken and Iris are also happy to provide a lesson in Clamming 101 for those first timers and a short trip to the beach at low tide can provide an ample supply of steamers for dinner. Yum!

For the younger campers, the Shupes have been steadily providing more and more activities in the eight years they been running the Baycenter KOA. RC cars and a delightful track on which to race them is a new addition since our last stay. As is the ice cream shoppe, volleyball court, and scavenger hunt. The store is open year round and is well stocked with a variety of essentials for campers and locals alike.

The Baycenter KOA also has a game room, but you no longer need quarters. This game room provides only the classics like checkers, chess, Battleship and Candyland. A welcome return to the basics of family fun.

If you do find that the little natives are getting a bit too restless or if you feel the need to stimulate the local economy further, 30 minutes away is Long Beach where you'll find lots of restaurants, gift shops, activities for the kids and the World's Longest Beach on which to stroll.

The campground is protected by Gnomeland Security

Finally, rest assured that while staying at the Baycenter KOA, your family is safe and secure. Protection is provided by Gnomeland Security.

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Body of missing Kenmore woman found - police open active murder investigation

Photos courtesy David Rose
Washington's Most Wanted TV show Q13

Open Active Murder Investigation of Jamie Haggard Case

The missing persons case for 27 year old Kenmore woman Jamie Haggard has turned into a murder investigation with the recent discovery of her body in Snohomish county.

The remains of the mother of two, missing for two years, was found near Downes Road and Fales Road near Snohomish, WA on May 9, 2018 and recently identified by the Snohomish County ME’s Office as Jamie C. Haggard.

The King County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying that "This is an ongoing active murder investigation. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence and reviewing evidence for DNA analysis."

Anyone with information pertaining to the death of Jamie Haggard is encouraged to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311.

"We want people to remember what her story was. We believe somebody out there knows. Somebody was maybe there that night. Somebody knows what happened maybe a few days before the incident, maybe the day of the incident, maybe they weren't comfortable at the time to report it, but maybe they've changed their minds since then. 

"We truly believe somebody out there knows what happened to Jamie," said King County Sheriff's Det. Jessica Santos.

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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Girl Mans Up

Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard

Pen doesn't want to be a boy. And she isn't. So why does everybody have these weird ideas about her?

Pen likes to dress in baggy jeans and her brother Jimmy's t-shirts. She doesn't want to be her mom's "princesa." She doesn't want to get married to some guy and go to nursing school. She wants to hang out with her buddies -- guys like Colby, who plays first-person shooter video games almost as well as Pen, and who totally has her back.

Or ... does he?

Readers will see that Colby lacks the loyalty and respect Pen craves long before Pen catches on. But when Colby tries to sexually assault her, even Pen can see what a ratbag her "friend" really is. At that point, Pen has to make some changes. And none of the choices she might make will be easy.

This book features some fabulous allies, including an older brother and (to Pen's surprise) a couple of girls.

Three cheers for a strong gender-fluid protagonist, a teen romance that does not fly apart at the seams by the end of the book, and a sibling who is friend, brother, and parent to Pen. Recommended for readers 12 and up.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Computer reboot

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be found under Features 

in the first column of the front page of the Shoreline Area News

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Voters' pamphlets and ballots have arrived - and it's free postage to return your ballot

By Diane Hettrick

Don't be intimidated by the 90 page voters' pamphlet that arrived in your mail this week. Most of it has nothing to do with our districts.

Congressional races

U.S. Senator - page 11-25
A large part of the packet and ballot belongs to the 28 people who are running against incumbent U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.

I like to at least skim the statements to see what kind of people are filing for office. There are people who run to promote their businesses. Others use the exposure to promote a cause.

There are familiar names and familiar parties. There are a lot of new people and some new political parties. Only one person didn't bother to submit any information.

U.S. Representative District 7 - page 29
Incumbent Pramila Jayapal has a Republican challenger, Craig Keller.


State Legislative District 32 - Shoreline - page 47-53

State Senator - page 47-48
Incumbent Maralyn Chase is being challenged by Democrat Jesse Salomon and Republican James Wood.

State Representative Pos 1 - page 49-50
Incumbent Cindy Ryu is challenged by Republican Diodato Boucsieguez, and Centerist Keith Smith.

State Representative Pos 2 - page 51-52
With Ruth Kagi's impending retirement, the seat is open. Candidates are Democrats Lauren Davis and Chris Roberts and Republican Frank Deisler.


State Legislative District 46 - Lake Forest Park and Kenmore - page 81

State Senator - page 81
Incumbent Democrat David Frockt has a Republican challenger Beth Daranciang.

State Representative Pos 1 - page 82
Incumbent Democrat Gerry Pollet and challenger Republican Jeff Patton.

State Representative Pos 2 - page 83
Democrat Javier Valdez was appointed to the seat when Jessyn Farrell resigned to run for Mayor of Seattle (she came in third). Running against Valdez is Republican Jerry Zeiger-Buccola.


King County Measure - page 84

Only one measure on this ballot. A vote to replace an expiring levy to fund the automated fingerprint identification technology used by law enforcement to help identify criminals from local and national databases.

Where to turn in your ballot - full information in flyer included with your ballot

1. Any mailbox - postage is free
2. Drop boxes at Lake Forest Park City Hall and Shoreline Library - also in Seattle locations that may be on your shopping or commuting route

Mailed ballots must be postmarked by August 7

Ballot drop boxes close at 8pm on August 7

Accessible voting centers in Bellevue, Renton, and downtown Seattle.

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Jackson Park trail volunteers work to maintain the walking trail

Saturday's volunteers pose on the Jackson Park Trail
L-R Brandon Megrath, Kean Engie, Brad Rogers, Elly Hale.

Jackson Park Trail volunteers held a work party on Saturday, July 21, 2018, moving mulch in the south-west corner of the trail.

Brad Rogers shovels mulch

According to Wikipedia, Jackson Park is a 160.7-acre public park and golf course in north Seattle, occupying most of the space between NE 145th St on the north, NE 130th St on the south, 5th Ave NE on the west, and 15th Ave NE on the east.

The Jackson Park Trail runs the entire perimeter of the park, just outside the fence. There have been Shoreline Walks events there, but the resident who led the walk has moved out of Shoreline. (See previous article).

The work party volunteers have a Facebook page to announce their events. Now they are holding a work party every month on the THIRD SATURDAY of each month from 10am -2pm.

Sign up online or just show up!

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Destinations: Sequim Lavender Festival this weekend - lavender and ferry traffic

The Sequim Lavender Festival is so popular that the Washington State Patrol issued travel advisories, advice, and warnings about what it will do to ferry traffic (see below).

Join us July 21 – 22, 2018 in beautiful Carrie Blake Park for the 22nd Sequim Lavender Festival®

• SATURDAY July 21 Open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (street dance 7:00 – 9:00)
• SUNDAY July 22 Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Sequim Lavender Festival® celebrates its 22nd year in the heart of Sequim, Clallam County, Washington during the weekend of July 21- 22nd. Solely produced and managed by the member-growers of the Sequim Lavender Growers Association ™, the Sequim Lavender Festival® will include activities and attractions to delight visitors of all ages.

Lavender couple
Photo courtesy Sequim Lavender Festival

The Sequim Lavender Street Fair is located in Carrie Blake Community Park this year. This beautiful venue will host more than 150 crafts and lavender booths, a diverse food court, live music and more. Hours are Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Admission to the event is free and there is free parking at the entrance to Blake Ave. Watch for signs coming off SR 101 and directions to general parking and ADA parking.

Sequim Lavender Growers Association™ members will offer original and hand-created gifts and personal care items produced from their Sequim lavender harvest at their vendor booths.

The imagination is limitless when it involves the ancient and modern uses of lavender — from hydrating oils, lotions and soaps, relaxing eye pillows, culinary ingredients and pet apparel to the beautifully prepared lavender bouquets and loose lavender buds. 

And, of course, unique and hard-to-locate lavender plants will be available at the Street Fair and the farms.

This lavender-themed event consists of a high-end juried street fair made up of all types of artisans with a wide variety of techniques and products. Offerings include photography, fine art, pottery, metalwork, leatherwork, carvings, jewelry, fibers, glass, pet supplies and precious minerals and rocks. Artisans from throughout the country make the Sequim Lavender Festival one of their must-do seasonal events.

Lavenderstock live music all weekend
Photo courtesy Sequim Lavender Festival

Our famous LavenderStock will take place at the James Center main stage and will feature live music and entertainment all weekend. Bring your dancing shoes on Saturday night for the “Street” Dance at the James Center from 7:00pm – 9:00pm featuring Black Diamond Junction. CLICK HERE to see the full lineup!

Our Food Court should not be missed! A wonderful array of food is available to our visiting foodies. Don’t miss the BBQ, fish and chips, six flavors of lavender ice cream, street tacos, Greek and Thai food, coffee, donuts, kettle corn, elephant ears and more. There are several returning favorites and a couple of new things to try! CLICK HERE to see all the amazing food to choose from.

The Sequim Lavender Festival in the park is pet friendly. Pets must be on leash (we’re in the city limits) and picked up after. There is an enclosed dog park in Carrie Blake Park, and we’ll have a doggy rest area in the shade. Several vendors cater to pets. Some of our farms are also pet friendly, check out this webpage for more info – CLICK HERE.

The FREE Self-Guided Farm Tours will be held from 10am to 5:30pm all weekend, when eight farms and one commercial nursery are open to the public. Farms include: Blackberry Forest, Graysmarsh Berry and Lavender Farm, Nelson’s Duck Pond and Lavender Farm, Kitty B’s Lavender Farm, Meli’s Lavender, Earth Muffin Lavender, Troll Haven, and Peninsula Nursery.

Pick up a Sequim Lavender Festival® map at any farm or the park for locations of these FREE farms, or download one off our website. Drive at your own leisure and pack a lunch to enjoy a full day of relaxation and lavender. CLICK HERE to see a Google Earth Map of the surrounding area.

Traffic warnings from the State Patrol

The Washington State Patrol Homeland Security Division would like to remind travelers of the Sequim Lavender Festival. This event draws thousands to the Sequim area each year to view the lavender fields in the area.

Washington State Ferry (WSF) terminals are likely to see an increase in traffic primarily affecting the Seattle to Bainbridge and Edmonds to Kingston routes.

It is important to follow signage leading up to and at each ferry terminal. Be mindful of the tally slip needed at the Kingston ferry terminal during heavy congestion and when the WSDOT signs advise. When the Kingston terminal is completely full, Washington State Patrol troopers hold ferry traffic outside of town at eastbound State Route 104 and Lindvog Rd NE. At this point, troopers will begin to issue boarding passes. The pass ensures your place in line as you travel through Kingston to the ferry toll booth to purchase a ticket.

WSP troopers will be on the lookout for line cutters throughout the WSF system. As a reminder, please do not contact a line cutter yourself. Report to the HERO line (1-877-764-HERO) or advise WSF staff if this behavior is observed.

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Exchange student missing from Lynnwood

Tulga is missing from Lynnwood
Photo courtesy Edmonds Police

Lynnwood Police looking for missing person

Battulga Batbold, a 23 year-old exchange student from Mongolia, is missing.

Battulga, who also goes by "Tulga", was last seen on the evening of July 1, 2018, at his apartment in the 20400 block of 68th Ave W, Lynnwood.

He was attending Edmonds Community College and has no family in the area.

Battulga is an Asian male, 5'4", 120 pounds (thin build). Current clothing description is unknown.

If you have information about his whereabouts, please contact Detective Sergeant Doug Teachworth at 425-670-5616 or via email (or call 9-1-1).

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Former Kenmore resident sentenced for possession of images of child rape

Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat
the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse

A registered sex offender with prior convictions for raping a 12-year-old girl he met via the internet was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 20 years in prison for two federal felonies involving his receipt and possession of images of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

RICHARD DAVID BLICK, 65, was indicted in September 2017, following an investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Blick lived in Kenmore until the King County address he was registered to went into foreclosure and he could not find stable housing. He moved into a trailer and was technically homeless, moving from street to street in Snohomish County.

The original tip about him went to the King County Sheriff's Office, which contracts with Kenmore for police.

Blick was convicted in March 2018 following a two-day trial. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered Blick to be supervised by federal probation for the rest of his life following the prison sentence.

“Despite incarceration, treatment, supervision, and sex offender registration, this defendant remains a predator, using the internet to seek out children that he can exploit,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “He has proved time and again that he poses an ongoing and substantial threat to community safety. As a result, this long prison sentence is the only way to protect our kids from his crimes.”

According to records in the case and testimony at trial, the electronic service provider Dropbox made a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an account later linked to Blick was uploading pictures of child pornography.

The subsequent law enforcement investigation revealed Blick owned the Dropbox account and that he was a Level 3 registered sex offender with a 2001 conviction for raping a 12-year-old girl. In August 2017, law enforcement served search warrants on his residence, an RV in Edmonds.

On Blick’s various electronic devices were thousands of images of child pornography as well as chats and videos with a 14-year-old California child whom Blick convinced to send him sexually explicit images. Blick has been in federal custody since his arrest in August 2017.

“Each time an image of child exploitation is shared online, the child in that image is victimized all over again. Law enforcement discovered thousands of images on Blick’s electronic media, including the fact that he convinced a minor to send him sexually explicit images. 

"He represents the worst kind of criminal, one who preys on innocent children. Let today’s sentencing be a warning to other child predators; law enforcement officers are actively looking for you and will ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Seattle.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

The case was investigated by the King County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cecilia Gregson. Ms. Gregson is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.

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Amy Pleasant’s “Shift: a new world coming” explores abstraction as personal change

Untitled #3 Shift series
Artist Amy Pleasant

The artist will offer a live painting demonstration on Wednesday, August 1st and Thursday, August 2nd, from 10:00am – 3:00pm in the City Hall lobby.

In the second part of her solo exhibition at Shoreline City Hall, Amy Pleasant uses a similarly bright color plate as the previous, classroom-inspired work in Lessons Learned to explore her sense of a new world in the making.

“These days,” writes the artist, “I find myself interested more in the idea of the thing, rather than the physicality of the thing itself,” perhaps referencing poet William Carlos Williams’ famous 20th century credo, “no ideas but in things.”

Here in the 21st century, by contrast, Pleasant suggests a subtle rearrangement of the terms.

In these 17 new works in a variety of presentation formats (including a huge 8’ x 5’ raw canvas painting), Pleasant captures the vibrancy of flora with a consistent eye for blue as a background.

The exhibition is on view on the second floor of City Hall (17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133; Monday - Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm) until October 17, 2018. 

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Letter to the Editor: Jesse Salomon and tax reform

To the Editor:

This year State Senator Maralyn Chase has a serious opponent, Jesse Salomon of the Shoreline City Council. As an experienced political leader he may end up in the top two in the primary election, giving us a Democrat-vs-Democrat general election. Some of Salomon’s campaign statements concern me.

He makes a central issue of property taxes, saying “I will fight to reduce them so they are not a burden to seniors and middle-class property owners.” This is a problem for two reasons. First, he says nothing about how to replace the revenue that would be lost by such tax cuts. At this point the state needs more revenue, not less -- for education, mental health and drug rehab services, homelessness, and other serious social problems. Where would Salomon find it?

My second concern is that he seems to be favoring a relatively affluent group of people, when there are desperately poor people who need much more help. Granted, some people, especially seniors on lower fixed incomes, are “house-poor,” and are genuinely burdened by property taxes in terms of cash flow. But homeowners in general are more affluent than non-homeowners, older homeowners are generally better off than younger ones, usually having more equity in their homes, and there are ways of translating that equity into cash flow. So property taxes, while a problem for lower-income homeowners, are actually the more progressive part of our infamously regressive tax structure. I hope Salomon can address these issues, as well as progressive tax reform.

Chris Nielsen
Shoreline

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Wildfires increasing air pollution in Northwest

BOTHELL, Washington — A growing number of wildfires has increased particulate air pollution over the last several decades in the Northwest, researchers at the University of Washington Bothell report.

The increase is in contrast to the downward trend seen in the rest of the country, which has gotten consistently cleaner due to regulations under the U.S. Clean Air Act.

The findings are reported in the paper “US particulate matter air quality improves except in wildfire-prone areas.” It was published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. The authors are Crystal McClure, a University of Washington doctoral student in Atmospheric Science, and Dan Jaffe, University of Washington Bothell professor in Environmental Chemistry.

An increase in fires and smoke in the Northwest has been predicted in the future due to climate change. But the McClure and Jaffe study demonstrates that these effects are here today. 

“This is another nail in the coffin that climate change is real and is happening now,” Jaffe said. “In the future, we will be dealing with more and more smoke in the western United States as a result of climate change.”

Northwest wildfires have been on the rise since the mid-1980s and are a major source of PM2.5, which poses a significant health hazard. On many days these fires generate air pollution levels that are unhealthy and well above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) daily standard for PM2.5. This fine particulate matter, with particle diameters less than 2.5 microns, is hard to detect. A micron is one-millionth of a meter. A human hair is 50-75 microns in diameter.

The analysis focused on the 98th percentile of days, which equates to the seven highest days each year. The researchers found that these seven highest days are getting worse. The attached map shows the region in red where these days are getting worse.

The researchers analyzed data from a national network known as IMPROVE, the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments. This network has tracked particulate concentrations for more than 30 years at over 160 sites around the country.

Funding for the research was provided by the National Science Foundation Grant 1447832 and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grant NA170OAR431001.


UW Bothell provides access to an exceptional University of Washington education to students in a campus environment that fosters student achievement. Offering more than 55 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, UW Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.

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Church in the Park July 29 at Cromwell Park

Mark your calendars for even more outdoors family, fun, and fellowship at our next Church in the Park event on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Cromwell Park in Shoreline - 18030 Meridian Ave N, 98133.

Our youth will be selling Frito bowl lunchboxes and Italian sodas to raise money for summer camp. 

And we'll have live worship music and games for the whole family to enjoy. Invite your friends and family to come out and enjoy some fun in the sun this summer!

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Dahlia of the Week: Baron Katie

Baron Katie in the garden

Text and photos by John Hibbs, ND

The 2018 dahlia blooming season has begun, and along with it the Dahlias For Seniors 2018 fundraiser for the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

My tubers went into the ground on the first Saturday in May, and with the exceptionally warm, sunny Spring we had they are a few weeks ahead of schedule. 

Most of the 110 plants are between 3' and 5' tall and the large majority are producing many healthy buds. 

About 20 varieties have first flowers, with more opening each day.

The first 2018 Dahlia of the Week is one of my favorites, last year's champion bloomer -- Baron Katie.

Dahlia of the Week
Baron Katie

Baron Katie was first introduced to dahlia lovers in 2000. This is a magnificent plant, with more sturdy side trunks growing from the lower main than any other I've seen, each of which produces smaller uprights and many blooms.

Her red-orange-yellow petals make a 'flame blend" as they gracefully curl inward at their sides and twist on the long axis, making an impression bright, luscious and relaxed.

Thus Baron Katie is classified Informal Decorative. Her flowers are 5-6'' across, officially sized BB and middle-sized for a dahlia, presenting strongly upright on dependably long, strong stems.

Structurally perfect for cutting, her color and shape last very well in a bouquet. A backbone of the Dahlias for Seniors bouquets, I planted two clumps this year!

Baron Katie

You can pick up a bouquet in exchange for a donation at the Ridgecrest Public House 520 NE 165th St, Shoreline, and enjoy nice folks while you are there.

And this year, for the first time you can pick up a bouquet at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, the beneficiary of our most-colorful fundraiser.

Located on the NE corner of 1st Ave NE and 185th NE in Shoreline 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155) the Center would love to have you drop in for flowers and see what they're up to.

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Federal judge grants AG Ferguson’s request to expedite family separations suit

Judge cites “chaotic and disorganized nature” of family separations

A federal judge Thursday granted Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s request to expedite his multistate lawsuit regarding the Trump Administration’s family separation policy. The judge also granted Ferguson’s request for weekly status conferences with the court during the period of expedited discovery. She scheduled the first conference for Friday, July 27.

In her ruling granting Ferguson’s request for expedited review, U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman pointed to the “chaotic and disorganized nature of the Government’s practice of separating children from their parents and moving them around the country” as proof that “good cause exists to move swiftly to address the issues they have raised.”

“The Trump Administration’s family separation policy continues to harm thousands of children and parents,” Ferguson said. “This tragedy must be dealt with quickly, in the name of human decency and fundamental American values.”

Judge Pechman also noted in her ruling that while a separate, class-action lawsuit in Southern California produced a preliminary injunction ordering the federal government to reunify families, that case does not address important issues raised in Ferguson’s case — including the Administration’s refusal to accept asylum seekers at the southern border and conditions being attached to family reunification.

“The kind of family separations currently being implemented by the Government are proven to cause immediate and extensive psychological harm to both children and parents; the damage is only worsened with the passage of time,” Judge Pechman wrote. “These are circumstances which demand swift review and response.”

Ferguson has now filed 29 lawsuits against the Trump Administration. Ferguson has nine legal victories thus far and has not lost a case against the Administration.

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Scene on the Sound: What it means when there's nothing there

Marine app says there's
nothing to see here

By Jan Hansen

I once had the privilege of being onboard one of our Ohio Class submarines, the USS Alaska SSBN-732. We were underway, and I glanced down at the coffee in my cup. The surface was perfectly still. These submarines make no noise. Appropriate ocean sounds are broadcast, so that these vessels won’t be detected by a submarine shaped hole of silence moving through the waters

My kitchen window gives a view of the Shoreline Sea, a very busy section of the marine highway.

I now notice what I don’t see.

When the traffic is cleared, when even the ferries that run between Edmonds and Kingston are held at their docks, I look for a special military vessel coming through. The Marine Traffic app covers the globe. I routinely zoom into our area to identify ships.

Marine Traffic shows a large empty section, not the usual busy corridor, when these special ships are moving.

Emptiness draws my attention to find the unreported vessel, an aircraft carrier, a destroyer, a submarine, etc. This morning it is a submarine. 

But this is the view for Shoreline residents
Photo by Jan Hansen

My mind plays with the idea of integrating random “ghost” vessels into the Google monitoring, a parallel to the generated sounds for our submarines.

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Thomas Blakely Hamilton 1937-2018

Tom Hamilton

Hamilton, Thomas Blakely

Shoreline, WA

Thomas Blakely Hamilton, age 81, passed away at his home in Shoreline, surrounded by his wife and children, on Tuesday, July 10, 2018. He was born on June 7, 1937 in Seattle, Washington to Thomas Blakeley and Winifred Jean (Beeson) Hamilton.

Tom spent most of his childhood in Seattle, attending Christ the King, Seattle Preparatory, and graduating from Lincoln High. He went on to attend college at Seattle University where he received his bachelor's in Psychology in 1961, and then to the University of Portland where he received his master's in Psychology in 1964. He was an Assistant Professor at Seattle University for 13 years, where he taught a variety of classes including psychology, statistics, and experimental design.

Tom moved to Shoreline in 1975 and married Kathleen Diane Barrett in 1976. Together they raised their children and survived many road trips, camping across the Western US and visiting National Parks.

He loved to travel with his wife Kathi and they went on countless cruises and adventures. Some favorite ones included the 2006 World Cup in Germany, cruising to Australia in 2011, riding elephants in Thailand in 2017, and numerous Disney and Harry Potter theme trips with his children and grandchildren.

Tom and Kathi shared a passion for the arts with their season tickets to the 5th Avenue and ACT theaters. They supported local sports as season ticket holders for both the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Sounders. Tom loved reading and going to movies, especially science fiction, and enjoyed genealogy and researching family history. He loved to watch his grandchildren's sporting, theater and musical events and was always up for trying out the latest brewpub with friends and family, where you could find his signature Edgar Martinez Mariners logo'd PT Cruiser parked outside.

Tom and Kathi raised their family at Richmond Beach Congregational Church (RBCC) where Tom fulfilled many roles as an officer and on committees, participated in men's groups, and managed the church sound system where he trained younger generations on the sound board, including two of his grandchildren.

Despite his own musical challenges, he loved music. He was in many church plays and musicals as an original member of the RBCC Players, starting with a dramatic stage death as the captain in the Poor of New York. He enjoyed playing the grandfather in You Can’t Take It with You and sang courageously as Mr. Macy in Miracle at Macy’s. He also attempted piano lessons and had a brief stint in the church hand bell choir. As a founding member of PFJ (Pints for Jesus), he sampled many local pints north of the Ship Canal.

In addition to his work at a Seattle University, his varied career included brief stints as a cab driver, bartender, real estate agent, and home computer salesman for Texas Instruments until he found his calling in technical publications for the Boeing Company, from where he retired at age 60.

Throughout his life, Tom gave back to his community in many ways, including volunteering as a court appointed special advocate. Post retirement he also served as both Treasurer and President for the Seattle Genealogical Society, and as a volunteer tour guide at the Museum of Pop Culture.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Kathi; sons, Thomas III (Joanna), Phillip, daughters Cynthia Raecker (Jeff), Melissa Hart-Kim (John), Kerri Franklin (Eric) and stepdaughter Sarah Lynette (Matt); 16 grandchildren; brothers Joseph and William (Mary), sister Carolyn Thomas (Gene) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Raymond. Tom will be interred at Acacia Memorial Park in Lake Forest Park, Washington.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at noon at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th St, Shoreline, WA, 98133.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to Seattle Genealogical Society and MoPop.

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WET N’ WILD is coming this Saturday

It will be hot this weekend! Come have a blast and get wet with sprinklers, a huge slip n’ slide, giant bubble blowing, water balloon sling shots and lots of other fun, and it’s FREE!

The Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Association invites you to join the fun at the third annual Wet N’ Wild this Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 3-5pm at Sunset School Park 17800 10th Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

Bring fun loving kids of all ages, your beach towels, and prepare to have a great time.

To volunteer or ask questions, contact Pete Gerhard.

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Photos: Mama's little babies

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wayne Pridemore just returned from a trip to Alaska. He took his camera, of course. He captured some charming photos of a mother bear and her cub.

Wayne says, "For animals great and small, it's often up to mom to teach her little one how to survive and use their instincts wisely."

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

He was bemused to find a similar scene in his back yard when he returned.

"The same thing happens in a Shoreline back yard as in the Lisianski Inlet in southwest Alaska." 

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