New palm print AFIS leads police to sexual assault suspect

Thursday, December 8, 2011

King County’s Regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) identified the suspect in Shoreline Sexual assault by using new palm print technology.

An AFIS examiner recovered the palm print from a vanity in the victim’s bedroom. “This new palm AFIS is amazing”, said Sheriff spokesperson Cindi West. “Without the new system this predator might have been on the street longer.”

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New generation AFIS matches palm prints to help solve crimes

King County’s new generation Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) went live in September of this year. The new AFIS, a MorphoTrak product, can match on fingerprints AND palm prints.

Examiners can now give detectives new suspect names in homicide, rape, and kidnapping cases, among others. Some cases are from the 1980’s and had grown cold for years, with no leads. Now detectives can use that information to gather enough evidence so charges can be filed.

“Not every murder investigation contains the possibility of DNA technology” said veteran homicide detective Scott Tompkins. “The new Palm AFIS database has allowed us to develop leads in homicide cases that were at a dead end before.”

AFIS works by having a computer compare a fingerprint lifted at a crime scene to a database of over 690,000 sets of fingerprints in the local system. Once a match is made, an examiner manually confirms the “hit”.

But until now, the AFIS computer couldn’t do a search for palm prints left at a crime scene by a suspect. Only prints from the tips of fingers could be used.

So unless there was a known suspect where an examiner could manually compare the palm print to what was in the database, detectives were out of luck. And suspects would go free.

Now, an examiner can take a fraction of a latent palm print, search it through the new AFIS, and perhaps get a hit on a known palm print. 

The tables are turned: the examiner can now give the suspect name to the detective. And palm prints make up about 30% of the prints lifted at a crime scene.

The number of suspect identifications will continue to increase as more palm prints and fingerprints are added to the database. More crimes will be solved through the use of this new technology, contributing to officer and public safety.

Under administration of the King County Sheriff’s Office, the AFIS Program serves all law enforcement agencies within the county. The program’s criminal fingerprint technology and operations are funded by a property tax levy, renewed by the voters in 2006 and set to expire in 2012. A proposition to renew the levy will appear on the ballot in 2012.





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What to do with the kids? No School Day Camp for Christmas break

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Planning Commission meeting cancelled

Agenda Line (206) 801-2236

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the following meeting of the Shoreline Planning Commission has been cancelled.
Meeting Cancelled: Thursday, December 15, 2011
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

The next meeting of the Shoreline Planning Commission will be a regular meeting held on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers, Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave. N, Shoreline, Washington 98133

Dated this 8th Day of December, 2011
Planning Commission Clerk
City of Shoreline



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Ronald United Methodist Church, at the Heart of Shoreline



By Phyllis Johnson

Ronald Methodist Episcopal Church was chartered on a snowy day in February of 1909 in the community known as Ronald from the name of the Interurban station that was located nearby.

The church, which grew out of a Sunday School, continued to meet in the Ronald School until 1910 when a church was built on land given by a Mrs. Herrick on the northwest corner of 175th and Linden Avenue. The Linden Avenue church seated only 50 people and lacked classrooms and kitchen, so in 1925, it was time to build again. This time land on Aurora Avenue was chosen as being closer to the center of the growing community. In 1951 the chapel and education wing were added and in 1967 a new sanctuary was dedicated. That concluded, for then, the building of buildings. A pipe organ was added in 1979, a grand piano was consecrated in 2001, and a much needed elevator has been added.

Ronaldrocks RonaldUMC, a foundation of support and care in the community.
Construction crews found this rock on the UMC property.
It appears to be a metamorphic greenstone
like the rock recently analyzed
by SCC Geology Professor Emma Agosta (see previous story)

Over the years, in spite of the additions, alterations, and reconstructions that have taken place in the building itself, Ronald United Methodist Church has held true to its original mission serving the spiritual needs of countless people as a center for worship and a source of comfort. 

Since the early days of Ronald Church, along with supporting missions and programs to benefit people in all parts of our nation and world, we have been a presence in our community by providing space for both child and adult day cares when there was a need. For several years a Tagalog language met for worship in the chapel. At another time a Ukrainian congregation worshipped in our sanctuary. We continue to host community meetings and give a home to youth organizations, 12 step programs, senior activities, and other groups needing a place to gather. Several ethnic communities conduct their events at Ronald. We are also working in partnership with local agencies such as Hopelink and see this as an important part of our mission. 

The charter members were all descendants of Western Europeans. Today over half of those active in the church have their roots in Africa, the Caribbean, Japan, the Philippines, Canada, and Central and South America. This diversity has made our church a richer and livelier place. We feel blessed to be located at the heart of Shoreline and look forward to continue as a partner in building our city. 



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Northshore Fire Challenger Adman tops incumbent Ellis in final certified election results

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

By Evan Smith
Contributing Writer

Northshore Fire District challenger Eric Adman defeated incumbent Commissioner Don Ellis in results of the Nov. 8 general election certified Nov. 29.

The District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and nearby unincorporated areas.

Adman had 57 percent of the vote to 43 percent for Ellis.

Of 13,538 ballots counted in the District, 5,710 had votes for Adman, and 4,332 had votes for Ellis, with 30 write-in votes and 3,466 blank ballots.

Adman had led a three-person August primary with 55 percent of the vote to 34 percent for Ellis.



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Rotary Christmas Shopping Spree for Shoreline children in need

2010 shopping spree
On October 3, 2011, the Rotary Club of Shoreline (lunch) took 27 children, between 6-12 years old, on a much needed clothing shopping spree at the Alderwood J.C. Penney's. 

On this shopping spree, each child had the opportunity to pick out over several hundred dollars of new clothes, shoes, and accessories. The Rotary provides $100 per child, but J. C. Penny’s provides a special discount on top of already low sale prices so that, for example, one child's coat that retails for $79.99 was discounted down to $3.39.

The Dale Turner Family YMCA provides the transportation for the students. Volunteers come from the Rotary Club, their friends and family, the YMCA, Echo Lake Elementary School, and Troop 853 of the Boy Scouts of America.

This event is an annual tradition of the Shoreline Rotary and Alderwood J. C. Penney’s store. This project started back in 1998, when the former J.C. Penny's manager and Rotary member Cal Smith and the then Rotary president, Allen Anderson, began it.

Every year, children are chosen from a different Shoreline elementary school. This year, the shopping spree kids came from Echo Lake Elementary School. Michelle Carroll, the Principal of Echo Lake was thrilled that her school was this year’s choice.

Becky Gagliardi, Chair of Rotary Club Service Projects said, “I had such a warm feeling inside when the event was over, seeing the kids so happy as their parents picked them up at the school. With tears in my eyes, this must be what Santa feels like. This is one of the reasons I am in Rotary, you can make a difference and see immediate results."

The kids pretty much get the whole store to themselves during the Rotary Shopping Spree, which was conducted between 7:30-9:00 a.m. Saturday morning before the store opens. After the shopping spree, the kids were taken out for breakfast at McDonald’s on Ballinger Way.


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Joe Bodman Named SCC Men's Basketball Player of the Week

Joe Bodman grabs a rebound in a recent game.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

Sophomore Joe Bodman was named the SCC Men's Basketball Player of the Week. Bodman was named All-Tournament at the Community College of Spokane tournament over the weekend, where he averaged 16.3 points per game and 9.7 rebounds during the three day event. SCC went 1-2 over the weekend, as they defeated Treasure Valley CC on Friday night, 107 to 95 but lost to the CC of Spokane, 94 to 72 and Yakima Valley CC, 100 to 95.

Bodman is averaging 13.67 points per game for the season (7 games) and 11 rebounds per game.

SCC is 4-3 on the season and is averaging 102 points per game. SCC plays Northwest Indian College on Sunday at home at 6:00 PM. SCC defeated NWIC on November 20 113-112 in the opening game of the season.


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Kaleigh Phillips Named SCC Women's Basketball Player of the Week

Kaleigh Phillips goes over the top of a South Puget Sound player on Saturday
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

For the second consecutive week, Kaleigh Phillips has been named the SCC Women's Basketball Player of the Week. The freshman from Summit High School in Valencia, CA scored 18 points and had 9 rebounds in SCC's 69-39 victory over South Puget Sound CC on Saturday at the SCC Gym.

Phillips is averaging 14.3 points per game in the first three games of the season and 6.7 rebounds per game.

SCC plays on Thursday at home against Northwest Indian College at 7:00 PM in the SCC Gym and then travel to Grays Harbor, WA on Saturday to face Grays Harbor Community College. SCC is 2-1 on the young season.



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Reminder: Big Band Jazz Dance Friday, December 9 at SCC with Shorewood and Einstein Bands

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Shorewood boys open Wesco 3A play Friday at Lynnwood with 1-0 record after 63-45 victory at Auburn

The Shorewood boys’ basketball team takes a 1-0 record into its Wesco 3A opener at Lynnwood Friday after opening its season with a 63-45 victory over Auburn of the South Puget Sound League 4A division, Wednesday, November 30.

Shorewood and Lynnwood meet at 7:15 Friday, with junior varsity teams from the two schools meeting at 5:40 and the “C” teams playing at 3:45. Lynnwood comes into the game with a 1-1 Wesco 3A record (1-3 overall). The Lynnwood junior varsity had a 0-3 record and the “C” team a 1-2 record going into Tuesday home games with Glacier Peak.

The Shorewood and Lynnwood girls play at the same time at Lynnwood High School.

In Shorewood’s 63-45 victory over Auburn, the Thunderbirds led 19-5 after the first quarter, 32-15 at halftime and 47-32 after three quarters. Josh Hawkinson led the T-birds with 24 points, Semir Kadiric scored 13 and Ben Andrews added 11. The Shorewood junior varsity lost to Auburn, 44-40 and the “C” team lost 55-53.

 Shorewood 63, Auburn 45
At Auburn High School, Thursday, Nov. 30

Shorewood 19 13 15 16 -- 63
Auburn          5 10 17 13 -- 45

Shorewood Scoring
Points
Gage Carroll
6
Zane Hopen
3
Josh Hawkinson
24
Taylor Freeman
2
Phil Mar
2
Yonathan Michael
2
Semir Kadiric
13
11
Levi Diaz
0
Chris Giles
0
Anxhelos Pere
0


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The Social Experiment: one year later

NBC Nightly News correspondent Kristen Welker
interviews Shorecrest students last spring.

One year after The Social Experiment at Shorecrest and Shorewood High Schools made headlines around the country, the students involved are still in the news.

NBC Nightly News correspondent Kristen Welker and producer Jane Derenowski spent a half-day at Shorecrest last spring, and a portion of those interviews are now featured on the Web as part of the network's "Back to Basics" series. Some of the students have graduated, and the building it was filmed in has since been demolished to make way for the new Shorecrest gymnasium.

Watch the Shorecrest students on The Daily Nightly on msnbc.com

The Social Experiment was the brainchild of Shorecrest video production teacher Trent Mitchell, who enlisted the help of Marty Ballew, his counterpart at Shorewood. In The Social Experiment, more than 500 participating students from both schools were expected to give up their social networks for a week: no texting, online gaming, internet chat or Facebook. No cell phones either.

The experiment received nationwide attention, and ABC World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer named the students and teachers of Shorecrest and Shorewood as its Persons of the Week on the Dec. 10, 2010 national broadcast.


Relive The Social Experiment on its blog page, complete with student documentaries and media clips.



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Free jazz concert at Shorecrest Tuesday, December 13

Shorecrest Jazz Band playing at the Swing Dance
Photo by Barb Swan

Enjoy a rousing, toe tapping, stirring night of jazz as the Shorecrest Jazz Band and Stage Band stage their annual holiday concert.

Free to the public, the concert will be held at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:30pm.

More free concerts will be held the following two nights, as the Freshman Band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Orchestra perform on Wednesday, December 14, 7:30pm, Shorecrest Performing Arts Center.

On Thursday, December 15, 7:30pm, the Wind Ensemble, Choir, and Symphonic Orchestra take their turn at entertaining you. Shorecrest Performing Arts Center.

All performances last an hour, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Parking is available adjacent to the theatre entrance. Auxiliary parking available in front of the main entrance to the school or along the street on 25th NE.

Shorecrest is known for its strong music programs. Here are three chances to see and hear for yourself.

The Shorecrest Performing Arts Center is located at 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

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Arrest made in sexual assault of 12 year old Shoreline girl

The King County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with the sexual assault of a 12 year old girl that occurred in Shoreline early Sunday morning.

The suspect is a 37 year old man from the City of Shoreline.

“We are extremely happy to have this predator off the streets”, said Sheriff spokesperson Cindi West. “The arrest was the result of team work and good police work”, she added.

The suspect was arrested after a traffic stop by a Shoreline Officer around 6:15 this morning.



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Photos: The North City lights are on

The tree on top of the North City water tower
Photo by Carl Dinse

Santa and his elves were there
Photo by Carl Dinse
A long line to visit Santa
Photo by Carl Dinse

The Around the Sound Community Band
directed by Michael Alstad
Photo by Carl Dinse

Santa's truck, Rudolf, needed fog lights this year
Photo by Carl Dinse

Water Commissioner Charlotte Haines
Photo by Carl Dinse

The light switch
Photo by Carl Dinse

The lights are on at the Shoreline Water District
Photo by Carl Dinse


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Kenmore police officers to stay in Kenmore

By Diane Hettrick

A previous article announced the closing of the Kenmore precinct of the King County Sheriff's Office as a measure to save $8 million over the next 20 years.

The Kenmore precinct is an old precinct which previously served all of unincorporated North King County, including Shoreline. When Shoreline incorporated, they contracted with the King County Sheriff's office (KCSO) for a Shoreline Police Department, to be supplied by KCSO. The City provides a station house, precinct (storefront) centers, and KCSO provides the police officers and all specialized departments such as major crimes, bank robbery, special assault.

As cities served by the Kenmore Precinct incorporated the unincorporated areas piece by piece, the areas served by the Kenmore precinct became more of a patchwork of separated areas. The City of Kenmore, when it incorporated, contracted with KCSO for a police department, which continued to be housed in the "Kenmore precinct" building.

Officers assigned to the remaining unincorporated areas start their patrol in their assigned areas, but go to the precinct in Kenmore to do their paperwork. This was an increasingly long and time-consuming commute as most of the unincorporated areas are in east King County.

The KCSO determined that the most effective location for unincorporated North King County patrols would be in Sammamish, and a station house is being remodeled there to house the officers.

Kenmore officers, that is those who are part of the contract police force for the City of Kenmore, will now be housed in the new Kenmore City Hall.

Until the new Sammamish station is open, Shoreline police will provide fingerprinting services and process the paperwork for weapons permits previously done at Kenmore.


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433 pounds of food donated but much more needed

The Ridgecrest Neighborhood continues its push for non-perishable food donations to benefit the Shoreline branch of Hopelink. As of December 6th, a total of 433 pounds of food and $33 in cash have been donated by area residents.

  • 332 lbs donated at Cafe Aroma at NE 165th and 5th NE
  • 57 lbs donated at Java Jolt at NE 185th and 10th NE
  • 44 lbs and $33 in cash donated at the North City Tree Lighting

The need in the Shoreline area is still huge as we approach the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. 

Everyone can help -- even if you aren't a Ridgecrest resident -- by dropping a donation at Cafe Aroma or Java Jolt coffee drive-thru locations...you don't even have to get out of your car!

Thanks so much to all that have already donated and Happy Holidays!



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Register now for Shoreline Goodwill’s FREE classes

Students can learn valuable skills in computers and English

Shoreline Goodwill’s Job Training and Education Center, located at 14500 15th Ave. NE, is now registering people for free classes. The eight-week session runs from January 3 through February 23, 2012.

The staff expects classes to fill up fast and reminds prospective students that sign-up is on a first come, first served basis.

The center will offer the following classes:
  • Retail and Customer Service Training Program
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • Basic Computer Classes– Introductory courses for people with little or no computer experience.
    • Computer Basics
    • Basic Computers for ESOL
    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Online Job Search
  • Cashiering
  • Career Building Assistance: Instructors can help people with job searches, resume and cover letter writing, interview practice and more.

For class availability and enrollment information, please call 206-631-8460.

Shoreline Goodwill is part of Seattle Goodwill Industries, 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, please call toll free at1-877-GIVE4GOOD or visit the website,



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Shorecrest wrestling team takes 2-0 record, Shorewood 2-2 into Thursday matches

The Shorecrest wrestling team takes a 2-0 record into a Thursday match at Monroe after defeating Jackson and Marysville-Getchell as part of four dual meets at Shorecrest Friday, Dec. 2, and Shorewood takes a 2-2 record into a home meeting with Mariner after splitting matches both Thursday and Friday.

Shorecrest and Monroe meet at 7 p.m. at Monroe High School, with junior varsity teams from the two schools meeting at 5:45. The Monroe varsity comes into the meet with a 0-2 record after losing to both Glacier Peak and Oak Harbor Friday.

Shorewood takes its 2-2 record into the home meeting with Mariner Thursday, with the varsity teams meeting at 7 p.m., and the junior varsity teams meeting at 5:45. The Shorewood varsity competes in a tournament at Bonney Lake High School Saturday, with the junior varsity competing in a tournament at Snohomish.

Mariner had a 2-0 record going into a Tuesday meet at Arlington after victories over Everett and Mountlake Terrace Friday.

Shorewood defeated Mount Si and lost to Mercer Island in double dual meets Thursday, Dec. 1, at Mercer Island High School before defeating Jackson and losing to Marysville-Getchell Friday. The Shorewood junior varsity lost to Marysville-Getchell, 39-31.


High School Varsity Wrestling Results

Thursday, December 1 at Mercer Island High School

Mercer Island 47, Shorewood 21

106 — Wilson, MI, won by forfeit. 113 — Yuasa, MI, pinned Henry Follism, SW, 2:24. 120 — Pruchno, MI, dec. Alexander Lee, SW, 9-8. 126 — Matthew Floresca, SW, pinned Lee, MI, 1:55. 132 — Rikio Campbell, SW, pinned Walker, MI, 4:50. 138 — Erik Harris-Uldall, SW, dec. Caruccio, MI, 7-2. 145 — Gullstad, MI, dec. Ian Ducey, SW, 11-6. 152 — Vassau, MI, pinned Henry Schlesinger, SW, 2:58. 160 — Johnson, MI, pinned David Ball, SW, 3:08. 170 — Chandler, MI, pinned Aaren Wansley, SW, 0:34. 182 — Picton, MI, tech. fall Isaac Brengelmann, SW, 18-2. 195 — Frazier, MI, pinned Esteban Zenteno, SW, 1:43. 285 — Erdenbat Erdenebayar, SW, pinned O'Connell, MI, 1:40.
Shorewood 38, Mount Si 33

Friday, December 2 at Shorecrest High School

Marysville-Getchell 39, Shorewood 31

106 — Double forfeit. 113 — Cardona, MG, pinned Henry Follis, SW, 1:26. 120 — Alex Lee, SW, pinned Almacher, MG, 1:47. 126 — Mathew Floresca, SW, pinned Knowlton, MG, 1:31. 132 — Rikio Campbell, SW, pinned Espanoza, MG, 3:28. 138 — Reznikov, MG, dec. Erik Harris-Uldall, SW, 19-14. 145 — Paulk, MG, pinned Henry Schlesinger, SW, 5:10. 152 — David Ball, SW, dec. Perkins, MG, 11-9. 160 — Aaren Wansley, SW, maj. dec. Stone, MG, 17-6. 170 — Hoffenbacker, MG, pinned Justin Oh, SW, 2:53. 182 — Kalaman, MG, pinned Isaac Brenglemann, SW, 2:56. 195 — Esteban Zenteno, SW, pinned Marcus, MG, 2:53. 220 — Smith, MG, won by forfeit. 285 — Diaz, MG, pinned Erca Erdenebayer, SW, 1:32.

Shorewood 47, Jackson 24

106 — Funston, J, won by forfeit. 113 — Fandino, J, pinned Henry Follis, SW, 1: 56. 120 — Alex Lee, SW, pinned Elghanai, J, 1:23. 126 — Mathew Floresca, SW, pinned Crenshaw, J, 0:45. 132 — Rikio Campbell, SW, pinned O'Neal, J, 1:56. 138 — Erik Harris-Uldall, SW, maj. dec. Robinson, J, 11-2. 145 — Henry Schlesinger, SW, pinned Gannon, J, 1:56. 152 — David Ball, SW, dec. Stringfellow, J, 10-6. 160 — Aaren Wansley, SW, dec. Reese, J, 7-3. 170 — Jeffrey Stephan, J, pinned Justin Oh, SW, 3:07. 182 — Isaac Brenglemann, SW, dec. Blackwell, 9-8. 195 — Esteban Zenteno, SW, won by forfeit. 220 — Morrell, J, won by forfeit. 285 — Erca Erdenebayar, SW, won by forfeit.

Shorecrest 48, Jackson 30

106 — Funston, J, pinned Kyle Malcolm, SC 113 — Kyle Smythe, SC, pinned Fandino, J, 120 — Jesus Escalona, SC, pinned Elghanai, J, 126 — Mitchell Parker, SC, dec. Glesener, J, 7-2. 138 — Jake Oliver, SC, pinned Robinson, J, 145 — Gannon, J, pinned Erik Jensen, SC. 152 — Stringfellow, J, pinned Ricky Moraguez, SC, 160 — Reese, J, pinned RJ Golla, SC. 170 — Stephan, J, dec. Joe Dexter, SC, 12-6. 182 — Matt Brennan, SC, pinned Blackwell, J. 195 — Sonny Ho, SC, won by forfeit. 220 — David Gillespie, SC, pinned Morales. J. 285 — Wolfgang Olson, SC, won by forfeit.

Shorecrest 45, Marysville Getchell 36

106 — Kyle Malcolm, SC, won by forfeit. 113 — Cardona, MG, pinned Kyle Smythe, SC. 120 — Jesus Escalona, SC, pinned Almachar, MG. 126 — Nolton, MG, pinned Mitchell Parker, SC. 132 — Josiah Glesener, SC, pinned Ngyuen, J. 138 — Resnicoff, MG, pinned Jake Oliver, SC. 145 — Polk, MG, pinned Erik Jensen, SC. 152 — Ricky Moraguez, SC, won by DQ. 160 — RJ Golla, SC, dec. James Brevik, J, 7-2. 170 — Joseph Dexter, SC, pinned Westercamp, J. 182 — Matt Brennan, SC, pinned Kaloman J. 195 — Marcus, J, pinned Sonny Ho, SC. 220 — David Gillespie, SC, won by forfeit. 285 — Diaz, MG, pinned Wolfgang Olson SC.



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SCC Men's Basketball falls To Yakima Valley 100-95

Will Acromite scored 26 for SCC
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

The SCC Men's Basketball Team dropped a close game to Yakima Valley Community College on Sunday at the CC of Spokane Tournament, 100-95, as the Dolphins battled without leading scoring Jesse Vaughan who was out of action for the game.

Freshman Will Acromite scored 26 points for SCC while grabbing 7 rebounds. Sophomore Joe Bodman played another solid game for SCC scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds along with 3 steals. Jordan Lupfer added 14 and Kona Makaula scored 10 to round out the double figure scoring for SCC.

Yakima led by 10 at halftime, 52-42 and Shoreline mounted a comeback in the second half, but fell short.

SCC finished the tournament with a 1-2 record and now is 4-2 overall. Yakima improved to 4-2 for the season. SCC opens its home season next Sunday at 6:00pm against Northwest Indian College in the SCC Gym. SCC beat NWIC 113-112 in Bellingham in the season opener for the Dolphins.



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Magic happens at the Northshore Performing Arts Center

By Kate Lunceford
Northshore Performing Arts Center
Photo by Vicki Zoller

When the lights go down in The Northshore Performing Arts Center I take a little breath and wait for the magic to start. I’ve heard throat singers from Mongolia; listened to The Former Large Animal Veterinarian tell stories and listened to music sent aloft in this room built to nourish sound. I’ve even stood up to dance.

Interior, Northshore Performing Arts Center
Photo courtesy NPAC

When I looked around for a place to lend a hand I found a group of persistent Northshore citizens who’d begun to imagine and work to create this world-class theatre. The Northshore Performing Arts Center Foundation (NPACF) is the not-for-profit group that conceived the idea in 1995 and worked to build the center in partnership with the Northshore School District. 

NPACF’s inaugural season was December 2005 when the foundation hosted the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra. NPACF raised 2.5 million dollars within the Northshore communities to make the theater a state-of-the-art facility.

Northshore Performing Arts Center exterior
Photo courtesy NPAC

Since then this feisty board of directors has stood in the face of the worst economy in my lifetime to keep bringing breathtaking performances to the Northshore. 

The foundation is an all-volunteer board with no salaried employees. And NPACF is in the black. The performers’ contracts, ticketing, fundraising, front of the house operations and Green Room are operated by volunteers. Some of the volunteers are from the group I joined: the small but mighty Northshore Theatre Guild. (You can join us too. Just write us)


Theatre-goers in the lobby at a recent performance.
Photo courtesy NPAC

Part of NPACF’s vision is to reach the young people in our community with performance programs that educate, reinforce curriculum, develop confidence and talent and a life-long love of the performing arts. To date NPACF has:
  • hosted a competition for 2 young vocalists to win the opportunity to sing duets from The Phantom of the Opera, onstage during the Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway concert at NPAC. There were 60 candidates from around Washington. Mr. D’Ambrosio also conducted a master class with contest finalists the day before the show. The winning pair each won two season tickets to the season of shows.
  • invited Greta Matassa , a nationally known jazz singer from this area to hold a master clinic before her show giving 2 students the chance to sings solos at her performance that night.
  • arranged for Kenichi Ebina and Company, a mime, hip hop dance company to hold a dance workshop before the public performance. We targeted low income and disadvantaged youth to attend both the workshop and show.


NPAC t-shirt
Photo courtesy NPACF

NPACF continues to present a place to share imagination in our northshore community. Please join us this season for the our next great performance:

The Nutcracker (see previous story)

December 10 and 11 at 2:00 pm

And see all our coming events at the NPAC website    



Northshore Performing Arts Center
18125 92nd Ave. NE
Bothell, WA 98011
The theatre is located on the campus of Bothell High School.



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Shoreline Blood Drive, Thursday, December 15 at Walgreens on Midvale

Tuesday, December 6, 2011



Give blood, You've Got it in You!
It's Fast, It's Easy! It Saves Lives!

On Thursday, December 15, 2011, from 9am to 3pm, the Bloodmobile from the Puget Sound Blood Center will be parked on Midvale Avenue North, at Walgreens Drug store.  It will be closed from 12 to 1pm while staff go to lunch.

You are all invited to give this gift to people in need. Your blood donation will be used for up to three people.

Make an appointment online by clicking this link.  It will take less than an hour of your time.

Remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids at least four hours prior to donating.  

If you have questions, call the PSBC at 1-800-398-7888



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Public Christmas Ship event in Lake Forest Park

Join the Lake Forest Park Youth Council on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 with your family and friends at Lyon Creek Waterfront Park to view the Argosy Christmas ship as it sails by.

Photo courtesy Argosy Cruises
Follow the luminary path to the dock. The Youth Council will serve hot cocoa.

The ship will be out on Lake Washington in front of Lyon Creek Waterfront Park between 7:25 pm - 7:45 pm. 

The park is located at 17337 Beach Drive NE. Beach Drive is a small road that runs parallel to Bothell Way. Lyon Creek Waterfront Park is just north of the Lake Forest Park Civic Club, where Ballinger Way ends. Turn left on Beach Drive.




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Proposed expansion of Shoreline’s Multifamily Property Tax Exemption program

Proposed PTE areas in Ballinger Neighborhood
Map courtesy City of Shoreline

By Dan Eernissee, City of Shoreline Economic Development Manager

Improving economic development opportunities in Shoreline has been a Council goal for several years. 

One of the most significant incentives for investments is providing infrastructure and frontage improvements, such as along Aurora and in North City. However, another tool that can be used to attract investment in the multifamily housing market is the Property Tax Exemption (PTE) program. 

Shoreline currently offers a PTE program in the North City and Ridgecrest neighborhoods. PTE is a statewide program that helps make new apartment or condominium projects economically feasible by reducing expenses in the first few difficult years of a new project.

The City Council is currently studying whether to expand the PTE program in Shoreline to include the entire Aurora corridor along with the smaller commercial areas of Ballinger, Hillwood, Richmond Beach, and the SE neighborhoods. 

Hillwood - Richmond Highlands proposed PTE areas
Map courtesy City of Shoreline

Expansion of the PTE program in these areas will provide another incentive to attract new development in a highly competitive and limited investment market.

The PTE program provides an incentive for the multifamily investor without increasing Shoreline property owners’ taxes. 

City staff worked closely with the King County Assessor’s office to clarify how PTE actually works and to be assured that a new development’s assessed value is not added to Shoreline’s overall assessed value for taxing purposes until the end of the exemption period. As a result, there is no tax shift to other property owners because the overall assessed value remains the same.

Proposed PTE areas in the SE Neighborhoods /  Briarcrest
Map courtesy City of Shoreline

In putting together the PTE program proposal, City staff talked with the development community to better understand their concerns. 

The City wants to achieve the ideal tipping point in the length of tax exemption. It needs to be long enough to be effective for the investors, but as short as possible for the City. 

After financial analysis and several conversations, City staff has proposed that the expanded areas would be exempt for only 5 years rather than the 12 year maximum that the City currently offers in North City and Ridgecrest.

Proposed PTE area of Richmond Beach
Map courtesy City of Shoreline

The public hearing and Council discussion will be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 12, 2011. To learn more about the proposed PTE program visit the City’s website.

Further information on this topic is available below:

Shoreline’s Vision 2029 download in pdf



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Holiday Bazaar Saturday December 10, 9am to 4:30pm


Crafts, treasures, books - and entertainment by the Seattle Shores Chorus.  Did we mention baked goods?  What's not to love?



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CORRECTION:Blue Christmas Service at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, UCC, December 11

CORRECTION: The service is on Sunday, December 11, 2011.  You are still welcome to attend.

Come if you are hurting; come to pray for those who are hurting. Together, we will be in prayer and honor that which has changed or gone in our lives.

For many of us, Christmas is a bittersweet time of year. It is a time for remembering both persons and events that have been a part of our lives in the past, but that are now changed or gone. 

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
We are hurting and cannot get into the festivities as others seem to be able to. It's at such times that we need to make the space and take the time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone.

The Blue Christmas service is a time for us to join in prayer, to ask God for comfort and to recognize the pain that we and friends are experiencing. It is a quiet, meditative worship service that makes time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

You are welcome at this service, on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 4pm at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, UCC. Our address is 1512 NW 195th, (corner of Richmond Beach Rd and 15th NW). Directions.

--Marcia McLaughlin, Spiritual Director, Richmond Beach UCC


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Jazzed up holiday music from Seattle Jazz Guitar Collective, Sunday, December 11, 3-5pm

Photo courtesy Seattle Jazz Guitar Collective

Celebrate a jazzy holiday with the music of the Seattle Jazz Guitar Collective, Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Laughing Ladies coffee shop in North City, from 3 to 5pm, 17551 15th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155, 206-957-2000,


No admission fee, but as you are in a coffee shop, expect to purchase coffee and some food.  It goes well with the show.

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Cats Exclusive - Saint Francis fund donations helps abandoned cats

Meow!
Shoreline's Cats Exclusive veterinary center and store has a "Saint Francis fund" to defray the costs of providing medical care and hospitalization to abandoned cats and find homes for them.

This holiday season, for each $10 donation to their Saint Francis Fund, you will be entered in a raffle for a Pioneer Pet Big Max Ceramic Fountain (value $80). Drawing to be held 12/30.

You can contribute online or at their front desk.  Cats Exclusive, 19200 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133, phone 206-546-2287 (CATS).



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Scouts complete Turkey Burner bike ride the day after Thanksgiving 2011


Everyone who rode in the third annual Turkey Burner Classic bike ride successfully completed the entire 50 miles. Most of Boy Scout Troop 853 and some scouts from other troops completed a 50-mile bike ride from Shoreline to Everett and back the day after Thanksgiving.


Troop 853 and friends get ready to ride.
Photo by Kurt Herzog

The Shoreline Top Foods Market Cafe provided a free morning treat and hot beverage to participants before the ride. 

After the ice melted it was perfect cycling weather.
Photo by Kurt Herzog

Riders experienced some black ice and had to walk for the first mile until the sun came out and melted the ice. After that it was perfect cycling weather.


There - and back again.  Photo by Kurt Herzog.

This annual event is open to the public and organized by Shoreline Boy Scout Troop 853. For more info email Troop 853, contact Scoutmaster Kurt Herzog.



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