Rebecca liked to practice her zen meditation on the shores of Lake Washington...

Monday, May 20, 2024

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Rebecca the Rock Pigeon's ancestors came to North America with the early European settlers.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Shoreline Library offers free Excel classes

Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155 offers three in person classes for Excel spreadsheets. All classes are free but there are just a few spaces left.

Microsoft Excel Level 1


Monday, May 20, 10:30am-12pm

Discover Excel for work or home. Learn how to store data and perform calculations in a spreadsheet. Must be able to use a mouse and keyboard.

Please register, 1.kcls.org/ShorelineComputerClasses

Microsoft Excel Level 2

Monday, June 3, 10:30am-12pm

Get more from Excel including formulas, functions, tables and charts. Must have Microsoft Excel Level 1 proficiency.

Please register, 1.kcls.org/ShorelineComputerClasses

Microsoft Excel Level 3

Monday, June 10, 10:30am-12pm

Practice powerful functions and analysis tools such as PivotTables. Must have Microsoft Excel Level 2 proficiency.

Please register, 1.kcls.org/ShorelineComputerClasses


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Museum Historical Trivia Night fundraiser June 1, 2024 with silent and live auctions

On Saturday June 1, 2024 from 5pm - 8pm the Shoreline Historical Museum will host our Museum Fundraiser including food, drinks, trivia and both silent and live auctions!

Hosted at the Shoreline Masonic Lodge 753 N 185th St. Shoreline, WA 98133

Want to get ahead of the curve?

The Exhibits will be open before the event from 4pm - 5pm where you can look for clues that will help you and your team during the evening!

Celebrate in style and Dress to represent your version of history!
Come in costume or come as you are.

Shoreline Historical Museum Fundraiser Webpage

Ticket Purchase Webpage


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Ion Town Center blends luxury and affordability in Shoreline

Ion Town Center on Midvale

Opened in 2023, Ion Town Center Apartments at 18004 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 offers stylish and accessible living spaces. The community offers a variety of floor plans, from studios to two-bedroom homes, and even includes live/work layouts for added flexibility. Ion Town Center consists of 215 apartment homes, including 42 units that are part of the MFTE program.


What truly distinguishes Ion Town Center is its commitment to affordability. Through the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, the community offers income-restricted apartments for qualified residents. These apartments adhere to specific eligibility criteria based on Area Median Income (AMI) set by the city of Shoreline, ensuring those who qualify benefit from significantly reduced rents, studios under the MFTE program start at $1,399 – a competitive rate in the area. Those interested can explore income requirements and other details on the Ion Town Center website.


Ion Town Center’s prime location offers easy access to popular stores like Town & Country Market, Trader Joe's, and Costco. Residents enjoy a smooth commute with options like easy I-5 access, the Rapid Ride E Line bus, and the soon-to-open Light Rail. Shoreline Community College is a short distance away, and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the neighboring Interurban Trail leading to scenic spots like Echo Lake and Lake Ballinger.


Adding to the convenience factor, Ion Town Center partners with Zipcar to provide residents with on-site car access at discounted rates. MFTE residents even enjoy a complimentary Zipcar membership for the first year, making errands, day trips, and weekend getaways a breeze.


Ion Town Center caters to those seeking a blend of urban convenience and a close-knit community feel. The pet-friendly apartment homes range from 419 to 1,142 square feet, ensuring there's a perfect layout for every lifestyle. Each home boasts high-end features like sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, modern flooring, air conditioning options, and ample storage. Visit Ion Town Center Apartments today and discover your beautiful new home in Shoreline.

To learn more about both MFTE and standard homes available at Ion Town Center, please visit Ion Town Center.


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Alpha Delta Chapter of A∆K presents scholarships to Shorecrest and Edmonds-Woodway students

Darci Dalziel (left) and Ava McGinness with their Congratulations cake
Photo courtesy Alpha Delta

On May 13, 2024 Washington State Alpha Delta Chapter of A∆K, an international organization of women educators dedicated to excellence in education, altruism, and world understanding, presented two scholarships to local students planning to become teachers. 

This scholarship for $1,000 is offered annually to graduating seniors from Shorecrest, Shorewood and Edmonds-Woodway who excel academically, are involved in activities and community service, and have demonstrated a desire to work with children. 

This year’s outstanding winners are Darci Dalziel and Ava McGinness!

Chris, Ava, and Leslie McGinness

Ava McGinness
, the daughter of Chris and Leslie McGinness, will graduate from Edmonds-Woodway High School this spring. She has a combination of abilities, experiences and an approach to life that will make her a wonderful teacher. A committed student who recognizes the role of education in self-growth and accomplishment, she has received excellent grades in such rigorous courses as IB English, IB Marine Biology, IB Business & Management, AP Calculus, and three years of Spanish..

Ava credits a particular group of teachers for giving her the confidence to believe that all things are possible if you set your heart to it. She would like to inspire her future students to have that confidence to overcome boundaries in their lives and become their best selves.

Ava has already had opportunities to do that as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Yost Pool, the captain of her club volleyball team and player on her school team, a volunteer in her church nursery, a teacher of young children during church mission trips to Texas and Colorado, and a babysitter. Ava also works at Crista Senior Living where the residents appreciate her commitment to exceptional service with kindness and a smile.

Ava plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ to pursue a degree in elementary education. She hopes to teach second grade. With her positive, kind attitude, love of children, and her many abilities, she will be an asset to any school staff.

Darci with her mother Mindy Dalziel

Shorecrest High School senior, Darci Dalziel
is the daughter of Don and Mindy Dalziel. She has the experience and qualities to make an excellent teacher. Coming from a family of educators, she already knows the dedication and hours outside the classroom needed to be an effective and supportive teacher and has been inspired by her parents and former teachers, such as Ms. Libby of LFP Elementary, to be that teacher.

Darci is a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained a 3.9GPA while taking UW Pre-Calculus, AP US History, AP Calculus, and AP Environmental Science. She also took three years of Spanish, Treble Choir and Advanced Mixed Choir. Darci performs with the Shorecrest Flag Team, and is a member of the Asian American Pacific Islander Culture Club.

An exceptional athlete, Darci is a team player and a leader. She was a standout on the SC Varsity Girls Track and Field team four years and served as captain twice. Soccer is her first love! She played four years of Varsity Soccer at SC, being selected for All-League and All-Area awards, and served as captain this year. She also played Club Premier Soccer two years and was a State Qualifier this year.

Darci has already put her desire to work with children in practice as a member of Natural Helpers, a coach for summer soccer camps, and a volunteer at Lake Forest Park Elementary and Kellogg MS. After earning her degree in Elementary Education at St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, Darci hopes to return to this area to teach. We hope she does!


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Home Improvement workshops and vendor fair Tuesday May 21, 2024


Two events successfully completed in March and April, and just one last free 2024 Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair slated for Tuesday May 21, 2024

There may be a few appointments for the May event for residents who want to meet with City review staff. 

April vendor fair. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The vendors will be available to all from 6:00 to 8:00pm with no appointment needed. 

And for the May event, we will have a presentation on Deck 101 at 6:30pm with no appointment needed.

Go to shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement for more information and to make an appointment with City staff to ask specific questions about your home/property, neighborhood, or City permit information.

Contact Jarrod Lewis, 206-801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov with any questions.


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No developments in search for presumably missing kayaker on Echo Lake

Shoreline Fire rescue swimmers and KCSO divers prepare to go in the water. The small blue boat is the boat that was floating upside down in the lake. Shoreline Fire brought their Sea Do, a 1-2 person motorized watercraft (not pictured) The red & white board is a paddle board. Fire also brought a board (not pictured) meant to pull up a patient. Photo by Michael Wansley. 

On Saturday morning, May 18, 2024, at 7:45am a lakeside resident noticed a capsized kayak floating near the center of Echo Lake in Shoreline and called 911.

The caller did not see anyone in the water at this time but did recall seeing a person in the same or similar kayak earlier in the morning. 

King County Sheriff’s Office deputies (Shoreline PD) and Shoreline FD rescue swimmers responded. A search of the lake was conducted throughout the day by the Fire Department rescue swimmers, KCSO dive unit, with support from Bothell PD. 

As of 6:00am Sunday morning, no body has been located or recovered. Deputies contacted many residents around the lake and have not yet identified any missing persons or the owner of the kayak. Regular kayakers did not recognize the boat or the description of the kayaker.

KCSO divers were out again on Sunday with no reported results.

This is an open investigation.

Worth noting is that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary advises paddleboarders to put a waterproof ID sticker inside their boats. When small craft such as kayaks or canoes are found adrift, typically there is no way of determining whether or not individuals may be in distress. In such situations, having timely access to some basic information can make all the difference.

--Diane Hettrick

5-20-2024 Corrections to references to personnel and equipment on scene.

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An inspiring evening to empower and protect your creativity

Grammy award winner The Wanz will
speak on the nuts and bolts of protecting
and nurturing your creative products.
Photo courtesy The Wanz 
‘Creatives’ are special, gifted people. They use their imaginations to create something from nothing. 

Join us for an inspiring evening that will empower your creativity, from one ‘creative’ to another! 

Everyone is welcome to hear guest lecturer Michael Wansley "The Wanz".

Learn about the nuts and bolts of the creative business and your creative products from Grammy Award winning Michael Wansley. Michael will talk about his own experience from starting at the ground level and working his way to an international song writer and star.

Thursday, May 23, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00pm. 
No fee. Free parking

Shoreline Community College
Theater, Building 1600
16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133


The Wanz is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his soulful and powerful vocal performances. 

The Wanz at video premiere party in 2012 with Macklemore for 'Thrift Shop'
Photo courtesy Michael Wansley

He gained recognition for his collaboration with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on the hit song "Thrift Shop" in 2012, where he delivered the memorable hook. Wanz's musical style is often described as a blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop.

As a solo artist, Wanz has released his own music, showcasing his vocal prowess and musical versatility. In terms of songwriting, Wanz's lyrics often touch upon personal experiences, emotions, and reflections on life. He has a knack for crafting catchy hooks and memorable melodies that resonate with listeners. His talent and passion shine through, making him a notable figure in the contemporary music scene.


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An outdoor summer forest celebration at the Shoreline Historical Museum’s Miyawaki Forest June 29, 2024

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Celebrate the Forest

An outdoor summer forest celebration at the Shoreline Historical Museum’s Miyawaki Forest

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 5 - 8pm

The Shoreline Historical Museum is celebrating the first summer of the Miyawaki Urban Forest, with its 1200 plants representing 43 species planted by community members in December 2023.

The program starts at 6pm with an introduction, followed by Seattle Kokon Taiko (Japanese percussion instruments) and JHP Legacy (Ghanian percussion instruments). 

See what’s growing as the vibration of the drums stirs the Forest. Bring a blanket and picnic or purchase food at the event, enjoy activities and information booths for all ages and tour the Miyawaki Forest with the new bilingual English-Lushootseed clay signs. (see previous article)

Shoreline Historical Museum 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. There will be parking and buses run on Aurora Avenue North regularly – check the Metro Trip Planner. The E Line is the main bus route on Aurora. The 348 is the main bus line on 185th.

For more information click ­here.


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My confusing Rhododendron

April 14, 2024
Photo by Paul D. Hill

Some of you may recall the photo I posted last November 2023 when my pink rhody suddenly burst into full bloom. This was something it had not done for four years. I remembered that it bloomed either before or after the other rhodys in the neighborhood, but not which or when.

And I didn't remember it doing a solo act just after Halloween.

November 20, 2023
Photo by Paul D. Hill

So imagine my surprise when it did it again, but this time in April 2024. It was once again doing a solo act. All the blossoms were done before the other rhodys even started to think about blooming.

I guess it was trying to make up for lost years.

--Diane Hettrick


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North City Neighborhood Association leads a successful community cleanup

A little rain didn't stop these North City neighbors from cleaning up
Photo courtesy NCNA

This past weekend, the North City Neighborhood Association (NCNA) demonstrated the power of community spirit and stewardship with a highly successful neighborhood cleanup event. 

Armed with gloves, litter bags, and enthusiasm, our volunteers tackled three designated zones within North City. 

175th trash collection
Photo courtesy NCNA

The result? Two large piles of collected refuse, neatly bagged and ready for the city's scheduled pickup on Monday. These piles stand not only as a testament to the trash removed but also as monuments to the collective effort of our dedicated community members.

The cleanup event was organized by the NCNA and supported by the city's provision of clean up kits.  The enthusiasm of the volunteers proved that when a community comes together, great things happen.

180th trash collection
Photo courtesy NCNA

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Shoreline for their support, and most importantly, to every individual who contributed their time and energy. The success of this event has laid the foundation for future cleanups and has strengthened the ties within our neighborhood.

The NCNA is proud to foster such initiatives that enhance the quality of life in North City. We invite residents to stay engaged and to join us in future efforts to maintain the beauty of our neighborhood.


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CPR/First Aid certification w/WestCoast Training


The purpose of the CPR and First Aid training program is for participants to gain or improve knowledge and skill proficiency in First Aid, CPR, and AED skills. 

We will learn how to help adult, child, and infant patients in emergency situations, including injuries and medical emergencies. 

This hybrid course is provided in partnership with Shoreline Community College, WestCoast CPR Training and the Health and Safety Institute.

Participants will learn CPR and First Aid initially with a comprehensive 4 hour online training course. 

Once registered, you will be sent the instructions to log in to take the 4 hour online training before the in-person training.

The training will conclude with a fun and interactive hands-on practice class at Shoreline Community College. The in-person portion will provide the opportunity to practice adult, child, and infant CPR, AED, and some basic first aid skills. 

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will receive an adult, child, and infant CPR/AED. First Aid certification card valid for 2 years. Join us and learn the confidence and skills necessary to save lives! For 16+ students and adults of all ages.

In person Wednesday May 29, 2024, 6-8pm

Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Room 1509, Shoreline WA 98133

Fee for class and certification $109



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Travels with Charlie: Lost But Not Found

Photo by Gordon Snyder

We headed to Horizon View Park between rain drizzles. After looping around getting some steps and sniffs, we circled by the kids' play area.

That’s where folks put any park lost items they’ve found.

I had found a lost child's hat and put it on the bench with a few other lost items that haven’t been found yet.

What a nice piece of neighborhood park culture.

Ok. "Let’s get going Charlie between these drizzles…"

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Robbery suspect arrested within walking distance of police station

On Monday May 13, 2024, at about 3:30pm, Shoreline Police Officers responded to a Bank Robbery at the Key Bank in the 17500 block of Aurora Ave N, conveniently located just a few feet away from the Shoreline Police Station. 

The suspect demanded money before making a swift exit from the bank.

Witnesses observed the suspect heading eastbound on N 175th. Upon receiving this vital information, our eco-conscious Captain and Detectives quickly walked over to the area and conducted a thorough search, including the stores. 

Simultaneously, another detective maintained visual from the precinct. With remarkable coordination and efficiency, the suspect, who is responsible for many other robberies in Seattle, was detained without incident at the Trader Joe’s across the street.

The suspect was taken to the King County Jail awaiting multiple Bank Robbery charges.

We take pride in the men and women of the Shoreline Police Department for their professionalism, teamwork, quick response, and….commitment to zero emissions

--Shoreline Police


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Another drug bust in King County

Confiscated drugs and guns
Photo courtesy King County

Last week, our Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team (SET) concluded a two-month narcotic investigation into a drug trafficker who was transporting money and narcotics for the Sinaloa Cartel. 

The investigation touched the city of Burien, involved multiple search warrants, and over 100 hours of surveillance in the Puget Sound area.

The investigation resulted in the following:
  • 2.8 pounds of Fentanyl powder
  • 5000 Fentanyl / M-30 pills
  • 10 grams of Cocaine
  • 3 handguns
  • 1 AR-15 style short barrel rifle w/60 round drum magazine
  • 3 vehicles seized
  • $182,249.00 cash seized

Confiscated guns
Photo courtesy King County

One suspect was booked on narcotics related charges. Narcotics and firearms wreak havoc on our King County community, stealing futures and leaving behind an ever-lasting impact on families. We are committed to removing these destructive forces from our streets and enhancing safety within our neighborhoods.

Dow Constantine, King County Executive
Burien Police Department
Shoreline Police Department


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Kayaker reportedly lost at Echo Lake

Police searching Echo Lake for lost kayaker
Photo by Michael Wansley
According to lakeside resident Madysen Ellis, around 8:10am on Saturday May 18, 2024 Shoreline Police responded to Echo Lake on the report of a lost kayaker. Witnesses reported that a man was seen kayaking around 7:10am. His kayak was upside-down in the water and no one saw whether he got out of the lake.

Staging area for search of Echo Lake
Photo by Michael Wansley
Police searched the lake from a westside dock with boats and divers until 10:17am. They sent a boat around the entire lake.

Police divers searching Echo Lake
Photo by Michael Wansley
Echo Lake is relatively shallow but the bottom has a thick layer of loose peat which turns the water into a dense brown cloud if disturbed.

The kayaker has not been identified. The KCSO has been contacted for information.

--Diane Hettrick


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Garden Guy: May in the Garden

Saturday, May 18, 2024

By Bruce Bennett

This month, I have taken to sitting on the back deck with my morning coffee in-hand and enjoying the fresh emerging beauty of springtime across the landscape. The new ruby-tinted foliage of the Andromeda/Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub ‘Variegata’ (Pieris japonica) echoes the red flowers of the ten-foot-tall Rhododendron ‘Vulcan’ and the newly opened buds of Azalea ‘Hino Crimson’. 

Pittosporum. Photo by andre-briant.fr
These plants are color counterpointed by the whites of the shrub New Zealand Pittosporum/ Kohuhu ‘Variegata’ (Pittosporum tenuifolium – pictured left), COSTCO-size pots of cascading green and white Wintercreeper ‘Emerald Gaiety’ (Euonymus fortunei) and the upright exclamation points of Sweet Iris ‘Variegata’ (Iris palida). 

Later in the season, the flowers of Crabapple ‘Golden Raindrops’ (Malus transitoria) and Mountain Laurel ‘Olympic Fire’ (Kalmia latifolia – pictured below) will repeat this red and white color combination. 

The views and scents carried on the warming air make the work of gardening worth all the effort.

The background of deep burgundy leaves from the Purple Smoke Bush ‘Purple Robe” (Cotinus coggygria), added to the blooming bulbs and emerging hostas, make all the colors in the yard POP. 

All this botanical wonder tells me we are in ‘the lovely month of May.’
Kalmia. Photo by landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu

We have passed the final major hurdle of winter – the Last Frost Date. Depending on your local micro-zone, this date is somewhat flexible. Even my own North Seattle dates will vary from one year to the next. These days, I’d say that April 15 – 20 is appropriate for most USDA Zone 8/9 plants. 

However, do remember that frost dates are based on historical climate data and are not set in stone. Over-all climate change will have these dates moving earlier in the year. 

The probability of frost occurring after the spring frost date or before the first autumn frost date is 30%, which means there’s still a chance of inflicting itself upon our yards before or after the stated dates! 

Always keep an eye on your local weather forecast and plan to protect tender new plants accordingly. Regardless of when the big box stores and garden centers begin selling herbs and vegetable starts, for me, the planting of warm weather taste-treats, such as basil, cilantro and the all-important tomatoes, does not happen until after May 1. 

As many of you already know, I’m a thrifty (AKA cheap) Connecticut Yankee and don’t intend to spend the money on these cold-tender plants more than once a year!

I usually say that I have a large ornamental and perennial garden. The fact is the entire area around the house is garden, with the only lawn to be seen in my surrounding neighbors’ yards (Hmmm, we may need to take a look at the topic lawn alternatives in the future – what do you think?). 

In order to stay on top of gardening tasks, my wife and I keep a loose schedule of jobs to be completed. By the end of March, the planting beds have been spring-cleaned and last year’s perennials cut back, as well as the shrubs that that flower on new wood. 

There is a bit of bed edging to do and fertilizers or compost to spread. In April, we transplanted and divided everything that needed it and, of course, started to add new plants to the ever-changing landscape. Let’s face it, gardens are never done! They continue to be works-in-progress and teach us that Life is all about change.
Now, it's May and I can totally enjoy the beauty of last year’s work and this spring’s recent efforts. The biggest job on the May ‘To-Do List’ is mulching. 

I think there will be some two yards of medium-ground bark mulch in my near future. Remember, that one important reason to mulch is to keep the soil cool in the summer and retain moisture. 

If you are looking forward to planting annuals, let the soil warm up a bit more. 

If you plant your annuals too early in cold soil, they will just sit there doing nothing until a bunny (Easter or otherwise) comes along to eat the tender growth. 

It's best to wait until May 15 to plant annuals in the ground. While you are waiting, though, if you haven't already done it, plant your pots. Soil in pots gains heat much quicker than ground soil, so, plant them. I usually do mine by the end of April. Should we get a frost warning, move them into the garage overnight or stick a garden stake in the center of them and throw a tarp, sheet or piece of plastic over their heads to make a temporary cloche.

Bulbs. Photo by perennialgardens.org
As the bulbs finish flowering here and there in the yard, they should be deadheaded. Cut just the spent flowers or entire flower stem off, but never the leaves. 

Cutting the leaves off prematurely will prevent the bulb from completing its photosynthesis process which allows the plant to convert the sun's energy to necessary nutrients. In other words, the bulb will weaken and eventually disappear if you continue to cut off its green leaves. 

Wait until the leaves turn brown. You can fold the leaves with a rubber band to make browning leaves less noticeable. Planting your bulbs among later emerging perennials (I like hardy geraniums for this job) and groundcovers will also help to camouflage the withering leaves.

Azl Bud. Photo by plants.ces.ncsu.edu
During April and May, you have been enjoying the blooms of all early flowering shrubs. May is the time to prune those shrubs if you want to reduce their size or otherwise change their shape. Also check for damaged, diseased or crossing branches and cut them out.

If you pay attention to your azaleas, lilacs, rhododendrons, etc., you will notice that shortly after blooming they start setting next year's buds. If you prune these shrubs in July, which many people do, you will get few-to-no flowers next year. Prune them shortly after they finish flowering before they set those new buds.

Now back to the mulch. Choosing the type of mulch to use is also a topic for another article. However, whatever you choose, wait until the soil is warm, then add two to four inches. Spread it carefully around your emerging perennials and shrubs and newly planted annuals. 

The mulch will not only make your garden look finished, it will also keep the soil cool in the heat of summer, help retain water, prevent weeds and add organic material to your soil. After spreading my mulch over a planting area, I like to use a pre-emergent, such as corn gluten, to prevent/reduce weed seed from germinating without damaging other plants that are already growing.

When your neighbor's dandelion seeds blow into your garden, the pre-emergent will stop them from developing for up to three months. Just remember not to spread it anywhere you are counting on certain flowers to self-seed.

Photo by bendoregon.gov
I think of March, April, and May as the building block months for gardens. When the above-mentioned tasks are completed and the mulch is spread, I see the hard work of the new gardening season is over (and I can rest my back). 

The remainder of the growing year consists of, basically, general light maintenance, watering, insect/disease vigilance and the all-round sensory enjoyment of what has been created (preferably from the back deck with a cup of coffee, in-hand of course). 

Happy gardening all!

Bruce Bennett
Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington State University Master Gardener, Certified Professional Horticulturist and lecturer. 

If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question about your own garden space or care to suggest topics of interest for future columns, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@hotmail.com

See previous Garden Guy columns here.



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Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire to hold a Special Educational Workshop Meeting

SPECIAL MEETING/EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP NOTICE

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Special Educational Workshop Meeting at the date, time, and place specified below.

The purpose of the special meeting is to hold an educational workshop on the Department’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiative.

DATE: June 6, 2024

TIME: 4:00 p.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: In-Person Only
Shoreline Fire Department (Public Conference Room)
17525 Aurora Avenue North
Shoreline, WA 98133

Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
May 17, 2024

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Confrontation

 



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Two residential fires last Friday May 10, 2024 - one arson - one careless smoking

Arsonist spraying the house with gasoline
Screenshot from surveillance footage provided by Shoreline PD

On Friday, May 10 2024 at just after 6:30am, Shoreline Fire was dispatched to a Residential Structure Fire at the 1600 block of N 183rd St in Shoreline. Once extinguished, the scene was turned over to King County Fire Investigators. 

Surveillance footage shows an unknown male spraying the owner's vehicle, the side of the residence and the doorway area with gasoline before setting it on fire. 


Arsonist running after tossing a match into the gasoline
Screenshot from surveillance footage provided by Shoreline PD

The male was wearing a grey shirt under a dark blue or black and grey jacket with dark writing on the sleeves and the hood up, black pants and black shoes. He was wearing dark-framed glasses and had a dark beard.  

Detectives investigating this case (C24015932) are asking the community to call our non-emergency line if you have any information about this incident, 206 296-3311. 

----
Shoreline Fire was also dispatched to another Residential Structure Fire at 11:46pm at the 20400 block of 30th Ave NE. Please utilize approved cigarette disposal devices and keep them away from combustibles. 

There were no any injuries at either incident.


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School district warns that a man known to Edmonds Police was seen near Brookside Elementary School

The public information office of Shoreline Public School issued this notice:


Alexander Hardisty
Our Lake Forest Park Police Department partners notified us that Alexander Hardisty was seen across the street from Brookside Elementary School today, May 16, 2024 at 8:45am. 

Hardisty was not in touch with or in close proximity to any students, as far as we are aware.

Hardisty was the subject of news and social media attention in late 2023: Edmonds Police warn school community | Edmonds man caught lurking on school grounds

If any staff member, parent, or guardian sees someone they believe to be Hardisty at or near one of our schools, immediately call 911.

As always, the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. Doors are typically locked, access is controlled at the majority of our school campuses, and all staff are trained to be on the lookout for strange behavior and to report people who should not be on campus.

Parents and guardians, if you are buzzed into a school for a meeting, early dismissal pickup, volunteering, or other purposes, please be aware of your surroundings and do not allow anyone else to follow you into the building.

Thank you for your support to keep our schools and students as safe as possible.


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Travels with Charlie: Let's respect our special places…

By Gordon Snyder

Charlie and I headed to Pfingst Animal Acres park to wander around and get some sniffs in.

When we’re there, I always head down the path to the McAleer Creek viewing deck. It’s one of those special spots that lets you look and listen to the creek any time of year.

How’s the flow? the turbidity? any spawners? Just a great spot.
Photo by Gordon Snyder
But… I see something.

Photo by Gordon Snyder
A closer look...

Come on? This is a wonderful unique place to drink a Cup O Joe. Along the creekside with no other distractions.  

You just enjoyed this Special Place. And then just left…………..

This cup will be headed to Lake Washington.


Here’s the start of the cup’s journey marked by arrow.  

The shaded area is McAleer watershed. McAleer creek connects Lake Ballinger to Lake Washington.

Please, Let’s respect our special places… so they stay special.

Please and Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Westbound NE 175th St lane restriction at night for signal pole foundation work

175rh lane closure

As early as Monday, May 20, 2024 Sound Transit will perform nighttime lane restrictions on westbound NE 175th St between 3rd Ave NE and the northbound I-5 on- and off-ramp intersection.

These lane restrictions will be utilized for signal pole foundation work on the northeast corner of the northbound I-5 on- and off-ramp intersection. This work activity is performed at night due to the restricted hours for westbound lane closures of NE 175th St.

Closures: Monday, May 20, through Thursday, May 23, from 11pm to 5am the following mornings. The lanes will be closed during work hours and opened during non-work hours.

Residents should expect construction noise from equipment being operated at night such as a vac truck, an auger truck, a dump truck, a concrete truck, crew trucks, light plants, and various hand tools.

Some bus routes may be affected. Please check the King County Metro website for details.


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Shoreline’s Climate Action Plan: fewer cars; more trees and sidewalks

A graph from the 2022 Climate Action Plan shows 56% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Shoreline come from transportation (mostly gasoline-powered vehicles).

By Oliver Moffat

On May 13, 2024 after hearing public comments from school children asking for safer streets, and tree activists calling for narrower sidewalks on 175th street, the city council reviewed how much progress was made on Shoreline’s Climate Action Plan.

The city’s first Climate Action Plan in 2013 set a goal to reduce emissions by 25% between 2009 and 2020; but by 2021, the city had reduced emissions by only about 6% for the entire decade.

In 2022, the city set a new goal to reduce emissions 60% between 2019 and 2030; meaning the city will need to reduce emission 6% per year on average for every year this decade.

The city also wants to reach net zero emissions by 2050 by offsetting all emissions with sequestration.

According to the city’s plan, Shoreline’s tree canopy covers 37% of the city and currently sequesters about 13,890 metric tons of CO2 each year; while Shoreline’s cars emit ten times that much CO2 each year: 139,782 metric tons.

At 56% of the total, by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Shoreline comes from transportation (mostly gasoline-powered vehicles).

Getting people to give up their cars will require safe sidewalks and bike lanes that people actually want to use, so the city’s plan lays out a long list of actions to make the city more walkable and bike-able.

But adding sidewalks and bike lanes on 145th street while preserving the wide, five-lane road for cars has required removing trees - angering tree activists who are now calling for narrowing the proposed sidewalk on 175th to save trees.

Councilmember John Ramsdell
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline 
Councilmembers Scully, Pobee and Ademasu promised more trees would be preserved on 175th street; councilmember John Ramsdell highlighted the challenges of balancing tree preservation with the need to get people out of their cars.

“Believe me, I love trees,” he said, “But I think there’s a really important statistic to be aware of: … a mature tree can absorb about 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. 
"If we can remove one car from using our roads… according to the EPA, a typical car emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide greenhouse gasses per year.”

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Shoreline students lobby city council for safer streets

Friday, May 17, 2024

A request from St Luke elementary students asks for an improved crosswalk,
a speed limit beacon and an automated speed camera 

By Oliver Moffat

At the Monday May 13, 2024 Shoreline city council meeting, students Thomas, Solomon and Isaac from St Luke, joined a growing chorus of students and parents from schools across Shoreline asking the city council to do something about Shoreline’s dangerous roads.

The eighth grader’s request comes after a school staff member was nearly run down while crossing the road in front of the school. With assistance from city staff, police and the fire department, the students measured vehicle speeds on the roads in front of St Luke where Dayton, Greenwood and 175th Street intersect.

A graphic from a 2021 Shoreline city staff report illustrates
how pedestrian fatality rates increase with vehicles speed.

In the report presented to the city council, the students found that 70% of vehicles were going above the speed limit. The students asked the city council to improve a crosswalk, install a speed limit beacon and install an automated speed camera.

The St Luke student presentation is the latest in a growing chorus of voices from children and parents from across Shoreline who want the city council to do something about traffic safety.

On May 14, Gracie and Evelyn from Girl Scout Troop 41974, who are fourth graders at Meridian Park Elementary, wrote to Shoreline Area News about traffic safety at the intersection of Meridian and 175th Street in front of their school. Parents from Meridian Park have raised safety concerns about that intersection.

Angelina Vaughn Shorecrest Sophomore asks the city council
for safety improvements on 155th street near Paramount Park 
Angelina, a Shorecrest Sophomore, has spoken in front of the council not once, but twice asking for safety improvements on 155th street near Paramount School Park where she catches the bus.

At the November 13 council meeting, Angelina told the city council, “there isn’t a blinking light for someone to signal, or a light to stop cars if they want to cross the street. 

''All we have are orange flags that usually disappear.”

Angelina returned to the city council at the April 8 meeting and again told the city council about the danger of 155th street and asked for safety improvements. 

She also told the city council the useless orange flags had disappeared. Again.

“I really hope that we can have some sort of pedestrian sign or some sort of lights there, because the orange flags and the stop signs don’t really work,” she told the city council.

According to data from WSDOT, Angelina, Thomas, Solomon, Isaac, Gracie and Evelyn are right: Shoreline’s streets have gotten more dangerous in recent years.

Shoreline’s police department recently told the city council that the number of reported traffic collisions in Shoreline has increased by 65% and Chief of Police Kelly Park warned the city council about “highly aggressive” driving on city streets.

The city restocked orange flags at the intersection on 155th street
where a Shorecrest student raised safety concerns
Photo by Oliver Moffat

As reported on KUOW and The Seattle Times, 2023 was the deadliest year for traffic fatalities in Washington State since 1990.

While neighboring cities like Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood and Seattle have moved to lower speed limits and installed automated traffic enforcement cameras, Shoreline’s city council has rejected traffic cameras and chosen to keep top speed limits at 30 mph.

The Shoreline city council voted to set top speed limits at 30 mph in 2021 after reviewing a staff report that showed when Seattle reduced speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph the number of crashes decreased.

In 2023, the city council told staff not to install automated traffic enforcement cameras in Shoreline.

Although the city council has not moved to lower speed limits or install traffic cameras, the city has restocked the orange flags at the intersection on 155th street where Angelina crosses the street.


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