Photo: Poppies

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


These are the poppies that the veterans use as a model for their Buddy Poppies. 

The red color is so vivid, it practically glows. 



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“Summer Shorts” at The Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds August 2-11


Summer is upon us, which means it’s time for big laughs at our local theatres! 

"Summer Shorts" features a collection of 10-minute comedic plays by local playwrights. 

Each play features many of Phoenix’s favorite actors, and well-known local directors. 

These hilarious stories have everything from hitchhikers to werewolves and will keep the audience giddy throughout. 

“Summer Shorts” will be at The Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds August 2-11
Firdale Village Shopping Center

All tickets only $15. Plays included in Summer Shorts are (alphabetically by playwright):

Hitchers – by Joe Purcell and Kate Danley
Raising a Romulus – by Stacy Lynn Gilbert
New Digs – by Betsy Hanson
Real Love, Funerals, and Social Work – by Qaitlin Peterson Merrit
Foreplay – by Dennis Moore
The Effects of Moonlight on Romantic Endeavors - by Diane Nichols
Doctor Loopifer’s Machine – by Matt Smith

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Justin Van Hollebeke Memorial Golf Tournament raises funds for Wonderland

The Golf Club at Newcastle
The 20th Annual Justin Van Hollebeke Memorial Golf Tournament Weekend is just two weeks away! 

Join Wonderland and ESPN legends Chris Berman and Bill Rasmussen for a weekend of fun for a great cause!

Proceeds from this event will support our uncompensated care fund, so all families can receive services regardless of their income or ability to pay.

Limited spaces are still available!

Wonderland Child and Family Services is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and early-intervention agency. They serve more than 250 families and their children ages birth to three with special needs per month in north King and south Snohomish counties. We are dedicated to helping children with developmental delays or disabilities realize their full potential.

Wonderland is headquartered in Shoreline.



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Best Starts for Kids survey for parents of children 5th grade and younger

Best Starts for Kids is a King County initiative that strengthens families and communities so that babies are born healthy, children thrive and establish a strong foundation for life, and young people grow into happy, healthy adults. 

Public Health Seattle and King County helps implement Best Starts for Kids.

Help us make sure all voices are represented in the Best Starts for Kids Health Survey!

Best Starts for Kids is now in its fourth year and things are changing in our communities. The Best Starts for Kids Health Survey questions are designed to help Best Starts for Kids better understand those changes.

Parenting is hard work, and it is our hope that learning about your experiences as a parent, child’s health, family strengths, and community supports will help Best Starts for Kids build on strengths and meet needs for families across King County.

Read more on the Best Starts Blog about the 7 things families should know about the Kids Health Survey.

All voices are valued in this survey. Click here to take the survey (or visit this link). It will take about 20-30 minutes to complete.

Pass it on! We would appreciate you sharing the survey web link with parents and caregivers with children 5th grade or younger.

The survey is open until September 2 and is available to take online in Chinese, English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

We need your help to increase survey participation from members of these communities:
  • Families with children who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native; Black or of African descent; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
  • Families who speak Mandarin or Cantonese, Vietnamese, Somali, or Russian.
  • Parents or caregivers who identify as LGBTQIA or Two-Spirit
  • Families who are experiencing poverty
  • Families with children with special needs

Your survey answers provide important information about how our youngest children and their families are doing. Over time, the survey helps us track whether our efforts are making a difference in the health of King County children.

Findings will continue to be shared several ways:


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American Legion Post 227 attends 100th birthday party for WWII vet

Robert Daley at his
100th birthday party
Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

Post Commander Larry Fischer, Adjutant Earl Thompson, Sgt. at Arms Rich Christianson, and Historian Jerry Pickard traveled to Maple Valley where a family gathering honored Robert W. Daley on Sunday, July 28, 2019.

One hundred relatives and friends gathered to honor Mr. Daley on his 100th birthday.

Commander Fischer and Adjutant Earl Thompson presented a Certificate Of Appreciation and a U.S. Army Recognition Pin to Mr. Daley.

Mr. Daley was born and raised in West Seattle. He joined the U.S. Army on February 3, 1941 and was assigned to the 205th Coast Artillery and Aviation.

100 friends and relatives for a 100th birthday
 
He was stationed on Shemya Island in the Aleutian Islands. Shemya is located between Attu and Kiska Islands which were occupied by the Japanese forces.

Attu and Kiska were the only military campaigns fought on American soil during WWII. 

He was in the Artillery Support Group building an airfield and manning the Artillery guns. He also had cook duties. 

Among his awards he earned The American Defense Service medal, The Asian - Pacific Service medal, and a Good Conduct award.

Post 227 was honored to be invited to Mr. Daley's 100th Birthday celebration.

Photo: Post 227 members Earl Thompson, Commander Larry Fischer, Mr. Daley, Historian Jerry Pickard, and Sgt. at Arms Rich Christianson.



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Beginning genealogy class Saturday

Heritage Library

Free Beginning Genealogy Class offered this Saturday, August 3, at 10am by the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society at its research library located at 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood.

The one hour drop-in class gets you started doing your research in an orderly way. This library is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11am - 3pm.

For more information call 425-775-6267.




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Introduction: Lake Forest Park Police Chief Mike Harden

LFP Police Chief Mike Harden
Hello community!

With the retirement of Chief Sutton, I have been given the opportunity to lead the Lake Forest Park Police Department into the next chapter. As a small introduction, I was chosen to be your new Police Chief. 

I am truly honored to be named your Chief and most everyone knows that I have some very big shoes to fill. Chief Sutton was loved by our community and he has been an incredible mentor.

If you are interested and would like to know more about me, my name is Mike Harden and I have been with the Lake Forest Park Police Department for over 18 years.

I grew up in Southern California and my father was a police officer for West Covina Police Department. I became a police explorer with West Covina PD when I was 14 years old. Years later, I became a police reserve officer for West Covina PD. 

One of my most treasured memories was my first traffic stop with my dad as the backing officer. 

After spending over 4 years with the department, I moved to Washington State in 1997 with my wife (Amy) working for a clothing store as a district manager. In 2000, I contacted the Lake Forest Park Police Department and was hired on as a police officer. When I started, my first child was 1 week old! 

With LFPPD, I was a police officer, working on a future in computer forensics. That changed when I saw a position open for the canine narcotics officer working with K9 “Dakota” for 7 amazing years. That was an incredibly fulfilling experience and I enjoyed working as a canine officer.

I then became a Field Training Officer (FTO). I loved training new recruits and really loved the administrative aspect of the position. Then, I became an FTO coordinator and loved the management portion of the job which lead to a promotion as the patrol sergeant position in 2010. I loved serving my crew of officers as their sergeant.

While I was working as a patrol sergeant, Chief Sutton was hired on and wanted an administrative sergeant to oversee the support services division. I took this role on and for the next six years, I was given more responsibilities, training, leadership and mentorship from Chief Sutton. 

Under the direction of Chief Sutton, I was able to help lead the department in the direction it is today. One of my skills is the use of technology and with Chief Sutton’s “yes”, and “let’s do it” attitude we moved into a culture of better communication with the community. 

I also attended the FBI National Academy, spending 3 months in Virginia with police executives from all around the world. It was the most rewarding, inspiring, and important training I have ever had.

We have a well-run police department, great officers, a community that holds public safety as the #1 priority and dearly loves our police department.

I want to use the talent and skills I learned from Chief Sutton and continue to have an outstanding police department. As it stands right now, we have lost a veteran presence with the retirement of Detective Matthews, Captain Armbrust, and Chief Sutton, and those are some big shoes to fill. 

My current objective is to build the next group of leaders for our police department. I have two open Lieutenants positions that need to be filled and we are presently working on those positions. We also must fill the open officer positions this will create, and we are presently working on that as well. I ask for patience in this transition period as I have no set administration just yet, so I am pulling from existing resources to temporarily help until positions are filled.

As for the near future, I would like to meet with block watch captains, community members, merchants, attend city events, and continue to be engaged with our community. I will be a Rotarian with LFP and I am planning to make connections within this group of amazing people.

If you have any questions, my email is mharden@cityoflfp.com and my office number is (206) 957-2851. I have always had an open door and I will do my very best to meet the expectations that all of you and the officers have. Very excited for the next chapter in our history!

Chief Mike Harden
Lake Forest Park Police Department
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
206.957.2851


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City Council places ShARCC on November ballot

Shoreline City Council places Shoreline Proposition 1 on November ballot: Bond measure to construct new aquatics, recreation, and community center and make park improvements

On July 29, City Council approved placing Shoreline Proposition 1 on the November 5 general election ballot.

Approval of Proposition 1 will allow the City to construct a new aquatics, recreation, and community center. It will also allow the City to make improvements to four community parks. The City would issue up to $103,600,000 in general obligation bonds to be paid back through an increase in property taxes.

The new Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation, and Community Center (ShARCC) would replace the almost 50-year-old Shoreline Pool and the 70 plus year-old Spartan Recreation Center. It would also provide space for senior programming currently located at the Shoreline Center.

The ShARCC would be approximately 75,000 square feet and include:
  • Community spaces for classes, rentals, and informal gatherings
  • 6,000 square feet of space prioritized for senior programming, including a commercial kitchen for meal services
  • A two-court gymnasium and indoor walking and jogging track
  • Exercise and weight rooms
  • An activity pool with play features, such as a lazy river and splash-pad
  • A separate eight-lane lap pool for recreational and competitive swimming and diving; swim lessons; and shallow and deep-water exercise classes. There will also be a fully accessible viewing area for approximately 500 spectators
  • A courtyard for casual community gatherings and play. 

The four neighborhood parks that would be improved are: Brugger’s Bog, Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, and Briarcrest Community (Hamlin). Park improvements would include such things as playgrounds, splash-pads, multi-sports courts, trails, and a fully accessible play area for people of all physical abilities.

The owner of a median valued home ($480,000) would expect an increase of approximately $244 annually, or $20 a month, over what they are currently paying.

More information on Shoreline Proposition 1 here. If you have questions, you can contact Management Analyst Christina Arcidy 206-801-2216.



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Live and Local for Saturday, August 3

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

There's a lot of live and local music to choose from each weekend.

Most venues have food, some have dancing. Most have a cover charge and require reservations.

All have great local bands and entertainment!

This Saturday, August 3, 2019 here's what's happening:


DARRELL'S TAVERN

Steeltoe Metronome, Hourglasses, Everspring, Rex Richards
8:00 pm – 12:00am - $8 cover - 21 and over!

Darrell's Tavern 18041 Aurora Ave N. 206-542-6688.

Heavy rock metal and punk bands at Shoreline's own Dive Bar. Live music, vintage decor, pizza, tacos, hotdogs, and free pool.


EASY MONKEY TAPHOUSE

Live music with Loyal - no cover - 8 - 10pm

No cover until September for any show as part of our customer appreciation!
Easy Monkey Taphouse, 17537 15th Ave NE B. 206-420-1326.

Catch Loyal, a Pop Rock band from Seattle, as they perform LIVE at the Monkey.

Guitar and Vocals: Chris French
Bass and Vocals: Brian Cronrath
Drums: Ian Caruso
Follow them on FB


THIRD PLACE COMMONS
Mark Lewis and Matt Jenkins  FREE and family friendly. 7:30 - 9:30pm

Third Place Commons Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park.

"Pop Jazz." Mark’s saxophone magic behind Matt’s rich vocals and groovin' keyboard are the epitome of West Coast Cool. Perfect for ballroom dancing.


NORTH CITY BISTRO

Musica Braziliera - $15 Cover - Tickets

North City Bistro and Wine Shop, 1520 NE 177th St, Shoreline 98155, Call 206-365-4447 or go to website and fill out the simple reservation request form in order to secure seats for the show. Then buy your tickets here.

Picture a summer evening with exciting music, lush with harmony but with a rhythmic thread that stretches through the entire country of Brazil. Now close your eyes and imagine not one, but two accordions playing, PLUS percussion, trombone, tuba and vocals.


GRINDERS

The Daily Flash - $10 cover

Grinders Italian Restaurant 19811 Aurora Ave N
Reservations highly recommended; 206-542-0627 GrindersNW@gmail.com

In the mid '60s, The Daily Flash found a way to fuse folk, rock, blues, bluegrass and jazz. That process lives on in this stunning line up. The new edition of The Daily Flash has earned a reputation as a dynamic vocal band of consummate instrumentalists. The band features ASCAP composers and does original tunes, but their favorite trick is interpretation. They breathe life into an eclectic repertoire of folk, rock, Celtic and Delta swamp fusion. The Daily Flash brings the spirit of the sixties into the 21st century and delivers to stages all around the Northwest.


AURORA BOREALIS

Groove Nation Band - $0 cover Free! - 8 - 11pm

The Aurora Borealis 16708 Aurora Ave N, 206-629-5744. 21+

The Groove Nation Band is an electrifying band featuring 2 exceptionally dynamic front line vocalists, and a rock solid rhythm section.

Groove Nation performances blend elements of popular timeless and recognizable musical genres from current hits, R/B, Motown, Funk, Classic Rock, retro 70’s / 80’s, Disco and Latin.

​Whether entertaining an intimate private event or thrilling a crowd at a festival, Casino, or large Corporate events, Groove Nation delivers an energetic, musically exciting and dynamic show!!



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Photo: Rose covered trellis

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Lee Lageschulte found this romantic trellis, covered with pink and red roses. So beautiful. 




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Plans for community garden at Midvale in Echo Lake

Derek Creisler speaks of the plans and progress
for the Midvale Gardens
Photo by David Chen


On Thursday, July 25, 2019, community members met at Shoreline City Hall to receive a progress update on the work at 192nd and Midvale towards creating a children’s and community garden for the Echo Lake Neighborhood. 

The group also discussed potential design ideas for bringing ADA accessible gardening, public art, and a community gathering space to the design proposals.

The next step will be revisiting the site design to meet city and landowner requirements and beginning the capital campaign required clearing and testing the garden area. More information can be found via Facebook group.



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Point Wells: Judge gives BSRE one more chance


Superior Court Judge John McHale has issued a disappointing ruling on BSRE's appeal of Snohomish County's denial of BSRE's project application for Point Wells. 

Judge McHale agreed with BSRE's argument that the County must give BSRE a six month window to resubmit their project application under the 2011 Urban Center rules.

BSRE's argument was based on a section of the Snohomish County Code that was in place when BSRE submitted their plans in 2011, but which the County deleted from the Code in 2013. The section in question allowed BSRE a six month window to resubmit an Urban Center application that was denied by the Hearing Examiner. The County argued that since that section is not part of the current County Code, BSRE could no longer rely on it.

Judge McHale based his ruling on the Review Completion Letter the County sent to BSRE in October of 2017. That letter listed a long series of problems in the application and indicated that BSRE must resolve the problems before application could be processed any further. The letter also included a reference to the disputed section, but instead of stating that the section was no longer in effect, the letter stated that it was, in fact, still in effect. Judge McHale recognized the significant public interest in the resolution of the application process, and while he agreed that the public interest carries great weight, he felt the County's message to BSRE that the section was still in effect outweighed the public interest.

Six month period starts now

Snohomish County also argued that even if the six month window was ruled as still valid, BSRE had missed the window because it has been more than six months since the Hearing Examiner denied the application. Judge McHale disagreed with the County because the Hearing Examiner explicitly stated that BSRE could not resubmit the application. Judge McHale ruled that it was not reasonable to expect BSRE to spend money to fix the application when the County clearly stated they would not accept it. Judge McHale set the beginning of the six month period as the date of his ruling; the six month period will run out later this year in mid-December.
Where does that leave things?

In an unexpected twist, Judge McHale did not issue any ruling on the five areas of "substantial conflict" the County identified in denying the application. His reasoning was that it did not make sense to spend any effort on resolving these issues since BSRE was likely to address these areas in any resubmitted plans.

It appears that the County is not going to appeal the ruling. The County is assuming that BSRE will attempt to fix and resubmit the application. The County has been consistent in telling BSRE that they must remove the "substantial conflicts" or the application will not be approved, so it seems that the County has decided that either the resubmitted application will meet all their requirements so the project should be allowed to move forward, or that BSRE will not be able to fix all the problems in six months and the application will be denied again.

One of the more interesting conflicts is BSRE placing the Upper Village buildings in a landslide hazard area when the County Code says that's permitted only if there is no other location on the property where the buildings could be located. If the County holds fast to their statement that no building can be placed in the hazard area, that would require a complete redesign of the project, making it even harder to complete it by December.

More worrisome is that the County did not include any consideration of traffic issues when listing their "substantial conflicts". The County felt they had other easily stated conflicts so they didn't want to get into the much more complex issue of how much traffic the project would generate and how much traffic Shoreline roads could handle before becoming gridlocked. 

If BSRE does manage to resubmit their application, traffic issues will again become a major point of contention between BSRE, the County, and the City of Shoreline.

Many of us were hoping that the Court would put in one more stake toward the end of the project, but that didn't happen. Instead we will have to wait and see what happens in the second half of this year.

The Sno-King Environmental Protection Coalition is a citizen's group focused on the proposed mega housing development at Point Wells, just north of Shoreline in Snohomish county.



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City Light will be dragging electrical cables across I-5 Tuesday overnight

Feeder cable work for Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Extension will cause rolling slowdowns overnight from 11:59pm Tuesday, July 30 to to 4am Wednesday, July 31.

Seattle City Light crews plan to maintain the reliability of the electrical system by relocating existing overhead power lines on Interstate 5 near NE 155th St in Shoreline. 

This work will support Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project.

To complete this work safely, crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists.

The work will start late Tuesday night on July 30. 

Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds for up to 15 minutes between 44th Avenue West (Lynnwood) and NE 70th St (Seattle) as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the highway. 

Traffic will return to normal speeds once past the work area.

Traffic using the following on-ramps to I-5 will also be affected:

On southbound I-5: 
  • 44th Ave W (Lynnwood), 
  • 220th St SW (Mountlake Terrace), 
  • State Route 104 / NE 205th (Shoreline)
  • 175th St NE (Shoreline)
On northbound I-5: 
  • 5th Ave NE (Shoreline), 
  • NE Northgate Way (Seattle), 
  • NE 80th St(Seattle)
  • NE 70th Street (Seattle)
Drivers should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during construction.

More information on Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, which will extend light rail into south Snohomish County and serve stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood, here.



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Scene on the Sound: Seafair passes by our backyards

Photo by Jan Hansen

Just before noon on Monday Shoreline got a preview of the parade, including the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111).


Sunday night just after 8pm the team of the Blue Angels flew by over Puget Sound. They will be performing (and scaring pets!) this week.

The aerobatic event is in its 70th year and takes place at Genesee Park on Lake Washington.

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron will hold two separate practices and three days of performances:
  • Thursday, August 1, from 11am to 1pm and
  • Thursday, August 1, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
  • Official performances are from 3pm to 4pm daily from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4.
  • Monday more of the Navy’s contribution to Seafair passed by on the water

Seafair Fleet Week includes the Parade of Ships, where the Fleet makes its entrance between 1:15 and 2:00pm into Elliott Bay accompanied by the spray of the Seattle Fire Department boat and Ship Tours where guests can go aboard Navy and Coast Guard vessels.

Ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy are docked at piers along the Seattle waterfront for the public to tour and enjoy. More information on Fleet Week and the Parade of Ships is available here.




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The Blue Angels are coming - protect your pets

U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be in town
for Seafair
From Seattle Humane

While the Blue Angels roaring across the sky can be captivating for humans, the loud jet engines can be petrifying for our pets.

With a little planning, you can keep your animals calm and safe during this week's Boeing Seafair Air Show.

The aerobatic event is in its 70th year and takes place at Genesee Park on Lake Washington.

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron will hold two separate practices and three days of performances:
  • Thursday, August 1, from 11am to 1pm and 
  • Thursday, August 1, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. 
  • Official performances are from 3pm to 4pm daily from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4.

To keep your furry family members safe and happy throughout Seafair, we recommend taking the following precautions:
  • Put your pets in an enclosed room. Much like with fireworks during the Fourth of July, loud noises can cause animals to panic. In this panicked state, pets have been known to break through windows or screen doors and get loose. If possible, place your animals in a room with no windows or outside doors.
  • Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing an identification tag on their collars. Additionally, now is a good time to contact your microchip manufacturer and ensure that they have the correct address and phone number on file.
  • If you have guests during the event, ask them to consider your pets' designated room off-limits, as new and/or extra people can also stress an animal.
  • Create a calming atmosphere for your pet. Make sure they have plenty of fresh food and water. Surround them with their favorite toys and other familiar objects, such as a beloved blanket or a piece of your clothing with your scent.
  • Keep the pets' room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds. Consider playing ambient noises or soothing music.

Seattle Humane offers $20 microchipping services (including national registration) to income-restricted pet owners. Walk-ins are welcome from 2pm to 4pm daily at the Schuler Family Medical Center at Seattle Humane. For more information, call 425-641-0080, or visit the microchipping page on the Seattle Humane website.



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Reminder: Free outdoor movie Saturday

FREE Outdoor Movie Night
Sponsored by the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association

"The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" (PG)

Saturday, August 3, 2019
Paramount School Park
NE 155th and 8th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

Schedule of activities

6:00pm: Activities (including Lego Station)
6-8:30pm: Food Truck on Site - Absolute Dogs (Hot Dogs, & Gyros)
7:30pm; Live Music: New Method Blasters
9:00pm: Movie: "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part"

Bring a blanket, your favorite folding chair or even a blow-up air mattress.

Get comfy and enjoy a FREE movie brought to you by the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association!



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Free performance by Naomi Wachira at Cromwell Park on Wednesday, July 31


Free Concert by Naomi Wachira, Wednesday at Cromwell Park

CONCERTS IN THE PARK – NAOMI WACHIRA – FOLK MUSIC
July 31, 6:30pm (rain or shine)
Shoreline 98133


Gather your family and friends, and come enjoy a free performance by Naomi Wachira at Cromwell Park on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 6:30pm. Bring your picnic blankets, low chairs, hats, sunscreen, and snacks!

Seattle singer-songwriter Naomi Wachira was born in Kenya and grew up singing gospel music in a choir of family and friends. 

Inspired by the music of Tracy Chapman and Miriam Makeba, Wachira saw the potential for song to make the world a better place and set out to create music that is “poignant, hopeful and life-giving.” 

Since her arrival on the Northwest music scene, she has received numerous accolades, including being named “Best Folk Artist” by Seattle Weekly, and has cultivated a growing base of enthusiastic fans.

Plus, try some refreshing infused waters from our presenting sponsor Aegis Living of Shoreline’s free “Hydration Station.”

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s Concerts in the Park are always free and held at various community parks throughout Shoreline and Lake Forest Park on Wednesdays in July and August at 6:30pm (unless otherwise noted), rain or shine. 

Concerts in the Park are supported by the City of Shoreline, City of Lake Forest Park, 4Culture, Aegis Living of Shoreline, and by Arts Council donors and members.

For more information and details, visit the Arts Council’s website or call 206-417-4645.


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Military personnel ride transit free during Fleet Week Jul 29 - Aug 4

Photo courtesy Seafair


Sound Transit will continue its annual Seafair tradition of honoring members of the military by providing free transit service July 29 to August 4.

During Seafair Fleet Week, members and former members of the Armed Forces, including active duty, veterans and retirees, can ride free on Link light rail, Sounder commuter trains and Sound Transit Express buses.

Service members not in uniform are asked to show their military identification to the transit operator upon boarding a bus or train, or to fare inspectors if requested. Valid forms of military I.D. include a Uniformed Identification Card, a Veteran Health Identification Card or a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty Form (also referred to as a DD-214).

Ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy are docked at piers along the Seattle waterfront for the public to tour and enjoy. More information on Fleet Week and the Parade of Ships is available here.

All customers riding Sound Transit to Seafair activities should plan ahead and allow plenty of time for traffic delays and road closures. Visit Sound Transit's alerts page for the latest information.



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Shoreline Masonic Lodge blood drive on Monday Aug 5

In conjunction with Bloodworks NW, Shoreline Masonic Lodge is hosting a blood drive at the Shoreline Masonic Center on Monday, August 5, 2019 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.

The street address is 753 N 185th, Shoreline 98133

The public is welcome to come and make donations. Those wishing to schedule an appointment in advance can do so using the information provided below:

There are three ways for people to sign up:
If anyone has trouble making an appointment, contact Brian Loomis via Bloodworks or call 206-390-1951.



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Old Dog Haven’s 8th Annual Walk for Old Dogs breaks all their fundraising records

Monday, July 29, 2019

Best Costume- 3rd prize- Chancellor as Elton John


Text by Ardith Devries
Photos by Bev Bowe and Joe Myers

Well over 500 people and their dogs strutted their stuff at Old Dog Haven’s Walk for Old Dogs at Cromwell Park in Shoreline on July 21, 2019.

The Walk was a fundraiser hosted by Old Dog Haven and over $120,000 was raised by the event! All of the money raised helps to pay veterinary expenses for the over 325 senior dogs in Old Dog Haven’s care. 

1st place Individual fundraiser- Peabody Johanson and ODH dog Banjo

The top three fundraising teams and the top three individual fundraisers led the walk, flags held high as they balanced their prizes while holding leashes. The top fundraising team — The Whoville Misfits — raised $16, 235 for the dogs and the top individual fundraiser — Peabody Johanson — raised $11,270.

1st place team fundraisers Whoville Misfits

Dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes and mobility enjoyed an afternoon in the park with the people who love them. They competed in contests, had free massages, nail trims, scarfed down goodies from the Seattle Barkery, socialized, met new friends, fished tennis balls out of wading pools to keep cool and just loved being there.

Newest foster family Megan D'Anna and Joel Peterson
 
The newest permanent foster family in attendance — less than a month — Megan D’Anna and Joel Peterson -- were introduced along with their foster dog Trixie. Foster parents are always needed. Go to the Old Dog Haven website for more information about fostering.

KayCee oldest dog
 
The oldest dog in attendance was ODH Final Refuge dog KayCee who is Old Dog Haven’s longest resident dog and is 21 years old! 

Best Trick- 1st prize- Cooper

All dogs were eligible to enter contests in the Pageant, which produced winners in the categories of Best Costume, Best Trick and Musical Chairs. Prizes and ribbons were awarded to the top three winners in each category.

Old Dog Haven is grateful to the community for supporting their efforts, including sponsors for the event, media contacts, people who donated prizes, volunteers, organizers, and everyone who helped make the day such a resounding success. Paws up to all of you!



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Photos: Angel clouds

We have had some really interesting cloud formations this last week.

Lee Lageschulte took the first photo in Edmonds on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Then two days later, on Friday, July 26, 2019, Mary Igl took the following cloud photo in Innis Arden.

Photo by Mary Igl

These clouds are a little more ominous looking - maybe a devil cloud that turns into an angel over Edmonds?

DKH



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Sweet Pearl Bakery closed until Thursday

Sweet Pearl Bakery in the 4-Corners business district has announced that they will be closed until Thursday.

There is work being done in the parking lot and the owner is concerned for the safety of her customers.

Sweet Pearl is located at 641 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline 98177

After closing on Friday, they were able to reopen on Saturday, but now will close until next Thursday. Check their website for announcements.

Stay tuned and get your cinnamon roll fix on Friday.



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Book launch, Jonathan Evison, nonfiction book club and Waldo! at Third Place Books this week

Very often, the end of the month at Third Place Books author events is quiet, with just a few authors as opposed to weeks earlier in the month. But this month, TPB is blowing out all the stops for the final week.


Third Place Books at Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

The culmination of Lake Forest Park / Shoreline / Richmond Beach / Third Place Books READS event with the author of the book "everyone was reading" - Jonathan Evison with his book Lawn Boy.

Monday, July 29 at 7pm
Lake Forest Park Reads!
Jonathan Evison

Lawn Boy
In Partnership with King County Library System

Join Third Place Books, and the Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and Richmond Beach Libraries, for an evening with beloved Northwest novelist Jonathan Evison in celebration of Lake Forest Park Reads!

Mike Munoz is a young Mexican American not too many years out of high school — and just fired from his latest gig as a lawn boy on a landscaping crew. Though he tries time and again to get his foot on the first rung of that ladder to success, he can't seem to get a break. 

But then things start to change for Mike, and after a raucous, jarring, and challenging trip, he finds he can finally see the future and his place in it. 

Sponsored by the City of Lake Forest Park's Library Advisory Committee, Friends of the Shoreline, Richmond Beach, and Lake Forest Park Libraries, Friends of Third Place Commons, and Third Place Books.


Then on Tuesday, Seattle author Margaret Owen launches her promising book The Merciful Crow. I predict it will be a trilogy and a movie.

Tuesday, July 30 at 7pm
Margaret Owen

In Conversation with Kendare Blake
The Merciful Crow

Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime. When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses ― and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns. Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his — but what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own? Join us for the launch of this gritty, refreshing fantasy.

On Wednesday, the nonfiction book club meets. No author, just a group of people who wanted to read something weightier than fiction. They meet every month.

Wednesday, July 31 at 7pm at Third Place Books Lake Forest Park

NONFICTION BOOK CLUB

Join bookseller Wes to discuss Heavy, a memoir of addiction and America The New York Times described as “full of Devotion and betrayal, euphoria and anguish”. Get 20% off the selected title each month. THE NONFICTION BOOK CLUB MEETS THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. AUTHORS DO NOT ATTEND.

And then a party to celebrate all the people who participated in the Find Waldo hunt through Town Center.

Wednesday, July 31 at 6pm at Third Place Books Lake Forest Park

Find Waldo Celebration!

Join us for snacks and activities as we celebrate the Waldo Scavenger Hunt! If you completed a Waldo passport this month, you’ll have the opportunity to win awesome prizes! For more information about the Waldo Scavenger Hunt, visit thirdplacebooks.com.

On Saturday you get three authors who write for kids in the middle grades - older than elementary - younger than high school's more sophisticated themes. The books sound like fun - after all, we were all reading Harry Potter.

Saturday, August 3 at 6pm
Samantha M. Clark, E. Latimer, and Jordan Stratford

A Celebration of Middle-Grade Novels, featuring the authors of The Boy, The Boat, and The Beast, The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray, and The Case of the Perilous Palace

Join us for an evening with three acclaimed Middle-Grade novelists, as they present stories of mysterious journeys, paintings with special powers, and the missing diary of a certain royal family member!


Advance warning: I really like this book - you might not want to wait for the last minute to get a copy. 


  

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North City Tech Meetup - Angel investing in start-ups

John Sechrest
Monday, August 5, 2019 
from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Shoreline Library
Shoreline 98155

Free – Open to the public 

North City Tech Meetup - Angel investing in start-ups

This topic is appropriate for anyone interested in starting a company looking for early stages investors as well as people who are interesting in becoming such early stage investors: “Angels”.

John Sechrest presents: Angel Investing for Startups
  • Can the process of Angel Investing help startups go faster?
  • Can it also be profitable as an investment for Angel Investors? 
  • How can startups make the most of an Angel Investment? 
  • Who exactly are allowed to be Angel Investors by Federal Law? 
  • What are the best ways to invest? 
  • What are the things that Angel Investors should look for in startups? 
  • Are all startups Angel Investable? 
Come get your Angel Investing Questions answered.

John Sechrest: Founder of the Seattle Angel Conference. Co-Organizer of the Lean Startup Seattle. Global Facilitator for Startup Weekend.

As an entrepreneurial collaborator, I focus on entrepreneurial and innovation efforts as a way to develop new projects and companies. 
My efforts are focused building the tools, skills and processes that enable people to make a positive impact on the world. 
All of the changes we are seeing in the world will find lasting and sustainable solutions by entrepreneurs and innovators creating new pathways to solving complex issues. 
By connecting resources, people and projects together and building feedback mechanisms into the conversation, I make significant impacts on the groups that I work with. I continue my efforts to impact the startup climate in the Northwest.

Links for John Sechrest’s work:

The North City Tech Meetup is a free meetup, usually the first Monday of each month at one of our local libraries: Lake Forest Park, Shoreline or Kenmore. People of all levels of interest and experience are encouraged to attend. There is always time for introductions and discussions.

You can visit the Meetup.com page for each month’s topic.



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Parks presents information on the Community Center bond at Senior Center

Eric Friedli and Angie Ramirez answer questions
about the Senior Center space in the new
Community and Aquatics Center
Photo by Jarred Wright
By Diane Hettrick

Eric Friedli, Director of Parks, Recretation, and Cultural Services and Angie Ramirez, Spartan Rec Center Supervisor, made a presentation at the Senior Center on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 10am to show plans for the proposed Community and Aquatics Center, which appears slated for the November ballot in Shoreline.

The Senior Center did not have a place in the original design of the building but after the public feedback, the design was modified to include room for Senior Center activities.

The revised design has a commercial kitchen, essential for the Meals on Wheels program. It provides 6000 square feet for senior activities, which includes the 1200 sq ft kitchen.

Attendees at the session questioned the location of the building, and the environmental impact of using that much fresh water for swimming. Friedli said that the pool would rarely be drained - that the current pool was drained only for repairs.

The need for a new pool was questioned. Why not just repair the old one? Friedli pointed out that the pool is 50 years old. He said that they no longer make parts for the equipment that runs the pool. They had to search the entire United States to find parts for the last repair.

There were many questions about how much it would cost each homeowner to pay for the bond. The answer was about $16 a month.

The current Senior Center is in a building owned by the School District. The District has a cordial relationship with the SC and has expressed no interest in redeveloping the site.

Attendees seemed shocked that the 12,000 sq ft in the current building would be reduced to 6000 sq ft in the new building. Director Friedli said that designing the interior space more efficiently would make up for the loss of square footage.

There are no bathrooms near the SC space but Friedli said that he was aware of that and that some redesign could take place to add bathrooms after the bond had been voted in. 

Other concerns were the lack of office and work space, seating space and tables for the daily lunch serving, room for a small stage, and space for different kinds of activities, both quiet such as yoga and loud such as the clogging classes. The medical services and advisory services need private spaces, and some need dedicated spaces.

Another issue was that there is no storage space in the building. The Meals on Wheels program needs to take early morning deliveries, and safely store foods at different temperatures. Classes and activities have materials that need to be stored onsite.

Other feedback included needed changes to the parking lot to safely bring in Access vans, school buses, and drop offs to allow parents to bring children to and from swim lessons. 

A shared hallway was a concern for some, who felt that seniors using canes and walkers would be vulnerable in a crowded hallway. The design shows a very long hallway after a long walk in from the parking lot. However, Friedli said that it's really not very different from the current building.

Curbs are an obstacle for many seniors and extremely difficult for those in wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Curb cuts can be dangerous for those with mobility issues.

There is no room in the building for the Bargain Center Thrift Shop, a fundraiser for the SC. 

Attendees wondered if the City would continue to support the Center with a financial contribution and if the SC would have to pay rent in the new building.

The issue of scheduling was discussed. Ms Ramirez assured the group that the Senior Center would have control over its space during the day but not at night, so evening programs would have to compete with other activities. This, however, is not in the written documents. Priority would be given to building residents over outside activities. 

Seniors pointed out that the population of the area is aging and expressed concern that they would be asked to pay a high price for reduced services.

"We're always an afterthought," one commented after the meeting.


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Should you have earthquake insurance?

Maple Valley road 1965
Photo from King County Archives
We had a small rattler a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't The Big One, but it should have been a wake up call that we need to take some precautions for when a bigger one comes.

One of the things to consider is earthquake insurance.

For most people, their home is their greatest financial asset. Mortgagers require that you have homeowner's insurance but earthquake insurance is optional.

Earthquake damage is not covered under homeowner's insurance.

Earthquake insurance is an added endorsement to your existing homeowner or renter’s policy, or a separate earthquake policy you buy.

It provides coverage if your home is destroyed by an earthquake.

It's a separate endorsement you must buy and add to your homeowner or renter policy.
  • You can also buy a stand-alone policy separate from your homeowner policy.
  • It's usually sold with deductibles equaling 10 to 25 percent of the structure’s policy limit.
  • It only pays for damages that exceed the deductible.
  • There may be a separate deductible for contents, structure and unattached structures like garages, sheds, driveways, or retaining walls.
Generally, this coverage isn't available to buy for a period of time after an earthquake.

What it covers
  • Repairs to your home
  • Your personal property due to earthquake damage
  • The cost to remove debris
  • Extra living expense you might have while your home is repaired or rebuilt
What it might cover
  • Increased costs to meet current building codes and costs to stabilize the land under your home
  • Other structures not attached to your house
What it doesn't cover
  • Fire
  • Land
  • Vehicles
  • Pre-existing damage
  • External water damage
  • Damage due to:
  • Landslides
  • Settlements
  • Mudflows
  • Earth rising, sinking and contracting
What it might not cover
  • Floods
  • Tidal waves or tsunamis - even when caused by an earthquake
To see if you're covered or not for these types of damages listed above, talk to your agent or broker and be sure to read your policy.

What to expect from insurers
Some earthquake insurers may require an inspection of your property before they'll issue you a policy. They may even have different coverage requirements, such as:
  • The location of your home
  • Your home must be bolted to its foundation
  • The location and bracing of your home's interior walls
  • You must have strapping guards to secure fixtures, such as hot-water heaters
The last four are good advice, even if you choose not to purchase earthquake insurance. Bolting your home to its foundation and strapping guards for fixtures are relatively low cost compared to the cost of repairing damage caused by the lack of these precautions.

Talk to an agent and see what your options are.



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Two new medics start work in Shoreline's Medic One

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Two new members of Medic One


Bjorn Hodneland and Scott Johnson completed the rigorous training to become a medic for King County Medic One. This process started a year ago and they will start shift work in Shoreline this week!



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13th Annual North City Jazz Walk on Tuesday, Aug 13



Mark your calendar for the 13th Annual North City Jazz Walk on Tuesday, August 13, 2019.

The 2019 lineup of 10 eclectic groups offers a close-up experience of some of the area's best jazz players.

In the North City Business District, 15th Ave NE will be closed to vehicle traffic at 6pm from NE 175th - NE 180th.

Jazz Bites will be available along 15th Ave NE throughout the evening. Get a taste of North City as food venues take to the streets.

All the outdoor events, which include three great bands, are free to the public.

Seven intimate indoor venues require a festival bracelet for entry.

Tickets are on sale now for $20 at northcityjazzwalk.org. Tickets will be available in local businesses Thursday, August 1, 2019.

After midnight on Monday, August 12, tickets will be $25.



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Photo: This way I'll see the owl coming

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

Best to keep your back to the wall...



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Eco-tour boat cruise adventures on the Sammamish River

WhatsSup Cruise Adventures is currently taking reservations for an Eco-tour on the Sammamish River. 

Experience the river aboard Mosquito I, a 21’ six passenger vessel. It departs from Kenmore at Log Boom Pier, cruises up to the Bothell Bridge, and returns to Kenmore.

The Sammamish River is home to several runs of salmon and trout, including chinook, coho, sockeye, kokanee, steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout. 

Bald eagles, blue heron and beavers are also common sights near the river!

To book this 90-minute tour or learn more, visit the WhatsSup website.

WhatsSup also offers Kayak rentals, Stand Up Paddle Board rentals, and Combo packages at Log Boom Park Mon – Sun, 11am - 7pm.

Log Boom Park is at the head of Lake Washington in Kenmore, close to where the Sammamish River flows into the lake.



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Increased fines for HOV lane violators starts Sunday

HOV lane map
WSDOT
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane violators will be paying higher fines starting Sunday, July 28 – including a new fine for people using a doll or dummy to try to cheat the system. 

A change to state law not only increases the existing fine, it also adds a higher fine for repeat offenders and a new fine for those who use a fake passenger in their vehicle. The new maximum fine will now be $536.

The state Legislature approved the changes during the past session. The changes apply to violations of HOV, high occupancy toll (HOT) and express toll lanes (ETL) regulations.

The changes to the law include:
  • Raising the initial violation fine from $136 to $186.
  • Creating a $336 fine for a second and subsequent repeat violations within a two-year period.
  • Adding a $200 fine for anyone caught trying to use a doll or dummy or other item to make it appear another person is in the vehicle. The $200 fine is in addition to the violation fine, creating a possible maximum fine of $536.

The new legislation states that those violating HOV lane requirements “frustrate the state’s congestion management, and justifiably incite indignation and anger among fellow transportation systems users.” In the official bill language, lawmakers described the escalating penalties as a “rebuke” to discourage repeat offenders.

HOV violators prevent HOV and other lanes from operating as intended to help traffic flow more freely.

HOV lanes are designed to maximize the movement of people rather than vehicles. They usually move more people than a general purpose lane, even when they don't look full.

Additional fines for using dummies to try
to game the system
In addition to allowing carpoolers to travel in them, HOT and ETL systems also allow drivers traveling alone to purchase a more convenient travel time by paying a toll.

More specifics about HOV, HOT and ETL times and carpool numbers are available online.

HOV violations are one of the top traffic complaints the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol receive. New signs will be posted along several state highways reminding travelers of the new maximum fines.

During an emphasis patrol in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties in September, WSP troopers gave out 1,671 HOV violations, including 17 drivers who were ticketed on two separate occasions and one driver who received three HOV violation tickets during the week-long emphasis patrol.

HOV violators can be reported to the WSDOT HERO program online or by calling 1-877-764-HERO (calls should be made when it is safe to do so, which might mean pulling over if necessary).



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More residents will be eligible for property tax reduction in 2020

King County Assessor John Wilson announced that low-income senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans, with 2019 annual incomes below $58,423 may be eligible for property tax relief in 2020 under guidelines published this week by the state Department of Revenue.

The previous threshold had been $40,000.

Applications for the expanded programs will be available in January 2020.

The change is the result of passage of ESSB 5160, sponsored by Senator Manka Dhingra (D-45th LD), during the 2019 legislative session.

The bill significantly expands the number of people eligible for the existing property tax exemption and deferral programs by replacing the statewide $40,000 threshold with an income level equal to 65% of the county median income. In King County that threshold is $58,423.

“This legislation is literally going to help people stay in their homes,” said Assessor Wilson. “Beginning with next year’s taxes, tens of thousands of our neighbors will get the help they need.”

ESSB 5160 expands the qualifying income thresholds for the property tax exemption and deferral programs for low-income senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans, beginning with taxes levied for collection in 2020.

It also lowers the disability rating necessary to qualify as a disabled veteran for exemption program from a 100 percent rating to an 80 percent rating.

The Assessor’s website includes the latest information on implementation of these programs


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