Photographs by Howard Hsu and Mateo Zachai at Shoreline Community College Art Gallery

Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Other Half: Displays of Wealth in a Recession
Double-Take: Photographs by Mateo Zapata Zachai

Howard Hsu, California Academy of Sciences 
Opening Gala , 16"x20", Chromogenic Print
Courtesy SCC Gallery

The Other Half is Hsu’s look behind the closed-door gatherings of wealth, or perceived wealth, in America. The photographs were taken as rumors of an impending recession quickly became reality. The project explores ostentatious attire, unconventional gestures, and objects of gratification.

Mateo Zachai, Untitled (Ballard #209) ,
20” x 24”, C-print
Courtesy SCC Gallery

Mateo’s Double-Take is a series of deconstructed photographs created by punching holes in negatives and reconstructing them in the darkroom. The rows of disaggregated photographic circles are inspired by Lichtenstein’s Ben-Day Dots and Chuck Close’s cell-grid portraits.

Howard Hsu and Mateo Zachai are photography instructors at Shoreline Community College.

An artist reception will be held from 3-4 p.m., January 12, 2012 in the College Gallery.

The College Gallery at Shoreline Community College is located near the main entrance to the college on the south end of campus in the 1000 Building. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking and pay stations are nearby. The college is located at 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, west of Aurora Avenue and just north of Seattle city limits.


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Three of bigger spenders won, five lost in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park elections

By Evan Smith
Contributing Writer

The candidates who raised and spent more money than their opponents won three of eight elections in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and lost the other five.

One of the higher fundraisers who lost has an exception to his fundraising.

That’s in the contest for Lake Forest Park mayor, in which losing candidate Dwight Thompson reported raising $29,999 and spending $23,773 to winning candidate Mary Jane Goss’ $23,606 raised and $18,629 spent. However, Thompson’s fundraising included a $5,314 personal contribution and $9,400 in loans. Goss had a $2,368 personal contribution and $3,516 in loans.

Former City Councilwoman Goss won with 52 percent of the vote to 47 percent for current Councilman and Deputy Mayor Thompson.

Shoreline City Council challenger William Hubbell lost to incumbent Councilman Chris Eggen by a 70 percent to 29 percent margin although Hubbell reported raising $9,719 and spending $13,408 to Eggen’s $18,770 raised and $11,135 spent.

The State Public Disclosure Commission does not have detailed information about Hubbell’s fundraising and spending because he filed by mail, while the other candidates filed electronically.

In the closest and most expensive Shoreline City Council contest, winning candidate Jesse Salomon raised $35,415 and spent $30,457, with a campaign debt of $12,016. Opponent Robin McClelland reported raising $26,735 and spending $19,480, with a campaign debt of $4,700. Salomon’s fundraising included a $10,300 personal contribution and $4,700 in loans.

McClelland’s fundraising included a $600 personal contribution and $4,700 in loans. Salomon won 50 percent to 49 percent.

In the other Shoreline Council race, winning incumbent Councilwoman Doris McConnell raised $18,770 and spent $11,135, with a campaign debt of $2,000 to repay a loan of $2,000. Her opponent, former Councilwoman Janet Way, reported raising $13,233 and spending $12,121. Way made a $16 personal contribution. McConnell won with 61 percent of the vote to 39 percent for Way.

Only one winning Lake Forest Park City Council candidate raised and spent more money than her opponent.

That was incumbent LFP Councilwoman Catherine Stanford, who raised and spent $11,034 to challenger Brian Cathcart’s $2,525 raised and $1,423 spent with a $1,000 campaign debt. Stanford won by a 55 percent to 44 percent margin.

Losing LFP Council candidate Chuck Paulsen raised $8,378 and spent $8,359 to winning candidate Jeff Johnson’s $4,420 raised and $3,640 spent. Johnson won by a 51 percent to 49 percent margin.

Losing incumbent LFP Councilman Ed Sterner reported raising $13,624 and spending $11,380 to winning challenger Tom French’s $2,525 raised and $600 spent. Sterner had a campaign debt of $2,309, with loans of $2,000 and a personal contribution of $6,250. French had no campaign debt, loans or personal contributions. French won by a 50 percent to 49 percent margin.

The only Shoreline School Board candidate with significant fundraising and spending was losing challenger Kyle Burleigh, who reported raising $8,622 and spending $8,402, with a campaign debt of $800. Burleigh reported a personal contribution of $1,000 and loans of $1,100. Winning incumbent Mike Jacobs reported no fundraising or spending beyond the $5,000 limit for mini-reporting, which exempts candidates from filing detailed periodic reports before the election. Jacobs won by a 66 percent to 34 percent margin.

The three candidates for the other two School Board positions stayed within the State Public Disclosure Commission’s mini-reporting limit.

All candidates for the Northshore Fire Commission, the Ronald Wastewater District, the Shoreline Fire Commission and the Shoreline Water Commission stayed within the mini-reporting limit.

The relationship between money and winning also was mixed in nearby cities. Newly elected Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling raised and spent much more money than defeated former Mayor Mike Cooper. Earling won by a 2-1 margin, but three of four City Council winners raised and spent less than the candidates they defeated.

In Lynnwood, the group supporting changing the City’s form of government from a mayor-council system to a council-manager system raised and spent much more than the opposition group, but the proposition lost by a clear margin.


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Shoreline residents receive King Conservation award

Updated 12-20-2011 9:42pm

Dan Thielman and Dr Afia Menke
Photo by Michael Sladek


Every year the King Conservation District recognizes a private landowner who demonstrates leadership and initiative in implementing best management practices.

This year, in the category of “Urban Conservation Landowner,” the award went to Shoreline community activist Dr Afia Menke and her husband, Dan Thielman.

The award was presented at their annual dinner on November 14, 2011.

Afia and Dan's pond, July 2011

With help from the King Conservation District Landowner Incentive Program, Afia and Dan have removed invasive plants in their backyard - including 20 years worth of English Ivy growing on trees and along three sides of their back yard.

They brought in 20 yards of soil, planted almost 200 native plants, built a pond with a gently flowing creek-like waterfall, and turned their property into a Certified Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary.

When considering who best to name as the recipient of this award, the King Conservation District also noted Afia’s simultaneous volunteer work coordinating and overseeing the first two years of Shoreline’s “Where Our Wild Things Are” Backyard Habitat Tour which was attended by nearly 450 people and further demonstrating other local examples of Backyard Wildlife Habitats with educational opportunities provided on topics related to creating wildlife habitat available.

Afia was a featured presenter at the awards dinner where she was recognized. 

Photo: Naturalist Heather Swift (left) and Landscaper Kimberly Leeper (right) with Afia Menke (center) helped out on some of the work on Afia's and Dan's property.

--Jennifer Rotermund

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Big Butt Pick Up at Paramount Park, Monday, December 5

Volunteers sign in
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Using a $750 grant from King County/Seattle Public Health, the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association held the Big Butt Clean Up on Monday, December 5, 2011 at Paramount Park in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood.

Volunteers cleaned up cigarette butts and tobacco related debris.

Shorecrest High School students participating received Community Service hours. Monday was a no-school day.

Combing the beds for butts
Photo by S.H. Robinson
Volunteers entered the "Guess the Total" contest with the winner receiving a $10 Gift Certificate from Cafe' Aroma and two Movie Passes from the Crest Theater - both in Ridgecrest.  (We are awaiting the final count)

Part of the haul
Photo by Steven H. Roboinson
Chocolate (hot) and treats were served. Gloves were provided. 

And neighbors working together made their beautiful neighborhood park a cleaner place.



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Indoor Market at Third Place Commons this Sunday 11am - 4pm

Dickens Carolers at Third Place Commons
at the Farmers Market on Sunday
Indoor Market at the Commons
Sunday 11am - 4pm 

It's the last Market of the 2011 Season, indoors at Third Place Commons and featuring farmers, producers and crafters. 

Entertainment
Get into the holiday spirit with Market favorites The Milner Family Fiddles, playing on the Commons stage from Market opening at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, followed by the Dickens Carolers, who will be strolling both upstairs (farmers and producers) and downstairs (local, handmade crafts) from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Our special holiday music was made possible by a grant from our friends at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council (their Gallery is now located on the lower level of the shopping center). 

Pet food drive
The Wild Wolves Campfire kids from Shoreline will be at the Market to collect canned and bagged food for the animals at PAWS. Get your donation at Mud Bay, on the lower level next to the entrance to Ross and Great Harvest Bread. You'll be helping four legged, all weather friends who are down on their luck.


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Tween Night Saturday for 5th and 6th graders


5th and 6th Graders Only
Saturday, December 10th, 6:30-10:30pm at the Rec

Activities and contests include
Crazy Santa Hat and
Sing and Dance Showcase

For more information call 206-801-2600 or see the Facebook page



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Shorewood wrestlers defeat Mariner for first time in school history

The Shorewood Thunderbird wrestling team made school history Thursday, beating the Mariner Marauders, 39-31, for the school’s first victory ever against them. It was a close match with Shorewood holding a slim 15-11 lead after six matches.

However, the T-birds pulled away and sealed the victory with a pin by freshman Erca Erdenebayar at heavyweight, putting them up 39-21 with two matches to go. Other standouts included senior David Ball losing a hotly contested 3-2 match to returning state placer Max Welsh and sophomores Rikio Campbell and Mathew Floresca each improving to a perfect 5-0. The Shorewood junior varsity also won, 24-6.

The Shorewood varsity has a 3-2 overall dual-meet record and 0-1 Wesco 3A record going into a tournament at Bonney Lake High School Saturday.

Shorecrest competes in a tournament Saturday at Decatur High School in Federal Way after losing a dual meet at Monroe, 38-33, Thursday.

Shorewood 39, Mariner 33, at Shorewood High School
120- Azuna. M, pinned Alex Lee, SW, 4:25
     -1 Team Point Mariner, unsportsmanlike conduct
126- Rikio Campbell, SW, pinned Irizarry, M, 3:31
132- Mathew Floresca, SW, maj dec David Bui, M, 19-5
138- Villalobos, M, maj dec Erik Harris-Uldall, SW, 12-1
145- Braden Kalloway, SW, pinned Kasonga, M, 4:53
     -1 Team Point Mariner, unsportsmanlike conduct
152- Welsch, M, dec David Ball, SW, 3-2
    -1 Team Point Shorewood, unsportsmanlike conduct
160- Sam Jang, SW, pinned Jensen, M, 0:41
170- Plorish, M, maj dec Isaac Brenglemann, SW, 18-11
182- Vlad Bugayev, SW, win by forfeit
195- Esteban Zenteno, SW, pinned Magwood, M, 0:49
220- Huynh, M, win by forfeit
285- Erca Erdenebayar, SW, pinned Flores, M, 3:51
106- Mata, M, win by forfeit


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Shorecrest girls took 3-0 record into Friday home game after victories over Arlington Monday and Oak Harbor Wednesday

The Shorecrest girls’ basketball team took a 1-0 Wesco 3A record (3-0 overall) into a Friday home game with Mountlake Terrace after opening Wesco 3A play with a 56-23 victory at Oak Harbor Wednesday.

The Scots had defeated Arlington of the Wesco 4A North, 59-45, Monday at Arlington.

Shorecrest and Mountlake Terrace meet at 7:15 p.m. Friday at Shorecrest, with junior varsity teams from the two schools meeting at 5:40. The Mountlake Terrace varsity comes into the game with a 0-2 Wesco 3A record (0-3 overall).

In Shorecrest’s 56-23 victory over Oak Harbor Wednesday, the Scots led 20-3 after the first quarter, 36-9 at halftime and 55-13 after three quarters before coasting in the fourth quarter. Senior Bri Lasconia led the Scots with 14 points, and fellow seniors India Matheson and Janie Uppinghouse each scored 13. The Shorecrest junior varsity won 37-20, giving the JVs a 1-2 season record (1-0 Wesco 3A).

In Shorecrest’s 59-45 victory over Arlington Monday, the Scots trailed 28-27 at halftime but took a 43-38 lead after three quarters and pulled away in the fourth quarter. Lasconia and sophomore Onyie Chibuogwu led Shorecrest with 15 points each and Matheson added 13. The Scot JVs lost 58-11.

For the season, Lasconia leads the Scots with 46 points in three games for an average of 15.3 points per game.

Shorecrest 59, Arlington 45
At Arlington High School, Monday, Dec. 5

Shorecrest 15 12 16 16 -- 59

Arlington            10 18 10 7 -- 45
Shorecrest
Points
Janie Uppinghouse
8
Mickey Greenburg
3
Keegan Monson
2
Lindsey Shattuck
2
Onyie Chibuogwu
15
Brianne Lasconia
15
India Matheson
13
Allison Jones
1
Shorecrest 56, Oak Harbor 23
At Oak Harbor High School, Wednesday, Dec. 7

Shorecrest 20 16 19 1 -- 56
Oak Harbor 3 6 4 10 -- 23


Shorecrest Season Scoring:
Player

Games
Points
P/G
Brianne Lasconia

3
46
15.3
India Matheson

3
35
11.7
Onyie Chibuogwu

3
33
11.0
Janie Uppinghouse

3
30
10.0
Mickey Greenburg

3
9
3.0
Haley Magaoay

1
2
2.0
Allison Jones

3
4
1.3
Keegan Monson

3
4
1.3
Annie Schlachter

2
2
1.0
Lindsey Shattuck

2
2
1.0
Kathryn Lindsey

2
0
0.0


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SCC Men’s Basketball plays home opener on Sunday, former NBA player Bo Kimble works with team this week

Kimble along with SCC Coach Greg Turcott holding court at practice
Photo by Wilson Tsoi


The Shoreline Community College Men’s Basketball Team plays its home opener on Sunday at 6:00 PM in the SCC Gym. SCC is off to a 4-3 start on the season and is averaging 102 points a game on offense. The Dolphins are being tutored this week by Bo Kimble, the former #8 pick in the NBA draft who is in town to work with SCC on the “Fast-Break” offense that Kimble ran at Loyola Marymount University in the late 1980’s.

The "Fast Break" attack
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
The Dolphins will play Northwest Indian College on Sunday, in a rematch of the opening game of the season, where the SCC squad won 113-112. The Dolphins scored 100+ points a game for the first 5 games of the season on their way to a 4-1 start, but starting forward Jesse Vaughan, who leads the team with a 26.17 points per game average was hurt in their sixth game against the Community College of Spokane which ended up as a 94-72 loss and he could not play against Yakima Valley CC the next day and SCC dropped their second game at the CC of Spokane Tournament, 100-95.

SCC has styled their offense around the Paul Westhead’s fast break attack that Loyola Marymount ran in the late 1980s when those teams averaged over 100 points a game (120 in 1989-90) and that Kimble played in for three seasons.

Other leading scorers for SCC are Kelly Hong at 20.00 points per game, Will Acromite with 15.14, Joe Bodman at 13.67 and Jordan Lupher with 12.75. Bodman also leads the team in rebound average with 11 rebounds per game. Jesse Vaughan is second in rebounds with an 8.17 average.

Kimble works with SCC players, coaches
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
Kimble, who knows SCC Coach Greg Turcott, is in Shoreline this week working with the SCC players and coaches to help the Dolphins learn the fast-break system. 

Kimble in 1990 led the nation in scoring with a 35 points per game average. Kimble signed with the University of Southern California as a freshman but transferred to Loyola Marymount to play for Westhead. 

His NBA career was cut short with injuries, but played for the LA Clippers and a short time with the New York Nicks. He was the #8 pick in the 1990 NBA draft.



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Holiday Camp in Shoreline for kids on school break

Shoreline Parks and Recreation offers a busy and fun day camp for kids during the holiday break.  They have all the facilities of the Parks department to use - the Spartan gym, the Shoreline pool - and an enthusiastic recreation staff.  

For more information or to register see the Parks webpage or call 206-801-2600.
click to enlarge

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SCC Women's Basketball Defeats Northwest Indian College 69-55

Friday, December 9, 2011

Gnanamani Hooyman scored 21 for SCC
Photo by Wilson Tsoi
The Lady Dolphin Basketball Team broke open a close game at the end of the first half, going on a 11-0 run to end the half to turn a 18-16 deficient into a 27-18 halftime lead. The Dolphins also came out hot to open the second and ran out to a 31 point lead at 55-31.

SCC was led by Gnanamani Hooyman with 21 points and Michan Luecke & Kaleigh Phillips who both scored 14 points each. The Dolphins out rebounded the Eagles 70 to 51 and outscored NWIC 40 to 9 from the bench.

SCC is now 3-1 on the season and travels to play Grays Harbor Community College on Saturday at 2:00 PM. GHCC is 3-3 on the year.



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Shorecrest boys play at Mountlake Terrace Friday after opening Wesco 3A play with Tuesday home victory over Oak Harbor

The Shorecrest boys’ basketball team takes a 1-0 Western Conference 3A division record (1-1 overall) into a Friday game at Mountlake Terrace after a 68-51 victory over Oak Harbor Thursday.

Shorecrest and Mountlake Terrace meet at 7:15 p.m. at Mountlake at Mountlake Terrace High School.

In Shorecrest’s 68-51 victory over Oak Harbor, the Scots outscored the Wildcats in every quarter. Junior Chibuogwu. led the Scots with 22 points. 


Shorecrest 68, Oak Harbor 51
At Shorecrest


Shorecrest Scoring
Points
Max Nelson
7
Masamba Njadoe
7
Colin Shands
6
Liam O'Neill
5
Ryan Canfield
4
Zach Lawson
3
Emmanuel Chibuogwu, Jr.
22
Dylan Pontrello
2
Keith Shattuck
2
Joe Ghebrehiwot
10
Conin Oishi
0
Keegan Small
0

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Final day for Toy 'n Joy on Sunday

Salvation Army and Bartell Drugs' "Toy 'N' Joy" drive final days ending this Sunday - help bring holiday cheer to local children in need

Bartell Drugs is once again partnering with the Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts to children in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys during its 8th annual Salvation Army "Toy 'N' Joy" drive through this Sunday, December 11.

Toys collected at all 58 Bartell Drugs locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties will be distributed to low-income children and youth the week before Christmas through the Salvation Army's "toy warehouses."

Founded in Seattle in 1890, Bartell Drugs owns stores in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Family-owned and operated, it is the nation's oldest drugstore chain.



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Get ready: Tolling begins on the SR 520 bridge Dec. 29


Are you good to go when it’s time to start tolling on the SR 520 bridge? Or maybe you bought a pass a while ago but haven’t activated your account yet? 

Now is the time to make sure your account is activated and up-to-date. Be sure all financial and license plate information is current and accurate. Don’t get stuck in the rush right before tolling begins. 

We’ve extended our call center hours, added additional phone lines, and hired extra customer service staff to help with the anticipated demand to get as many people on board as soon as possible and ask for your patience. You can get sticker passes at participating retailers and activate your account online for your convenience.

Tolling on the SR 520 bridge will provide $1 billion towards the $4.65 billion for a new floating bridge, safety and mobility improvements from I-5 in Seattle to SR 202 in Redmond. We hope to open a new bridge to traffic in December 2014.

Questions? Contact Emily Pace.




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Correction: Photo: Bonaparte's Gulls at Piper's Creek

Updated December 10, 2011 7:09pm.

Bonaparte's Gulls photo by Frank Kleyn

Bonaparte's Gulls are one of twelve species of gulls that visit Puget Sound. This flock was feeding in the area of Carkeek Park where Piper's Creek enters Puget Sound.  We originally reported the location as Thornton Creek, which flows into Lake Washington.

Frank Kleyn took this photo on December 1, 2011.



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Public notice: Shoreline Fire Department Special Meeting

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings, you are being notified that the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at department headquarters located at 17525 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline. The purpose of the meeting is to review the State auditor’s findings for the fiscal year January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

Shoreline Fire Department
206-533-6529




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Pictures with Santa (and your favorite animal friend) to benefit Whisker City

Have your pet's photo taken with Santa this Saturday
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Mud Bay natural pet food store in Lake Forest Park this Saturday, December 10, 2011.

From 11am to 3pm they will be available for Santa photos with your favorite animal companion. Extra photos are available on request.

The $10 photo price will support Whisker City's adoption efforts.

Mud Bay is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 in the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre.

Whisker City’s work involves two primary areas: direct care and placement of cats. They feed and house the cats and administer needed medical work to get them adjusted. Then they go on the Whiskers on Wheels bus where they make a match with a person looking to adopt them in to a permanent home. They rely heavily on volunteers, fundraisers, grants and donations. The tax ID # is 91-1649531. The contact person for charitable gifts is Mike Brown at 206-235-4698.


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Michael Callahan of RNCS, Symetra/Seahawks Hero in the Classroom

Michael Callahan, Hero in the Classroom

Michael Callahan, art, design and technology teacher at Room Nine Community School in Shoreline, will be honored as the Dec. 12 Shoreline School District recipient of the Heroes in the Classroom award sponsored by the Seattle Seahawks and Symetra Financial.

Michael was surprised with the award at an assembly at the school on Tuesday.

Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is a community program that recognizes Shoreline, Renton and Seattle teachers for outstanding leadership and instructional skills during the Seattle Seahawks season. Michael is the eighth Shoreline teacher to be honored this season, joining Jennifer Etter (Shorecrest), Therese Russell (Brookside), Anne Marie Culver (Kellogg), Ali Airhart (Syre), Diana Dillard (Shorewood), Kay Law (Ridgecrest) and Tracy Andersen (Meridian Park).

Michael has taught at Room Nine Community School since 2005.

He will be recognized at the Seahawks home game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday night and will receive a team jacket, two tickets to the game and on-field passes, and a $350 OfficeMax gift card for classroom supplies.

Michael was nominated by a parent, who wrote in part: "Mr. Callahan brings joy to the classroom for all students. He taps into the children's idea of fun and brings it to life through both artistic and technical projects that are both engaging and exciting. His enthusiasm always comes through, and the students know their time in Michael's classroom will be the highlight of their day."

In addition to the awards before each home game, Symetra and the Seahawks will make a $10,000 donation to three participating schools following the 2011 season. Funds will be designated to support a specific student achievement program at each school.




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Shorewood girls take 0-3 record into Wesco 3A opener Friday after 46-37 home loss to Monroe Monday

The Shorewood girls’ basketball team opens Western Conference 3A play at Lynnwood Friday with a 0-3 non-conference record after a 46-37 home loss to Monroe of the Wesco 4A North Monday. 

Shorewood and Lynnwood play at 7:15 Friday at Lynnwood High School, with junior varsity teams from the two schools meeting at 5:40 and “C” teams playing at 3:45. The Shorewood junior varsity has a 0-3 record. The Shorewood and Lynnwood boys’ teams play at Shorewood at the same times. 

The Lynnwood girls’ varsity comes into the Friday game with a 2-0 Wesco 3A record (3-1 overall). 
In the 46-37 loss to Monroe Monday, Shorewood fell behind 20-12 at halftime before tying the game at 27-27 after three quarters and falling behind in the final quarter. Masha Shtikel led the Thunderbirds with 20 points, Kassie Rasmussen added 13, and Georgia Allfrey and Lauren Thompson each scored 2. The Shorewood JVs lost to Monroe, 52-22. 

Monroe 46, Shorewood 37 
At Shorewood High School, Monday, Dec. 5

Monroe       8 12 7 19 -- 46
Shorewood 8 4 15 10 -- 37 
Shorewood Scoring-- Shtikel 20, J. Thompson 0, Allfrey 2, Hager 0, Abdulla 0, Gangnes 0, L. Thompson 2, McCauley 0, Rasmussen 13



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Save Richmond Beach urges City to adopt higher standard for road capacity

There will be a City of Shoreline Public Hearing on December 12 at 7:00pm for the Adoption of the Transportation Master Plan. The following statement is from the community organization Save Richmond Beach

"The City is revising its transportation master plan. This plan is directly linked to future development in all of Shoreline. As it relates to Point Wells it will determine the amount of traffic (and subsequent back-ups) that the City deems acceptable.

"Please join us on December 12 at Shoreline City Hall to communicate to the City Council the importance of improved levels of service in Richmond Beach.

"The details
The City is moving to change the acceptable Level of Service (LOS) for traffic from E (which is bad), to a LOS of D (which is better) for the entire City. This allows for less congestion and public safety issues. While this is encouraging and we are generally supportive of the changes to the transportation plan, we do have a suggested amendment.

"While the Richmond Beach community is just one of 14 neighborhoods in Shoreline, it is unique from the perspective of transportation access. Richmond Beach Road serves as the only arterial access to a neighborhood with more than 2,200 homes. While 20th Avenue W does provide additional circuitous connectivity to Edmonds via Woodway, Richmond Beach Road serves as the only connection between the neighborhood and the City of Shoreline.

"Local conditions such as steep topography, Puget Sound, and the County border prevent additional access from being developed and while local street connections that serve single-family lots within the community do provide internal circulation within the neighborhood, these streets are not designed to serve "through" traffic needs.

"A major collision on Richmond Beach Road between 8th Avenue W and 15th Avenue NW would not only block access out to the rest of the city, it would also effectively block fire/emergency response into the neighborhood should a resident living west of 15th NW have an emergency.

"Single arterial access makes circulation needs, fire/emergency vehicle access requirements, and acceptable congestion levels different for this neighborhood than for other residential areas within the city. We believe these unique conditions justify a higher level of service standard than other city neighborhoods.

"We strongly urge the City to go one step further and adopt a transportation LOS standard of C for the Richmond Beach community."



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Pepe the dog: stolen, found, and lost and FOUND in Shoreline

Pepe is back home in Ballard

Pepe's information was posted on December 3, 2011. His owner Danielle wrote to tell us that he had been found and agreed to share her story with us.

By Danielle Klinkhamer

Most of you already know that one night at the end of July our beloved little dog Pepe went missing. We had gone out for the evening on bicycles and learned later that there was a fireworks show in our neighborhood. We will never know exactly what happened, but guessed that one of these two things prompted Pepe to bolt from the house and he found a way out of the yard.

We tried most everything to recover him, but nothing ever came of it. We grieved extra because there was no closure. Not only did he never show up alive, but his remains were never found either. He was microchipped and had a tag with our number on it We came to assume the worst -- he was either with someone who wasn't returning him or he had met a lesser fate and got hit by a car or scarfed by neighborhood raccoons.

After 4 months we finally resolved to move on. We started to look into new dogs.

Then last Wednesday we got a phone call from a restricted number. The guy said he might have our dog. He had bought him outside of a grocery store in our neighborhood from some guy who sold him as a Min Pin puppy claiming he had just sold his littermate to someone else. On getting home the guy who bought him was surprised the dog had a collar with a number on it. He called the number. We quickly agreed to meet him. He named a specific location in Shoreline. We hurried there. He never showed up.

We knew then that Pepe was likely alive. Our hope came back. We hoped the guy would call back the next day, but he didn't. So we started to hunt. We went back to the Shoreline neighborhood where he told us to meet him. It seemed reasonable that he had lived nearby. We spied into back yards and through windows hoping we would find Pepe.

We knew we had to try to communicate with the caller, the old fashioned way. We made a pile of fliers with a good picture of Pepe, the statement that he was stolen, a cash reward offered and no questions asked -- we just wanted him back.

With help from friends we plastered the neighborhood around the meet spot and alerted the Shoreline Area News. We returned home feeling we had done all we could. All of you wished us luck and crossed your fingers.

We headed out to meet friends that night, sat at the pub and about when our beer arrived, the phone rang.

It was the guy, he had our dog. This time he called from his cell phone, told us where he lived and told us we could come get Pepe right then.

We did. The guy told us that he had become leery that he was being scammed after buying a dog which had a collar on it. He assumed that we were in cahoots with the guy that sold him the dog and it was a scam to re-sell the dog then guilt the buyer into returning it. That is why he didn't show up the first time. Then he saw our fliers in his nighborhood and the picture of Peps with the original collar on it. We paid him the reward. We got our beloved dog back, via perseverence and a good old fashioned grass-roots effort.

Pepe is OK, he seems healthy, maybe a little underexercised, but otherwise his same old hopelessly optimistic self. You have never seen a happier pup then when we turned the corner to our neighborhood and brought him home. And you have never seen happier dog owners than us right now. We are adoringly watching Pepe sleep in his home ... and cuddle with his new housemate Tika ... another Manchester Terrier.



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