Legislative Update from Rep. Ruth Kagi, Putting Washington’s businesses first

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The entrepreneurial spirit has always been high here in Washington, and legislators know that small, local businesses are the key to our economic recovery. So we took steps this session to protect those companies, even as it became necessary to increase revenues:
  • You’ve heard about the coming increase in the tax on beer. But that increase will only apply to the large, out-of-state breweries, not our small, local ones.
  • We raised the B and O tax credit for many small businesses, helping them create new jobs.
  • We closed loopholes in the tax code that benefit out-of-state companies, helping to level the playing field for our home-grown businesses.
  • We extended the rural county sales tax deferral program until 2020 to spur manufacturing and high-tech investment all over Washington.

Washington state is proud to be home to world-leading companies like Amazon, Boeing, Costco, Microsoft, and Starbuck’s. Independent experts all across the country rank our state as among the best places in the nation to do business:
  • In 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked our state as the No. 1 place to start a business.
  • The Tax Foundation put Washington in the top 10 states for business-friendly taxes.
  • Last year Forbes Magazine said Washington was the No. 3 state in the nation for business.
  • Moody's has identified the top five states that will recover fastest from the global recession; they are Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
  • The Kauffman Foundation of Entrepreneurship ranked Washington as the No. 2 state in the nation.
These national assessments of our business climate provide some needed perspective on the negative claims frequently heard in our media.

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Teacher of the Year reception Monday, May 3

Monday, April 26, 2010

Einstein principal Stephanie Clark, Shoreline Teacher of the Year Joneen Richards, and Superintendent Sue Walker. Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.


The members of the Shoreline School Board
and Sue Walker, Superintendent,
cordially invite you to a reception honoring
certificated staff members
and
Joneen Richards of Einstein Middle School,
2010 Shoreline Teacher of the Year

Monday, May 3, 2010,
6:30 p.m., in the Shoreline Center Lobby,

18560 1st Avenue Northeast
Desserts by Shorewood Culinary Arts

Please join us to honor Joneen Richards and express appreciation to all of our caring and dedicated certificated staff members during Shoreline Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3 to 7.

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Shoreline Police Blotter – 4-14 to 4-20-2010


By Diane Hettrick
(Comments and categories are mine – don’t blame the police department)

OMG

4-14…..N 180th /Aurora. Passenger told a Metro bus driver she could get shot.  (I don’t think that was in the personnel handbook.)

4-18…..167xx 16th NW. Old Olin Railroad Torpedo found in home. Disposed of by Bomb Disposal Unit. (According to Wikipedia: A railway detonator, called a torpedo in North America, is a device used to make a loud sound as a warning signal to train engineers. - that's a relief)

4-18…..N 155 /Aurora, Safeway. Suspicious contact with two in Safeway parking lot reveals non-ex warrants and a note signed in blood admitting to the execution of “two people.”


White Collar

4-14…..20121 Aurora, Cash Express. Received a bad check.


If you go down to the woods today, you’d better not go alone…

4-14…..NE 150th / 22nd NE, South Woods Park. Someone forcibly took computer from victim. (Note to students: don’t take the short cut through South Woods and don’t leave your backpack unattended at the Skate Park. It’ll save us all money.)

4-20…..East storefront. Juvenile reported he had been robbed at knifepoint of his sweater and shoes at 800 NE 165th along the south entrance to Northcrest Park.


Shoreline / Hollywood

4-14…..191xx 3rd NW. Picked up juvenile runaways from Spruce Street in Seattle. (Spruce Street is a facility for runaway juveniles.)
4-16…..7xx N 184th. Runaway.
4-19…..155xx 27th NE. Girl in foster care ran away with boyfriend. They’ve done this before. 


Death

4-15…..175xx 10th NW. Death of resident at adult family home.


Car prowl / Cars abandoned

4-15…..18407 Aurora, Radio Shack. Broke car windows, stole items.
4-16…..15x NE 147th. Slashed tires.
4-19…..170xx 15th NE, Center for Human Services. Tires slashed on two vehicles.
4-19…..167xx Ashworth. Abandoned car.


You can’t teach an old dog

4-15…..15x NE 168. Son bought Dad a cell phone. Dad left it in the car. It was stolen and used. Dad didn’t know it was gone. (I told you I didn’t need that dol-gurned thing.)


Beer / Tools (no cigarettes or clothes this week)

4-15…..17202 15th NE, Safeway. Juvenile stole beer.
4-19…..15711 Aurora, Sears. Shoplifted tools.


Family Drama

4-15…..167xx N Park N. Police were called because of a disturbance. When they arrived, one person was outside. The one inside was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Drugs found in house.

4-16…..1201 N 175th, Top Foods food court. Husband and wife got in fight. He grabbed her and hurt her thumb.

4-16…..3xx NE 175th. Woman tried to throw boyfriend out. He wouldn’t leave, they fought. She tried to call the police, he grabbed the phone and broke her nails. (Gasp! That nail job was new and had little stars and stripes on them. Do you have any idea how much that costs? You’ll pay for this. I’m calling the cops for real now.)

4-17…..14xx NW RB Rd, Meadowbrook Apts. Girlfriend reported that ex-boyfriend was sitting in his car in front of her apartment, threatening to shoot himself. No gun found.

4-18…..5xx N 205th. Stepson threatened step-father with a knife.

4-18…..155xx Stone N. Old boyfriend showed up and made a scene, threatened suicide. Ex-girlfriend is now married. (He probably wasn’t invited to the wedding).

4-19…..14x NE 154th. Family fight.

4-20…..145xx 31st NE. Mom called when son and daughter got in a fight and son pushed daughter to floor.


There are 4 years left on the King County initiative to end homelessness in 10 years

4-17…..14910 Aurora, Seattle Restaurant Store. Transient reported to be living there at night.


Old-fashioned theft / robbery

4-17…..200xx 8th NW. Electronics stolen. No sign of forced entry.
4-19…..20003 Aurora, Aurora Village Mart. Two males 18-22 years old, took money from clerk.


Like (cops) shooting fish in a barrel

4-17…..N183/Aurora. Driving With License Revoked.
4-18…..N 155th /Aurora. Driving With License Revoked.
4-18…..N 155th /Aurora, 3:29 am. DUI, suspended license.
4-19…..N 155th /Aurora. Driving With License Revoked.
4-20…..N 165th/Aurora. Traffic stop. Marijuana in car. Outstanding warrant from Ellensburg for marijuana.


Hmmm

4-18…..170xx 2nd NW. Driver drove car into tree then fled the scene.


No longer welcome

4-18…..16716 Aurora, Club Hollywood. Drunk and causing a scene. Trespassed.

4-19…..21x NE 168. Victim says neighbor lives in back yard with two young children and is throwing rocks at her windows.

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Kenmore Junior High arson fire confined to courtyard walkway

At 5:05 am this morning, the Northshore Fire Department responded to a fire at Kenmore Junior High, 20323 66th Ave NE, Kenmore. Firefighters extinguished a fire located in a covered walkway adjacent to the gymnasium.

The King County Fire Investigator has determined that the fire was caused by arson.


The fire investigator posted ARSON signs on the school campus that include the arson hotline phone number, 1-800-ARSON. Anyone who has information about the fire should call the arson hotline or Fire Marshal Jeff LaFlam at the Northshore Fire Department at 425-486-2784.

“The covered walkway, located in a courtyard, cannot be seen from the street so it’s fortunate that the fire was discovered by the school janitor in its early stage,” said Terri Jones, Northshore Fire Department Public Information Officer.

The Northshore Fire Department (King County Fire District No. 16) serves Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, with fire stations in each city. Lake Forest Park students attend schools in the Shoreline School District. Kenmore students attend schools in the Northshore School District.

Information from Northshore Fire

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Tulip festival

The Skagit Valley tulip festival is an annual trek for many Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents. Photographer Steven H. Robinson took this shot earlier this month.

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Aurora construction update week of April 25



Roadway excavation

Crews will begin grinding and removing asphalt in the work zone area on the east side of Aurora. The roadway will then be excavated down to the final roadway sub-grade level. Asphalt removal and excavation is expected to take about a week and a half, and will be followed by extensive sub-grade preparation work. Temporary crushed rock driveways will be installed to maintain access to businesses during excavation. A small, rolled asphalt curb was temporarily installed along the west edge of the work zone to keep water out of the excavation area. After roadway excavation, crews will begin pouring concrete curbs and bus pads. This work will take several days and may impact access to driveways for a certain period of time. Affected businesses will be notified ahead of time.

Utility installations

Crews will continue installing utility vaults on Aurora , Midvale Avenue, N 182nd Street, and on N 175th Street during the daytime. Water and storm drain work will also continue on Aurora, 175th, and Midvale.

Temporary lane closures on Aurora starting Monday evening

Crews will continue installing water main lines across Aurora at specific locations between N 165th and N 175th Streets. This work will occur at night from Monday through Thursday and will require single lane closures in each direction during construction activity. Traffic will be directed by uniformed police officers and flaggers. All lanes will be reopened by 5:00 a.m.


Potholing on N 175th Street

To prepare for vault and joint utility trench installation on N 175th Street, east of Aurora, crews will “pothole” in the roadway to confirm the location of buried water lines. This work may require intermittent, temporary lane closures on 175th.

Street light base installation

Crews are installing permanent street light bases, or “luminaire” bases, on Aurora between N 165th and N 175th Streets. 

Help us keep a safe construction area by:
  • Driving carefully in all construction zones and following the directions of signs and flaggers.
  • Never turning left across a single yellow line when travelling onto or off of various segments of Aurora between N 165th to N 185th Streets. This includes making left-turns when leaving businesses on Aurora.
  • Making left-turns off of Aurora Avenue at signalized intersections at N 165th, N 175th, and N 185th Streets.
  • Adhering to the 35 MPH speed limit enforced throughout the corridor.
  • Using pedestrian crosswalks and avoiding designated work zones.
  • Watching for construction activities near the Interurban Trail.

Please contact the 24-hour hotline at (206) 801-2485 or email aurora@shorelinewa.gov if you feel there is an unsafe situation on the roadway. 

Construction hours are 8 am Sunday through 5 p.m. Friday. There will be no construction on Saturdays.

Regular daytime construction hours
Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Night-time construction hours allowed
Sunday to Thursday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

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SHIBA & Senior Rights & Assistance

From the SL-LFP Senior Center
SHIBA, Senior Rights and Assistance is a statewide network of trained volunteers who educate, assist and advocate for seniors about their rights and options regarding health insurance and health care access so they can more informed choices.

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.

At this time the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center does not have a representative available at the Center, but anyone in need of assistance or interested in volunteering can call Senior Services downtown at 206-448-5720.

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Schools Foundation raises $60,000 in March event


The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation held its annual fundraiser breakfast and lunch at the Shoreline Center on March 25.

The program featured some of the recipients of past grants from the Foundation. The crowd pleaser was the robotics lab group from Einstein, which demonstrated its robots. Students explained to the bemused crowd how they simply lifted the lid and inserted code.


 Students who had been given grants to attend summer school talked about their experiences and how much summer school had helped them.
Principal Paul Shanahan of Echo Lake was there with three second graders. According to Principal Shanahan, "The Echo Lake second grade classrooms created Reading Rainbow book reviews using new Flip cameras purchased with a Foundation grant. The Flip camera are small, inexpensive, and don't have any wires. They create small files that are easily shared between computers and online. The video book reviews were presented to parents at Open House and posted to the teacher webpages." 

The students shared with the audience how they chose a book with a partner, read it, wrote a review, revised the review, and then memorized the review to share on camera.

Filmmaker Rick Stevenson gave an update on his 5,000 Day project, which films students talking about their lives. His project has followed students for a decade, starting in elementary school.

Jack Rogers, retired Shoreline Schools teacher / administrator, and project coordinator of Shore to Shore and Line to Line, a History of the Shoreline School District, was honored with a special award.

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation Board of Trustees wish to thank everyone who helped raise $60,000 at our 17th Annual Spring Event on March 25.

For those who were unable to join us, our day was complete with music, robots, readers, and we heard from students whose lives have been affected by your generosity.

It’s never too late to give – donate online, mail in a check, or call the SPSF office at 206-368-4107.

Your donation has a profound way of impacting children’s lives and that makes the future brighter for all of us. Thank you!

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

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Legislative Update from Rep. Ruth Kagi: Celebrating Earth Day

Sunday, April 25, 2010


April 22 marked the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Not too many people remember that it was a Washington state resident, Denis Hayes, who organized the first Earth Day in 1970. It’s worth noting that Washington state continues to be a national leader in keeping our air, land and water clean and healthy.

Just this year, we led the way on banning the toxic chemical Bisphenol A from baby bottles, sippy cups and sports bottles. We were the second state to ban this chemical in sports bottles, and the fifth in children’s dishware. Bisphenol A is an estrogen-mimicking chemical that causes a range of developmental issues, with fetuses and infants being most susceptible. There's currently a big push to make this national law.

And remember the headlines a few years ago about the toxics being found in all kinds of children's toys? In 2008 we passed the first bill in the nation with strong standards for lead, cadmium and phthalates in children’s toys and products. Our Toxic Toys bill was so successful the Federal Government recently passed its own version modeled on much of what we had accomplished.

This year we also passed the first law in the country that begins to phase out copper brake pads. Every time a car or truck hits the brakes, a little bit of copper dust falls to the roadway. Eventually that copper gets washed into our streams and rivers and damages our salmon runs. We’re hopeful our efforts will be a catalyst for protecting fish all across the country.

Another big win for the environment this year was passage of the comprehensive producer responsibility program for mercury-containing light bulbs. This is the second such program to be launched in the whole country. People frequently toss their bulbs in their trash where the mercury slowly leaks into our groundwater supplies. Mercury harms the brain, kidney and liver, and this program ensures convenient access to disposal in all areas of the state and holds the producers of these light bulbs accountable for paying for their safe disposal.

This is in addition to our state's E-Waste program, the first in the nation to provide manufacturer-funded free recycling of computers, monitors, laptops and televisions. The program went into effect last year and collected 38 million pounds of TVs and computers. Check here for drop-off information.

There's more we could highlight, but the point is that we have long been champions of policies that not only protect our planet, but protect the health of the people who inhabit it.

Here are tips and ideas on how you can do the same.
Best regards,
Ruth 

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King County Council April 26 - 30

Shoreline and Lake Forest Park are represented on the King County Council by Bob Ferguson. He can be contacted by phone at 206-296-1001 or email.

This week at the County Council: Meeting highlights April 26-30, 2010

Monday, April 26
King County Flood Control District Executive Committee

Committee members are scheduled to discuss and possibly recommend to the full board of supervisors:
  • A resolution relating to District projects, and authorizing grant agreements with County municipalities to carry out and accomplish District projects.
Briefing
  • 2012 Flood Hazard Plan Update

Metropolitan King County Council – 11:00 a.m.

Councilmembers are scheduled to discuss and possibly act on:
  • A motion supporting the efforts of the King County Sheriff’s Office to create a proactive criminal activity assessment and prevention program (Motion 2010-0224).
  • A motion expressing the Council’s support for the preservation of currently unprotected areas of the Cascade Mountain Range (Motion 2010-0195).

King County Ferry District – 1:30 p.m.

Board members are scheduled to discuss and possibly act on:
  • A resolution authorizing the Chair of the District enter a contract with the County to participate in the King County Investment Pool (FD 2010-08).

Tuesday, April 27
Environment and Transportation Committee – 9:30 a.m.
Committee members are scheduled to discuss and possibly recommend to the full council:
  • A motion approving a report on steps to maintain the county’s longstanding relationship with the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Service (Motion 2010-0160).

Discussion:
  • An ordinance relating to adopting the shoreline master program (Ordinance 2009-0609).

Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee – 1:30 p.m.
Briefing:
  • Expansion of Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) funded expansion of Mental Health Court to all jurisdictions of King County (Briefing No. 2010-B0084).

Wednesday, April 28
Committee of the Whole – 9:30 a.m.

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Evan Smith: LFP Council won’t opt out of voters’ pamphlet for levy measure

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer


Former Lake Forest Park Councilwoman Carolyn Armanini asked a week ago whether the LFP City Council was considering opting out of the voters’ pamphlet for a tax measure on the August primary ballot.

In a letter here, Armanini compared the possibility of keeping the tax-measure out of the voters’ pamphlet to the School District’s opting out during the February special election.

Since then, the Council has passed a resolution specifying that there will be a voters' pamphlet published for this and future elections.

The Council then passed another resolution to put a levy-lid lift on the August ballot.

Councilmen Don Fiene and John Wright both told me recently that the Council had never considered opting out of the voters’ pamphlet.

Armanini had pointed to a City staff attachment to a draft of the levy-lift resolution that showed critical dates for the August election, including the deadline day for deciding not to have a measure included in the voters’ pamphlet.

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Children's Country Home hosts fundraiser at Teatro ZinZanni

Saturday, April 24, 2010


From Veronica Cook, Board Member, Children's Country Home

The children, staff and board of Children's Country Home invite you to support our mission by joining us for Love, Chaos and Brunch at Teatro ZinZanni on Saturday, May 15.

It is a show unlike any other, a whirlwind of cirque, comedy and cabaret all served up with a brunch feast designed by celebrated chef Tom Douglas. Tickets are $100; and $75 for children. Bring your family of 4 or more and receive a 10 percent discount. Teatro ZinZanni is sure to dazzle and we look forward to seeing you there.

Where: 222 Mercer Street, Seattle
When: Saturday, May 15, 12 noon – 2 pm
Call 425-806-9453 Ext. 303 for tickets or more information.

Founded in 1997, Children’s Country Home is an 8-bed, non-profit home that provides 24-hour skilled care to medically fragile and technology-dependent children from infancy through young adulthood. Children's Country Home is licensed as a home healthcare agency and pediatric group home. Services are available for children needing long-term, respite, transitional and end-of-life care.

Shorewood student Melanie lived there when she was recovering from her motorcycle accident. Another Shorewood student lived there for her end of life care.

They are trying to raise money to purchase a new house so that when kids like Mel turn 18, they don't have to move out. 

Photo by Veronica Cook

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Washington DOT to hold a roundtable for minority and women contractors

Minority and women-owned businesses that desire to work on state transportation construction projects will join Washington State Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration officials, along with state lawmakers for a community roundtable in Shoreline.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, April 27, from 6 – 8 pm at the Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave, Shoreline 98133.

The community roundtable is an opportunity for minority and women contractors to voice concerns and discuss barriers to participating on WSDOT construction projects. The goal of the roundtable is to bring all parties together to find solutions.

Topics that will be covered during the roundtable include:

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals
  • Barriers to participation
  • DBE support services program
  • U.S. Department of Transportation’s bonding assistance program
  • WSDOT’s DBE plan
  • Upcoming projects
  • DBE certification

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) is a program intended to increase the opportunities for minority and women-owned small businesses to participate in federally-funded projects. WSDOT provides training and business support services to help DBEs become successful in doing business with the agency.

The roundtable is free of charge, however space is limited and reservations were required by Friday, April 23. To inquire, call toll-free 1-888-259-9143 or e-mail.

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Shoreline School Board, March 8, High School projects, neighborhood meetings


BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
March 8, 2010
Submitted by Debi Ehrlichman, Board Member
Full Board minutes available on the Shoreline District website


3) High School Projects, Shorewood, Shorecrest - Neighborhood Input Meeting

Marcia Harris, Deputy Superintendent; Brian Schultz, Executive Director of Schools; and Calvin Gasaway, Shorecrest Project Manager, reviewed the six project phases--pre-design, design, bid and award, construction, occupancy, and closeout. The design phase is comprised of schematic design, design development, and construction documents and includes the following steps:

Schematic Design
  • Relationship of rooms to each other (District is at this stage with both high schools)
  • Massing, structure and openings
  • Identify possible building systems
Design Development
  • Internal workings of rooms
  • Materials, finishes, fixtures and equipment
  • Confirm building systems
Construction Documents
  • Details of rooms 
  • Specialties and treatments

It is anticipated that the schematic design portion will be completed at the end of this school year and the remainder of the design phase will be done early in the second half of 2011. Brian Schultz will be the primary person working with the project managers, architects, and the two principals.

One of the City of Shoreline requirements for these two projects is that there be a neighborhood meeting for the neighbors that live within 500 feet of each site. Two meetings were scheduled for March 24 one for the Shorecrest neighborhood at 6 pm and one for the Shorewood neighborhood at 7:30 pm. Invitations were mailed to those neighbors mentioned above as well as to the neighborhood associations. The agendas for each meeting were reviewed with the Board.

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Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Mother’s Day Plant Sale and Open House May 6-9


Enjoy your local botanic garden on Mother’s Day weekend

At MsK Rare and Native Plant Nursery’s traditional spring sale, you’ll find the best selection of the year on choice native plants, spring bulbs and ephemerals, and unusual exotics. Since the sale is located within the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, you can see how your plants will look as they mature. The sale has now been a Richmond Beach tradition for 23 years. 

All proceeds support operation of the Garden and its educational programs for the community. 

In addition to the sale, there is a free Garden tour on Saturday, May 8 and educational family activities all day on Sunday and Monday, May 8 and 9.

Due to limited parking at the Garden, all driving visitors are asked to use the off-site parking locations and shuttle service provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The shuttle is fast and convenient, and all riders will receive a coupon to use at the Sale.

More information is available at the Kruckeberg website or by calling 206-546-1281.

Thursday May 6, 10 am - 7 pm – Members Only Pre-Sale

A special pre-sale event open only to members of the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation. Members get to shop early for best selection. New members welcome to join at the Sale.

Friday May 7, 10 am - 5 pm

Open to the public. Off-site parking and shuttle at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 Northwest 195th St.

Saturday May 8, 10 am - 5 pm

Open to the public. Free garden tour at 1 pm and family educational activities available all day.

Off-site parking and shuttle at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th St. Shuttle also links to the Richmond Beach Strawberry Festival and other neighborhood events throughout the day. Stay for the day and enjoy Richmond Beach. More information is available at Richmond Beach website.

Sunday May 9, 10 am - 5 pm

Open to the public. Free family educational activities available all day. Off-site parking and shuttle at Spin Alley Bowling Center, 1430 Richmond Beach Road.

Photos courtesy Kruckeberg Gardens

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Point Wells: From the developer's viewpoint


The internationally recognized architecture firm of Perkins+Will has been retained to develop initial design concepts for the planned redevelopment at Point Wells as a residential/mixed-use community.

Point Wells / Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times / July 23, 2009

Point Wells encompasses approximately 61 acres on the Puget Sound waterfront in the southwest corner of unincorporated Snohomish County. Owned by Paramount of Washington, LLC, the Point Wells site hosts the marine fuels distribution center and asphalt facility of Paramount Petroleum Corporation. Following the implementation of Point Wells' urban center designation and the adoption by Snohomish County of a new Urban Center zoning code, the site would undergo a multi-year environmental remediation prior to the site’s potential redevelopment. Perkins+Will has been retained to advise Paramount on the site’s redevelopment potential.

“A key factor in selecting Perkins+Will is the firm’s emphasis on designing environmentally sustainable projects,” said Paramount Petroleum Environmental Manager Mark Wells. “Because we know this is a very special site, our vision is to transform Point Wells into a showcase for transit oriented, sustainable redevelopment.”

Paramount’s initial vision for Point Wells includes a wide range of potential design features focusing on sustainability, public access and the re-introduction of natural habitats, and minimizing impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods. Sustainable features under consideration include new heating technologies to supplement standard methods, reduction of typical water use, graywater re-use, and other “green” construction elements. Public access to the three-quarter mile of sandy beachfront and pedestrian/bicycle facilities would be incorporated into the eventual design. The high-density community would be built around multiple transportation options to encourage alternatives to automobile use. The re-introduction of forested conditions to the site’s open space, restoring the natural stream, and enhancing salmon habitat are a part of Paramount’s vision.

Wells said that preliminary studies have concluded that the project will produce economic benefits for the community, including jobs and tax revenues, during construction and beyond. Site demolition, environmental remediation and construction could be conducted in phases with a goal of minimizing impacts in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Perkins+Will has an extensive track record of success in designing award-winning projects, including the internationally-recognized Dockside Green development in Victoria, B.C. When it was completed in 2008, the first residential phase of Dockside Green became the highest scoring LEED Platinum Certified project in the world. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices.

“This is an extremely exciting project for us,” said Kay Kornovich, Perkins+Will’s managing principal in Seattle. “Point Wells has the potential to be a premier example of how to best redevelop a long-time industrial site in an environmentally sustainable manner. It’s obviously one of the most beautiful locations in the region. And the mandate we’ve been given is to be creative and innovative in designing a project that recognizes its unique location and characteristics, while maintaining a sharp focus on sustainability and public access as well as maintaining as much open space as possible. Our firm is committed to making Point Wells the ‘next generation’ example of a fully sustainable community.”

“Sustainable design is more than a process of reducing environmental impact,” said Peter Busby, AIA, Perkins+Will design principal and an acknowledged leader in North America’s sustainable design movement. “Sustainability is an essential part of everything we do. It is a holistic approach that incorporates environmental concerns into the design process from the start. Our philosophy is to design projects that not only contribute to human well-being, but also enhance the future of our planet.”

Berkeley, California-based Peter Walker and Partners (PWP), have also been retained to develop the landscape design for the project. Maximizing the site’s unique assets, the development would provide improved habitat and open space in the unique shoreside environment. The introduction of bicycle and pedestrian pathways along Puget Sound, together with a natural stream and restored beachfront, provide the basis of PWP's various possibilities for the site.

Perkins+Will and PWP are collaborating with a wide variety of public agencies and private interest groups to design a large “gateway” park at the east landing of the new Bay Bridge in the San Francisco Bay area. The diverse park is currently in the master plan/conceptual design phase of the 10 month process.

Perkins+Will and PWP Landscape Design are recognized nationally and internationally for setting industry standards for design innovation and for working with some of the world’s most admired clients.

“We look forward to the process of meeting with governmental leaders and our neighbors in surrounding communities. We’ve got the right team in place to provide innovative design concepts for the redevelopment of Point Wells in a way that we can all be proud of,” said Wells.

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Shoreline Community College’s CNC Basic Machining Program makes the “A” Team


Shoreline Community College’s CNC Machinist program gets a 4.0 with its recent accreditation by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

“Getting this accreditation is really good news for our students,” said SCC’s CNC instructor Keith Smith. “With industry using the credentials to recruit, hire and promote machinists, and with few other programs in the state providing the NIMS stamp of approval, Shoreline students are ahead of the game.“

College officials and Smith, who has been at Shoreline for five years and worked as a machinist for 22, decided several years ago to pursue NIMS accreditation for the CNC program. Although students were receiving excellent training and education at Shoreline, Smith said he knew that the accreditation would provide nationally recognized skill sets that would set them apart in the job market.

The CNC Machinist program is involved with a number of innovative programs. The NIMS accreditation effort was already underway when the program received a grant that helped it expand the number of student slots. That grant is administered by the National Association of Manufacturers. The money also adds support for the students both in class and out on the job market.

The CNC Machinist training is also one of Shoreline’s designated Integrated Basic Education Skills Training (I-BEST) programs. I-BEST also adds in-class support for students needing help with English and basic education such as math and reading.

“It is wonderful getting these students into jobs that provide salaries that can support families,” David Cunningham, Dean of Workforce Education, said.

Smith said the I-BEST designation is a real asset to students. Now, students who need help with English and math can enter the program and get the one-on-one help they need with basic skills from one instructor and their machinist training from Smith.

“Before this was an I-BEST program, I was too busy in the classroom to find the time I needed to help one-on-one in the shop as often as I’d like,” Smith said. “Now we’ve got Chris (Lindberg) to help the students with their basic skills, freeing up time for me to work in the shop with students. It’s a win-win situation.”

Susan Hoyne, Dean of Science, Mathematics and Manufacturing points out that the NIMS credentials could also help when the college lobbies for state funding. “We are asking for help supporting a population that really needs help at the same time we are asking for dollars to support our local economy – and they (local business) have already let us know they want our students,” Hoyne said.

“It’s pretty obvious that our program and our instructors are respected across the board,” said Cunningham, referring to the positive comments by employers. “They really are impressed with our grads who work at their shops.”

Although students can earn a Certificate in Basic Manufacturing in just one quarter and move immediately into an entry-level job, Smith said the majority of students complete the CNC Machinist or the CNC Technology program, a three-quarter commitment.



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Evan Smith: Rep. Maralyn Chase to discuss election plans Monday

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Democratic State Rep. Maralyn Chase has scheduled a news conference for 5 pm Monday, April 26, at Shoreline City Hall “to discuss 2010 election plans.”

A few days ago, Chase’s plans were clear.

She had filed with the State public disclosure commission as a candidate for her current position in the State House of Representatives. Then she sought and won the support of the 32nd District Democratic Organization as a candidate for that position.

Now, that’s changed with Sen. Darlene Fairley’s announcement that she wouldn’t seek a fifth four-year term in the Senate.

A Chase challenge to Fairley was rumored four years ago, but Chase said at the time that she wouldn’t challenge a Democratic incumbent.

Now, there is no incumbent, leaving the seat open.

The Shoreline City Hall is at 17500 Midvale Ave in Shoreline.

Meanwhile, the 32nd District Democrats have scheduled a new nominating convention for Wednesday, May 12, at the Shoreline American Legion Hall, 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline.

An announcement from the District Democrats says, “The purpose of the Nominating meeting is to choose an official Democratic Party nominee for the 32nd Legislative District positions, all of which will be on the ballot in 2010,” apparently, meaning not just the now-open Senate seat but the House seats now held by Chase and Rep. Ruth Kagi.

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Be Earth-Friendly on Earth Day at Goodwill

Friday, April 23, 2010

If you haven’t thought about how you can reduce your impact on the planet, now is the perfect time. This also happens to be a time when many people begin spring cleaning. Rather than throw your stuff out, consider bringing items you no longer need to Goodwill, and you’ll be doing a great service to the environment.

While tackling those attics, basements and closets, think about the ways your stuff can be reused. For instance, you may not want that set of golf clubs or kitchen table anymore, but there’s probably someone in the community who would love to have it. Goodwill can find new homes for these items, making the organization a great place to bring clothing, books, furniture, toys, housewares and other items that still have lots of life left in them. What’s more, when you donate these items, you help Goodwill provide free job training and education programs to people in our community.

You can also be Earth-friendly by recycling items. Goodwill participates in a successful program called E-Cycle Washington. Just bring in your old televisions, computers, monitors and laptops to Goodwill’s Donation Centers, and they will be responsibly recycled, free of charge.

Goodwill is a community resource to help you reduce, reuse and recycle on Earth Day and every other day. There are two Goodwill Donation Centers in Shoreline - the store, and the donation drop-off.

Shoreline Goodwill Store
14500 15th Avenue NE
Shoreline, WA 98155
(206) 631-8454
Donation Center Hours APRIL - OCTOBER
Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 am to 7 pm

Shoreline Goodwill Donation drop-off
Shoreline Park and Ride
192nd and Aurora


Seattle Goodwill Industries is a private, nonprofit organization that has served the central and northern Puget Sound since 1923. It provides free job-training and education programs and services that help low-income and underserved people obtain the skills they need to secure employment so they may achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information about Goodwill programs, call toll free at 1-877-GIVE4GOOD or visit the web site.

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Poetry Month Celebration, Thursday, April 29 - Student winners

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council
Announces the
The Third Annual Poetry Month Celebration
Thursday, April 29 – 7:00 pm
Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park
Free Community Event


Winners in the Student Division:

(Juror Janée J. Baugher’s comments included)

First Place: Beatrice Garrard - The Practice Room
Edmonds Woodway High School
“I was especially impressed with the intriguing, contemplative narrative, as well as the vivid, imaginative details.”


Second: Place: Hallie Dunham - So Late, Too Soon
The Evergreen School
“Enviable use of compression, rhythm, and typographical arrangement.”


Third Place: Kathryn Hedges - Galaxy
Shorecrest High School
“A whimsical poem with lovely imaginative leaps. The poem’s conceit resolved in a most surprising way.”


Honorable Mentions:

First: Kamile Jordan - So Be It
The Evergreen School
“Excellent union between literal and figurative language. Super use of repetition.”


Second Place: Kamile Jordan - Something Un-kept
The Evergreen School
“A sophisticated metaphorical poem that evoked yearning and mystery.”



About the Juror:

Originally from Renton, Washington, Janée J. Baugher has performed at Bumbershoot, Get Lit!, Arts Edge Arts Festival, and is a former Jack Straw Writer. Currently, Baugher just completed her second term as a Humanities Washington Inquiring Minds Speaker. Since receiving an MFA degree from Eastern Washington University, Baugher has taught at Highline Community College, UW-Experimental College, and Richard Hugo House. A former poetry editor of Willow Springs and Switched-on Gutenberg, Baugher regularly collaborates with visual artists, composers, and choreographers. Her recent collaborations were produced at University of Cincinnati–Conservatory of Music, Interlochen Center for the Arts (Interlochen, MI), and Dance Now! Ensemble (Miami Beach, FL). Her début collection of poems is Coördinates of Yes (Ahadada Books, 2010.)


More on the featured poets:

Jared Leising:

Poet Jared Leising has been selected by Jack Straw Productions as the curator of their 2010 Writers Program. Jared is the author of the chapbook The Widows and Orphans of Winesburg, Ohio. His poems have appeared in various Washington publications such as Pontoon, Crab Creek Review, and Stringtown, as well as on Metro Buses and local radio. Jared was selected by Nancy Rawles as a Jack Straw Writer in 2001, has worked as a writer-in-residence for Ballard and Nathan Hale High Schools, been a nominee for Seattle Poet Populist, and before moving to Seattle, he received his M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Houston. Currently, he teaches English at Cascadia Community College, serves as president of the Washington Community College Humanities Association, and is on the board of directors at 826 Seattle.


Kelli Russell Agodon:

Kelli Russell Agodon is the winner of the 2009 White Pine Press Poetry Prize judged by Carl Dennis. Her manuscript, Letters from the Emily Dickinson Room, will be published by White Pine Press in the fall of 2010. Kelli was born and raised in Seattle, is a graduate of Shorecrest High School, and attended the University of Washington and Pacific Lutheran University's Rainier Writing Workshop, where she received her MFA in creative writing. She is also the author of Small Knots (2004) and Geography, winner of the 2003 Floating Bridge Press Chapbook Award. Currently, Kelli lives in the Northwest with her family. She is the co-editor of the literary journal, Crab Creek Review.


The M.C.:


Aarene Storms is a librarian, a storyteller, and a huge fan of poetry. She serves as a judge for the King County Library System Teen Poetry Contest, and originated and maintains the annual "Serendipity Poetry Project", which places printed poetry in unexpected locations inside local public libraries, including the libraries in Lake Forest Park and Richmond Beach. She also shares stories, music and poetry as a storytelling-host of KSER Radio's Sunday morning program Global Griot.

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