Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts

Letter to the Editor: We DO need a new pool - vote yes on Prop 1

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

To the Editor:

I read Dan Adams' letter that asked residents to vote no on Prop 1, the Parks and Recreation Center proposition on the November ballot. I am offering a different view.

I, too, am a 2+ decade swimmer at the Shoreline pool. Let me tell you about my Monday experience. I got there at 6, got into water that is two degrees colder than it should be. Good for me, but maybe not seniors. The water had low visibility. There was hair and chunks of what appeared to be insulation or lint in the shallow end. And there were four people in each lane. I swam until 6:30 because Masters swim takes over the pool then. That 5:30-6:30am slot is the only time for lap swim for working people. On Monday the showers had hot water. For the last year, the men’s shower hasn’t had hot water. The women’s shower fluctuates when you flush the toilet. (No disrespect to James who runs the pool. It’s just an old pool!)

As I drove home on 185th and then Aurora, I marveled at the extensive townhouse/large apartment complex construction happening in Shoreline and thought of the thousands of new residents and kids who will be using our new facility and how wonderful that will be. As millennials age and use the pool like I do, there will be ample parking and swim lanes, and a separate pool for me as I push 70.

I thought about alternatives to new construction. Well, we have a couple pools in our general area. But the Innis Arden pool is resident and invitation only. Klahaya has a 4 year waitlist. And.. that’s it.

This thinking forward is important - like the Alaskan Way Viaduct, people said repair it, repair it! Don’t build a new tunnel! 20 years after the earthquake, we have a beautiful waterfront and a tunnel that reflects the vision for years to come. I’m glad I live in a community that has vision for 2020 and 2040. Please vote yes on Prop 1.

Jamie Holter
Shoreline



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Letters to the Editor: We don't need a new pool

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

To the Editor:

As a frequent user of the existing Shoreline Pool, I'm writing to ask my fellow citizens to vote NO on Proposition 1. We don't need a new facility.

Shoreline's existing pool was refurbished only three years ago and is plenty capable. The pool building needs a new roof, and if the old boiler is inefficient and tired, then we should replace the boiler instead of tearing down the whole structure. Renovations of this sort would cost a few million dollars at most, not the $100 million+ that the city is asking us to fork over at an average increase of $244 per household per year.

As to the claim that the pool is responsible for 92% of municipal carbon emissions, the Pro side has provided no evidence that a new facility would change that. Continuously heating over 75,000 gallons of water from ambient temperature to 84 degrees is energy-intensive and always will be. It makes sense to retrofit the building we have with efficient windows, insulation, and weatherstripping in order to reduce heat and humidity loss to the outside.

In truth, the ShARCC as proposed is a vanity project for the Shoreline City Council. The pool that we have is fine, but they want to relocate it to a new location by City Hall. Do you like having your car broken into while you're taking the kids to swim practice? It would be a lot more likely at 178th and Midvale than it is at 190th and 1st NE.

Less fortunate communities than ours would cherish a pool like the existing Shoreline Pool. A new facility would be an absolute extravagance, even for our area. Vote NO and tell the City Council to make smart improvements to our existing infrastructure.

Dan Adams
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Say YES to Prop 1

Monday, September 23, 2019

To the Editor:

I am writing to ask Shoreline residents to say YES to Prop 1.

Your vote will make it possible for us to build a much needed new aquatic and community center. As a pool user, I know how much we need to replace our 50-year old relic with an up to date facility.

Our pool is literally a “gas guzzler” accounting for 92% of the City’s municipal greenhouse gas emissions. Our new pool will boast “green alternative technologies” something I consider a must for conscientious Shoreliners.

Another benefit that makes my heart sing is a fully accessible playground designed for adults with mental and physical disabilities. Located at Richmond Highlands Recreational Center, this park will serve a special population of aging residents who desire outdoor activities.

The monthly hit on my property taxes is a little more than the proverbial cup of coffee – I could also buy a bagel. Not too much to pay for a new facility and improved parks that will outlast me.

Robin McClelland
Campaign for Parks, Pool, and Recreation



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Letter to the Editor: I defend CRISTA's right to teach their own beliefs

To the Editor:

I'm glad Dr. Amundson put quotes around "welcoming" in his 9/21 LTE, "Speak up in opposition to CRISTA's misguided policies," because what he's suggesting is actually not welcoming at all.

How is it welcoming to chastise someone for holding religious beliefs that differ from your own, and to publicly encourage others to harass them for holding those beliefs?

I certainly disagree with some of what they believe at CRISTA, but I defend their right to hold their beliefs, and to teach them in their private institution. To do otherwise would not only be unwelcoming, but, even worse, would fly in the face of religious liberty and free speech.

Maggie Willson
Shoreline WA



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Letter to the Editor: A call for civil dialogue

Saturday, September 21, 2019

To the Editor:

My family and I have lived in Lake Forest Park since 1959, two years before we incorporated. I feel that for the past several months we’ve experienced a lack of civility in our public life. I'm concerned.

Three things stand out and trouble me.

1. There's a story being whispered around that one person running for City Council is someone whose public role might be corrupted by a professional life involving real estate. The accusers provide no evidence for that being the case. I happen to know that this person has had a lengthy and public record of service supporting our quality of life in Lake Forest Park, both as a volunteer and as a public official. Her collegial relationships, and work with people in other jurisdictions in the region and statewide have brought tangible benefits to our city, and are doing so to this day.

So what's with these rumors and suspicions? What ever happened to truth??

2. There's continuing hostility to planning a future Town Center that satisfies both the needs of Merlone Geier, the developer/owner, and the vision and economic strength of the City. As I see it, the LFP City Council has been serving citizens by anticipating the possible impacts of Sound Transit's expansion, and providing opportunities for citizens to express themselves so we end up with a vibrant civic center that serves our needs.

Merlone Geier has also been meeting with citizens, showing that they're listening, as well as clarifying their own needs and offerings. However, there's a vocal group that seems to assume that whatever "they" say, "they" are trying to put something over on us & "they" are spending too much money. Why is there this feeling of "them" vs "us"?

What's a way of participating in these important decisions that will best serve us, our children, and this place?

3. I’m also concerned that we aren’t talking about what is the optimal balance of humans and Nature in order to steward our place and have a thriving city. Privileging one over the other brings about an optimal result for neither. Ignoring that question is one reason that we have a developer-owned-mall-city-center where once there were wetlands. I hope this time around, we will embrace our responsibilities as humans living in an urbanized environment with Nature!

Please fellow citizens, let's each of us ask ourselves: How shall I support an honorable civil dialogue as I, a citizen, participate vigorously in a democratic decision-making process? I truly hope our community can be one place in our world where that practice happens!

Anne Stadler
Lake Forest Park



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Letter to the Editor: Speak up in opposition to CRISTA's misguided policies

To the Editor:

Many in Shoreline were surprised to read in the September 9th Seattle Times that the CEO of CRISTA has required a newly instituted commitment from teachers and staff that marriage can only be between a man and woman and has also expressed anti-gay language. Jacinta Tegman in her previous role advocated to repeal our state's gay-rights law and led opposition to same-sex marriage.

This unwelcoming school climate conflicts with the city of Shoreline's official position as a "welcoming community" as reflected in a position adopted in 2018. That statement further reaffirmed an earlier Resolution #401 which declared that Shoreline shall be free of discrimination for all the typical situations it described including "sexual orientation, gender or gender identity."

But beyond values of tolerance and acceptance is the destructive impact of discrimination and rejection on kids who are grappling with their sexual identity. As a physician I've consistently worked with kids experiencing the trauma of rejection, hatred and discrimination for their sexual orientation. We know that a very large percentage of homeless and street kids are casualties of both family and societal trauma due to their sexual orientation. Now that atmosphere has been newly created at King's Schools. These newly iterated positions, parents report, are tearing at the fabric of the school.

I believe residents of Shoreline should speak up in opposition to these misguided (and embarrassing) policies. Please contact CRISTA's leadership - CEO Jacinta Tegman, board president Steve Gray and board chair Dennis Guhlke - as well as other board members and express your concerns about the destructive educational climate they are creating for students, teachers and staff. Emphasize that Shoreline is a welcoming community, and while religious institutions are exempt from anti-discrimination laws, most Christian denominations and their institutions have moved beyond Biblical literalism when applied to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. CRISTA may be legal but it is not right in our modern "welcoming" city.

Bruce Amundson, MD
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Seniors are being left out!

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

To the Editor: 

Do you remember voting for the VSHSL levy in 2017? This was supposed to support Veterans and Seniors throughout King County. They allocated $20M over a 5 year period for senior centers in King County. This was enough money to provide stable and adequate funding for all of the senior centers who applied for funding ($108,421 per year each).

Instead King County turned it into a competition and generously funded 25 of the 38 senior centers. The Shoreline-LFP Senior Center is the focal point for serving older adults and reached 3,508 people last year with numerous programs and services, including a partnership with Bastyr and an intergenerational program called Power of One. Shoreline has one of the largest concentrations of older adults in King County and this senior center is the only one operating in the northwest part of the county.

I have provided you with this background information in hopes that you can help our Senior Center. As a result of King County’s funding decision, we are facing a $110K deficit in 2019 and will not be able to hire a much-needed activity program coordinator. 

Please email Rob Dembowski, our King County Council representative (rod.dembowski@kingcounty.gov) and Dow Constantine, the King Council Executive (kcexec@kingcounty.gov) before September 20. They will be going into a budget session on September 23 and we want them to “find” some money for our Senior Center before they go into session. We are asking them for at least $60,000. You are welcome to contact additional King County Council members if you would like to.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ginny Scantlebury 
Shoreline LFP Senior Center Board Vice President



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Letter to the Editor: I support Doris McConnell

Saturday, September 14, 2019

To the Editor:

I would like to add my voice in support of Doris McConnell in her race to represent Shoreline on the city council. Her opponent, David Chen, is not only a supporter of real estate developers, but now we learn he has been affiliated with Crista Ministries, am organization which does not support their LGBT students and staff.

I do not want someone representing me on my city council who does not support equal rights for all citizens. I cannot believe that Mr. Chen had no idea his employer, Crista, held these views. I suspect that with the recent brouhaha about staff and students leaving the school because they felt unwelcome, he decided to cut his losses and disassociate himself, but I am sure he has known all along about their 19th century policies.

Vote for Doris McConnell, she will represent all citizens of Shoreline fairly and she won't be selling out to real estate developers who want to cram more and more apartments into our city, cutting down trees and grabbing single family homes for profits.

Karen Kral
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Thanks for the Ronald Bog article

Sunday, September 8, 2019

To the Editor:

Wow! Great article and dive into the very long background of the bog and its current state of transition and revival. I had heard about the plans for making a park that incorporates the wetlands that have been trying to return via flooding, but your article helped me better understand the scope of the work. And what a treasure trove of junk... an archeological dig into the stuff of decades past.

Thanks for fleshing out the simple story of the construction and the ponies in their hardhats. Now I and my fellow passers-by know so much more about what's going on behind the chain link fences. Another example of why community newsletters are important and how we benefit from your efforts to keep doing it!

Anne Guthrie
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Don't destroy the Yakima Fruit Market

Thursday, September 5, 2019

To the Editor:

We were surprised and dismayed to learn that the Bus Rapid Transit project along Hwy. 522 is threatening the existence of the Yakima Fruit Market, an historic and cultural gem of great importance to people of the Northshore area including Kenmore, Bothell, and Woodinville.

To place this unique family-run commercial activity into an historic context, consider that when the market was founded in 1938:

--Work was starting on the Lake Washington Floating Bridge.

--Boeing unveiled its 307 Stratoliner, the world’s first transport aircraft with a pressurized cabin.

--Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was just going into service.

--Folk singer Ivar Haglund founded Ivar’s Seafood Restaurant in Seattle.

The people of the Northshore area LOVE the Yakima Fruit Market, and many of them may find it difficult to support Sound Transit if it destroys the market.

Jo Ann Evans
President, Kenmore Heritage Society



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Ginny Scantlebury endorses Doris McConnell for Shoreline City Council

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Ginny Scantlebury
Ginny Scantlebury, who placed third in the August 6 primary for a position on the Shoreline City Council, has endorsed incumbent Councilwoman Doris McConnell over challenger David Chen in the November 5 general election.

Chen led voting in the primary with 49.55 percent to 32.52 percent for McConnell and 17.55 percent for Scantlebury.

Here is Scantlebury’s endorsement letter:

I am endorsing Doris McConnell because she is very approachable and willing to listen to her constituents. She always works to do what is best for everyone in the City of Shoreline and follows through. You can Trust Doris! My passion is to protect all the residents in Shoreline and our way of living.
Doris has an established history of reaching across the aisle when the city council members are trying to reach a difficult decision. She listens to others first and then expresses her own opinion.
Take a look at her opponent’s endorsements. Many of his contributions and endorsements are from outside Shoreline. He also has the support of the Washington Realtors PAC (top 5 contributors: Washington Realtors, Spokane Association of Realtors, Seattle King County Association of Realtors, Kitsap Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors)
My team and I are partnering with Doris to make Shoreline a better place. Please consider joining me for the greater good of your city.
Ginny Scantlebury


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Letter to the editor: What is David Chen's plan for Shoreline?

Friday, August 2, 2019

To the Editor:

Referencing Shari Winstead’s recent letter to the editor where she stated “The contributions and loans are important information when learning about a candidate's support.” I agree that it is always important to follow the money. In a campaign mailer I received this week supporting David Chen, I noticed the statement at the bottom:

“No Candidate Authorized this ad it is paid for by Washington REALTORS PAC-504 14th Ave Se Olympia, WA 98501. Top Five Contributors: Washington REALTORS®, Spokane Association of REALTORS, Seattle King County Association of REALTORS®, Kitsap Association of REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS”.

The mailer contained the same two photos of Mr. Chen and his family that were on the mailer that his campaign sent out. Mr. Chen has been called an urbanist. If this is true, these two bits of information lead me to assume his plan for Shoreline is for density, density and more density.

Liz Poitras
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: David Chen is the best choice for Shoreline City Council

Thursday, August 1, 2019

To the Editor:

As Shoreline citizens, we deserve great representation on our City Council. As the former Mayor and a two term City Councilmember, I know what qualities it takes to be a good representative.

David Chen is the best choice for Shoreline City Council Position 4. He has the experience and heart to be a dedicated public servant, and the intellect and knowledge to understand the issues. David understands the importance of preparing, researching, and analyzing the issues. He is an empathetic listener and highly values the opinions and concerns of citizens, like you and me. I encourage you to learn about his experience. David Chen for Shoreline City Council

New ideas and energy are needed on our Council. Issues are different now than they were 12 years ago. We are facing critical issues that need solutions. We need a representative who is tenacious, smart, understands the issues and is willing to work hard. The majority of our Councilmembers have served two or more terms.

An incumbent must earn your vote. Service alone is not a strong enough reason to be re-elected. I urge you to look at attendance and voting records (which can be requested at this link. Equally important are campaign finance records. The contributions and loans are important information when learning about a candidate's support. A large loan from a candidate to herself should give us pause to consider their reasons for seeking election.

David Chen is our best choice for our representative. He is dedicated, smart, has great ideas for solving problems and is willing to work hard for your vote. He's already knocked on almost 4000 doors to hear the concerns of our citizens. Please join me in voting for David Chen!

Shari Winstead
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Elect Doris McConnell for a fourth term on the City Council

To the Editor:

Doris McConnell has served our community with dedication and a work ethic that few people could ever hope to match. Her leadership on the City Council is just what we need to guide our city into the next decade as Shoreline continues to grow. Deputy Mayor McConnell has been a champion for our community by advocating for “smart growth,” saving our greenspaces and the Shoreline we know and love.

I know that we can trust her. Her record speaks for itself, and as someone who truly cares about Shoreline. She asks the right questions, and I’ve personally seen her dedication to her constituents. She raised her family here and her roots in this community drove her into a career of successful public service that has lasted for over three decades, including three terms on the Council. If we want a Shoreline that our children and grandchildren can appreciate in the same way we do, we need to elect Doris McConnell for a fourth term on the City Council. I have known Doris for over twenty years, and am proud to support her.

Krista Tenney
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: If you think it’s time for a change in Shoreline you are not alone

Thursday, July 25, 2019

To the Editor:

Ginny Scantlebury has lived in Shoreline for over 35 years and has an historical perspective of our beautiful city and will always work toward the best interests of every resident in Shoreline.
Four years ago, when the staff and city council started looking at possible rezoning to prepare for the coming of light rail, Ginny attended every meeting. They didn’t listen to us and voted 7-0 to go ahead with what is happening now. Ginny understands Shoreline’s needs to prepare for growth, but it must be done in the right way.

Ginny and her husband are former small business owners in Shoreline and she understands the needs of the business community. She has contacted many businesses and has been told over and over about the lack of interest and support for the small business community from city officials and council members. Business owners are very concerned with crime, especially shoplifting, drug activity and loitering.

It is obvious that the current council has not been able to resolve the homelessness issue and the issue is growing worse. While we need to provide a wide range of services to those who want them, we also need to enforce local laws when necessary. Ginny learned about the “zero tolerance policy” they have in Marysville and Arlington “for those that aren’t willing to get help” (Mayor of Marysville, Jon Nehring). This is the policy she wants to implement in Shoreline.

Ginny’s opponents, Doris McConnell and David Chen, will continue the policies of the current council. This will encourage us to become more like Seattle which Shoreline residents do not want.

Bring a new much needed perspective to our Shoreline City Council by electing Ginny.

Cliff and June Spingler
Shoreline




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Letter to the Editor: Shoreline voters may be surprised at my endorsement

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

To the Editor:

Shoreline voters might be surprised to know I have endorsed Doris McConnell for re-election!

I’ve known Deputy Mayor McConnell since 2008. I served on Council sitting right next to her for two years. We were on opposite sides in the past, and I actually ran against her once.

But we have both evolved. She bravely stood up for the neighborhoods against the Radical Rezones. She spoke out strongly for Tree Canopy and passionately for Parks and public health.

She’s shown courage, wisdom and decency. She has many impressive endorsements! I am honored to recommend you vote for Doris.

Janet Way
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Reasons to vote for David Chen for Shoreline City Council

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

To the Editor:

I appreciate anyone running for Shoreline City Council. It’s not easy to run for office, but more choices and conversations make a healthy democracy, especially in a rapidly growing city with changing demographics.

Shoreline currently has only two first-term Council members: Betsy Robertson, appointed in 2018 and running to keep her seat this year, and Susan Chang, who could run again in 2021. The seven others have served multiple terms.

I’ve been writing letters to City Council for five years, advocating for policies and funding for neighborhood business areas to improve walkability, community and the local economy. I’ve watched Council and City staff instead focus on proposing new taxes and planning discrete projects, all on or west of Aurora Ave, including Shoreline Place, the proposed Community Aquatic Center, and an ongoing focus on the “Town Center” at City Hall.

They have not tackled the more challenging goals of reallocating existing funding for new priorities and encouraging good redevelopment everywhere, particularly in rezoned areas near the future light rail stations to the east.

But growth needs infrastructure and policy to help all neighborhoods serve all residents as well as possible in the future.

David will represent a broader range of residents regarding these more challenging goals. Both of his opponents, Doris McConnell and Ginny Scantlebury, are longtime Shoreline residents who live on the water in Richmond Beach. Both prefer to slow the rate at which Shoreline changes and have not been champions regarding quality of redevelopment.

Residents on east side are in general less wealthy and more diverse, with more newer residents who are generally less connected politically. David is from Echo Lake, and his priorities are affordable and diverse housing options and the local economy. David is curious and articulate, passionate about representation and demographics, and ready to dive into policy details. He’d provide more balance and great energy to City Council.

Megan Kogut PhD
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: What does the POW/MIA flag symbolize?

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

To the Editor: 

As a Vietnam Era Veteran, I was Most Disturbed to observe the removal of the POW/MIA Flag at the “Shoreline ‘VETERANS’ Recognition Plaza” and having been replaced with the LGBT Rainbow Flag.

The POW/MIA flag was created for the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia and officially recognized by the United States Congress in conjunction with the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue, "as the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation."

Below the Silhouette on the POW/MIA Flag are the words:
“YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN”

By the City of Shoreline choosing to remove the POW/MIA Flag, does in fact represent “YOU ARE FORGOTTEN!”

The “Shoreline ‘VETERANS’ Recognition Plaza” was created by a number of dedicated VETERANS from many conflicts dating back to World War II. Furthermore, the number of inscribed Bricks in place, at the Plaza, cover VETERANS dating back to 1864. Additionally, this is not about Personal Identity but about Remembering and Honoring those who Served and Sacrificed.

As Veterans, we would like to see the POW/MIA Flag restored before the close of business on Wednesday, 26 June 2019.

Richard B. White, Past Commander
Doug Sanders, Past 1st Commander
Earl Thompson, Finance Officer and Adjutant
Larry D. Fischer, Commander
All of the above are Active Members of The American Legion, Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Civic and Aquatic Center versus Parks – Really?

Sunday, June 9, 2019

To the Editor:

Please check out the numbers below. They are taken from the May 20th City Council packet with the single exception of more current housing numbers.

  • The Civic and Aquatics Center will add $16 per month to the taxes of the median home.
  • The recommended and significantly reduced park improvements would add $4 per month.
  • Putting both on the ballot will allow us, to choose one or both. 28% of respondents have already indicated they prefer both.  (I’m one of them.)
  • Aren't the survey’s results too close for the City Council to deny taxpayers a choice? I believe taxpayers have the right to choose.
  • City Council is seriously considering withholding the vote the option to improve parks until who knows when.
  • If you don't like Council denying your right to choose, then please tell them.
Boni Biery
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: North City Bistro and Wine Shop offers live music five nights a week, great food, wines, and spirits

Thursday, June 6, 2019

North City Bistro and Wine Shop
To the Editor:

I read your recent article about Aurora Borealis opening in Shoreline, and I am very happy to have another music venue in the area. (See article)

We need more music in our lives!

I know, because since Sharon and I bought North City Bistro and Wine Shop over 5 years ago, we have expanded our music program to 5 nights a week nearly every week. 

And we are fairly regularly booked to capacity, and even though our capacity is about 75, people still find room to dance, when the mood strikes them. Especially when we host Latin music!

We have had musicians from around the world, such as Adrian Legg, Daniela Spielmann, Emma King and many other artists from Brazil, Argentina, Italy and London. 

We also regularly feature many of the amazing local artists who perform here on a regular basis. Among these are Pearl Django, Michael Shrieve's Spellbinder, Lee Oskar and Friends, Greta Matassa, Gail Pettis and Jovino Santos Neto, Ian McFeron, Adriana Giordano and EntreMundos Quarteto, Kiki Valera and Cubache, Rod Cook and Toast, Stephanie Porter, Eric and Encarnacion, and Danny Godinez, to name only a few.

We hold a Jazz Jam on the 1st Wednesday of the month, and a Songwriter Showcase the last Tuesday of each month.

So, my point is that, there has been a music venue in Shoreline for a few years that offers not only great food, but 750 wines as well as craft cocktails and a Very Long Spirits list featuring over 100 Single Malt Scotches.

Ray and Sharon Bloom - Proprietors
North City Bistro and Wine Shop
1520 NE 177th St
Shoreline, WA 98155
(206) 365-4447
http://northcitybistro.com/



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