Evan Smith: Last chance to register to vote

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer


Monday, February 1, is the last chance for new Washington voters to register to vote in the February 9 special election.

Only new Washington voters can register this close to an election, and they must do it in person at the County elections office in Tukwila. The deadline for previously registered voters to change their registration addresses and for mail and online registration was January 11.

Any new voter can use the accessible voting machines at the elections headquarters or can get a mail-in ballot to either mark and drop on the spot or take home for mailing or for dropping at drop sites in Bellevue, Tukwila or downtown Seattle. They also can get ballots sent to their homes.

Mailed ballots must be sent so that they get postmarked on or before Election Day. Drop boxes close at 8 pm Election Day.

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SCC Men's Basketball Ranked 8th In NWAACC Poll

Men's Basketball Team photo by Wilson Tsoi

The Shoreline Community College Men's Basketball Team is ranked 8th in the latest NWAACC Men's Basketball Poll. This is the first NWAACC ranking for SCC in several years. Tacoma Community College is ranked #1 in the poll. No other Northern Region team is ranked.

Shoreline is 12-3 on the season, 6-1 in the NWAACC Northern Region. The team received 17 points while #7 Chemeketa Community College received 25 points.

SCC leads the NWAACC Northern Region by 2 games over 5 other teams that have 3 losses in the region. SCC plays at Everett Community College tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm to finish the first half of the region schedule. SCC travels to Bellevue Community College on Saturday to start the second half of division play.

GO DOLPHINS!!! 

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Mask making workshop


Mask Making Workshop, provided by the Shoreline Library, will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 3 pm, at the library, 345 NE 175th St, for ages 8 and up.

Create your own 3-D African mask using board, paint, beads, raffia, and fabric scraps. You can bring a special bead, button or piece of fabric to add personal meaning to your mask. All other materials will be provided. These sculptural masks can be hung on the wall or used for your own African Culture celebration! Please dress appropriately for messy fun! Signups are required. Call the Library at 206-362-7550 to register. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.

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Learn about volunteer opportunities at Kruckeberg Gardens

Interested in volunteering for Richmond Beach’s Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation?

Learn more about our outreach events and other volunteer opportunities at a new volunteer orientation and training this Saturday, January 30, from 11 am - 1 pm at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden.

We will talk about the Garden and the Foundation as well as the master planning process with the city of Shoreline. We’ll also take a short tour of the garden and go over our programs.

Contact Program Director Emily Sprong for more info or to sign up.

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TOP Food Stores Offering Free Prenatal Vitamins, Fluoride Supplements


Prenatal vitamins, which contribute to the health of expectant mothers and their babies, are being offered for free at TOP Food stores.

TOP Food stores provide free prenatal vitamins and fluoride supplements to anyone who has prescriptions for them. No insurance plan is required. The prenatal vitamins usually cost $8-$19 per month. The fluoride supplements, recommended for children living in households without a fluoridated water supply, retail for approximately $6 per month.

“TOP Food stores offer programs, products and information that help families lead healthy lives,” said Andrew Charter, Vice President of Pharmacy for parent company Haggen, Inc. “To further assist expectant mothers and families with young children, we’re pleased to be the first major grocer in this region to offer free prenatal vitamins and fluoride supplements.”
Most pregnant women are advised to take prenatal vitamins, which are specially formulated to compensate for any nutritional deficiencies in an expectant mother’s diet. The free prenatal vitamins, which are meant to supplement rather than replace healthy diets, at TOP Food stores include folic acid, iron and calcium.

Folic acid can reduce the risk of a baby suffering from a serious birth defect such as spina bifida. Calcium taken during a pregnancy can prevent an expectant mother from losing her own bone density while the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Iron improves the ability of the mother’s and baby’s blood to carry oxygen.

The prenatal vitamins also include vitamins A, C, D and others.

Free fluoride supplements are available at TOP Food stores in drops and chewable tablets for families with prescriptions. The American Dental Association recommends them for children from 6 months to 16 years old who live in nonfluoridated areas.

Haggen, Inc. operates 33 stores in Washington and Oregon under the TOP Food & Drug and Haggen Food & Pharmacy names. Headquartered in Bellingham, Haggen, Inc. is the eighth-largest private company based in the state of Washington. For more information, visit the website.

The Shoreline store is located at N 175th and Midvale Ave N, one block east of Aurora. The Edmonds store is at 21900 Hwy 99, just north of the county line in Snohomish county.

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Shoreline Remodeler Awarded Top Honors at the Master Builders Association Centennial Celebration

Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) recently named Joseph Irons, President of Irons Brothers Construction in Shoreline, WA the 2009 Remodeler of the Year, in recognition of his industry involvement, leadership and professional remodeling accomplishments. The award was given at the MBA’s Centennial Gala celebration held December 10, 2009 at the Meydenbauer Center. In attendance were several hundred MBA members and elected officials.

In March 1999, just 10 years ago, Joseph Irons began his family owned design/build remodeling business. Irons and his company have received accolades for their work from clients, colleagues, and industry leaders. His reputation for business excellence and remodeling has earned him this prestigious award. Irons professional leadership is demonstrated by his service on local, state, and national committees. These include remodeling, education, and government affair committees. In 2010 Irons will also begin providing instruction for the NAHB University of Housing Certified Aging-in Place and Certified Green Professional classes.

“Joseph Irons exemplifies professionalism, commitment to the improvement of the industry and good citizenship. I am proud to honor him as Remodeler of the Year, “said Joe Schwab, Past President of the Master Builder’s Association of King and Snohomish Counties. “It was with great pleasure that I had the honor of presenting the Remodeler of the Year award to Joseph Irons, of Irons Brothers Construction. His companies seemingly never ending efforts to support the MBA and their initiatives, as well as many other worth while causes in our community is second to none,” stated Tom Dunn, Vice President of Dunn Lumber.
Joseph Irons response, “I am honored to receive this prestigious award and proud to be acknowledged along side some of the most influential remodelers in our industry.

My company’s core values are the keys to my success. They are a part of our company mission and culture and include: high quality craftsmanship, superior customer service, community involvement, green practices, professionalism, education, and safety.”

Melissa Irons, Joseph’s wife concluded, “This award means so much to us, and it was the icing on the cake. Earlier today we found out that we are expecting a new edition to our family.”

For more details about Irons Brothers Construction and the services they provide visit the website or call 206-306-7767 (PROS).

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Shorewood "One-Acts" Ten-Minute Play Festival


Director Shelby Foote with Garth Stein during rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Shoreline School District. 

Shorewood High School will presents its yearly 10-Minute Play Festival on Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5 at 7:30 pm. in the Shorewood High School Theater. Students produce, direct and act in seven plays. This year all plays are written by Shorewood alumni, including Garth Stein, best-selling author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain."

Tickets are $5 at the door.

The plays are:

"No One Calls Me Mutt Anymore" by best-selling author and SW alum, Garth Stein ('83)
Shelby Foote, director

"Your Life on a Bus" by Molly Gasperini ('08)
Korren Bradley & Sorcha Connor-Boyle, directors

"The Council" by Daniel & Carla Stoltenberg ('02 & '04)
Leah Stoller & Summer Hofford, directors

"MAYONNAISE!!!" by Sam Kellett ('05)
Mozell Gibbons, director

"This is Our Bed--Sleep Sucks" by Robin Turnblom ('08)
Nate Matthews, director

"Shiver Me Waffles" by Jeff Echert ('04)
Peter Erickson, director

Zombie Corp. by Hanna Stiens ('07)
Tim McGowan, director

Producers/Stage Managers, Matt Delaney & Chris Evans

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Learn about Shoreline kindergarten programs at Kinderfest on January 30

By Craig Degginger, Public Information Officer, Shoreline Schools


Kinderfest is an opportunity for parents who will be enrolling their children in kindergarten to hear about the kindergarten program offered by the Shoreline School District.

Kinderfest will be held Saturday, January 30 from 10 am to 12 noon in the Shoreline Room at Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE.

Kindergarten registration for Shoreline residents with students starting kindergarten in the fall of 2010 will begin on Tuesday, February 2 at all elementary schools. In order to attend kindergarten in the fall, a child must be five years old by August 31, 2010.

For students living outside of the Shoreline School District, kindergarten registration will begin on Monday, February 8.

Registration and boundary request paperwork must be submitted to the Instruction Department of the Shoreline School District at Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE. The office is open between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. Families will be notified by the middle of April as to the status of their request.

For more information on kindergarten registration and Kinderfest, please call Cathy Allred at 206-361-4211.

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Shoreline CC is charter member in national sustainability program

Shoreline Community College joined in the launch of a new national effort to encourage sustainability practices in all aspects of campus life. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) introduced STARS (Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) version 1.0 and formally launched its online Reporting Tool on January 19, 2010.

To date, over 115 higher education institutions have registered as STARS Charter Participants and Shoreline Community College is proud to be one of them.

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Evan Smith: Feeling skeptical about the School-Museum settlement

Commentary/ Evan Smith

Am I the only person in Shoreline or Lake Forest Park not leaping with joy over the agreement between the Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Historical Museum?

The agreement, after all, allows the Museum to keep its home in the old Ronald School building near a rebuilt Shorewood High School under a proposed bond issue.

I had heard a week ago that the Museum might buy land near Shorewood and trade it to the School District for the land that the Museum building sits on.

By comparison, the final settlement makes me nervous.

I’m nervous because the agreement involves moving the 98-year-old Ronald building, a move that will be both costly and risky.

People close to the situation tell me that the estimated cost to the School District for moving the building is $1.5 million, money that the District could better use for education.

The risk is great. Movers deal well with wood-frame houses like the old building that the University of Washington moved last year or the one-and two-story houses moved from land needed for hospital expansion in North Everett. Can we find someone who can move a 98-year-old brick building with a stone foundation that seems to be embedded in the earth?

I fear the Museum’s turning to a pile of bricks that block 185th Street and delay construction of the High School.

I have to trust that people of good will have reached a workable solution. I want them to convince me that moving the Museum is better than leaving it alone and expanding the School onto land that the Museum buys and trades to the School District.

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Pt. Wells a high-risk liquefaction area

By Caycee Holt
SaveRichmondBeach.org


Futurewise, Pilchuk Audubon and Save Richmond Beach sent comment letters this month to the Snohomish County Council reminding them that Point Wells is at risk for catastrophic loss of life and property in the event of an earthquake. As indicated in the Washington State Department of Natural Resources hazard map Point Wells is rated at the highest liquefaction risk rating.

In addition, SaveRichmondBeach.org released the latest schedule of critical events related to the urban center land-use designation and zoning regulations involving Point Wells. They continue to encourage residents of Shoreline to get involved since the impacts of this Snohomish County urban center will be felt primarily in Shoreline.

Futurewise and Pilchuk Audubon comment letter
SaveRichmondBeach.org comment letter (14MB - includes enormous hazard map from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources)

What's happening in Snohomish County

Urban Center Zoning Regulations Hearing: The latest hearing on urban center zoning regulations was continued. That continued hearing is on February 3 at 10:30 AM. More info...

Point Wells Land-Use Designation: The urban center land-use designation for Point Wells goes into effect on Feb 8 barring some major change of heart by the council. If you remember, they changed the land-use designation for Point Wells but postponed it from going into effect for 180 days to work out some of the kinks.

Growth Management Hearings Board: The pre-hearing conference is on March 18. The actual hearing on the merits won't be until June, with a decision due by August. If the council decides that they erred when they designated that site an urban center we would dismiss the petition.

About SaveRichmondBeach.org
SaveRichmondBeach.org is a community-driven non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our neighborhood through thoughtful, responsible and sustainable planning.  

For more information, contact Caycee Holt at 206-356-5356, email or website

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SCC Unveils Framework for Budget Cuts


By Jim Hills, SCC

Facing further budget reductions triggered by deteriorating state and national economic pressures, Shoreline Community College officials have established a framework for making those cuts and restructure the college.

“We had been planning for state-forced cuts of about $90 million statewide which translated to the $1.5 million range for Shoreline,” said Daryl Campbell, Vice President for Administrative Services said. “We received information late this past week that indicates the state could cut another $28 million, by not funding increases in health-care costs, which wouldn’t trigger potential federal penalties.

“Using the previous formula, that means our share would be just shy of $2 million.”

In light of the new information, SCC President Lee Lambert has asked Campbell and the other vice presidents to prepare reduction plans at three levels: $1.5 million, $2 million and $2.5 million.

The framework for making cuts is also in response to a request from a joint work group of the college’s strategic planning and budget committees for an open and transparent process. “The work group did a terrific job and presented a thoughtful document,” Campbell said.

While the college will have to make significant cuts, the framework also calls for a renewed emphasis on the concepts of being learning centered.

“It is true that in many ways, we already show a commitment to being learning centered,” said John Backes, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “However, there is room for growth and, in the process, better serve our students and community.”

“The reductions we’re facing are just devastating,” Lambert said. “Combined with the other reductions we’ve sustained over the past five years, restructuring has become imperative. However, refocusing attention on the core purpose – learning – will provide directions and purpose as we move forward." 


SCC President Lee Lambert will conduct a brown-bag discusison session, starting at noon, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in the PUB Quiet Dining Room. "This is just the first of many opportunities the campus will hear and speak about what we're all facing," Lambert said.

Currently, all-campus meetings are set for March 12 and again on April 2.

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Shorewood video segement on Rachael Ray show

Tuesday, January 26, 2010


Shorewood High School video production teacher Marty Ballew and student Javier Caceres appeared on a segment of “Rachael Ray” on Monday, January 18. Ballew and Caceres traveled to New York City for the show’s taping, and a film crew from “Rachael Ray” came to Shorewood on January 8.

They have the best explanation so far of how the SW crew managed to film and sing backwards.

Watch the Rachael Ray show segment on the making of the Shorewood video

But if you haven't seen the videos yet - watch them first.

Shorecrest "Hey-Ya" has over 298,000 hits

Watch the Shorecrest video on YouTube

Shorewood "You Make my Dreams Come True" has over 793,000 hits

Watch the Shorewood High School video on YouTube

The Shoreline School District website has links to all the media coverage.

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The Dutchess of York visits Aegis in Shoreline

Fergie, the Dutchess of York, visited with residents in the Shoreline Aegis center.

See the Seattle Times photo gallery at the NW Source website.

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Grand Opening - Lake Forest Park Physical Therapy

Please join Lake Forest Park Physical Therapy in Shoreline on Thursday, January 28 from 5 - 7 pm, as they celebrate their official grand opening at 20011 Ballinger Way NE Ste C100, Shoreline WA 98155 (Same complex as Shoreline Bank), sponsored by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. RSVP to 206-367-6069.

Pictured, Paula Johnson, owner

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Shoreline police sergeant arrests serial robbery suspects

The ShorelineAreaNews reported that arrests had been made in a string of robberies, including Goldie's Casino, but from Sgt. Katie Larson of the Shoreline Police, here's the rest of the story.

By Sgt. Katie Larson, Shoreline Police

Oftentimes citizens hear about significant arrests on TV/radio via a 20 second sound bite. Occasionally you can find a bit more in the newspaper. I’d like to take this opportunity to give everyone an “insiders” look, if you will, into this particular investigation, in hopes that everyone can perhaps gain a realistic appreciation for the police work done here in Shoreline.

On October 26, 2009, the serial robbery spree began when two masked/gloved men armed with a shotgun and handgun entered the Check to Cash in Renton. The suspects flee and a realistic toy shotgun was recovered. Witnesses who saw the two men prior to the robbery describe them as being African American males in their 40s.

On October 29, 2009, two masked and gloved-up males rob the Bank of America along 196th St. in Lynnwood. One is armed with a revolver and a shotgun and wears a “puffy” black jacket. The other is armed with a pistol. The shotgun may have been a toy due to the way it is handled by the suspect. One suspect FIRES his weapon as they exit the bank.

On November 13, 2009, a masked and gloved lone male robs Goldie’s Casino in Shoreline. He is armed with a silver/chrome revolver and a shotgun and is wearing a “puffy” black jacket. He robs the casino and is seen running to a waiting silver/gray SUV. The suspect FIRES his handgun as he flees the area. Officers recover one half of a toy shotgun in the path the suspect fled.

On December 2, 2009, a masked and gloved lone male robs the Royal Casino in Snohomish County. He is armed with a handgun and a shotgun and is wearing a “puffy” jacket.

On January 13, 2010, two masked and gloved males rob the Silver Dollar Casino in SeaTac. One is armed with a handgun and a shotgun and wears a “puffy” black jacket. The other is armed with a handgun. They failed to complete this robbery due to the “cash cage” employee having just stepped out of the cage prior to the robber’s entry. The cage is unoccupied and the suspects flee.

So……………are you seeing the pattern?

During these take-over robberies the suspects have controlled numerous customers and employees at gunpoint. Typically one suspect will stay back as a “guard” as the other announces the robbery and gains the cash. The suspects are known to park one or two properties away from the target business and walk into the business already wearing their masks.

Based upon the above we were fairly certain that the suspects would attempt another robbery soon.

Armed with the information above Shoreline Police Officers began paying special attention to our casinos and other businesses that may attract these suspects.

On January 15, 2010 at 0145 hours, Shoreline Police Sergeant Stan Seo observed a brown car parked on the north side of North 167th Street just east of the entrance to the two casinos, Drift on Inn and Club Hollywood. As he drove by the car, it appeared to be occupied so he stopped and backed up. As he was backing up he spotlighted the car and observed two African American males leaned back in the front driver and passenger seats. Sgt. Seo pulled in behind the car and was about to advise the Communication Center of his stop when the car pulled out. The trunk was open and the lid was opening and closing. Sgt. Seo turned on his lights and siren. The car refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

In the 16300 block of Ashworth Avenue North the driver veered off to the east side of Ashworth and fled into a nearby yard.

Sgt. Seo detained the passenger of the car at gun point until other officers arrived. This suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Sgt. Seo looked into the car and saw what appeared to be a shotgun on the floor of the car on the driver’s side.

Officers set up a perimeter and called for a King County Sheriff’s Office K-9. Master Police Officer Eric Franklin did a quick sweep of the immediate area and found a black “puffy” jacket that the fleeing suspect appears to have discarded.

When the K-9 officer arrived, MPO’s Franklin and Muncy ran with him. They recovered a black glove near the crime scene.

So now what…………………..A Sgt. from the King County Sheriff’s Office is called to investigate the accident Sgt. Seo was involved in. During the pursuit Sgt. Seo was attempting to position his vehicle in a place to safely utilize the PIT (pursuit immobilization technique) when the suspect driving abruptly pulled over/stopped causing Sgt. Seo to collide with the rear of the suspect’s car. No one was injured in the accident.


Due to the nature of the incident the Command Duty Officer for the King County Sheriff’s Office was notified as well as our Chief of Police Dan Pingrey and Captain Stensland.

Also during this time King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives were notified. Detective Mike Mellis responded and interviewed and obtained a confession from the suspect in custody regarding his participation in the robberies. This suspect also provided the name of the suspect who had fled.

Additional investigation provided two separate addresses for the suspects, one in Edmonds and one in Seattle. Shoreline Detectives Coblantz and Inn were sent to watch the suspect’s house in Edmonds while a search warrant was written.

SeaTac detectives set up on a residence in the city of Seattle. Due to the violent nature of the crimes being investigated King County Sheriff’s Office TAC 30 team was called in to assist in surveillance and service of the warrant. (One Captain, one Sergeant and 15-20 TAC deputies)

When a TAC call of this nature goes out a number of ancillary detectives/deputies also respond.

While Detective Mellis is writing the search warrants for two residences and one car as well as an arrest warrant for the outstanding suspect, a number of things are happening simultaneously.

The initial crime scene at the casino is being processed and the case report for the felony pursuit is being written. Additional follow-up is completed to further positively identify the suspect and determine who may be inside the home with him. There are far too many things to list here but suffice it to say that writing a search warrant can be a complex process.

It’s up to one person to put everything together leading up to probable cause to arrest the suspect and enter two residences/one car looking for evidence of multiple crimes.

Because one of the residences was not in King County, Detective Mellis had to have the warrant signed by a Superior Court Judge in King County. (A drive to downtown Seattle and find a judge who has the time to review and approve the warrant)

During this same time a tactical briefing is beginning. It’s critical for officer safety and the safety of all involved to have the most up to date and current information regarding the locations to be searched which includes photographs, diagrams, status of others who may be living in the house. i.e. children (are there any, where are they, ages etc….).

The first search warrant was served at the residence in Edmonds at 1:35 pm. Remember the initial traffic stop happened shortly before 0200 am.

Once additional TAC members were in place we phoned inside the residence. Initially, the suspect said he wasn’t in the home but was at a restaurant in downtown Seattle.

Wrong answer! Remember we’d been watching the house for hours and knew he was inside.

Once the suspect realized he was had, he gave up and was arrested without incident. One of the suspects is 46 years old and a convicted felon. The other suspect is 34 years old and is also a convicted felon. Between the two they have prior convictions for robbery, drug related offenses, taking a motor vehicle without permission and weapons violations.

Does the investigation stop here? Nope. Once the house is secured Detectives move in to search for evidence. This can take hours. Typically, a diagram of the interior is drawn. Video and still photographs are taken of the exterior/interior and of any evidence recovered.

Each piece of evidence is then packaged and sealed. Each officer involved (including TAC) will write a report detailing their participation.

Are we done yet? Not yet! Remember the detectives from the City of Seatac watching a house in Seattle? They are still there, watching, waiting for members of the investigative team and TAC to serve the second search warrant at their location.

The second warrant was served at a residence in the Beacon Hill area. There were 12 occupants at that location. All went well.

The same process of photographing, video taping, and interviewing, collecting evidence takes place all over again. It’s now late evening and the detectives have been up since 2:00 in the morning.

Are we done now? Nope. A few hours of sleep and then Major Crimes Detectives serve a search warrant on the suspect’s car on Saturday morning. They recovered a loaded .357 revolver and a loaded .25 cal pistol as well as a toy shotgun and mask. Additional evidence was also recovered which was used in many of the robberies. Additional witnesses are identified and interviewed.

Based upon the evidence recovered a second search warrant was served on the Edmonds house on Tuesday and again additional evidence was recovered.

Detectives from all of the jurisdictions involved are now under the gun to get this investigation completed so that the case can be officially filed and the suspects charged and hopefully held. Detective Mellis has to file not only our case but coordinate with Renton, SeaTac, Lynnwood and Snohomish Sheriff’s Office. Because these crimes happened in two different counties and because of the seriousness of the crimes this case may be prosecuted federally.

Hopefully this has provided you with a bit of insight into the amount of resources needed to investigate a crime spree of this caliber.

As a contract City with the King County Sheriff’s Office all of the additional investigative resources to include TAC 30, Guardian One, K-9, Major Crimes Detectives, Hostage Negotiations etc…….are all readily available to us. (I can’t even begin to describe the type of equipment that comes along with these units i.e. robots, armored vehicles……..


In conclusion let’s remember that this all began with an observant Shoreline patrol sergeant! Thank you Sergeant Seo!





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Helicopter in the night: Guardian One on the job

Shoreline resident Suzie Burton reported that in the early hours of January 15, a helicopter spent several hours circling her neighborhood at 160th and Densmore. On January 19, we reported that arrests had been made in a string of robberies, including Goldie's Casino in Shoreline. According to Shoreline Police Sgt. Katie Larson, the two events were connected.

Guardian One (King County Police helicopter) was called in to assist in the perimeter/search for the second armed robbery suspect who had fled on foot. These suspect(s) were considered armed and dangerous. Guardian One has a Flir (forward looking infrared) on board which allows the crew to see heat signatures. With as many wooded areas in our city this is incredibly helpful. I.e. bad guy hiding in the bushes. The signature can pick up something as small as a lit cigarette!

Fortunately for the neighbors at 160th and Densmore, the robber was already out of the area. See Sgt. Larson's report of the major role of Shoreline police in catching these dangerous robbers.

Guardian One Photo at Panoramio.com

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SCC students testify in Olympia on HB 1418: The Dropout Re-engagement Bill



By Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-32

Last session I introduced HB 1418 to provide needed statutory authority for Shoreline Community College to continue running a re-engagement program for students who have dropped out and need a different track to completion of high school. Last year the bill passed the House, but got stuck in the Senate. I am optimistic this year that we will be able to get the bill passed so school districts can contract with local community colleges to run programs like the one at Shoreline Community College.

I was so pleased to see four students, currently enrolled in the re-engagement program at SCC, and one of their instructors in Olympia recently to testify on the bill. Their testimony put a face on why programs like CEO at Shoreline are so valuable and necessary. It looks like the bill will be moving out of the Education committee next week.

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North City Neighborhood Association: Coffee and Conversation

The North City Neighborhood Association invites you to drop in and chat on Saturday, January 30, from 10 am to noon at its Coffee and Conversation event at the Laughing Ladies Cafe on 17551 15th Ave NE. The Cafe is in the North City business district between NE 175th and NE 180th in Shoreline. There is parking in the back.

Come and socialize with Neighbors, enjoy coffee and good conversation, share your thoughts and ideas, and find out what your neighborhood association is up to. For more information, contact Nan Skinner at 206-734-9289 or see the North City NA webpage.

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Museum Board President says Vote YES for Shoreline School Bond and Levies


Henry J. Reed, President of the Board of the Shoreline Historical Museum, holds up a Vote Yes for Shoreline Schools button just after he spoke at the January 26 meeting of the Shoreline City Council. 

(seated left to right: Chris Eggen, Doris McConnell, Deputy Mayor Will Hall, Mayor Keith McGlashan, Shari Tracey, Terry Scott, and Chris Roberts).


Mr. Reed reported that the Shoreline Historical Museum Board had unanimously approved the Agreement in Principle with the Shoreline School District at its meeting on Saturday and that the Shoreline School Board had unanimously approved the Agreement at its meeting a few hours earlier.

Mr. Reed urged everyone to vote yes for all three school measures and to mail in their ballots now. Also speaking at the council meeting to endorse the bond & levies and urge Yes votes was Bob Phelps, immediate past president of the museum board.

Following a presentation by Superintendent Sue Walker and public comment with no speakers against the school measures, the Shoreline City Council unanimously voted for a resolution in support of the school bond and levies.

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The Shoreline School Board and the Shoreline Historical Museum Board have approved an agreement in principle

Monday, January 25, 2010

By Craig Degginger, Public Information Officer
Shoreline Schools


The Shoreline School Board and the Shoreline Historical Museum Board have approved an agreement in principle that will address both parties’ interests. This agreement will allow the Museum to support passage of the February 9, 2010 School Bond Proposition #2 and assures the future of the Shoreline Historical Museum in the Ronald School Building. The agreement is dependent upon passage of the School Bond.

The Shoreline School Board approved the agreement at a special meeting on Monday, January 25. The Shoreline Historical Museum Board approved the agreement at its meeting on Saturday, January 23.

• The Shoreline Historical Museum (Museum) agrees to purchase approximately 19,500 sq. ft. of property adjacent to the Shorewood High School site.

• The Shoreline School District (District) agrees to pay for the relocation of the old Ronald School Building, which houses the Museum, to the adjacent property purchased by the Museum, and to pay for the costs associated with the relocation itself, including the move, utility connections, and repair costs attributable to the move, resulting in the Ronald School being in the same condition as it was before the move.

• Upon relocation of the structure the District will convey the building title free and clear to the Museum at no cost.

• The District agrees to allow the Museum to utilize Sunset Elementary School for Museum operations and storage during the structural relocation of the Ronald School Building at no cost. The Museum, however, will be responsible for the operational and utility costs during their occupancy of Sunset Elementary School.

• The District and Museum agree to work in good faith to negotiate, resolve and coordinate the details and legal issues involved in implementing this Agreement in Principle, in an effort to accomplish it consistent with the planned Shorewood High School implementation schedule.


Shoreline School District
Susanne Walker
Marcia Harris
Michael P. Jacobs
David Wilson

Shoreline Historical Museum
Victoria Stiles
Henry J. Reed
Robert Phelps

Facilitators:
Ken Noreen
Robert L. Olander

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Full Moon Concert Series: Remarkable Women in Music and in History

The Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church, at 14724 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155, presents the Fifth Annual Full Moon Concert Series 2010: Remarkable Women in Music and in History. The series includes six concerts at 7:30 pm on these Saturday evenings: January 30, March 6, March 27, April 17, May 8, and June 5.

Flex tickets are $60 for 6 admissions, which can be used as a single ticket for six shows or 2 admissions for 3 shows. Single tickets can be purchased for individual shows: Adults $15.00, Seniors $10.00, Children to age 18 are free. Tickets can be ordered at Brown Paper Tickets or the 24/7 ticket hotline: 1-800-838-3006.  For more information, contact the office at 206-363-7994 or email.

Show Schedule:
Savani World Jazz Quintet January 30 at 7:30 pm

Jazz arrangements of Latin American Folkloric tradition featuring the great music Divas of this culture. Hear them on YouTube. Photo of Elspeth Savani by Auston James.


Christian Swenson March 6 at 7:30 pm

One of the most amazing performers of mime, dance and vocal styles. Christian calls his style human jazz. We will bring to life dinosaurs, monkeys and a host of fabled characters that is entertaining for the family. He will end with a history of great women through the ages. This is a show for all members of the family.  See him here


Lexington Ave March 27 at 7:30 pm

Music from the great era of Swing featuring many stellar women vocalists and composers.  There may even be room for some dancing!   More information here.   


Dunava April 17 at 7:30 pm

This favorite choir will feature new repertoire and highlight the remarkable role of women in Balkan singing traditions.  More information here.  


City Cantabile Choir directed by Fred West May 8 at 7:30 pm

The Choir will tell a choral story of the interactions between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth through the great Renaissance music of their time, Victoria, Tallis and Scottish folkloric. Presented by the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church and Produced by Fred West. See them on YouTube.


Wiretappers June 5 at 7:30 pm 

Country, Bluegrass and old time music with the amazing vocalist and musician Jake Webber and friends. They will also feature the great women of this old time music.  More about them on MySpace.

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To the Editor: Why NOW is the Right Time to Vote YES for Schools

Shoreline citizens have an enviable history of supporting schools. A quality school district equates to increased property values and a strong market for home sales. To retain Shoreline School District’s standing as among one of the top-rated school districts in the state, our school buildings must reflect the quality of education that students receive. Our current high school facilities are aging, outdated, and no longer provide for the learning needs of today’s students.

NOW is the time to act. Why?

  • We have already begun. The 2006 bond measure included $2.7 million that has already been spent on the high schools’ conceptual and schematic design work. It is time to put those plans and taxpayers’ money to work.
  • These projects can be completed without raising taxes for the average taxpayer. It is estimated that property taxes will remain stable for the next five years even with all school measures.
  • Lower construction costs mean long-term savings. Due to current economic conditions, the cost of construction is approximately one-third less than it was two years ago. Lynnwood High School started building in 2007 for $300/square foot. Bids for school buildings are currently running $100/square foot less. Building now rather than when costs go up would save an estimated $30 million.
  • The two projects will create much-needed jobs in the construction industry.
  • There is an estimated $35 million in state matching funds available for the two projects if we act now. After a District passes a bond measure for capital improvements, the exact match is formulated using projected enrollment. It is anticipated that the $35 million amount would decrease after 2010.
  • The current administration brought the School District from an inherited deficit of $2.7 million in August 2006 to having an unreserved General Fund balance of $4.4 million in August 2009, meeting the District and State policy of having 5% in reserves. By letter dated December 22, 2009, from the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the state released Shoreline School District from financial oversight by the state. The District’s strong financial condition has resulted in favorable bond ratings and lower costs in borrowing.
  • Running the bond election a second time will cost taxpayers an estimated $100,000 to $125,000.
Our students deserve the advantages of state of the art schools like those in surrounding districts. New high school buildings would boost property values not only for surrounding neighborhoods, but for every homeowner in Shoreline. Building now would not only be smart educationally; it would be smart financially.

Sheri Ashleman
Shoreline

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Sehome Invitational Gymnastics Meet at Sehome HS January 23



 Tyanna DeNova

These are the final results from the Sehome Invitational Gymnastics Meet @ Sehome High School on January 23:
1) Shorewood 128.2
2) Bellingham School District 127.85
3) Shorecrest 115.3


Julia Hayes

 Vault:
1) Tori Franzen BSD 8.8
2) Jane Clark BSD 8.55
3) Nikki Harris SC 8.5
4) Tyanna DeNova SW 8.2

Bars:
1) Tori Franzen BSD 8.4
2) Tyanna DeNova SW 7.2
3) Nikki Harris SC 6.4
4) Julia Hayes SW 6.1

Beam:
1) Tori Franzen BSD 9.1
2) Niki Harris SC 8.6
3) Jane Clark BSD 8.1
4) Yvonne Chan SW 7.4


Floor:
1) Tori Franzen BSD 9.0
2) Nikki Harris SC 8.7
3) Tyanna DeNova SW 7.2
4) Julia Hayes SW 7.1

All Around:
1) Tori Franzen BSD 35.3
2) Nikki Harris SC 32.2
3) Jane Clark BSD 28.95
4) Tyanna DeNova SW 28.5

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To the Editor: Why did you get a photo speeding ticket in LFP?


Why did you get a photo speeding ticket in LFP? The writing on the signs was too small to read and there are too many words to read when driving the posted speed limit! The signs are out of compliance with state and federal regulations. Why has the city of LFP chosen to ignore state and federal standards for signs?

The Federal Highway Administration publishes the authoritative Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices which has been fully adopted by the state of Washington in WAC 468-95. According to DOT statewide Traffic Signing Specialist, Rick Mowlds, the design of all legal signs must calculate various factors in making signs readable and safe. They must calculate the posted speed limit, the word total, words per line, and word size. This establishes the distance from which the sign must be legible.

According to DOT''s School Signing Specialist, Dave Deede, drivers can read 3 words per second. LFP’s school speed limit signs total 20 words (per DOT count), which require nearly 7 seconds to read. A car traveling at the posted speed limit of 30 mph will travel 44 feet per second, which means motorists must BEGIN reading the sign 300 feet before reaching it. However, most of the lettering on the sign isn't large enough to read from 300 feet away.

In fact the key information about school times, posted in 1.5 inch letter height, is not even legible until drivers are within 45 feet of the sign. At 30 mph a car travels 44 feet in ONE second, YET, according to published state and federal safety standards, 3 seconds will be required to read this line alone. By then the driver is well past the sign, still not knowing what it says, and faced with the flash of a photo enforcement camera. All because the city has signs that do not comply with state standards.

The purpose of traffic signs is to improve safety. The current signs do not achieve that goal as drivers simply cannot read the small lettering on these illegally designed signs. This INCREASES the risk of traffic or pedestrian accidents.

I call for LFP’s school zone reduced speed signs to be replaced with signs that meet state safety standards and are readable from a safe distance. Otherwise I, and other local residents, must question the true purpose of these signs.

Starr Connelly
Mountlake Terrace

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Shoreline CC Men's Basketball Defeats Peninsula

The Shoreline Community College men's basketball team defeated Peninsula College 87-84 on Saturday afternoon in the SCC Gym. The battle between the two leading teams in the NWAACC Northern Region was a back and forth affair with Shoreline pulling ahead in the last two minutes and holding on for the victory.

Sean Jones scored 22 points for SCC while Shawn West and Alfred Miller-Soukasen added 19 points each.

Shoreline is now 12-3 overall, 6-1 in the region and has a two game lead in the division. Shoreline finishes the first half of the region schedule on Wednesday night at Everett Community College at 7:00 PM. SCC plays at home again on February 6 against Olympic College.


Sean Jones Scored 22 For Shoreline. Photo by Wilson Tsoi

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Peninsula Defeats SCC Women's Basketball

The Lady Dolphins dropped a 68-55 game to the Lady Pirates of Peninsula College on Saturday afternoon in the SCC Gym. SCC was down at half-time 37-28 and could never cut the lead during the second half and fell behind by more than 20 points, but rallied in the final minutes to cut the PC lead to 13.

SCC was led by Ana Haberman with 24 points and Lynsey Sandum with 18.

SCC is now 1-14 on the season and 0-7 in the NWAACC Northern Region. They play at Everett Community College on Wednesday at 5:00 PM to end the first half of the conference season.


Lynsey Sandum scored 18 for SCC, Photo by Wilson Tsoi

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Clarification on levy/bond proposals and tax bills


By Craig Degginger, Public Information Officer
Shoreline Schools

The District has received a number of questions in recent days about the levy and bond proposals on the February 9, 2010 special election ballot.

The M and O Levy is a replacement of an expiring levy from 2006 and combined with the proposed Capital Levy for Technology is not projected to increase tax bills for our residents. In addition, the District has paid off many of our previous bond commitments, creating the capacity to sell additional bonds without increasing payment obligations for our tax payers. In summary, the District projects that the passage of all three measures will NOT increase the tax bills for our average resident of Shoreline or Lake Forest Park.

For more information on the ballot measures, visit Shoreline Schools website.

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Shorecrest student sets marathon record


Chris Freeborn, 17 year old Shorecrest senior and cross country/track athlete ran and completed the Redding Marathon on January 17 in California. He was 3rd overall, won his age group, and set an age group course record completing the race in 2:59:29. He ran the race as his senior project.

Chris, a 4 time state participant in cross country, plans to run in college. He is looking at either Linfield University in Oregon or Carroll College in Montana.

Shorecrest Track Coach Kelly Richards says "That's a pretty big accomplishment for a 17 year old!"

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Harlem Globetrotter Appearing at TOP Food & Drug in Shoreline

Dizzy Grant of the Harlem Globetrotters, world-renowned basketball entertainers, will meet the public Friday, January 29 at TOP Food & Drug in Shoreline.

Grant, a 6-foot-2 sharpshooter, will sign autographs and teach children some ball-handling tricks at the store. Grant starred at the College of New Jersey and was named player of the year in its conference before joining the Globetrotters, where he has become known as one of its funniest players. “He can do impressions of anybody,” said teammate Flight Time Lang.

Grant will be at Shoreline TOP Food & Drug, 1201 N 175 St., from 6 - 7 pm Friday, January 29. The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at 7 pm February 20 at the Comcast Arena in Everett and 2 pm February 21 at Key Arena in Seattle. Beginning February 1, the Shoreline TOP Food & Drug will offer $5 ticket discounts to either game.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining families for more than 80 years with their amazing ball-handling and comedy routines,” said Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for TOP Food & Drug. “We’re pleased to have one of their players spend time with our customers.”

Haggen, Inc. operates 33 supermarkets in Washington and Oregon under the TOP Food & Drug and Haggen Food & Pharmacy names. Headquartered in Bellingham, it is the largest independent grocer and eighth-largest private company based in the State of Washington. For more information, visit the Top Foods website.

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Restaurant review: Time Out Burgers

A friend put it like this, and I agree: one of the best restaurants in Shoreline is in Mountlake Terrace.

In a tiny building just around the corner from Canyons and Cinebarre, Time Out Burgers is certainly off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out. Owned by a family from Crete, Time Out has been serving hearty burgers, breakfasts and Greek food since 2004. The seating is sparse, but has improved from earlier incarnations when the family also ran a small Greek grocery out of half of the little shop. Now there's more seating room indoors and out, and a steady stream of regulars and happily surprised first-timers. A friendly greeting for each customer and the casual atmosphere makes it feel as if you've just dropped by a relative's home and have been invited to stay for dinner.

We have had both the burgers and the breakfasts, and are committed to trying the chicken souvlaki on our next visit; my friend highly recommends it, as well as the Greek Combo plate. I'd have been eternally happy with the hamburgers, though; they are enormous, tasty, cooked perfectly and about half again as much as I can finish in a single meal, even without the fries or onion rings.

The breakfasts are just what you'd hope for on a weekend morning: big portions, savory gravy, crisp hash browns, thick slabs of toast, eggs done just right, and—if you're really in need of an extra boost of energy after a long night of entertainment—Greek coffee made by the cup for you with an actual blowtorch. Here you can see one of the owners demonstrating her technique; they also sell the metal pots and coffee so you can make it yourself at home (blowtorch optional).


Time Out is open Monday through Friday, from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm.

They're located at:
5807 244th Street Southwest
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-5450
(425) 672-5144

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School bond and levy to be discussed at school board, SL city council

Sunday, January 24, 2010

In view of the very recent accord between the Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Historical Museum, the Shoreline School Board has changed its normal Committee of the Whole informal meeting on Monday at 4:30 pm, to a special session, formal meeting, so the board can review and vote on accepting the agreement with the museum.

At 7:30 pm, the Shoreline City Council will consider a resolution to support all three school measures on the ballot. This is expected to be the first item on the agenda.

The School Board meets at the Shoreline Center, 18520 1st Ave NE, in the Board room by the main lobby. The City Council meets at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

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Pt. Wells to be discussed at SL City Council and RB Forum




Shoreline City Council Hearing January 25 at 7:30 pm

Monday, January 25, there will be a discussion of the Point Wells subarea plan and public hearing on the pre-annexation zoning in the new Shoreline city hall at 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133.  The meeting begins at 7:30 pm and the Pt. Wells discussion will be second on the agenda.

City of Shoreline staff report


RBCA Point Wells Discussion Forum: January 26 at 7 pm

The Richmond Beach Community Association will be hosting a discussion forum at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church at 7 pm on Tuesday, January 26.

Photo courtesy of SaveRichmondBeach.org

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Community Leaders Agree, Collaboration is Crucial

Community members from North King and South Snohomish counties participated in a community workshop entitled "Working Together: Connecting the Dots" sponsored by the Dale Turner YMCA and hosted by Shoreline Community College on January 12, 2010. 
 

By Stacy Segal | Strategic Development Director
Dale Turner Family YMCA

A crowd of 90 representatives from local business, schools, community organizations and elected officials met with families to discuss opportunities for greater collaboration within our communities.

“With vital social and educational programs at risk, we believe that now more than ever is the time to work together. There are so many resources available; our goal is to work together across organizations to meet our community’s growing needs,” said Courtney Whitaker, Dale Turner Family YMCA Branch Executive.

The event, hosted by the Dale Turner Family YMCA and moderated by Jim Hills of Shoreline Community College featured a thoughtful discussion around challenges and potential solutions to several key issues in the Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Edmonds communities. 


The topics included: serving youth better during out of school time; resources within our local business sector; maintaining good health during tough times; and the opportunity for generations to learn from each other.  At the top of the agenda was how to serve youth better during out of school time. Issues like transportation, communication, and developing programs with youth involvement, were discussed by participants as areas that could be addressed through collaborative means.

As part of a commitment to continuing this discussion the Dale Turner Family YMCA has pledged to produce a report of the results of the forum and to host future discussions to facilitate further collaboration.

“The resources are there, what it will take is working together to ensure that everyone in our communities receive the support they need,” Whitaker said.
If you are interested in participating in continuing this discussion contact the Dale Turner Family YMCA at 206-363-7001.
 

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