Arrests made in robbery of Goldie's Casino

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Goldie's Casino was robbed at gunpoint on November 13 as part of a string of armed robberies. Now arrests have been made.

From KOMO News.com

King County sheriff's deputies have arrested two men suspected in a string of takeover-style robberies in King and Snohomish counties.

Sheriff spokesman John Urquhart said the 46-year-old Seattle man and 34-year-old Edmonds man are suspected of hitting three casinos, a bank and check cashing businesses.

In all of the robberies the men ordered everyone inside to the floor, displayed guns and, in two of the robberies, fired shots into the air.


read the rest of the story...

Read more...

Starbucks makes it easy to donate funds for Haiti

Starbucks has added a humanitarian button onto their computers, so now when you buy your favorite beverage you can also donate funds, of any amount, to the Haiti Relief efforts.

A Search under "Sandwich shop" on Urbanspoon for our local Starbucks shows these stores:

Starbucks (Aurora Village) Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch and Sandwiches/Subs - 1295 North 205th, Seattle

Starbucks (Hwy 99 & 185th) Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch and Sandwiches/Subs - 18336 Midvale Ave. N., Seattle

Starbucks (Shoreline) Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch and Sandwiches/Subs - 20121 Aurora Ave N, Seattle

Starbucks at Safeway Sandwiches/Subs - 15332 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline

Read more...

Citizenship workshops at Shoreline Library

Get free individualized help with all stages of the process for becoming a United States citizen, from completing the application forms to preparing for a successful interview. These Citizenship workshops are ongoing, every Tuesday at 7 pm at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St. Signups are not needed. For more information call 206-362-7550.

Read more...

Shoreline Men's Basketball Moves Into First Place

The Shoreline Community College Men's Basketball Team moved into first place in the NWAACC Northern Region with a 75-74 victory over Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA on Monday night.

Shawn West led SCC with 21 points, followed closely by Alfie Miller with 18 and Jesse Vaughan with 17. Shoreline was up by 2 points at halftime, but fell behind by 13 early in the second half and rallied for the victory.

Shoreline is now 10-3 overall, 4-1 in the NWAACC Northern Region and leads the region by half a game over Peninsula College with a 4-2 record. Shoreline plays Edmonds CC at home on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm and then Peninsula College on Saturday in the SCC gym at 4 pm.

Photo of Coach Bud Estes by Wilson Tsoi

Read more...

SCC Women's Basketball Defeated By Whatcom 58-36

The Lady Dolphins dropped a game to Whatcom Community College on Monday night in Bellingham, WA by the score of 58-36. Shoreline could only muster 13 points in the first half and could not rally enough to overcome the deficit.

Ana Haberman led Shoreline again in scoring with 20 points. Tammy Gammon scored 7 points and pulled down 6 rebounds.

SCC is 1-11 on the season and 0-5 in the region. They play rival Edmonds Community College on Wednesday at home at 5:30 pm.

Photo of Ana Haberman by Wilson Tsoi

Read more...

To the Editor: Rachel Lake endorses school measures

Please add my name to the “YES” consideration for endorsing the Shoreline 2010 Replacement Levy for Educational Programs, M & O, the Bond for Modernization and/or Replacement of Shorecrest and Shorewood High Schools, and the Capital Levy for Technology Support.  It is my understanding that this “YES” vote for taxpayers will not result in a higher tax bill from the District.  It is time for the District to modernize these high schools.  I taught at Shorewood and I should know.

It is critical and necessary that taxpayers continue to support our school levies.  If they fail the first time and have to be “rerun again.” taxpayers pay unnecessarily.  If they fail a second time, the students suffer; such was the case in 1971.  As a teacher in the elementary at the time, I endured double shifting with class sizes of 40!  We don’t need to endure that again. 

Why would any legislator or government official not support these measures?  As leaders of an outstanding school district such as ours, these officials must show support for education, especially in times that we are now experiencing.  Ample opportunity has been given for input to levy and bond committees for their consideration in establishing these proposals.

If a “NO” vote is for retribution due to the Shoreline Historical Museum situation, the emphasis is misdirected.  It is unfortunate that members of the Museum feel that not supporting these school measures would accomplish their goal of keeping the Museum unaltered.  As a member of that group and researching the situation, I cannot support their position of not supporting the levy and bond measures in retaliation    Again, ultimately the students will suffer as well as our district and its communities.

I urge you to pass a “YES” vote on this issue.

Rachel M. Lake
Lake Forest Park

Read more...

To the Editor: the soul of Shoreline does not rest within its walls

Miss Way:

I have now seen you twice in these pages refer to saving the museum as saving “Shoreline’s soul.” I cannot in this letter properly express to you how offensive I and many other citizens find this statement.

Regardless of what happens with the museum, the soul of Shoreline does not rest within its walls. Shame on you for demeaning our community with the very thought!

Gabrielle Kirsch
Shoreline

Read more...

School District plans for the Ronald School building




What are the current plans for the historic Ronald School building?


Ronald School was originally constructed as a four-room schoolhouse in 1912 and later expanded to its current eight-classroom configuration in 1926. It was used for school purposes for almost 60 years, until 1971. The School District has allowed it to be used by the Shoreline Historical Museum since 1976. It is currently a City of Shoreline landmark structure.

The School Board has selected preferred conceptual designs for both Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools. At Shorewood, the conceptual design incorporates the historic Ronald School in a meaningful way into the new school, and at the same time bridging the past history of Shoreline with the new school building by proposing to share the space with the Shoreline Historical Museum.

Would the museum stay in the building if it were incorporated into a new Shorewood?



Yes, the conceptual schematic design for Shorewood includes spaces for visual and performing arts and for the Museum.

So the Museum hasn’t been evicted?


There is no eviction of the Shoreline Historical Museum. Even if the Museum was to leave Ronald School, the earliest construction at Shorewood could begin is 2011.




Proposed site plan for Shoreline High School

Would the building be torn down?


NO, nor would the District want to have Ronald School demolished. It is a City of Shoreline official historical landmark, and as such is a protected structure.

What would a restoration of the historic Ronald School look like?

The conceptual plans for Shorewood High School incorporates the Ronald School into the design, bridging the historic landmark structure with the brand new building. The plan proposes Shorewood to use the upper two floors for visual and performing arts to support the school’s award-winning programs, while the lower level would be renovated to accommodate Shoreline Historical Museum exhibition space.

The District has hired Bassetti Architects, a firm with extensive experience in historic buildings. Since 1947, Bassetti has been the architect for many well-loved and long-lived Seattle buildings. This includes the historical renovation and restoration of several schools and buildings, including the Pike Place Market, Town Hall and Trinity Church.
Roosevelt High School, the Latona (John Stanford International) School, Franklin High School and West Seattle High School in the Seattle School District; Guggenheim Hall and Mary Gates Hall at the University of Washington, and Stadium High School in Tacoma also feature Bassetti designs involving restoration of historic structures.

At Stadium the grand historic structure, originally built as a hotel in the 1890s, was brought into the 21st century with complete seismic, life safety, mechnical, electrical, ADA, and technology upgrades. Exhaustive research by Bassetti combined with careful design allowed the modern amenities to blend seamlessly with the beloved landmark “castle.” Bassetti Architects received the 2007 Valerie Sivinski Award for Historic Preservation for its work on Stadium.

At Roosevelt (pictured), Bassetti designed a remarkable renovation of the 1921 historic building, including the transformation of the three-story school auditorium in a new library and learning resource center space.

Lorne McConachie, principal of Bassetti Architects, has served for eight years on the Seattle Historic Preservation Board – including six years as chair. He has also served on the Pioneer Square Preservation Board for three years - currently as vice-chair.

If the Ronald School were left as present, without seismic retrofit, what would have to be done to ensure the safety of Shorewood High School students?

The District has been advised that to protect students, a new Shorewood High School would have to be set back at least 45 feet on all three sides from the Ronald School, which is an unreinforced brick masonry building. Any decision on setbacks between Shorewood and Ronald, including barriers to keep students away from that area, would need to be resolved during the planning process, which makes these types of planning decisions.




Read more...

Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday


The January meeting of the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association will be held Tuesday, Janaury 19 at 7 pm at Shoreline City Hall at N 175th and Midvale Ave N., 3rd floor. It will be a round-table discussion with no outside speakers. 2009 volunteers will be recognized, and 2010 board members will be elected. There will be an open discussion of plans for the coming year.

Echo Lake boundaries include the area from 205th to 185th and Aurora to I-5. All who live or work within the neighborhood are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Membership Chair Bob Whiteley, at 206-542-8789 or check the ELNA website.


Parking is available in the new parking garage, in the old city hall parkling lot or in the lots north of the building on Midvale.

Read more...

To the Editor: Distrust and legal battles should not be impacting this ballot

Monday, January 18, 2010

I agree with many others who have thoughtfully looked at the opportunities before us. We have worked very hard and invested individual and community resources to bring the Shoreline Historical Museum to the place it is now. The quit claim deed that the Shoreline School District wrote gave us basis for assuring that donations and grants for the Museum building would be used as museum facilities for the region of the original Shoreline district. Trust is a core value; it is key for investment. Were we misled all of these years, and did we in turn mislead others? Was the celebrated bicentennial gift deceptive or conveniently reinterpreted? 

I have talked with people from all over the country at meetings of the National League of Cities. Very few of their towns and cities have a functioning facility such as ours. We need to protect what we have and keep our progress headed in the right direction. I talked with professionals at our National Archives during a special tour of that great building in DC. With maturation comes more and more records and items to process and archive; growth continues. Space is needed to archive and display our heritage.

Museums need more space each year to accommodate the history that is being made each day. Our National Archives is storing miles of history underground. The halls and tunnels behind the scenes hold treasures that the public does not see because there is not the space for display. Choosing between buried treasures or shared culture should not be part of the school bond election. We have the resources in this community to fund both the schools and the museum.

This issue is dividing groups of dedicated citizens who should continue to work together. Distrust and legal battles should not be impacting this ballot. Shoreline deserves better.

Jan Hansen
Shoreline

Read more...

To the Editor: Personal Attacks are not constructive

Dear Ms. Way,

I was most discouraged by your recent letter in which you rather viciously attacked Marianne Stephens. And for what? For attempting to engage in a constructive dialogue about how the broader community might get involved in both saving the Museum and our schools? Clearly a terrible offense in your view, Ms. Way.

I know Marianne Stephens and she is a kind, brilliant and dedicated community supporter on all fronts as well as being a loving mother and advocate for education. I find it shocking to see a former Elected Official such as yourself treating your fellow citizens in this manner rather than engaging yourself in an open and collaborative dialogue on how the Museum can be preserved without using our kids' schools as a hostage in the blackmail threats to vote down the bond, especially given that the bond provides no new authority to the District in regards to the Museum, it simply provides funding to build a new school, with plans not yet finalized.

I urge you to step back from your divisive tactics and consider the broader well being of the community if we could come together constructively as a whole.

Melanie Gillespie
Shoreline

Read more...

Fire in Kenmore condo

From Terri Jones, Northshore Fire Department

KENMORE, WA - Northshore Fire Department responded to a second-alarm structure fire on Monday, January 18 in the 6100 block of NE 175th Street in Kenmore. Firefighters were dispatched at 5:52 pm and on arrival discovered flames coming from a first floor unit of a multi-story, wood-frame condo building. The west side of the unit where the kitchen is located was fully involved. Firefighters had the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes. Mutual aid assistance was received from Shoreline, Bothell, and Kirkland Fire Departments.

The fire unit was unoccupied when the fire broke out. Residents from the building were evacuated. There were no injuries.

The condo complex consists of three buildings and 37 units. The building where the fire occurred is not equipped with residential fire sprinklers. Damage to the unit is a total loss, and the unit above sustained slight fire damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the King County Fire Investigation Unit.

Read more...

Women's Basketball Drops Game To North Seattle

The Lady Dolphins dropped a 59-40 game to North Seattle Community College on Saturday. SCC trailed 42-22 after the first half, as the Dolphins struggled to score points in the first 10 minutes of the game.

Ana Haberman led Shoreline with 19 points. Caitlin Johnsen pulled down 11 rebounds for SCC in the game.

Shoreline is now 1-10 on the season and 0-4 in the region. The Dolphins travel to Whatcom Community College on Monday to face the Orcas at 5 pm in Bellingham, WA. SCC faces Edmonds CC at home on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.

Photo of Caitlin Johnson by Wilson Tsoi

Read more...

SCC Men's Basketball Drops Loss On North Seattle

The SCC Men's Basketball Team defeated North Seattle Community College on Saturday, 81-71 in NWAACC Northern Region play. The Dolphins featured a balance attack led by Jesse Vaughan with 16 points. Alfred Miller-Soukasen added 15, Sean Jones 14 and Shawn West 12 as eight of the nine SCC players scored in the game.

SCC led 36-30 at halftime and pushed the lead up to double figures most of the second half and never let NSCC draw closer than 6 points in the second half.

Shoreline is now 9-3 on the season, 3-1 in the NWAACC Northern Region and the Dolphins are tied for second place in division. SCC travels to Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA on Monday for a region game. SCC plays arch rival Edmonds CC on Wednesday in the Shoreline gym at 7:30 pm.

Photo of Jesse Vaughn by Wilson Tsoi

Read more...

Rally in support of the Shoreline Historical Museum



Over 80 people gathered on the steps of the Ronald School today to show their support for the Shoreline Historical Museum. The Museum is located on property leased from the Shoreline School District, which wants to reclaim the land to use for a new Shorewood High School. Ownership of the Ronald School building is in dissent, with the Museum holding to a 1976 agreement which transferred ownership of the building from the school district to the group starting the museum. The school district points to a more recent lease agreement where the school district is named as the owner.

Proponents of the Museum are threatening to vote against the school bond measure on the February ballot. Museum supporter Jan Stewart said “We’d like to vote Yes, but only if the District guarantees that the Museum will be protected in place. I don’t like that the District is forcing voters to chose between our Museum and schools.” 


The School Bond for $150 Million will be on a ballot measure coming up February 9 along with two levies. A total of 60% YES, must be achieved for the Bond to pass. Failure of the bond would deny the funding for the construction of both Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools.

Read more...

Humane Society offers free spay and neuter for pit bulls

The Seattle Humane Society and PetSmart Charities are joining forces to provide FREE spay and neuter surgeries to pit bulls and pit bull mixes in King County. The dogs will also receive free vaccinations, and microchips will be available for $5.

Pit bull mixes now make up approximately 30 percent of lost, stray and abandoned animals in our community's shelters. Thanks to this $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, we can help change those statistics by altering more than 750 dogs and helping save lives by ending unwanted litters.

Spaying and neutering actually improves a pet's health! The surgery eliminates reproductive cancers in the females and prostate cancer in the males. This simple surgery has many other benefits too, such as making them less likely to roam and get into fights.

If you have an unaltered pit bull, or know someone who does, call the Seattle Humane Society at 425-649-7560 today to make an appointment.

Read more...

To the Editor: Support better schools for our youth

As a parent in the Shoreline District, it has been brought to my attention that the dove-tailing of the Shoreline Museum might prioritize itself over this district's young adult education by denouncing the upcoming school bond this February.

How can this building be more important than our children’s education?

Solutions already presented: Incorporate the building with Shorewood students and the Museum (current concept); move the building to another lot; trade the building for other property adjacent; relocate the Museum (not building) to another location and use historic building for students wholly.

All of these solutions save the building. It was originally a school house. What better purpose then to continue its true purpose? Education over artifacts. Perfect!

I truly honor our history. However, hindering our youth and their futures, seems unnecessary. I urge you to consider and support any of the above alternatives for the Shoreline Historical Museum, and support better schools for our youth.

Two-and-one-half years have brought this current bond plan to its culmination. It has been well advertised. It brings jobs; builds esteem for teachers, students and community; educates young adults! We can build better schools. Please support this bond.

The $35 million in matching state funds are needed this year, and (my understanding) will not be there next year. Now is the opportunity. Please support education.

Diane Pickrel
Shoreline

Read more...

To the Editor: Shoreline Fantasy

Marianne Stephens in her latest letter to you has got to be joking!!!!!!!! What planet does she live on. The money planet?
 
Apparently she thinks we can spend $150 Million as a community on 2 new HS's, $90 million on Aurora Phase II and also raise a bazillion dollars to move the Historical Building brick by brick or maybe locate it in a "storefront" like a Hallmark store.
An unbelievable fantasy!

 
How about this - Save the Shoreline Historical Museum where it sits and save Shoreline's and the School District's soul! Could the museum be even better than it is, sure. Is the highest and best use of the site a Landmarked Historical Building/Museum, which is ABOUT the Schools and an asset to our City and School District? Of course!

I live on the reality planet.

Janet Way
Shoreline

Read more...

To the Editor: The museum is the owner of the building

Nearly thirty years ago the deed for Ronald School was transferred to the fledgling historic museum   The elected school board and the superintendent authorized that transfer. The museum is owner of of the building. There have been in excess of 1.5 million dollars in improvements and thousands of man hours to build the archives to preserve the history. Thirty years has been dedicated to educating the children and the community. The current legal counsel has declared that the deed is void. He is trained in adversary law which is the foundation of American jurisprudence. Some members of the school board are also trained in adversary law.

What is happening in the Shoreline District is a breech of trust. We are are not the adversaries.  We cannot have schools for the 21st Century without a solid foundation built on the strength of history of nearly hundred years of students and teachers. No curriculum can teach technology without respecting our ancestors who brought us to the brink of discovery and sent us into the new century with knowledge.  I feel the agony of the electorate. The ballots will arrive and the leaders of this community have not assuaged the fears.

La Nita Wacker
Shoreline

Read more...

Rally Monday in support of Shoreline Historical Museum

A group supporting preservation of the Shoreline Historical Museum in the old Ronald School building has scheduled a rally in support of keeping the Museum at its current site for Monday afternoon.

The Martin-Luther-King-Day rally is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 on the Museum steps in Shoreline.

Read more...

LFP City Council supports education and libraries

Sunday, January 17, 2010




At the regular meeting of the Lake Forest Park City Council on Thursday, January 14, the council unanimously, with no expressed reservations, endorsed all three of the Shoreline Schools February ballot measures. City council members heard a presentation from Sue Walker, Superintendent, then heard comments from the public.


Jim Talbot, Lake Forest Park resident, provided some light moments as he told the council that strong schools create high property values because everyone wants to live in such a good district. High property values create more tax revenue for the city. So, he concluded, it's simply enlightened self-interest for the council and the city to strongly endorse and support the school measures.

Erin Smith, a fifth grade student at Lake Forest Park Elementary, told the council that she would like to go to school in a new building and asked them to support the measures. Matt Rohrback, ASB president at Shorecrest, said that the conditions at Shorecrest were already having a negative effect on student education. Owen Donnelly and Jason Resha attended the meeting to show their support for the school measures.

In a separate action, the council also unanimously voted to support the library measure. 

(Left to right) Matt Rohrback, ASB President Shorecrest, Owen Donnelly, 6th grade LFP Elementary, Jason Resha Shorecrest, Erin Smith, 5th grade LFP Elementary, pose after speaking at the LFP City Council meeting in favor of the 3 schools measures on the February ballot.

Read more...

Senior Rights and Assistance (SRA)

Senior Rights and Assistance (SRA) trains volunteers to assist seniors with consumer issues, elder abuse/crimes, end-of-life planning, estate planning, powers of attorney, guardianship, and social security. Volunteers can also make referrals on homeowners concerns, elder law clinics and landlord-tenant rights. Contact the SRA office at Senior Services, 206-448-5720.

Read more...

Writers Workshop with Frances Dayee


A Writer's Workshop with Frances Dayee, provided by the Lake Forest Park Library, will be held on Thursday, January 21 at 10 am in the Third Place Commons meeting room on the upper level of the Towne Center at 17171 Bothell Way in Lake Forest Park. The Commons is adjacent to Third Place Books and the meeting room is next to Kitto's Restaurant.

The workshop will help you learn to write for fun or for publication, find the right market and tantalize the editor. Writers (and closet writers) of short stories, articles, essays and books are all welcome. Benefit from positive feedback from this published author of three books and writing teacher with over 30 years experience. Signups are not needed. Call 206-362-8860 for more information.

Read more...

Crista Master Plan to be reviewed at planning commission meeting on Thursday, January 21

from the Firlands Good Neighbor League

Firlands Good Neighbor League (FGNL) urges everyone who lives near Crista Ministries to join us in attending the next Shoreline Planning Commissioners meeting, 7 pm to 9:30 pm, Thursday January 21, City Hall Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. It will be an open record public hearing as they prepare recommendations to the City Council for the Crista Master Development Plan. This will be our last opportunity to speak out on issues such as traffic, pedestrian safety, density, construction noise, loss of green space and tree replacement.

There is a public comment opportunity for neighbors to speak. FGNL has several speakers organized to participate. In all likelihood it will take more than one Planning Commissioners' meeting to hear all comments and address all the issues involved in appropriately preparing this master plan. The Planning Commission meets every two weeks and FGNL plans to have a presence at these meetings.

Written comments may also be submitted by mail to Steve Szafran, City of Shoreline Planning Department, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133, fax 206-546-8761, or email. The mitigations, Master Plan and other relevant documents can be seen on our website.

Firlands Good Neighbor League is a volunteer group of neighbors who have been monitoring the Master Plan process and have successfully influenced the proposed mitigations. We wish to protect our quality of life, the nature of our neighborhood and our property values.

Read more...

Shoreline artist Sonya Reasor exhibits in Seattle

Shoreline artist Sonya Reasor is part of a show of 14 artists at the Elysian Fields in Pioneer Square, 542 1st Ave S, Seattle WA 98104, which opened on January 9 and will run for a month.

 

Shown here are Sing (the bird), Approaching Storm (the pangolin hanging upside down), and Dissected After Long Boiling (the bug).


 

Sonya works primarily in gouache. The pangolin is acrylic and colored pencil. She says that "Gouache is a lot like watercolor, but more opaque, so I find it more flexible to work with."



All five of the works she displayed sold on opening night. You can see more of her works on her website. She can be contacted via email.

Read more...

Students ask Shoreline City Council to endorse the school measures

Shoreline students from East Corridor schools pose in the lobby of Shoreline City Hall before speaking during public comment at the January 11 meeting of the Shoreline City Council about the need for a new high school at Shorecrest. Among those pictured are Eva and Lauren Emerson, Emily Dodd, and Dylan Withers.

An adult speaker stated that although the impetus to rebuild started with Shorewood, when a detailed survey was made, it was discovered that Shorecrest was in far worse condition from a structural standpoint.


Dylan Withers, a student at Lake Forest Park elementary, commented on the beautiful new facilities and technology at Shoreline City Hall and said that Shoreline students deserve similar technology and buildings when they go to high school at Shorecrest.
 
Emily Dodd, a freshman at Shorecrest, said she had been in gym class that day, trying to play ball with water dripping on her from the leaky roof. "I don't care if we have a beautiful building or great technology. I just want my brother and sister to go to high school in a building where the roof doesn't leak on them."

Vicki Westberg asked the council to remember the Shoreline Historical Museum and what an asset to the community it is.

Rich Gustafson, former Shoreline Schools Athletic Director, and ten years on the Shoreline City Council, reminded the council that people move here because of the strong schools and that we became a city because of the schools. He asked the council to pass a resolution in support of all three school measures and to personally endorse all three. 


Photos by Jill Brady and Wes Brandon

Read more...

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Plant of the Month: Chinese witchhazel

Saturday, January 16, 2010

By Sarah Baker, Kruckeberg Garden Directror
Special to the ShorelineAreaNews

Is there a better way to banish the January blues than with fragrant, cheerful flowers? We don’t think so. Chinese witchhazel (Hamamelis mollis) is fabulous in January and February as its filamentous yellow flowers open and release their perfume into the air. Native to eastern China, it has also been hybridized with Japanese witchhazel to form several popular cultivars that also flower in winter.

Though worth growing for its fragrance alone, this shrub also has other attributes. In the autumn, the downy gray-green leaves add some color to the garden as they turn from yellow to red. In the winter, the flowers’ pollen is a food source for hummingbirds during the cold, lean months. This remarkably tolerant shrub has few insect and disease problems, and little pruning is usually needed.

In their native habitat, Chinese witchhazels grow best in the understory or at woodland edges. They need decent soil and a blend of sun and dappled shade to reach their full potential. Plant one where you will walk near it in the winter, and enjoy!
Photos by Vicki Demetre, Kruckeberg Gardens

Read more...

Waste Reduction – How to Begin and Win $10,000

CleanScapes Neighborhood Waste Reduction Rewards Competition, Fall 2009-Spring 2010

CleanScapes, your garbage, recycling, and compost service provider, is sponsoring a $10,000 neighborhood challenge to reduce waste. You don’t have to sign up, you don’t have to apply. The only thing you have to do is create less garbage! To begin reducing waste, start by taking an inventory of the single-use, throw-away, or even recyclable items you use in your daily routines and try to replace these items with reusable, durable and washable items like water bottles, travel mugs, cloth dish towels, napkins, cleaning rags, and shopping bags. You will be surprised by the difference small changes can make over time.


The best way to discover where you can reduce waste is to actually sort through your trash and recycling. It sounds a little gross at first, but you’ll find it is very informative! Lay out a tarp in the garage or in the yard, put on some gloves, and start sorting. Look for what each family member throws away, what could be recycled, which materials take up the most space, and which materials could be replaced by durable materials.

Once you have your list of the common items in your garbage and recycling cans, try and identify where you could make different choices. If your recycle bin is filled with plastic water bottles, then think about getting everyone their own reusable water bottles. Paper towels can take up a lot of space too in the yard waste can. If you move the paper towels out of sight for emergency use only and replace with kitchen towels and cloth napkins, you should be able to save about a roll a week. If you have a lawn, think about leaving the clippings where they are. If you have a big yard, consider backyard composting and mulching your yard debris.


To learn more waste reduction tips, subscribe to CleanScapes’ weekly waste reduction email. To find out more about the neighborhood competition, visit our website. The neighborhood associations representing the winning area will choose a capitol improvement project from a list of options, including public benches, a pocket park, lighting, signage, public art or other public improvements. No project is too small. You can submit your ideas to Education Outreach at Cleanscapes.

Read more...

Olympic Ballet Theatre performs – Peter and the Wolf, the Timeless Tale is Here!

Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT) of Edmonds, is pleased to announce the return of timeless tale, Peter and the Wolf, to a theatre near you. Kids Dance for Kids in this captivating narrated performance. Watch Peter, represented by the string instruments of the orchestra, as he and his animal friends, the duck, cat, and bird, represented by the oboe, clarinet and flute, capture a wolf in the forest! This performance includes the OBT trademark, “Introduction to the Magic of Theatre,” an on stage demonstration of scenery, costumes, lighting, masks and props! Enjoy up close performances, climb Peter’s tree, and meet the dancers in a performance which will be sure to delight and mesmerize kids of all ages!

OBT’s public performances will take place at Frances Anderson Cultural Center, Edmonds Sunday February 14 at 2 and 4 pm. Special school group performances begin at Byrnes Performing Arts Center, in Arlington on Monday February 8 at 10:30 am. OBT brings the performances home to Edmonds for intimate studio theatre performances at Frances Anderson Cultural Center, Thursday and Friday February 11 and 12 at 10 and 11:30 am. This production is well known for its child friendly content and atmosphere. 


Tickets for performances of Peter and the Wolf are on sale now. This production offers delightful masks, costumes, and sets in performances at an affordable price. Prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Special school groups of 20 or more at $8 per person. Tickets for all performances may be purchased by calling Olympic Ballet at 425-774-7570.
 
Located at 700 Main Street in Edmonds, Olympic Ballet offers a thriving performing company and ballet school, which promotes dance as a creative performing art and engages the widest possible audiences with a stimulating repertoire of classical, contemporary and dramatic ballets. Join us for our 29th season as we uplift and elevate with the art of dance!

To make reservations or for more information, please call Olympic Ballet Theatre at (425) 774-7570 or visit us on the web.

Read more...

The King County Assessor's Office invites you to its first Open House!

King County Assessor Lloyd Hara's office is hosting an Open House on Thursday, January 28, from 4 to 6 pm at the King County Administration Building, 7th floor conference room, 500 4th Ave, Seattle WA 98104. The open house is an opportunity for citizens to meet their County Assessor and his staff in an informal setting. Cake and coffee will be served. Please RSVP your attendance by Monday, January 25 to Special Assistant for Community Relations Edna Shim,

Read more...

To the Editor: Saving the Museum would let us all vote for the School bond

The School District has so mangled the Museum issue, it has put the bond for rebuilding our high schools in jeopardy.

Building community involves working within trusted relationships for common purposes. For over 30 years the School District has joined the Museum in long-established and ongoing agreements for community benefit. Sadly, the current leadership has taken a different approach.

The District has ignored formal resolutions by the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park councils, calling for the Museum to remain in its own building.

The District has ignored the $1.5 million in public money invested in the Museum’s building, all of the City’s budget allocations, and the donations of time and money by members, supporters and visitors.

The District excluded the Museum, as a stakeholder, from planning the Shorewood campus.

The District made a disingenuous (rejected) offer to share space with the Museum, knowing the limits on space would not provide for the Museum’s essential functions.

The District is leading the community toward litigation by not honoring its obligations and ignoring the compelling arguments that refute its own positions on the lease, deed, fair rent and other issues.

The District wants to disfigure the interior of an historic landmark building to find a use for it, rather than acknowledge that experiencing a building fully preserved as the Museum, is what gives it such tremendous value.

So much for building community.

The District says the land is needed for education and parity with Shorecrest, which is absurd. If more acreage is a measure of education, then are Shorecrest students already 32 percent better educated than Shorewood students? If we add four-tenths of an acre (Museum) to 26 acres (Shorewood) does it get anywhere near 38 acres (Shorecrest)?

If this were about education, the District would keep the Museum. History is still taught, right? The only education here is a lesson on dismembering a beloved institution for a meager plot of land, dividing the community, and, likely, defeating your own purpose in the process.

The District must learn that the community does not want this heavy-handed dealing done with our taxes. We want to build community, not tear it apart.

It’s time for the District to put an end to this debacle and make a commitment to the community, realize the solution is a design that keeps the Museum in its own building, and acknowledge that a Museum is a great asset on any school campus. Then we could all vote for the bond just as we wanted to in the first place.

Jan Stewart
Shoreline

Read more...

To the Editor: If I were the Director of the Shoreline Historical Museum

Editor,

I am not the Director of the Shoreline Historical Museum, yet I find myself imagining my course of action if I were. Here’s what I would do:

1. Talk to Shoreline families and see what they want since my friends and museum members would probably tell me what I want to hear. My survey would ask: whether families have been to the Museum and why or why not; what they think of the facility; and what they think of the several options for our future.

2. Seriously consider all options on the table.
  • Having the museum in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is potentially exciting. What if families could stroll for coffee after a visit to the museum in the Richmond Beach neighborhood? Or similar in the North City area?  
  • Being on the ground level of the Ronald School in its present location is a great possibility. As director, I would have marketing slogans already in place: Grounded in History, History is our Foundation.  
  • Listen to all ideas presented, no matter who presents them.
3. Speak with other Museum Directors about their own changes. MOHAI is being displaced by the expansion of 520, and based on their research, chose a South Lake Union location. The Nordic Heritage Museum occupies a 1907 elementary school, yet they are planning a new facility. The Lynnwood Heritage Park is a combination of historic structures from other locations.

4. Convene the Board of Directors to make a decision that is best not only for the Museum but for the community at large, including the students and parents in Shoreline. Immediately begin a cost analysis.

5. Plan a campaign to publicize the plans and boost the community support and financial well being of the museum. Borrow the powerful building metaphor to promote a revitalized, more accessible museum. Use projections and community momentum to double or triple our membership.

6. Since the space might be decreased, convene the Museum Board of Directors to come up with a five-year plan of revolving exhibits to ensure that people will keep coming.

Marianne Stephens

Shoreline

Read more...

Shorewood lip-dub video to be featured on Rachael Ray Show Monday, January 18

by Craig Degginger, Shoreline Schools Public Information Officer


The Shorewood/Shorecrest videos have now surpassed 900,000 views on YouTube and attracted worldwide attention.

Shorewood High School video production teacher Marty Ballew and student Javier Caceres will appear on a segment of “Rachael Ray” on Monday, January 18 at 3 p.m. on KIRO-TV Channel 7. Ballew and Caceres traveled to New York City this week for the show’s taping, and a film crew from “Rachael Ray” came to Shorewood on Jan. 8.

Set to Hall and Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True," the Shorewood Video Production I class, led by teacher Marty Ballew and student Javier Caceres, filmed the video completely in reverse. The students even learned the lyrics backwards. It has become an instant Internet sensation and both videos have been praised on dozens of blogs worldwide. Ashton Kutcher and Ben Stiller have been "tweeting" about it on Twitter. The Shorewood video has received more than 500,000 views on YouTube since its debut.

Watch the Shorewood High School video on YouTube

Shorecrest’s "Hey Ya" video debuted in November and has become hugely popular as well on YouTube. The class, taught by Trent Mitchell, who has been friends since childhood with Ballew, filmed the lip-synched video to the popular Outkast song and challenged their cross-town rivals to match their efforts.

Watch the Shorecrest video on YouTube

Read Nicole Broudeur's column about the video in the Seattle Times

Watch the story about the videos on The Rachel Maddow Show

Read MSNBC's comparison of the two school's videos

Learn more about the making of the Shorewood video on the Seattle P-I's Big Blog

Watch the KING 5 News story on the Shorecrest/Shorewood video rivalry

"Hey Ya" has become hugely popular as well on YouTube. The class, taught by Trent Mitchell, filmed the lip-synched video to the popular Outkast song. It has received more than 225,000 views on YouTube since its debut.

KING-TV's Evening Magazine featured the video and interviews with students on Monday, Nov. 16. The show also featured an interview with Shorecrest alum Rainn Wilson, who stars in the NBC comedy "The Office."

Read more...

To the Editor: School District invites a ‘no’ vote on bond issue

As someone who was born and raised in Shoreline, whose father attended the Ronald School, and a Museum board member I feel I must weigh in on the Museum/School District/Bond issue. I am not an attorney and this is my personal opinion.

The School Board began the Shorewood design process without even notifying the Shoreline Historical Museum. Since that time, nearly a year ago, the Museum management has tried to work with the School's management to find a solution to the District's assertion that there wouldn't be enough space on the current Shorewood site to house the Museum in the Ronald School Building and the new Shorewood High School.

The School District has stated that although a prior School Board in 1989 gave a quit-claim deed to the Museum, this deed was invalid due to the fact that proper notification was not made to the State superintendent's office. The reasoning then ran that since the Museum's deed was invalid, the School District owned the building and could evict the Museum at will.

In fact, I personally found a map in the Shoreline School District archives that makes it very clear that the Ronald School was surplused prior to the time notification to the State was necessary. I believe that the 1989 quit-claim deed is valid, that the Museum owns the building, and that the School District has room on the Shorewood site to build the new school and house the Museum in the Ronald School.

The Ronald School is the oldest public building in Shoreline. I believe the building has value as a learning tool. Gutting the building and saving part of the facade to incorporate into a new school would just leave a few bricks. Thousands of school children have gone through the building and been delighted to see the quaint closets, imagine the students in the school rooms, and walk the same stairs that earlier generations walked. All these aspects of the Ronald Building would be lost if it is gutted as the District proposes.

I am very dismayed at having to oppose anything the School District puts up for a vote. I've always trusted them to do what is right, but I don't believe they have been honest with the community or the Museum on this issue, so there seems no alternative but to advocate a "no" vote.

Tracy Tallman
Edmonds

Read more...

Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association meeting January 20

The Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association general membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 20, from 7 - 9 pm at the Bethel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall (basement), 8th Ave NE & NE 175th. Coffee and cookies will be served. Please check out the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association website or contact Patty Hale at 206-385-8596 for more information.
Topics:

School Bond/Levy Presentation- Shoreline Public School’s Superintendent,  Sue Walker

Ready Neighborhoods- City of Shoreline Emergency Management - Coordinator, Gail Marsh

Cleanscapes Community Waste Reduction Contest

Read more...

Fire Sirens January 13, 2010


Shoreline Fire Department -- Fire Sirens for Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Here’s a look at last Wednesday’s 9-1-1 calls.

01:23 Male, 56, short of breath and dizzy.

03:05 Male, 75, rapid heart rate.

05:33 Male, 84, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, dizzy.

07:22 Male, 69, diabetic emergency.

07:40 Male, 47, chest pain.

08:00 Female, 50, high blood pressure and dizzy.

08:13 Male, 71, rapid heart rate.

08:14 Male, 75, seizure.

08:26 Male, 80, unresponsive.

08:50 Male, 41, chest pain.

08:51 Female, 74, fell out of bed…needs help getting back in bed.

11:53 Female, 83, stroke symptoms.

12:35 Male, 19, seizure at Shorewood High School.

14:53 Male, 70, collapsed at Spartan Gym dance room.

16:59 Male, reported to be unconscious, at Bank of America. No patient found.

17:16 Landlord reporting he has found one of his tenants deceased in his apartment.

18:21 Female, 67, seizure activity.

19:08 Female, 78, injuries from a fall.

19:48 Male, 9, uncontrollable nosebleed.

19:48 Male, 90, fell out of bed at nursing home.

Notice that all 9-1-1 calls today were for medical emergencies? That is a very typical day. Over 85% of all 9-1-1 calls are for emergency medical response, and not fires or automatic fire alarms.

Have a question about Shoreline Fire? Email our Public Information Officer or call 206-533-6564.

Read more...

Olmsted Historian and Author to Speak at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Annual Meeting


Please join us on Thursday, January 21 for the annual Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation members meeting and program. The meeting will take place at 7 pm at the Shoreline Historical Museum, located at 749 N 175th St, Shoreline 98133.

Joan Hockaday, author of Greenscapes: Olmsted’s Pacific Northwest, will discuss the indelible influence the Olmsted landscape architecture firm had on municipal, residential, institutional, and landscape design in our region. Greenscapes was published in 2009 by WSU Press and includes all private, campus, and park work of the Olmsted firm in the Pacific Northwest at the turn of the 20th century. Copies of the book will be sold and signed.
Joan is a historian specializing in American garden and plant history. Her first book was The Gardens of San Francisco (Timber Press, Portland, 1988). Joan has served on the Washington Park Arboretum editorial board for almost a decade and she is a Friends of the Olmsted Parks board member.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden at 206-546-1281

Read more...

SCC Men's Basketball Defeats Skagit Valley College


Jesse Vaughan scored 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to lead Shoreline CC's men's basketball team to a 90-85 victory over Skagit Valley College on Wednesday night in the SCC gym. Alfred Miller-Soukasen added 19 and Sean Jones 14 in the winning effort for the Dolphins.

Shoreline started the game slow, falling behind by 9 points early, but hustled back into the game and went up 42-37 at halftime. Shoreline pushed their lead up to 13 points in the second half, but Skagit rallied down the stretch to pull within 3 points, but Shoreline hit their free throws down the stretch and pulled out the victory.

SCC is now 8-3 overall and 2-1 in the NWAACC Northern Region. Skagit Valley falls to 8-5 overall and 2-2 in the region. Shoreline plays at North Seattle Community College on Saturday at 6 pm.


Jesse Vaughn scored 35 points for SCC. Photo by Wilson Tsoi

Read more...

Jazz It Up!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Jazz It Up!  with Special Guest Jeff Kashiwa

Special Appearances by Sam and Doug Reid

Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: $18/$15
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center
15343 25th Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155
On January 23, 2010 Shoreline will welcome the amazing jazz sax player Jeff Kashiwa, a native son, back into the fold for a special performance at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center. Jazz It Up! is the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s annual Arts Scholarship Program fundraiser. Joining Jeff will be special guests Doug and Sam Reid and the Shoreline School District’s Friends and Faculty All Star Band. Shoreline middle and high school jazz bands will also be performing. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students/seniors.

Jeff Kashiwa grew up in Shoreline and is a graduate of Shorecrest High School. One of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz, Jeff finds pure joy at the heart of his increasingly fast-paced touring schedule by reminding himself, every time he gets on stage, that he’s there to do one thing: play!

Jeff will be joined by Doug and Sam Reid and the Shoreline School District’s Friends and Faculty All Star Big Band as well as local jazz bands from the Shoreline middle and high schools. This concert is made possible through the support of the Shoreline Schools Foundation, and Kennelly Keys.

The Shorecrest Performing Arts Center is located at 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 206-417-4645.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations.

More on the performers:

Jeff Kashiwa
One of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz, Jeff Kashiwa finds pure joy at the heart of his increasingly fast-paced touring schedule by reminding himself, every time he gets on stage, that he’s there to do one thing: Play!

Over the last few years, he’s been doing just that to the tune of almost 100 performances annually, bringing his trademark exuberance to gigs with his longtime band Coastal Access, shows across the country with The Sax Pack (featuring fellow genre A-listers Steve Cole & Kim Waters), dates in the U.S. and England with Acoustic Alchemy and others with Chuck Loeb. Last year, he also reunited with The Rippingtons – whom he originally recorded and toured with from 1990-99 – for the group’s 20th Anniversary Tour; he will be joining his former band for many dates this Summer as well.

A native of Seattle who also currently makes his home in the U.S.’s “Emerald City,” Jeff Kashiwa became one of the most dynamic live saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his amazing decade long tenure with The Rippingtons. Performing hundreds of Ripps gigs all over the world, he appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings, including Welcome to the St. James Club, Curves Ahead, Weekend in Monaco, Sahara and Black Diamond, as well as Live in L.A.

Doug Reid   

A highly respected performer and music educator, Doug Reid is currently Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music at Shoreline Community College located in Seattle, Washington. His professional experience is as varied as it is substantial. From classical recitals and master classes, to pop and jazz performances with national artists such as Mel Torme, John Pizzerelli, Etta James and many more, his distinctive saxophone sound can be heard throughout the northwest.

Since moving to Seattle, Doug has served as a guest conductor for honor groups in Washington, Illinois, Vancouver BC, California, Oregon and performed with the Harry James Orchestra, Spectrum Dance Theater, Washington Coalition of Touring Artists and Intiman Theater. Radio and motion picture credits include PBS, KIRO, KOMO, Ironwood Productions and Rainier Motion Pictures.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Professor Reid is an Educator/Clinician for Keilwerth saxophones.

Sam Reid
Alto saxophonist Sam Reid has accomplished a great deal in a relatively short time. Sam grew up in a creative and musical household. He began playing piano when he was 7 years old and picked up the saxophone at age 9. As a student at Shorewood High School, he performed in the Jazz Band (saxophone), Jazz Choir (piano) and Wind Ensemble. While with the Shorewood Jazz Band, he received the “Outstanding Soloist Award” at numerous jazz festivals, including the Essentially Ellington Festival, the University of North Texas Jazz Festival and the Berkley Jazz Festival. He was selected to both the WMEA All-Northwest High School Jazz Band and Washington State Solo Contest. As a Shoreline student Sam studied with Susan Bennett, Frank Halferty, Doug Reid, Paul Harshman and Mike West.

Sam began studies at the University of North Texas in 2005 where he is now completing a double major in Jazz Studies and Music Education. For the past two years Sam has played lead-alto in the nationally recognized University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band. Recent concert performances have included Birdland in New York, the Blue Note in Milan, and the World Saxophone Congress in Bangkok Thailand.


This past September the University of North Texas College of Music named Sam Reid the 2009-2010 Presser Scholar and the recipient of the Presser Scholarship. This prestigious award is presented annually to a student entering his or her senior year who has shown extraordinary musical and academic accomplishments. Sam plans on attending graduate school prior to moving on to a career as a performer and music.

Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP