SCC Volleyball is upset by Olympic College

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Lisa Day had 20 kills to lead SCC.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi.

The Olympic College Rangers shocked the Lady Dolphin Volleyball Team on Friday night in Bremerton, WA, as they dropped SCC 3 games to 1. SCC had defeated Olympic 3-0 at Shoreline back on October 7th.

SCC lost the first game, 25-23, pounded OC 25-16 in the second game, but was beat badly in the 3rd game themselves, 25-17 and then lost a tough 4th game, 26-24.

Lisa Day led SCC with 20 kills, followed by Hannah Stoeve with 14 kills and Jazmyn Ray with 13. Christine Jenson had 34 assists.

SCC is now 15-7 overall, and 5-1 in the Northern Region, Bellevue College moved a half of a game ahead of SCC in the standings now with a 6-1 record. Olympic improves to 10-18 overall and 4-3 in the region. SCC returns home on Wednesday night to play rival Edmonds Community College at 7:00 PM in the SCC Gym.


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Letter to the Editor: Dwight Thompson ignored the request of the citizens

To the Editor:

In the October 22 edition Ros Bird writes that Dwight Thompson "listens and brings people together for creative solutions." Ros, the voice of last year's "Robo Calls" supporting Prop 1, couldn't be further from the truth.

Last year, for example, both the mayor and Council held public input forums on Prop 1. At both forums all those who expressed an opinion on when the Prop 1 election should be held asked for it to be held in November 2010 when traditionally there is higher voter participation. Dwight had already declared his bias having stated at a Council meeting that "the August election is a better deal for us." He proceeded to simply ignore the request of the citizens. And when Councilmember John Wright made the motion for a November election for Prop 1 Dwight and his allies on the Council withheld the traditional courtesy second to the motion so that Mr. Wright was prevented from even speaking on his motion. So much for "listening and bringing people together."

Alan Kiest
Lake Forest Park


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Shorewood ends Wesco 3A football play with 2-6 record after 56-28 home loss to Glacier Peak

The Shorewood football team finished Western Conference 3A division play with a 2-6 record after a 56-28 home loss to Glacier Peak (5-2 Wesco 3A, 5-3 overall) Friday, Oct. 27. at Shoreline Stadium.

Shorewood will finish its season with two non-league games. The Thunderbirds play host to Sedro Woolley (0-2 Northwest Conference 3A division, 6-2 overall) Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at Shoreline Stadium before ending the season Nov. 1, 2 or 3 against a to-be-determined Wesco 4A opponent.

In the loss to Glacier Peak, Shorewood couldn’t overcome the Grizzlies’ 28-point second quarter that gave Glacier Peak a 49-14 halftime lead. Eugene Holley ran 27 times for 178 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Thunderbirds, the first on an 80-yard run that gave Shorewood a brief 14-7 first-quarter lead.

The Shorewood junior varsity (3-2) plays at Glacier Peak (3-1 Wesco 3A, 4-3 overall) Monday at 3 p.m. The “C” team (1-4, 1-5) plays host to Glacier Peak (3-2, 4-3) Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. at Shoreline Stadium.

Glacier Peak 56, Shorewood 28
At Shoreline Stadium

Glacier Peak 21 28 0 7 -- 56
Shorewood 14 0 7 7 –- 28
Scoring:

SW -- Chris Namba 32 pass from Aaron Miller (kick failed)
GP -- Sean Elledge 81 kickoff return (Branson Corwin kick)
SW -- Eugene Holley 80 run (Chris Namba pass from Aaron Miller)
GP -- Evan Nelson 21 pass from David Linney (Branson Corwin kick)
GP -- Trey Chambers 90 interception return (Branson Corwin kick)
GP -- Sean Elledge 16 pass from David Linney (Branson Corwin kick)
GP -- Sean Elledge 10 pass from David Linney (Branson Corwin kick)
GP -- Sean Elledge 50 fumble return (Branson Corwin kick)
GP -- Evan Nelson 27 pass from David Linney (Branson Corwin kick)
SW -- Levi Diaz 12 run (Chris Namba kick)
SW -- Eugene Holley 4 run (Chris Namba kick)
GP -- Sean Elledge 33 pass from David Linney (Branson Corwin kick)

Wesco 3A Football Standings
Top 3 teams to quad-district; #4 to NW District. Qualifying game
Conference
Overall
Team
W
L
Win %

W
L
Win %

Meadowdale
7
0
1.000

8
0
1.000

Oak Harbor
7
0
1.000

8
0
1.000

Glacier Peak
5
2
.714

5
3
.625

Everett
4
3
.571

5
3
.625

Shorecrest
4
3
.571

4
4
.500

Mountlake Terrace
2
5
.286

2
6
.250

Shorewood
2
6
.250

2
6
.250

Lynnwood
1
6
.143

1
7
.125

Marysville Getchell
0
7
.000

0
8
.000


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Photos: Shorewood vs Glacier Peak October 21

The Shorewood football team finished Western Conference 3A division play with a 2-6 record after a 56-28 home loss to Glacier Peak (5-2 Wesco 3A, 5-3 overall) Friday, October 21. at Shoreline Stadium.


Shoreline's own Cub Pack #325 served as the color guard in opening ceremonies at the game between Shorewood and Glacier Peak.  Photo by Wayne Pridemore.


The Thunderbird defense gang tackles the Grizzlies' ball carrier early in the first quarter.
 Photo by Wayne Pridemore.


Shorewood defensive back Anxhelos Pere brings down wide receiver Quinton Dunbar of the Grizzlies.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.


Chris Namba goes high to make a catch over Glacier Peak's defensive back Trey Chambers.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.


Shorewood runningback, Eugene Holley, follows his blocker, Chris Namba, for a nice gain.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.


Shorewood quarterback Dreden Wright steps back to hand the ball off to runningback Dylan Quigley late in the fourth quarter. Photo by Wayne Pridemore.




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CleanScapes Tip: Safe Medicine Disposal - local drug take-backs

National Pharmaceuticals Take-back Day

Properly dispose of your medications

October 29, 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Shoreline Police Station
1206 N 185th St
Shoreline, Washington 98133


Safe Medicine Disposal

Got meds? Most of us do. Once they expire or are no longer needed, there is a better, safer and healthier solution than flushing them down the drain or throwing them in the garbage.

The Take Back Your Meds program offers drop-off locations throughout Washington and provides a safe way to take back, and dispose of, unwanted medications.

Local Take Back locations
These locations will take your medications on a regular basis, when a pharmacist is on duty.

Bartell Drugs, Shoreline Pharmacy - Gateway Plaza
18420 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline WA 98133-4416
Monday - Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 10am-6pm

Bartell Drugs, Mountlake Terrace - Cedar Plaza
22803 44th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043 - Snohomish County No controlled substances

Bartell Drugs, Edmonds Pharmacy - Westgate
23028 100th Ave. W, Edmonds WA 98020 - Snohomish County Monday-Friday 9am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 10am-6pm No controlled substances
425-774-4916

Group Health Cooperative, Lynnwood Medical Clinic Pharmacy
20200 54th Ave W, Lynnwood WA 98036 - Snohomish County Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm; Saturday 9am-12:30pm
425-672-6460

Controlled substances
Controlled substances are only accepted at participating law enforcement offices. Controlled substances are drugs with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Examples include:
  • Narcotic pain killers such as Vicodin®, OxyContin®, Percocet®, codeine, methadone, Fentanyl® patches and morphine
  • Stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin® and Adderall®
  • Depressants such as Xanax® , Valium® and lorazepam
These locations will take controlled substances on a regular basis, but it is a good idea to call first:

Mountlake Terrace Police
5906 232nd St. SW, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
425-388-3199

Brier Police Station
2901 228th St. SW, Brier WA 98036 - Snohomish County Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Accepts controlled substances
425-388-3199

Edmonds Police
250 Fifth Ave. N, Edmonds WA 98020 - Snohomish County Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Accepts controlled substances
425-388-3199

Take Back locations accept over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, prescription medication, pet meds, inhalers, samples and liquid medications. A complete list of what you can bring to a Take Back location, and which items may need special handling or disposal, is available online.

For the items that cannot be dropped off, such as needles, empty prescription containers and syringes there are alternative disposal solutions available.

What can you take back?
Temporary drop off locations
Frequently asked questions

The Big Picture

Why bring medicines back? After years of flushing unused medicines down the drain, studies are now showing minute levels of pharmaceuticals in waterways and drinking water across the US.

In 1999-2000, the US Geological Survey tested 139 streams throughout the US for the presence of 95 pharmaceuticals. The tests found that 80% of streams contained 1 or more of these pharmaceutical chemicals, 50% of streams contained 7 or more pharmaceutical chemicals and 34% of streams contained 10 or more pharmaceutical chemicals.

Environmental Protection Agency studies in 2007 indicated that over 100 individual PPCPs (Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants) have been identified in environmental samples and drinking water.

In 2008 the Associated Press announced results of their investigative study, reporting that the drinking water for 46 million people has trace amounts of pharmaceuticals.

While more research is needed to determine long term health impacts on humans and aquatic ecosystems from PPCPs, we can help do our part now and dispose of medicine safely.

By keeping unused and expired medicine out of our waterways you can help keep drinking water, waterways and wildlife safe!

Do you have a great idea or community waste reduction project?  Email the CleanScapes waste reduction team.

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Shorewood, Shorecrest tennis players in Northwest District tournament Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Shorewood Tennis is undefeated. (click to enlarge)

The Shorewood boys' tennis team qualified two doubles teams and one singles player for the Northwest District tournament Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Mount Vernon High School, and Shorecrest qualified a singles player and a doubles team.

Juan Ramirez of Shorecrest won the Wesco 3A singles championship, and Hunter Nelson and Miles Jamieson of Shorewood won the doubles championship at Jackson High School in Mill Creek Oct. 18-20, defeating their Meadowdale opponents in straight sets. Nishaant Limaye and Chris Sato of Shorecrest placed fourth in doubles, and Trevor Cronin and Isaac Brengelmann of Shorewood rallied to take fifth in doubles to move on to next week's tournament. Justin Oh of Shorewood also qualified for the District tournament after reaching the other semifinals.

When the District tournament opens Tuesday, Ramirez will meet a Meadowdale player and Oh will meet a Mount Vernon player in the first round of singles play. If both win or both lose, the two could meet in the semifinals later in the day. Nelson and Jamieson will meet a Mountlake Terrace doubles team, Cronin and Brengelmann will play a Meadowdale team, and Limaye and Sato will meet a Ferndale team.

Shorewood coach Arnie Moreno says that his team will be one of the favorites going into the District tournament.

The Shorecrest team finished the dual-meet season tied for second place with Meadowdale behind undefeated Shorewood

Wesco 3A Tournament
At Jackson H.S.

SINGLES

First round—
Juan Ramirez (SC) beat Rumsey (MG) 6-0, 6-0
Justin Oh (SW) beat Luong Hau (Ev) 6-1, 6-1
David Lyons (SC) beat Clausen (MG) 6-1, 6-0
BNguyen (Mead) beat Liam Keebler (SW) 6-1, 6-0

Quarterfinals—
Juan Ramirez (SC) beat Moya (L) 6-0, 6-0
Justin Oh (SW) beat Ekern (Me) 6-3, 6-2
Soelling (Ev) beat David Lyons (SC) 6-1, 6-0

Semifinals — Juan Ramirez, SC, beat Justin Oh, SW, 6-4, 6-0; Soelling, Ev, beat Mozlowski, GP, 6-3, 6-4.

1st-2nd — Juan Ramirez, SC, beat Soelling, Ev, 6-3, 6-2.

DOUBLES

First round—
Hunter Nelson-Miles Jamieson (SW) beat Nguyen-Neri (MT) 6-0, 6-0
Nishaant Limaye-Chris Sato (SC) beat Tsuji-Pham (Ly) 6-4, 6-2
Trevor Cronin-Isaac Brengelmann (SW) beat Linder-Remlinger (GP) 6-0, 6-2
Skylar Shibayama-Andrew Copsey (SC) beat Rasmussen-Tuemmler (MG) 6-4, 6-2;

Quarterfinals—
Hunter Nelson-Miles Jamieson (SW) beat Holton-Young (Me) 6-0, 6-0;
Luangrath-Hill (GP) beat Limaye-Sato (SC) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
Devries-Fijalka (Me) beat Cronin-Brengelmann (SW) 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
Kim-Milner (MT) beat Shibayama-Copsey (SC) 6-4, 5-7, 6-1.

Semifinals — Hunter Nelson-Miles Jamieson, SW, beat Luangrath-Hill, GP, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2; Devries-Fijalka, Meadowdale, beat Kim-Milner, MT, 6-4, 6-3.

1st-2nd — Hunter Nelson-Miles Jamieson, SW, beat Devries-Fijalka, Mead, 6-4, 6-3.
3rd — Luangrath-Hill, Glacier Peak
4th — Nishaant Limaye-Chris Sato, SC

Wesco 3A Varsity Dual-meet Tennis Standings


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Letter to the Editor: It's time for a change in City leadership

To the Editor:

Mary Jane Goss understands the underlying economic conditions for many of our residents. Recent graduates are struggling to find work, those with small businesses are struggling to make ends meet, and seniors and others on fixed incomes have had no cost-of-living increase.

Currently there are 18 homes scheduled for auction, 30 short sales and 23 foreclosed in Lake Forest Park. Our city decreased in size in the 2010 census because too many of our former residents could no longer afford to live here.

Yet our current City Council, including our Deputy Mayor, continues to approve additional unbudgeted items they expect residents to pay for.

Incumbents and their supporters need to more appropriately address our City’s financial problems – and to stop misrepresenting Proposition 1, which they proposed, supported, and funded. Although a 38.6% increase would have been levied in the first year alone, with additional cumulative increases for 5 more years, the City’s underlying financial structural problem would not have been resolved.

There are some in our city who seem to think if they repeat misstatements often enough, they will be believed. For the record, Mary Jane supported the funding of programs at the Commons as well as the Farmer's Market during her term in office, which ended six years ago. She is not responsible for the costs of expanded City administration nor other decisions made after she left the Council.

Mary Jane served on the 2010 “No on Prop 1” campaign because of her commitment to keeping Lake Forest Park affordable. And like others, she volunteered many hours this summer helping with needed park maintenance.

It’s time for a change in City leadership. I urge you to vote for Mary Jane Goss for Mayor – and Jeff Johnson, Tom French, and Brian Cathcart for Lake Forest Park City Council.

Jean Thomas
Lake Forest Park



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Veterans’ Services and Support, Wednesday, October 26 at SCC

The Global Affairs center at Shoreline Community College presents a series of seminars as part of the Ten Years After Symposium.

On Wednesday, October 26, from 7-8:30pm in 9208 PUB Quiet Dining Room at SCC, (maps), Peter Schmidt, Psy. D., Project Director and trainer for the Veterans Training Support Center of the Center for Learning Connections at Edmonds Community College, will speak on Veterans' Services and Support.

Peter Schmidt, Psy.D.

-How have military service and public attitudes toward such service changed since September 11, 2001? 

-What are the needs of men and women in the military and how can we understand and accommodate those needs?

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Part of the Ten Years After symposium, organized by the Global Affairs Center.

Note that there has been a change of speakers from the originally advertised symposium.


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Aurora construction update for the week of October 23, 2011

185th and Aurora. Photo by Diane Hettrick.

N 165th - N 185th Streets (Marshbank Construction)

This week, crews will:
  • Activate the permanent traffic signal at N 185th Street and Midvale Avenue and continue removing the temporary signal equipment between N 170th and N 180th Streets.
  • Continue restoration activities along Aurora including landscaping and installation of remaining concrete features. Intermittent lane closures may be required. Restoration work will continue throughout the fall.

Crews work at 192nd.  One-way traffic was being  allowed from Aurora onto 192nd.
Photo by Diane Hettrick
N 185th - N 192nd Streets (Johansen Excavating)

This week, crews will:
  • Continue intermittently closing N 192nd Street east of Aurora between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. weekdays to prepare N 192nd Street for placement of new curbs. Local access to nearby residences and businesses will be provided. Closures will continue until early November (work is weather dependent).
  • Continue installing stormwater infrastructure on the east side of Aurora and preparing the work zone for installation of new curbs.
  • Continue pouring the concrete face of the new retaining wall in front of Sky Nursery. Traffic in the northbound direction may be temporarily stopped to allow trucks and equipment to maneuver safely.
  • Continue building the Rain Garden Plaza at the northeast corner of the Shoreline Park and Ride.

Check the website for detailed construction information.


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LFP Wildlife Survey

Photo from Wikimedia
Coyotes have lived in Lake Forest Park for many years. In general, they do not pose a problem and will go out of their way to avoid people. Sometimes, however, conflicts between people, pets, and coyotes can occur. Recently, a coyote killed a sheep in a residential area near Grace Cole Park. In response to that incident, personnel from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture were hired to kill/haze the subject coyotes. 

The City of Lake Forest Park is using this incident as an opportunity to take a broad look at wildlife issues with the formation of a Wildlife Taskforce. As part of this project, the taskforce developed a survey to collect information from residents about their interactions with wildlife and to better understand the issues.

Coyote napping in Paramount Park, Shoreline.
Photo by Janet Way
Please take the Brief, Anonymous Survey created by the volunteer community members of the Wildlife Task Force to help the City better understand wildlife issues in Lake Forest Park. Questions? Please contact Aaron Halverson, Environmental Programs Manager, by phone (206) 957-2836 or by email 

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A Rotary Forum for LFP Council Candidates - 2011

By Marjorie Ando

A short Council candidate forum was held at the Rotary meeting, on Wednesday, October 12, in front of a crowd of interested Rotarians and LFP voters.

Bob Edwardsen served as moderator, setting forth the questions and handling timing for each candidate’s answers and rebuttal. Before beginning the session, he called everyone's attention to Rotary's Four Way Test that we follow in our own lives of Service Above Self and in our work in the community and worldwide.

Each candidate gave a short introduction about themselves:
  • LFP Rotarians: Incumbent, Ed Sterner; candidate Chuck Paulsen: and candidate Tom French,:
  • LFP citizens: Incumbent, Catherine Stanford, and Brian Cathcart and Jeff Johnson.

The forum then proceeded to the several questions asked of each candidate and his or her opponent with their followup answers and rebuttals. The questions and answers were thought-provoking and will be of help for many of the listeners as they determine their voting decisions. It was interesting to see how many issues were cleared up during the civil discourse and the search for the truth of each issue.


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Forum Sunday on liquor-privatization initiative at Richmond Beach Congregational Church

A forum on the liquor-privatization initiative (I-1183) will feature representatives from both the “yes” and “no” campaigns Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 15th Ave NW in Shoreline.

Derek Baker, campaign manager for the “mo” campaign and a representative of the “yes” campaign will face off and answer audience questions.


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Shorewood swimming team tops Shorecrest 127-59 in final dual meet for both teams

The Shorewood girls’ swimming team defeated Shorecrest 127-59 Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Shoreline Pool in the final dual meet of the season for both teams.

Shorewood finished the regular season with a 13-0 record, 8-0 against other Western Conference 3A teams, 5-0 against Wesco 4A teams.

Shorecrest finished at 7-4. The loss to Shorewood left the Scots with a 3-1 Wesco 3A record. They were 4-3 against Wesco 4A teams.

Varsity swimmers from the two schools now prepare for the Northwest District 3A championships Nov. 4-5 at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, with the top swimmers qualifying for the State 3A championships Nov. 10-11 at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way.

Divers from the two schools compete in a zone diving meet Saturday at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, District diving preliminaries Nov. 3 at Mariner High School and District Diving finals Nov. 5 at Marysville-Pilchuck, with the top divers qualifying for the State championships in Federal Way.

Junior varsity swimmers and divers compete in the Wesco JV championships, Friday, Oct. 28, at the Shoreline Pool.

Shorewood 127, Shorecrest 59 at Shoreline Pool, Thursday, Oct. 20

200-yard medley relay--Shorewood (Nicola Gerbino, Christina Garrison, Ann Tardiff, Alicia Hoverson) 2:02.61

200 freestyle--Annika Stenfjord (SW) 2:00.26
200 individual medley--Christina Garrison (SW) 2:30.09
50 freestyle--Anni Hecker (SW) 25.98

Diving--Domonique Griffin (SC) 185.05

100 butterfly--Sarah Semon (SC) 1:05.07
100 freestyle--Anni Hecker (SW) 57.64
500 freestyle--Rika Inouye (SW) 6:30.38
200 freestyle relay--Shorewood (Stenfjord, Hoverson, Tardiff, Hecker) 1:47.52
100 backstroke--Nicola Gerbino (SW) 1:09.23
100 breaststroke--Amylia Glaskova (SC) 1:18.50
400 freestyle relay--Shorewood (Stenfjord, Hoverson, Megan Ransom, Hecker) 3:52.93

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Shorewood vs Shorecrest girls swim meet Oct 20, 2011

The Shorewood girls’ swimming team defeated Shorecrest 127-59 Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Shoreline Pool in the final dual meet of the season for both teams.


Shorewood vs Shorecrest girls swim meet at Shoreline Pool on Thursday Oct. 20, 2011.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

Shorewood breast-stroke swimmer Megan Lapham.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

The Shorewood swimmer, on left, and the Shorecrest swimmer, on right, are even as they near the finish.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

Starting dives vary with the swimmers. Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolli, lollipop cheer. Photo by Wayne Pridemore.

Shorewood's Annika Stensjord was the winner in the 200 freestyle and qualified for the state meet.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore.



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Author Events at Third Place Books October 24-29, 2011

Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA
Author Events
October 24 - 29, 2011


Caspar Babypants and Kate Endle
Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight and My Woodland Wish (Sasquatch)
Monday, October 24 at 6:30pm

Caspar Babypants and Kate Endle have collaborated on two delightful children’s books filled with animals, colors, and song: each book comes with free MP3 downloads of songs by Caspar Babypants.

Ellen Hopkins
Triangles (Atria)
Tuesday, October 25 at 7pm

In this first adult novel by the bestselling author of the Crank trilogy, three female friends face midlife crises in a no holds-barred exploration of sex, marriage, and the fragility of life.

Jack Bishop
The Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook: 2000 Recipes from 20 Years of America’s Most Trusted Food Magazine (Cook’s Illustrated)
Wednesday, October 26 at 7pm

More than 2000 of Cook’s Illustrated’s landmark recipes have been carefully compiled into a wide-ranging compendium, a must-own collection for any discerning cook.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
All Wound Up : The Yarn Harlot Writes for a Spin (Andrews McMeel)
Thursday, October 27 at 7pm

In her trademark style, McPhee talks about knitting, parenting, friendship, and--gasp!--even crocheting in essays that are touching, hilarious, and always entertaining.

Stephan Pastis
Larry in Wonderland (Andrews McMeel)
Friday, October 28 at 6:30pm

SIGNING LINE TICKET REQUIRED Tickets and Books available 10/4/11

Stephan Pastis offers “Pearls Before Swine” fans a visit to the other side of the looking glass with his latest collection, which features almost a year’s worth of strips.

Karl Marlantes
What it is Like to Go to War (Grove)
Saturday, October 29 at 6:30pm

The author of Matterhorn takes a deeply personal look at what it is like to experience combat, critically examining how we might better prepare our soldiers for war.

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Op-Ed: Ronald Wastewater District has become an island without any bridges

Saturday, October 22, 2011

By Sis Polin

I retired from the position of General Manager of Ronald Wastewater District in 1990.  I was with the District for 25 years; I worked my way up from the lowest ranks to that position.  I am proud to say that I played a major role, along with the previous commissioners, in establishing the basic foundation in the financial and maintenance areas that has made the District what it is today.

I was also very community-oriented and was involved with the formation of the City of Shoreline and served on its first Planning Commission.  I served on many Boards at King County.  I served on a “think tank” whose charge was to come up with a state solution to fund public works projects when federal money dried up.  The Public Works Trust Fund was approved by the legislature and the Governor appointed me to the first Board.  The City and Ronald benefitted by getting low interest loans.

Why do I tell you all of this about myself and why am I writing this article?  Ronald has become an island without any bridges.  Since the subject of Ronald’s future has apparently become a campaign issue and since there is a lack of factual content , I thought it was time for me to speak up with my perception of Ronald.

The most obvious to me is the lack of transparency.  There is a lot of PR on the Ronald web page but it lacks substantive information. For example: 

1. They do not have their proposed or draft budget on line.  In fact, I was surprised to see that they announced there would be no increase in the “local” $11.15 rate and on the same site announced a budget hearing on November 22.  I don’t know how you can determine a rate, if you haven’t approved a budget yet.  Seems a little premature!

2. Along with the announcement about the “local” rate, there was nothing mentioned about the King County Metro portion of the bill, which is substantial.  Why not put all the facts out about what the bill will be, especially since the Metro portion is $30+?  How involved is the District in the Metro budget process? I saw a reference that said if you had questions, call our King County Councilman for information. Really?
 

3. Why is the rate resolution not published on the webpage? (I did find the Rules and Regulations on there.)

4. The Web site does not have a standard format to publish monthly agendas, budget proposals, and the budget process schedule.   Meeting dates seem to change along with meeting times.  I did find quite a bit of information online regarding numerous legal appeals that the District lost over a union issue.  It finally ended when the employee withdrew her application.  What did that cost?

5. The District contracts with lawyers, engineers, and financial firms.  Is there a bidding process for this and why are these contractors not listed on their page?  Transparent?  Not really!

6. I have a big issue about rental apartments which is too detailed to discuss here, but I’ll raise one question.  The District has a low income policy; is it addressed in low income housing that is in our City?  This is a whole segment of residents for which there is no transparency .

I am disturbed that scare tactics -  of higher utility taxes, sewers overflowing, and raiding the capital improvement fund  -  without any kind of facts to back up these statements, are irresponsible.
  
When Shoreline became a City, the District entered into an agreement with the City. From my recollections, the thinking at the time was that Shoreline needed time to get organized, deal with planning, zoning, etc. and after some specific date, which is now approaching, the process would begin to absorb the wastewater district.

I could probably come up with many other questions, because I was fortunate to be on the inside.  But the ratepayers are on the outside and there has to be a better method than the District is using to keep them informed and give them an opportunity to be involved in the decision process if they so choose.

Decisions have to be made based on facts, not emotions.  That is transparency!


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