Shoreline Fire Sirens for February 24

Thursday, February 25, 2010


From Melanie Granfors, PIO
Shoreline Fire


Here’s a look at Shoreline Fire’s 9-1-1 calls in a 24 hour period on February 24.

12:30    Male, 14, high blood sugar and parents aren’t sure what to do.

01:14    Female, 95 in adult family home. Abdominal pain.

01:56    Female, 81, in assisted living, foot pain. Cannot walk.

03:13     Female, 81, in assisted living,knee swelling.

03:15     Male, 76, alcohol overdose, vomiting and fell in bathroom.

04:07     Female, 21, severely disabled. Short of breath and flu symptoms.

08:34     Male, 57, seizures.

09:23     Male, 77, in assisted living. Chest pain.

09:25     Female, 77, in adult family home. Weakness.

10:01     White substance on bench at Transit Center, stage for police.

10:47     NE 168th and 21st NE, male lineworker, complaining of separated shoulder.

11:35     Female, 24, flu symptoms.

13:29     Female, 82, adult family home. Abdominal pain.

14:27     Female, 48, seizure.

15:03     Female, 83, adult family home. Stroke symptoms.

16:52     Female, 16, assault report.

18:14     Male, 90, nursing facility. Short of breath.

18:39     Male, 78, adult family home. Stroke symptoms.

18:41     Female, 63, temperature of 102.

19:06     Automatic Fire Alarm, multi-family structure. No fire. Someone boiling spaghetti.

19:09     Male, 66, died at home. Expected death from cancer.

19:21     Male, 47, fell at Walgreens.

19:24     Female, 74, assisted living. Not responding normally. Possible stroke.

19:55     Male, 64, fell at home.

20:31     Female, 80, reporting she was hit in face during robbery attempt.

20:59     Male, 80, assisted living. Chest pain.

21:00     Male, 57, dizzy and light headed.

23:54     Male, 40, reported to be unconscious at Transit Center. 



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Local Firefighters Join Auction To Benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society


Whether you’re looking for a hot date, burning to get a yard project completed or hoping to boost a Bunco party with a big strong bartender, you won’t want to miss the 2010 Light My Fire Auction.

The benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society brought in more than $12,000 last year, for the third time doubling donations pulled in during the previous year. Firefighters from throughout the state
are once again volunteering their time this year, hoping to beat last year’s record.

The party starts when doors open for Light My Fire at 7 pm Saturday, March 13 at Parker’s Casino and Nightclub, 17001 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133.


The live auction, in which winners gain either a four-hour date or four hours of labor from a firefighter, begins at 8:30 pm. The silent auction begins when doors open, and continues until about midnight. Silent and live auction winners donate directly to the Leukemia Society, with credit cards accepted. That means 100 percent of funds raised go to fight blood cancers.

 

 
The event includes a full night of entertainment, featuring band 3rd Degree Burn, drink specials, and the chance to meet firefighters featured in the 2010 Firefighter Calendar (photo shoot at Shoreline Fire) some of whom are volunteering as auctioneers.
“This is a really, really fun party - not just another meet and greet charity event. Firefighters really know how to have fun, and the band is super hot-maybe because the lead singer is a firefighter,” said event organizer Linda Kent of Professional Union Firefighter.
For more information, contact event organizer Linda Kent, 253-376-5947 or see the webpage.

 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since 1949, the Society has invested more than $550.8 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

For information about Leukemia and how the funds raised help, contact Kris Howard, Senior Campaign Director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Washington chapter: 1-888-345-4572 or 206-628-0777.

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Evan Smith: Final tally shows high local election turnout

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer


The final, official results of the February 9 election showed a high voter turnout in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

Turnout in the Shoreline School District was 42.77 percent, third highest among the 16 districts in King County with school measures on the ballot.

Only Vashon with 52.40 percent and Tahoma with 42.93 percent had higher turnouts than the Shoreline District.

Seattle’s turnout of 35.41 kept the countywide turnout to 37.01 percent. The lowest turnout was 28.69 percent in the Tukwila School District.

Shoreline’s school-construction bond measure passed with a margin far ahead of the required 60 percent approval rate.

The School District maintenance-and-operations levy and the technology levy both passed with overwhelming approval margins.

Almost 800 voters either left the technology levy blank or cast invalid ballots. The bond measure had more than 800 undervotes.

The King County Library levy passed with 52 percent approval. Turnout throughout the District was 37 percent. The election enlarged the District because of Renton voters’ approval of a measure to join the District. Seattle, Enumclaw, Hunt’s Point and Yarrow Point are now the only parts of the County that aren’t part of the District.

The final vote count:
SHORELINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 412

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters
18,115
/
42,352
42.77%
Proposition No. 1 Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs, Maintenance and Operations
(Simple majority to pass)

YES

12.675
70.35%

NO
Total votes 
Undervotes
Total ballots

5,343
18,018
97
18.115
29.65%
100.00%
Proposition No. 2 Bonds for Modernization/Replacement of Shorecrest and Shorewood High Schools
(Requires 60% approval)

APPROVED

10,788
62.47%

REJECTED 

Total votes Undervotes 

Total ballots


6,482
17,270
845
18,115
37.53%
100.00%
Proposition No. 3 Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support
(Simple majority to pass)

YES

11,405
65.86%

NO
Total votes 
Undervotes
Total ballots

5,913
17,318
797
18,115
34.14%
100.00%










 KING COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT


Ballots Cast/Registered Voters
240,852
/
647,133
37.22%
Proposition No. 1  (Simple majority to pass)

YES

124,429
52.09%

NO
Total votes 
Undervotes
Total ballots

114.435
238,864
1,988
240,852
47.91%
100.00%

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Firefighters to train in house fire simulations in Shoreline

Wednesday, February 24, 2010


By Melanie Granfors, PIO
Shoreline Fire Department


Shoreline Firefighters will be operating in “training mode” when they set controlled fires in an abandoned house near Aurora Ave N and 188th St N during the next week.

The donated house, at 18833 Midvale Ave N, will be the site of multiple training exercises that will be available to all four shifts of Shoreline firefighters. It is possible that smoke from the training fires may be visible to those who travel along Aurora Ave N or who live and work nearby. The house is located north of the new Sky Nursery parking lot, along the walking trail.

Fire and EMS crews from Bothell and Northshore Fire will be participating as well, to simulate the mutual responses that occur with structure fires in all three communities. There will be numerous fire apparatus and vehicles in the surrounding neighborhood during the drills.

The live fire training will include the use of new thermal imaging technology, ventilation, fire attack and fire behavior.

“As with anything we do in the community, we would like this exercise to draw attention to the need for fire prevention and safety efforts for every family,” says Shoreline Fire Marshal Mark Bunje. “House fires are tragic. Hopefully understanding how we prepare to fight them, will engage the public in our ongoing efforts to prevent them. It is the perfect time to remind residents to have working smoke alarms throughout their homes, and to practice their family escape plan – THIS WEEK!”

A Shoreline Fire department officer will be on scene to answer questions or provide information to residents who are interested in seeing how this type of training exercise works. The area is not easily accessible by vehicle; however the public is welcome to watch portions of the drill if they are in the area – which is just north of Sky Nursery’s new main parking lot.

The drills will be held between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm on February 26, 27, and March 2 and 3.

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Evan Smith: State Rep. Ruth Kagi on suspending Initiative 960

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer


We had comments from 32nd District Democratic State Sen. Darlene Fairley in a news story posted February 16 about the Legislature’s decision to suspend Initiative 960 with its requirement of a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to raise taxes.

We posted a statement from 32nd District Democratic State Rep. Maralyn Chase on the same subject.

Here I present statements from 32nd District Democratic State Rep Ruth Kagi.

Kagi said on this web site in early February that the Legislature could close much of the gap by closing loopholes and changing outdated tax rules but that doing those small things requires suspending the initiative.

Kagi noted that suspending and amending initiatives is not unusual in hard times, pointing out that the Legislature has done it with citizen initiatives to provide pay increases for teachers and to reduce class sizes.

Statement from Rep. Ruth Kagi, Monday, February 22:

“I voted to suspend I-960 so that the legislature can address the historic economic crisis that we face. Last year we passed an all-cuts budget, cutting $3.4 billion in services and programs. Every school district, hospital, social service agency and state employee is dealing with the effects of last year's budget. Our budget this year will include many more reductions and reforms to produce efficiencies, but must be balanced with new revenues to avoid decimating state funded services. Balancing additional cuts and new revenues is the responsible course forward.”

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Evan Smith: Statement from State Rep. Maralyn Chase on suspending I-960

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

 

We had comments from 32nd District Democratic State Sen. Darlene Fairley in a news story posted February 16 on the Legislature’s decision to suspend Initiative 960 with its requirement of a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to raise taxes. This is the first statement from the District’s two members of the House of Representatives.

State Rep. Maralyn Chase

“Our budget shortfall is directly connected to the national economic downturn. Just as more families need services and supports in these tough times our revenues have declined. This is exactly when we need our public systems to respond, to address current demands and help pave the way toward recovery. Last session we enacted an all-cuts budget that has already dramatically undermined many public programs and services. It is time for a different approach.

“The public systems and services that are at risk affect each and every one of us -- our schools, our community colleges, our network of social supports, the health of our environment, and the very wellbeing of our communities.

“Fiscal challenges like the ones we face today require thoughtful and responsible management. A balanced approach is needed. We dare not approach the budget shortfall as simply a subtraction problem: we have already done that. Suspending I-960 is a responsible approach that balances our present and future needs.

“The core mission and purpose of our government is to protect and promote the common good. It is exactly at times like these that we must act to protect the well-being of our state and our citizens. That is why I voted to suspend 960.”

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Youth Jam this Friday

By Scott Becker
Richmond Beach Neighborhood Association

Friday night, February 26, from 6 to 9 pm is the third annual YOUTH JAM sponsored by the Richmond Beach Community Association. The event, which is a musical performance competition for prize money, will be judged by music professionals from the regional scene.

The event takes place in the basement of the Richmond Beach Congregational Church located at 1512 NW 195th and is open to the public with a $2.50 admission.

Crowd appreciation can have an impact on the judging, so family, friends, and fans of each of the participants should show up and cheer their favorites.

Youth Jam will showcase a diverse group of acts this year, displaying some of the outstanding musical youth talent our community is known for. At press time, the acts included a solo singer/songwriter, blues rock duo, dance troupe, and pop rock ensemble to entertain the live audience and vie for a bit of local success and stardom.

The judges will include KPLU DJ and trumpetor/flugelhornist Jason Parker, drummer Jeremy Jones, and bassist Jerry Fleet, who among them possess decades of professional experience in the music industry.

Pizza and beverages will be available for purchase.
 A fund drive for the Shoreline Substance Abuse Program for youth, a department of the Center for Human Services, will be held at the Youth Jam.

Photos of the 2009 Youth Jam courtesy of the RBCA 

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Shoreline Library Board candidates

The Shoreline Library Board was formed by the City Council in the spring of 1996 to act as a liaison to the King County Library System Board of Trustees, the City Council and the citizens of Shoreline. It provides information, makes recommendations relating to the Shoreline and Richmond Beach Libraries, promotes programs and reviews library policies. The Library Board consists of seven members, from whom a chair and vice chair are elected annually.

Current members are:

  • Tom Petersen, Chair
  • Mary Lynne Potter
  • Susan Hoyne
  • Lori Lynass
  • Sidney Strong
  • Tom Moran
The individuals being interviewed for open positions on the Library Board are:
  • Jennifer Hannibal
  • Susan Hoyne (current member, re-applying)
  • Fawzi Khoury
  • T. Richard Leary
  • Sara Lorimer
  • Corey Murata
  • Steve Poole

The Shoreline Library Board meets at 6:30 pm the second Thursday of each odd numbered month. The meetings are held alternately at the Shoreline Library and the Richmond Beach Library.


Photo of Richmond Beach Library by Steven H. Robinson

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Sen. Darlene Fairley sponsors Cynthia Daly as legislative page

Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, sponsored Cynthia Daly as a Senate page for a week in January. Cynthia, 14, is an eighth grader at St. Luke School in Shoreline.

Students from schools across Washington arrive in Olympia every week to serve in the Senate Page Program at the Washington State Legislature. Senate pages carry mail between offices and relay messages to the Senate floor. Pages attend page school while working at the legislature. Pages also participate in mock hearings, write their own bills, and engage in debates.

Cynthia enjoys volleyball, soccer, drama and baking.

Page positions provide valuable civic and employment experiences for Washington state youth. Additional information on becoming a Senate page is available at the Senate website.

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Summer drama camp for teens

by Dutch Heetbrink, Producer

The Driftwood Players will sponsor a summer drama camp for teens, which will culminate in the production of the Summer Teen Musical.

By popular demand, we have scheduled RENT School Edition.

The first day of rehearsals will be July 5. The camp will run for three activity-filled weeks, and conclude with three performances, Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday Matinee, on July 23, 24 and 25.

We are now accepting sign ups for RENT: School Edition at the Driftwood Players.

Cost: $300
A $100 deposit will be required to hold a place in the camp. With the deposit, the teen's entry into the show will be guaranteed. There will be auditions, but these auditions will determine the role, not admission into the camp.

Full tuition must be paid by June 1.
Full or partial scholarships are available depending on financial need. Please email for more information.

Cast Size: 20-25 teens maximum
Ages: 14-18
We expect this teen camp to fill up relatively quickly, so make sure to reserve your spot. Call the Driftwood Players Box Office at 425-774-9600 to pay over the phone with a credit card.
Checks can be brought into the office or sent by mail.
There will be a $10 processing fee deducted from any refunds.

Rehearsals:
Some rehearsals will be 9am-4pm, others will be 1pm-8pm.
Monday-Friday July 5th- July 22nd.

Performances: July 23 and 24 @8pm, July 25 @2pm

We are also planning a couple of workshops and outings in addition to the rehearsal of the show.

E-mail for a pdf of the sign up sheet. Contact Dutch Heetbrink for more information, email or phone 206-234-5660.

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Friends of Aldercrest to speak to Shoreline Parks Board

On February 25, from 7 - 8 pm, Friends of Aldercrest will be giving a short presentation to the Shoreline City Parks Board in Council Chambers at Shoreline City Hall.
According to spokesperson Nancy Moreyra, This is not a "no-jail" rally. "Even though the Parks and Rec is a city department, the Shoreline Parks and Rec had no part in the jail-site selection. The board is comprised of citizens like you and me and are wanting to hear from us regarding Aldercrest Annex as a community park."

The presentation asks the Parks board to support the addition of Aldercrest Annex (Old Kellogg Middle School on NE 200th) to Shoreline's PROS plan. Shoreline's PROS (Parks Rec and Open Space) plan identifies the northeast corner of Shoreline, namely Ballinger Neighborhood, as lacking adequate park facilities to serve the community. Friends of Aldercrest wants the Parks Board to acknowledge this gap and support a resolution encouraging the city and school district to start working towards a solution. Nearby Lake Forest Park residents would also benefit and residents are welcome to participate.

Aldercrest Annex has served the surrounding communities as a park for nearly 50 years - almost as long as the school has existed. Right now, it is the only place in the area kids can go to play baseball, soccer, fly planes, or just run across an open field. Population density in the area is increasing and demand for parks and open spaces will likewise increase.

  
Currently, Aldercrest Annex is being held up by the NEC municipal jail project. With the completion of the environmental impact statement later in 2010, it may be dropped from the list of possible jail sites. This presentation is an opportunity to encourage the city and school district to adopt a plan for the city to acquire Aldercrest Annex property as a park.

Photos courtesy of Friends of Aldercrest

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Middle school night at the Rec Center

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

This Saturday, February 27, from 7 pm to midnight, the City of Shoreline Teen Program is hosting a Middle School Only Night at the Richmond Highlands Rec Center, 16554 Fremont Ave N. This free event will feature games, food, karoke, contests, music, and a chance for middle school students to hang with their friends in a supervised environment.

For information, contact Mary K. Reidy, Recreation Coordinator, at 206-801-2641.


Photo by Steven H. Robinson for the ShorelineAreaNews

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Shoreline CC Women’s Soccer Signs Four Players for 2010-11

By Douglas W. Palmer
Director of Athletics and Recreation/Wellness
Shoreline Community College


The Shoreline Community College women’s soccer team signed four student-athletes to NWAACC Letter of Intents recently to play soccer at SCC in 2010-11 for the Lady Dolphins.

Anastaja Norins-Endres, a forward and middle player from Shorewood High School will join SCC. She scored 9 goals for Shorewood in 2009 and had 2 assists as a senior. Anastaja scored almost half of the goals for SHS in 09 and will be expected to a offensive weapon for the Dolphins in 2010.

Desiree Nickell, a middle forward for Lake Stevens High School and was named a 2nd Team player in the WESCO North Conference. She had 2 assists for LSHS in 2009 and is strong on the defensive side of the ball with a great passing touch as well.


McKensie Grafe, a defensive player for Lake Stevens High School and made 2nd team All-WESCO North as well. A very aggressive player with great tenacity, she is the type you hate to play against as she disrupts offenses with her defensive play.

Lori Deland, a middle forward from Jackson High School. She was the starting center/middle forward for the top ranked team in the state until she tore her ACL one month into the season. But still scored 3 goals and had 1 assist before her injury.


 The SCC women’s soccer team was 8-5-4 in 2009, 7-3-3 in the region and finished second in the NWAACC Northern Division. The team won its opening round NWAACC playoff game against Olympic College but lost in the quarterfinals to Walla Walla CC. The Lady Dolphins were NWAACC Northern Division Champions for 5 straight years until last season. The SCC squad finished third in the NWAACC Championship in 2007 and 2008.

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Four Days to Change the World symposium continues this week

A three-day symposium on international humanitarian assistance is underway at Shoreline Community College the week of February 22, 2010. Sponsored by the college’s Global Affairs Center and International Programs, the focus is on the work of local non-government organizations, with evening speakers, daytime events and an engagement fair taking place.

On Monday, February 22, Arlene Mitchell, Senior Program Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and former UN World Food Program Executive (pictured), kicked of the symposium. Mitchell stimulated conversation among the community members and faculty and staff following her presentation with critical observations revolving around topics such as there is too much competition among aid agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, and not enough cooperation; and the importance of agriculture and women being central to reducing poverty.

Coming up:
A drop-in event (engagement fair) will be held from 11 am to 2 pm on Thursday, February 25 in the PUB (9208), where representatives of humanitarian assistance organizations will be on hand to share volunteer opportunities and details on how to become involved.

For more information about these events or the Thursday events, please check out the Global Affairs Center web site  or call Larry Fuell at 206-533-6750.

Shoreline Community College is located at 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, just west of Aurora Avenue and north of Seattle city limits. Public parking is available on campus. Enter through the main gate at Innis Arden Way. Public and event parking is across from the bus stop. Evening parking is free. Daytime parking requires a pass which is free and can be obtained from the receptionist in the 1000 building (across from the visitor parking lot).

For directions to the college and information, please visit the college web siteThe mission of the Global Affairs Center is to encourage engagement on global economic, development and social issues that contributes to sound policy, global peace and prosperity. The goal is to present programs that are timely and relevant to students and community partners.


Photo courtesy Shoreline Community College

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Marcine Anderson appointed new Shoreline District Court Judge

The Metropolitan King County Council appointed Marcine Anderson to serve as a King County District Court judge in Shoreline at its February 22 meeting. Anderson will fill a new position authorized by the Council last year to address increasing District Court caseloads.

Before her appointment to the bench, Anderson has been serving as a King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School, Anderson has been a practicing attorney for 22 years and is a resident of Shoreline.

“I am confident Ms. Anderson will serve the residents of North King County well,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson, Shoreline’s representative on the Council. “The addition of Ms. Anderson as a judge in Shoreline will improve access to the court for individuals involved in civil and criminal cases.”
“I am excited to be a part of the district court at this very critical time of diminishing resources and great need for a court system that is fair and impartial,” said Anderson. “I look forward to serving the people of King County.”
The Shoreline District Court serves North King County residents and handles over 21,000 cases a year including traffic infractions, certain civil matters, and misdemeanor criminal offenses. The University of Washington Police and the Washington State Patrol also file cases with Shoreline District Court. Anderson will serve with Doug Smith as the two judges for Shoreline District Court.

Anderson’s appointment is effective until certification of the next general election in November. King County District Court judges are elected from local districts to a four-year term. The Shoreline District Court electoral district consists of the cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore.

There are 23 King County District Court judges. Under state law, the County Council is responsible for making appointments to fill judicial vacancies.

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Embrace Shoreline Schools: Shorecrest on Saturday, February 27

On Saturday, February 27, from 10 am to 2 pm, volunteers will work on the school grounds of Shorecrest High School at 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, to beautify, clean up, and mulch.

Meet at the front steps of the school. Bring your favorite tools, gardening gloves, wheelbarrows, and help mulch the mid-breezeway and spruce up the front entrances.

Treats will be supplied by PTSA volunteers. This is a PTSA event; students can earn community service hours and all willing hands are welcome.

Future work parties are scheduled for March 27, April 17, and May 15.  


For more information, call 206-363-1542.

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Interviews for Shoreline Planning Commission Positions

A subcommittee of the City Council has chosen the following five candidates for an interview for a position on the Planning Commission:
  • Cynthia Esselman
  • William Franklin
  • Donna Moss
  • Jesse Solomon
  • Michelle Wagner

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Free seminars at Sky Nursery


Sky Nursery will present two free seminars in March.

Saturday, March 6 at 11 am

Fruits and Berries for the Northwest Backyard with Dan Vorhis
We in the Pacific Northwest are privileged to be able to grow a huge range of temperate fruits, berries, and nuts, from apples to goji berries to olives. Many can be grown in containers on patios or decks; many are beautiful as well as productive and can grace any ornamental planting. Join Dan to learn more about selecting, planting, and caring for your own mini orchard.

Saturday, March 13 at 11 am

Worm Composting Made Easy with Emily Wilkins
Turn food waste into one of the most nutrient-rich composts available—worm castings! It’s easy once you learn a few basic rules to keep your worms happy. Emily will help you learn how to turn food scraps into garden treasure.

Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133, 206-546-4851

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Shorecrest, Shorewood boys, girls basketball teams in District 1 playoffs

Monday, February 22, 2010

Shorecrest and Shorewood High School's boys and girls basketball teams have both qualified for the Northwest District 1 basketball tournaments.

The Shorewood boys defeated Snohomish on Saturday and will now play Cascade in a loser-out game on Wednesday, February 24 at 8 pm at Jackson High School in Mill Creek.

The Shorewood girls defeated Jackson on Thursday and will now play Edmonds-Woodway in a loser-out game on Tuesday, February 23 at 6 pm at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.

The Shorecrest boys open 3A District 1 play at Ferndale at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 23.

The Shorecrest girls host Sedro-Wooley at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 24 in the first round of the District 1 tournament.

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Bus Driver Appreciation Week


King County Council says “Thank You” to Metro’s 2,700 transit operators. Bob Ferguson, representing Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, is second from left.

They are the men and women who greet you daily, take you where you need to go, point you in the right direction if you’re not sure where you need to be, and act as tour guide and entertainment director for the over 100 million passengers who ride with them every year. They are the 2,700 transit operators for Metro Transit and the Metropolitan King County Council today showed their appreciation for the work performed by these county employees by proclaiming the week of February 22 Bus Driver Appreciation Week.
“Our transit operators are the lifeblood of our public transportation system, providing mobility for those who are transit dependent and an environmentally-friendly alternative to congestion for commuters,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, sponsor of the proclamation. “I am personally very grateful for what they do, and if you are too, I hope you’ll take a little extra time this week to say ‘thanks’ to your bus driver.”

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King County Executive calls for new contractor for LFP section of Brightwater tunnel

Declares emergency to prevent unreasonable cost increases and schedule delays

To protect the best interests of King County and its regional ratepayers, King County Executive Dow Constantine called for a change in the contractor building a problematic section of tunnel system on the Brightwater Treatment Plant project.

“While most elements of the Brightwater project are on schedule, I am extremely concerned about construction delays on a remaining two-mile segment of the outflow tunnel and am not confident that the current contractor can complete its construction in a timely manner,” said Executive Constantine. “We have an obligation to our ratepayers to pursue other alternatives, and that is what we are doing today.”

The Executive issued a declaration of emergency that will enable the county to waive procurement requirements and hire the West Tunnel contractor Jay Dee, Coluccio and Taisei (JCT) to complete construction of the remaining two miles of the central BT-3 tunnel "Rainier" which runs from Kenmore through Lake Forest Park under Ballinger Way to the Ballinger Portal.

The current Central Tunnel contractor Vinci, Parsons and Frontier-Kemper (VPFK) would remain under contract to complete the eastbound BT-2 tunnel "Helene" currently tunneling from Kenmore to Bothell.

The BT-3 Rainier tunnel is being built as part of the 13-mile-long Brightwater conveyance system that will carry treated wastewater from the treatment plant to a new outfall in Puget Sound. JCT is already working on Brightwater’s four-mile-long West Tunnel, "Elizabeth," through Shoreline from Point Wells to Ballinger, which is expected to be successfully completed in the next few weeks.

Construction on the two central tunnels, referred to as BT-2 and BT-3, Kenmore to Bothell and Kenmore to Ballinger, was temporarily suspended in May 2009, after inspections revealed extensive damage to the cutterhead rims on two tunnel boring machines.

The damage required complex repairs before additional mining could proceed. The repairs have pushed back the date of tunnel completion, though the Brightwater Treatment Plant itself remains on schedule to open in the fall of 2011. VPFK successfully repaired the BT-2 machine, nicknamed “Helene,” and tunnel construction resumed this week. BT-2 has completed about 1.5 miles of the 2.2-mile segment from Kenmore to Bothell.

VPFK estimates that an additional $98 million will be required for them to repair the second damaged machine and complete the BT-3 tunnel. King County staff estimates the project would not be completed until December 2013, resulting in a cost increase and a significant schedule delay that the Executive has deemed unacceptable.

“We believe JCT can complete this portion of the unfinished tunnel project at substantially lower cost and in significantly less time,” said Christie True, Director of the Wastewater Treatment Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

“Timely completion is critical to ensure our regional wastewater system has enough capacity to serve population growth, protect public health and the environment and support economic recovery as we emerge from a serious recession,” True said.

The BT-3 machine, nicknamed “Rainier,” began tunneling west from the Brightwater North Kenmore portal, located near the intersection of 80th Ave NE and NE 195th Street, in fall 2007. The machine is currently 330 feet underground and has completed about 1.9 miles of the nearly four-mile segment of tunnel that terminates at the Brightwater Ballinger Way portal, located just west of 19th Avenue Northeast in Shoreline's Ballinger business district.

King County project managers do not yet know the extent of the costs associated with the delays and repairs, or who will ultimately bear responsibility for any additional costs. Both issues will be subject to negotiation with the companies involved.

The King County Council must approve the extension of the waiver of competitive bidding for the change in contractor.


People enjoy clean water and a healthy environment because of King County's wastewater treatment program. The county’s Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health, the environment and the economy by serving 17 cities, 17 local sewer districts and more than 1.5 million residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Formerly called Metro, the regional clean-water agency now operated by King County has been preventing water pollution for nearly 50 years.

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