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Sunday, September 22, 2024

Meeting our Neighbors at St. Margaret’s Place

St. Margaret's on Aurora

Story and photos by Tamara Burdic

Frying an egg for breakfast brought Suzi Strain to tears – tears of gratitude. 

It was her first morning to wake up in her new apartment at St. Margaret’s Place

Residents Suzi Strain and Malcom Welch
 “For me it’s been survival for my whole life, since I was a little street kid in pigtails. This is the happiest I’ve ever been – I get to live. I don’t have to worry where I’m going to lay my head at night,” she says. 

Ms. Strain moved into her apartment last December. 

St. Margaret’s, at 198th and Aurora, is a designated permanent housing facility with 100 units, and serves tenants who are exiting homelessness, or are in danger of becoming unhoused.

The lobby is light and airy with a community gathering space featuring game tables.

Today, Suzi Strain relishes her newfound stability and community. At age 57 she aspires to write a book to help people by sharing her experiences. 

“Nobody knows the story– what it’s like to be us, until they become us. We are not ‘lesser than.’ Everyone is one step away from homelessness. I want Shoreline residents to know that St. Margaret’s is a great addition to the community – because it makes a lot of people stable, who might not have been stable before.”

Malcom Welch is a veteran who organized a support group for the other veterans at St. Margaret's

Malcolm Welch, one of the founding residents, agrees. “This place feels like home,” he says. “It’s like a beacon of hope for other people who want to change their lives.” 

Mr. Welch is a 67 year-old veteran who lives on the 5th floor, where all of the units are occupied by veterans. 

There is a community garden and a covered back patio for residents

He is the leader of an informal support group that he organized for fellow vets on-site. 

“We are a unique portion of society who understand each other and what we are going through.” 

Having stable housing gives Mr. Welch time to pursue his dream of becoming a counselor. He is working on his credentials through a workforce development program –  Aspiring Social Service Employee Training Program. (ASSET).

St. Margaret's has 100 units and sits on land donated by the City of Shoreline

In his downtime, Mr. Welch likes to relax in front of the apartment building, (which faces Aurora Avenue and 198th) and talk with people who walk by. He takes great pride in his building –”You have to take care of your place and it’s up to us residents.” 

He has no patience for those disrespecting his home. “It’s okay to dig through the garbage, but don’t dump your trash. I’ll tell them!” Around the back of the building there is a covered patio, a dog run, and a small community vegetable garden.

The building has a commercial kitchen

The lobby is light, airy and welcoming. There is a community kitchen and comfortable gathering areas to socialize and hang out. The front desk and office areas are staffed with four to five case managers at all times. 

“They have our backs here, 24/7. They go out of their way to support us and help us accomplish what we need done,” says Ms. Strain.

One of the Resident Staff Support workers, Justine, adds, “I’ve also been homeless and was in addiction recovery. I love coming to work every day and supporting the residents – letting them know that they are seen.”
Suzi Strain and volunteer Steve Polich

There are many ways for Shoreline residents to connect with members of the community living at St. Margaret’s, especially with the fall and winter holidays coming up quickly:

Volunteer:
  • Cook a meal in the on-site kitchen
  • Help with holiday parties, game nights and movie nights–a great way to mingle with the residents!
Donate:
  • Clothing
  • Food
  • Money
  • Hygiene products
  • Holiday gifts
Volunteer Pat Deagen talks with Suzi and Malcomb

If you would like to be involved, please contact Gina Fudacz, Program Manager at GinaFu@ccsw.org or 206-677-1359

St. Margaret’s Place was created through a collaboration with Catholic Housing Services and King County, with land provided by the City of Shoreline.


Shorecrest Scots Footballers make it three straight with win over Lynnwood Royals

Shorecrest Football
Friday 9-20-2024
At Edmonds Stadium
Shorecrest 48 – Lynnwood 7
Head Coach: Brandon Christensen
Overall record: 3-0

#8 Ben Chesnut gets pulled down by a gaggle of Chimeras

Edmonds, WA: The Shorecrest Highlander Football team came out hot in this matchup against the Lynnwood Royals and never cooled off, winning in the autumn air at Edmonds Stadium by a score of 48 to 7. The Scots’ offense produced 432 yards with five different players scoring those seven touchdowns.

The action started early with Scot’s QB Danny Stephenson hitting Ben Chesnut for a 28 yard touchdown reception just past the one minute mark in the first quarter. Chesnut would go on to add another receiving touchdown and a 29 yard rushing touchdown for a total of three scores on the night.

#7 Eli Gojdics was up next, plowing through the Royals’ defense for a touchdown from 11 yards out to put the Scots up 13-0. Pavel Tatarinov added the PAT. Tatarinov was 6 of 7 for extra points.

#1 Anthony Downing with a 12 yard touchdown reception

Anthony “Ant” Downing stopped the ensuing Royals drive with an acrobatic interception at the Scot’s 10 yard line. He would go on to haul in a 12 yard touchdown pass from Stephenson in the second quarter, as well as shutting down the Royals’ receivers in his role at cornerback. Stephenson would finish the game with over 200 yards passing and three touchdowns before being relieved in the third quarter by sophomore QB David Telling.

Senior running back Kenny Adams also had a big night, scoring through the Royals defensive front from their one yard line for a touchdown. He would lead all rushers with 67 total yards on five carries. Junior Milo Hamilton capped off the Scots’ scoring with a six yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

#58 Carter Nichols chases down #18 QB Kevin Sandu of the Lynnwood Royals

Defensively, the Scots held the Royals scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. Led by Max “Mac Truck” Beer and Soren Lirhus with five tackles each, and Isaiah Blid with 4.5 tackles, the Royals had a tough time getting anything going. Lirhus also had a brilliant 32 yard run as a backup running back in addition to averaging 42 yards as the Scot’s punter.

Assistant Coach Sammy Seliga was a Scots Senior in 2018 when the Highlanders last started the season 3-0, and even with the loss to injury of defensive starters Seniors Tyson Lasconia and Joey Eck, Coach Christensen and his staff have the Highlanders firing on all cylinders.

Next up is Mountlake Terrace, this Friday at home at Shoreline Stadium at 8pm. The Hawks are 2-1 and coming a big win over conference opponent Meadowdale.

For live scoring and more news, visit the Scots’ Twitter/X account: @SCHIGHLANDERFB

--Sports Desk


Lakefront Park - Community Workshop - October 16, 2024

Lake Forest Park will hold its third Lakefront Park Community Workshop on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in the Council Chambers of LFP’s City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

This is an open house event with activities for all ages. Stop by anytime between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

Graphic courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
The design team will share illustrations of the design concept, and the community will be invited to share input to help shape the park’s identity. 

Your input is essential to the design of Lake Forest Park’s future public lakefront park!

Visit the project website for more information on the project, sign up to receive email updates, and go on a virtual tour of the park!


Shoreline Fire Open House - besides the hot dogs

Shoreline Fire performing an Extrication Drill 
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
By Diane Hettrick

The Fire Open House events are famous for their free hot dogs and water spraying from large fire hoses. They also feature dramatic rescue scenarios where fire fighters cut open a car to rescue the trapped driver and passengers.

The booths are for related emergency organizations.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Auxiliary Communication Services (ACS)

The Shoreline ACS van showed off its new Starlink system. In the event of a severe emergency when cell towers are down and landlines are interrupted, the volunteers of the ACS and other ham radio operators would be the only means of communication.

NEMCo crew. Photo courtesy ACS

NEMCo is an active organization, running frequent emergency training for citizens.

Photo courtesy ACS

The fire cadets are organization which gives teens the opportunity to explore careers in fire.

The open house was held at Shoreline Fire administration building at N 175th and Aurora. Children brought their teddy bears to the first aid table, ran an obstacle course, and got to spray water from fire hoses.


Shoreline draft budget would increase funding for a pool and homelessness while avoiding recession risk

The City purchased the storage court on Midvale as a site for an aquatics center.
Photo from Google

By Oliver Moffat

The Shoreline city council reviewed the city’s financial report and draft budget and capital improvement plan at the September 16 city council meeting.

City staff told the council  “the City continues to maintain a healthy financial position, including maintenance of its AA+ bond rating and a Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ratings outlook of “stable.” The proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget will continue to be balanced and in compliance with the City’s financial and reserve policies.”

The proposed budget includes more funding for human services and homelessness and money for another aquatics center ballot measure.

The city also wants $720.9k to ask voters (again) to approve an aquatics center on the November 2026 general election ballot. A bond measure in 2019 to pay for the pool failed to pass because it required 60% approval and only received 54% of the votes. 

In 2020, the city bought the storage court north of city hall as the future site of the aquatics center and (according to the city’s 2024 financial report) earned $662,518 on the property. 

Now the city wants to spend $720.9k on “public engagement, planning, conceptual design, cost estimating, ballot measure development, and preparation for design development and permitting” for the pool.

Currently the city plans to spend $624,112 next year on human services and homelessness - 1.0% of its general fund revenues. The city wants to increase that funding by $323.4k to dedicate a full-time employee to focus on managing the city’s human services programs and data collection. 

And the city would increase support for the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center, homelessness outreach, severe weather sheltering, utility assistance, and holiday baskets.

The city also requested $100k to commission an Affordable Housing Feasibility Study. Despite repeated resident requests for the city to take action on homelessness, in April, the Shoreline council approved a housing and human services plan that recommended the city instead “Maintain Current Level of Service” while city staff continue to study the problem.

Last week, the council reviewed the biennial resident satisfaction survey in which residents said, of all city services, they were most dissatisfied with Shoreline’s “overall response to homelessness” and residents said the city should do more to address homelessness - more than any other city service. In 2020 and again in 2022, residents told the city the same.

The city council will review a report from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority at the September 23 meeting and city staff said they will present the council with specifics on the human services and homelessness plan at the October 21 meeting.

A graph from the city shows Shoreline operating budget forecast

The city is forecasting the probability of a recession in 2025 or 2026 at about 30-45% - which would not only exacerbate homelessness but could also lower revenue from sales tax and property taxes.

Because of high Interest rates and construction costs revenue from real estate fees and taxes have decreased. Compared to last year, Real Estate Excise Tax revenue for streets and sidewalks are down nearly 25% and Park Impact Fee revenue for park improvements are down more than 50%.

Sales tax revenue was up nearly 25% compared to last year but the city is forecasting revenue to remain flat as construction cools in the city.

The city’s largest revenue source is property tax. When shoreline voters last approved a levy lid lift in 2022, the city said the property tax rate would be $1.39 per $1000 of assessed value. With cooling real estate sales, the King County Assessor decreased Shoreline’s assessed value in 2024, resulting in a higher tax rate of $1.62 per $1000.

Under state law, the combined property tax rate for the city, fire department and library may not exceed $3.60 per $1000. Libraries are allowed to charge up to $0.50 and fire departments can charge as much as $1.50 of that $3.60 per $1000.

Which means that if Shoreline’s assessed value continues to decline and the fire department and library also increase their rates, the city could reach the maximum property tax limit leading to a budget shortfall.

The city council will hold public hearings on the proposed budget, property taxes, fees, and Capital Improvement Plan on November 4 and November 18.


Climate Pledge Arena to pay $477K in penalties, refunds as a result of AG Ferguson’s hidden fee investigation

Photo courtesy Climate Pledge Arena
Court order ensures concertgoers who paid fee get money back with an additional $10

SEATTLE — Climate Pledge Arena will pay $477,917 in penalties and refunds as a result of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s investigation into a hidden fee the arena charged thousands of Washingtonians.

From February 27, 2023, to July 22, 2023, Climate Pledge added a 3% fee to food and beverage purchases made at the arena. 

They did not disclose the fee in any way before customers made their purchase, in violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act. 

The Attorney General’s investigation revealed the company charged the fee on approximately 183,000 transactions over the course of 37 events, bringing in $162,917.16. The legally binding agreement is subject to court approval.

As a condition for resolving his case, Ferguson required that Climate Pledge:
  • Conclude a class action lawsuit resulting in full restitution to all Washington consumers who were harmed, to be administered through a claims process, subject to court approval;
  • Pay affected customers who file a claim an additional $10 for their inconvenience and loss of their money in addition to the full refund;
  • Pay $315,000 to the Attorney General’s Office to pay for the cost of bringing the case, future enforcement work and, if necessary, cover claimants’ additional $10 payment if the $162,917.16 is insufficient; and
  • Disclose all fees it charges customers in the future.
“Washington law is simple: If you charge a fee, you must clearly disclose that fee before someone pays it,” Ferguson said. “Climate Pledge was not doing that. Now they are paying the price. If you believe a company is charging hidden fees in Washington, contact my office.”

Ferguson opened his investigation following a KIRO news story about the fee. State law requires companies to clearly disclose all added fees and charges to Washingtonians before they charge them. Instead, the fee was not disclosed at the arena kiosks or in digital payments. Attendees only learned about the fee if they asked for a receipt for their transaction.

The arena stopped charging the fee following the KIRO story and the Attorney General’s Office confirmed the arena is not currently charging the fee. The court order ensures the arena does not charge any fees without appropriately informing people. If the arena does, the Attorney General’s Office can go to court for any violations.

Assistant Attorney General Dan Davies handled the case for Washington.


Honest Fees Initiative


Companies caught charging hidden fees have paid more than $9.6 million as a result of Ferguson’s Honest Fees Initiative.

Ferguson is calling on Washingtonians to check their bills, and, if they believe they contain hidden fees, to file a complaint at the Attorney General’s website here.

Follow these easy steps to check your bill:
  • Review your bill carefully for additional fees and taxes. Pay special attention to fees that appear to be government-imposed. Though they may appear to be, that may not be the case.
  • Compare your bill against the advertised purchase price. Is it different? Were fees added on without being disclosed to you when you signed up?
  • If you see a fee that was not included in the initial purchase price, or that you believe is deceptive, contact the Washington Attorney General’s Office at www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint.

Online Bidding for Kruckeberg Garden Party Auction is open NOW

Kruckeberg Garden Party - online bidding is open prior to the event

The Garden Party is coming up next weekend, Saturday Sept 28, 2024 at the Innis Arden Clubhouse - join the fun and check out view online auction items now for free! 

All proceeds support. garden programs. and installations.

Interested in joining us in person? Pick up your tickets and learn all about the Garden Party online here !


Saturday, September 21, 2024

Golden sunset with ferry

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

I love living in tall trees but it means that sunsets are just an occasional flash of pink through the branches. 

Happy to have Lee Lageschulte's view to remind me what sunsets look like!

--Diane Hettrick



King County Metro Presentation: Using the Community Van Service

Did you know that King County Metro offers a van for pre-scheduled, low cost trips?!

Come to the Senior Activity Center for a presentation by King County Metro that will teach you how to use this amazing service! 

Learn to schedule rides for group outings, running errands, getting to medical appointments, going to concerts and sports events, etc. all at the cost of regular bus fare.

Vans are available to book any time of the day, any day of the week, and this service is available to anyone.


Celebration of Turkmenistan independence Saturday September 21, 2024 at Shoreline Community College

Saturday September 21, 2024, 6pm at Shoreline Community College, there will be a celebration organized by the Turkmen association in the region, for the independence of Turkmenistan.

Experience the rich culture, vibrant traditions, and national pride of Turkmenistan. 
Music, dance, food, and festivities for all!




Fire Board special meeting to discuss budget and review procedures September 25, 2024

SPECIAL MEETING/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 Meeting at the date, time, and place specified below.

The purpose of the workshop is to discuss the Board of Commissioners’ 2025 budget and to review and update the Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure Handbook.

DATE: September 25, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: 
  • In-Person Only
  • Shoreline Fire Department (upstairs conference room)
  • 17525 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, WA 98133
Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith, Executive Assistant
September 20, 2024


Closure of N 145th Street extended to early 2025

The long-term closure of N 145th Street between 1st Avenue NE and I-5 in Shoreline has been extended to early 2025. 

The closure is part of the City of Shoreline’s 145th Street Corridor and 145th Street and I-5 Interchange projects

The road was closed on April 2, 2024, so crews could relocate utilities prior to construction of roundabouts on either side of Interstate 5. We expected to reopen the road in November 2024, but due to the complexity of the work and other unforeseen delays, we must extend the closure. Underground utility conflicts and unforeseen existing conditions will take additional time to work through. 

To this point, utility crews have been relocating infrastructure while construction crews widen the roadway. This includes continuing the planned removal of trees west of I-5. Construction activities will continue within the closure limits and on the 145th corridor. 

When the closure ends, construction will continue into 2025 and expand to the intersection of 5th Avenue and the northbound I-5 off-ramp. Weekly construction updates are available at Engage Shoreline: 145th Corridor Projects.

While we know the extended closure and ongoing construction is inconvenient in the short term, the long-term benefits of the 145th Street Corridor Project are significant. 

Once complete, the project will provide a safer and more accessible route for all forms of transportation. The new roundabouts, updated lanes, pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes will reduce congestion, enhance safety, and create a more connected community. It will also provide easier access to the Link light rail Shoreline South/148th Street Station.

At this time the length of the closure extension has not been determined. The city’s construction management team is working with the contractor and other agencies regarding the new road opening date, and we will communicate this once it is determined. 

This is a complex project involving multiple agencies that must all work together. If one part is delayed, it can have a cascading effect on the rest of the project timeline.

Getting around the closure

The pedestrian and bicycle detour was recently shifted to provide better access through the work zone via a combination of N 145th and NE 147th Streets. Details about detours, timeline, and construction activities will continue to be posted on our project webpage.

People traveling by vehicle east and west between 1st Avenue NE and I-5 will continue to detour and use N 155th Street or N 130th Street. I-5 on- and off-ramps will be open, but only accessible from the east side of the closure. 

Travelers can expect occasional overnight closures of these ramps, but they will mostly remain open. 

Please continue to be attentive and drive with caution around the work zone and through the detour. 

Travelers and people living in the area are encouraged to sign up for email updates for the 145th Improvements Projects.
Questions and concerns
If you have questions or concerns about construction or the project, you can call the 24-hour construction hotline or send an email.

Joint meeting of Fire Boards (Shoreline and Northshore) October 29, 2024

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING NOTICE

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Special Joint Meeting on October 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. with the Commissioners of the Northshore Fire Department. The purpose of the special joint meeting is to discuss the 2025 budget.

DATE: October 29, 2024

TIME: 5:00 pm

LOCATION: Shoreline Fire Department, 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

To attend the meeting online please use the below information:
  • Zoom link
  • Meeting ID: 836 8919 8291
  • Passcode: 974971
  • Dial by your location: #1-253-205-0468
Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith, Executive Assistant

September 20, 2024


Shoreline Fire public hearing re benefit charge and revenue from property taxes

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO: All owners of personal property and improvements to real property located within the geographical boundaries of Shoreline Fire Department.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department will hold a public hearing at the date, time and place specified below to:
  1. Review sources of revenue for the Department’s 2025 General Expense, General Capital, and ALS Expense, including revenue from property taxes and possible increases in property tax revenues, if any, as required by RCW 84.55.120; and
  2. Review and establish the Department’s benefit charge to be imposed in 2025 for the support of its legally authorized activities which will maintain or improve the services afforded in the Department as provided in RCW 52.18.060.
DATE OF HEARING: October 17, 2024

TIME OF HEARING: The public hearing portion of the agenda will begin at 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Shoreline Fire Department Station 61, 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

To attend the meeting online please use the below information:
  • Zoom link
  • Meeting ID: 842 4806 6884
  • Passcode: 069285
  • Dial by your location: #253 215 8782
All interested persons are encouraged to attend and provide input.

Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith, Executive Assistant
September 20, 2024


Paws in the Park! October 19, 2024

Save the date for, Paws in the Park! October 19, 2024, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, at Pfingst Animal Acres Park, 17435 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

It’s going to be a pawty for paws and the family! Invite neighbors and friends to celebrate our LFP Community. 

There will be a beer garden, community partner booths, food trucks, pop-up off leash dog park, and FREE fun for the whole family!
 
This year we have a special performance by LFP legend and ShoreLake Arts 2023 Battle of the Bands reigning champs, King Youngblood.

Paws and Costumes encouraged but not necessary.


Sno-King International Folk Dance Club October dances

Sno-King International Folk Dance Club
Photo by Birgit Ages
Come celebrate the Sno-King International Folk Dance Club two-party month! 

We dance every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00pm, featuring dances from the Alps to the Andes, from Taiwan to the Black Sea. 

Parties are at the same time and have no teaching. There will be line, couple, set, and individual dances, both easy and hard, and you don't need to bring a partner. 

This month we will learn dances from Germany, Poland, and Greece, and on October 9, 2024 we will start at 6:45pm for a lesson in basic moves in set dancing.

  • October 12 -The second Saturday of each month is our Oktoberfest party, which will include some German dances, but no beer.
  • October 30 - A Halloween party. We just had to have another party! Come with or without a costume. We will be delighted to have any finger food snacks you bring to either party.
Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W, Lynnwood. $8.00. 

Info: 

Friday, September 20, 2024

Travels with Charlie: After the Groomer, Ready to Romp!

Ready to blow off  some energy
Photo by Gordon Snyder
By Gordon Snyder

Charlie spent most of the day at the Groomers getting sheared, trimmed, clipped, shaved, washed, cleaned, dried, brushed and teeth brushed.
 
After all this, his Groomer said he was a great guy. I’d say he just put up with everything hoping it would end soon.

After I picked him up, first thing was outside, after some quick sniffs and welcome relief. Then, we headed for a park to blow off some energy.

Ready to Romp!
Photo by Gordon Snyder

At the park, he was Ready to Romp!

Ready… Go!
Romping… His joy was wonderful to watch.

Posing to show new haircut
Photo by Gordon Snyder

After a while, I got him to slow down and show off his new Haircut.

Charles Posing...

Another unique day.


Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

"The Look" photo by Gordon Snyder

Bonus shot. Charlie giving us "The Look".


School district to hold online community budget meetings - open to all

Superintendent Susana Reyes and Assistant Superintendent
of Business and Operations Angela Von Essen 

As Shoreline School District works to address the budget emergency that they face for the 2024-25 school year and beyond, they are holding a series of community budget meetings that are open to families, students, staff, and community members. 

All meetings will be held via Zoom with an opportunity for Q&A by attendees.

Superintendent Susana Reyes and Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Angela Von Essen will share:
  • Budget Emergency Key Points
  • Four-Year General Fund Budget Forecast
  • Where Does the Money Come From?
  • Where Does the Money Go?
  • Compensation and Staffing
  • Enrollment Projections
  • Budget Alignment Options
  • Strategic Plan Guidance
Community Budget Meeting Schedule

Monday, September 23
6:00 - 7:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 898 4468 4283
Passcode: 197506
Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833

Thursday, September 26
5:00 - 6:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 881 5288 5227
Passcode: 313956
Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833

Tuesday, October 1
7:00 - 8:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 879 6267 9322
Passcode: 428751
Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833

The district is committed to maintaining the high-quality educational services that students deserve while exploring how to achieve the budget alignment they need. In good faith to our community, district leadership and the School Board will continue to work toward a balanced budget that limits the impact on students.

Learn more here


Fight off the virus this Fall with a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine

The 2024-2025 Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 Vaccine at ICHS Shoreline Clinic pharmacy.

By Theo Bickel

It’s been over four years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And since then, the virus has changed substantially. “That’s why our ability to fight off the virus needs to change, too,” says Lisa DiFedele, MPH, Infection Prevention and Control Administrator at International Community Health Services (ICHS).

ICHS pharmacies are now offering the 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine on a walk-in basis for members of the public ages 12 and older. You do not need to be an ICHS patient to receive your vaccine at ICHS.

Many may ask why is the new vaccine necessary?

“Individuals are still getting very, very sick,” says DiFedele. “People are going to hospitals, and having very severe outcomes. Getting vaccinated offers additional protection against the virus as it’s circulating now.”

Just because you’ve been sick with COVID in the past, doesn’t mean you’ll be protected against the COVID virus that is circulating now.

“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen MD, MPH. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself, your family, and our community.

The most up to date guidance for being fully vaccinated:
  • Adults and children age 5 years and older: 1 dose of a 2024–­2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Regardless of the number of vaccines you’ve already received.
  • Children younger than 5 years and have already received a vaccine in the past three years: Speak with your child’s doctor. They 1 or 2 doses of the 2024–­2025 mRNA vaccine from the same brand given for initial vaccination.
  • For children younger than 5 years that have not received a COVID-19 vaccine: 2 doses of 2024–­2025 Moderna or 3 doses of 2024–­2025 Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • If you are immunocompromised, speak with your doctor about what is best for you. You may recommended to have additional doses are based on age and vaccination history.
 ICHS’ friendly pharmacists offer vaccinations in a nearby, private immunization room.

How do I get the vaccine with ICHS?

ICHS clinic pharmacies are administering the 2024-2025 Pfizer (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents and adults (ages 12 and older) on a walk-in basis. You do not need to be an ICHS patient to walk in for a vaccine.
  • Shoreline · 9am-4pm Monday-Friday
  • Appointments are not required. Please bring your photo ID and insurance card.
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. If you have insurance, you can always call your insurance company to see if you're covered. If you do NOT have insurance, you must pay out-of-pocket for the cost of the vaccines.

ICHS Patients may call ICHS at 206-788-3700 for vaccinations for children 11 years and younger.

ICHS Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic is located at 16549 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. A large parking lot is available. The clinic pharmacy is located on the first floor of the clinic.


The Gift of Being Spoken

Lunch with Roger Fernandes at the Thai Bistro
From left: Sarah Phillips, Maureen O’Neill, Lauren Brumbaugh, Angie Hurt, Diane Lobaugh, Roger Fernandes, Sally Yamasaki

By Sally Yamasaki

Roger Fernandes, artist in residence at the Shoreline Historical Museum, took a break from working to have lunch with some volunteers at the Shoreline Historical Museum.

Fernandes has been carving petroglyphic art for a Miyawaki Urban Forest Welcome Rock project entitled, “The Rock Holds the Memories of our People” funded by the Rotary Foundation.

This summer, Fernandes, artist, storyteller, educator, and member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has carved images each inspired from local Coast Salish Tribes on a 6’ x 3’ glacial rock.

Those who attended lunch, learned how stories are living entities and in them hold history, philosophy, science and more dating back to the end of the last glacial period (c. 8000 BCE, 10,000 years ago).

“I loved learning that literacy isn't locked within a book. The oral tradition of Native American story telling is meant to be living and changing in order to seek answers both spiritually and scientifically within the current world for which we live,” according to Lauren Brumbaugh.

Roger Fernandes pointing out one of the carvings that represents a story.

Fernandes explained that he learned from one of his teachers that the powerful form of a story is when it is told. When this happens, the moisture of the storyteller’s breath becomes the story, and it gives the story a unique form and comes alive.

“A story is a living thing. I give shape to it; I give life to it; and when the story is alive that means it changes – it means I might tell you a story from like the Maiden in Deception Pass and I would tell you that story and then you hear another person tell it and say—that’s not the way Roger told it…. Well, yeh because every teller is going to tell it a little bit differently. And because the story is alive, it changes too,” shared Fernandes.

When Fernandes was asked, “Why is it important for a story to breathe?” He answered, “It is like us – it needs to breathe so it can live.”

As an example, he then told us about a poem he once wrote.

“I wrote a poem once- I said they took a sword, called a pen, and they captured the word. They took the word and put it in a cell, they called a page; They took the page and they put it in a prison, and they called it a book. And they said it was good.”

Fernandes continued, “I’m not criticizing literacy. Literacy is a powerful tool. But when it becomes all powerful, we have forgotten the other gifts that …. there is a book called ‘the orality of literacy.’”

According to Sarah Phillips, “Having lunch with a master storyteller is an experience. Roger Fernandes is a master storyteller. So, lunch with him was an unforgettable experience.”

The Miyawaki Urban Forest at the Shoreline Historical Museum will be hosting two opportunities to learn from Roger Fernandes.

Saturday, September 28th, 10 AM – 12 Noon

LIFE OF THE FOREST – Storytelling

Roger Fernandes will share the traditional stories of the local Coast Salish Tribes that connect those cultures to the living world around them.

Sunday, December 8th, 3:30 – 5:15 PM

MIYAWAKI FOREST FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY – Welcome Rock Dedication

We will celebration the Miyawaki Forest turning one year old. Fernandes will discuss the inspiration behind the Welcome Rock and highlight some of the stories he carved.

Both are outdoor events that will have activities, tours and refreshments.

More information about the programs here


Sounder trains available for Seahawks vs. the Miami Dolphins September 22, 2024

Photo courtesy Sound Transit
Seattle sports fans can save on travel time, parking and gas by taking Sound Transit’s popular Sounder trains to this weekend’s Seahawks game. 

Special Sounder service is in addition to regular Link light rail, ST Express and King County Metro service to and from Lumen Field.

The special service will be available Sunday, September 22, 2024 for the 1:05pm Seahawks game against the Dolphins.

The inbound N Line train from Snohomish County departs Everett at 10:45am with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds, arriving at King Street Station at 11:44am.

The return N Line train for Everett departs King Street Station 45 minutes after the end of the game.

An online schedule of Sounder trains serving Seahawks games is available here.

Link light rail runs every 10 minutes on weekends and serves 23 stations including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Northgate, Roosevelt, University District, University of Washington, Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, SODO, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Tukwila, SeaTac and Angle Lake. 

Link’s Stadium and International District stations are a short walk from the stadium.

Regular fares apply for all Sound Transit services. Rail riders can avoid the post-game ticket vending machine lines by purchasing a Day Pass at their originating station. One-way tickets and Day Passes can also be purchased with the Transit GO Ticket app.

Another way to skip lines at ticket vending machines is by getting an ORCA card. Cards only cost $3 for adults, plus whatever amount a rider chooses to load in the card’s E-purse or the cost of a pass that is good for unlimited transit trips.

ORCA LIFT fares are available for low-income adult passengers. Regional Reduced Fare permit holders are seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities.

ORCA works on trains, buses and ferries throughout the region. More information available here.

Dembowski issues statement on state Supreme Court decision on protecting King County’s rural lands

Rod Dembowski, King County Council
District 1
King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee, shared the following statement Thursday after the state Supreme Court issued a ruling in King County v. Friends of Sammamish Valley, a case centered on the use of rural lands in King County:

“Today, our Washington State Supreme Court issued an important decision relating to protecting King County's rural lands. 
"A few years ago, in a 5 to 4 vote, the County Council modified land use protections for these lands.
"I and three of my colleagues opposed the legislation because we felt it eroded longstanding protections for farmlands and rural communities in the county. 
"Today's Supreme Court decision makes clear that these changes were ill-advised.

“I've been disappointed that the County has litigated against advocates for our rural area, farmlands and the environmental community, and I hope that this decision gives us an opportunity to hit the reset button and return to the strong tradition in King County of protecting these special places.”

Rod Dembowski represents King County District 1 on the County Council. District 1 includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, and North Seattle



Jobs: WSDOT Work Zone Traffic Engineer (TE3)

WSDOT
Work Zone Traffic Engineer (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$78,460 – $105,550 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Work Zone Traffic Engineer (Transportation Engineer 3) to play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient transportation options in Washington State. This position prioritizes fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment while supporting WSDOT's mission. 

As the NWR Work Zone Traffic Engineer, the selected candidate will oversee traffic control design and strategies for WSDOT projects, adhering to national and state standards. Their expertise will contribute to reduced congestion and improved safety within work zones, enhancing corridor operations during closures. Join us in making impactful contributions to community safety and economic vitality through innovative transportation solutions.

Job description and application