City Councilmember Will Hall seeks County council seat

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Will Hall seeks appointment
to King County Council
Offers City, County, and Business Experience to Replace Bob Ferguson

Shoreline City Councilmember Will Hall confirmed he will seek appointment to the King County Council when Bob Ferguson leaves to become Washington State Attorney General.

“Executive Dow Constantine and the County Council have done a great job streamlining government to maintain services through the most difficult economic conditions of our lifetime,” Hall said. “It would be an honor to help them carry that work forward and continue to make King County one of the most efficient, sustainable local governments in the region.”

Hall has served the City of Shoreline for nine years as a planning commissioner, city councilmember, and deputy mayor. 

 “Will is deeply committed to public service,” said Shoreline City Councilmember Shari Winstead. “His experience with local government and planning has really helped the city council and the whole community.”

It would be a smooth transition for Hall. He already meets monthly with county and city elected officials on the King County Council Regional Policy Committee, which reviews and recommends policies that affect the county and the cities.

 “Will is highly knowledgeable and thoughtful about decisions that impact cities,” said Federal Way City Councilmember Dini Duclos. “He works well with all committee members and listens to all. I feel he will bring these skills and assets to the County Council and will be an outstanding addition.”

City of Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson is also on the committee, and he agrees. “I think Will would be an excellent County Councilmember. He is always well prepared, intently listens to all sides in a debate, is forward-looking, and is open to new approaches to regional challenges.”

Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw works with Hall on the board of the regional economic development council, enterpriseSeattle, and on issues involving the City of Seattle and Shoreline. 

“Will is a great partner. He is an innovator, working to promote jobs and the economy while protecting our environment and quality of life in the Pacific Northwest,” said Bagshaw. “He will bring experience, wisdom and a collaborative approach to the County Council.”

Hall says his 13 years of county government experience will help him be successful in the position. He held supervisory and management jobs in the Snohomish County Planning and Public Works departments before taking a senior staff position with the Snohomish County Council in 2008. Hall works on legislative issues at the city, county, and state level.

Snohomish County Council Chair Brian Sullivan has high praise for Hall. “I enjoyed working with him in the planning department even before I was elected to the County Council,” said Sullivan. “The work he’s done on controversial land use issues and tough county budgets is outstanding. He’s a true public servant, always willing and able to help find a solution that works for everybody.”

Hall represents cities on the Puget Sound Partnership board working to protect and restore Puget Sound. The Chair of that board, Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers, says, “Will is a proven leader at building coalitions to protect and restore the environment while promoting quality economic development. He is a real expert at integrating land use, transportation, and economic development in a sustainable way.”

Hall attributes part of his success in county government to his business experience. “As a manager at Accenture, my job was to help clients change to be more successful,” said Hall. “I spent five years working in partnership with public and private organizations to streamline their processes and make their systems more efficient.” Hall also led information technology and process redesign projects for the University of Washington, and he owned a small consulting business for five years.

“Taxpayers demand that governments be efficient and accountable,” said Hall. “We have major challenges in front of us to maintain our roads, improve our transit, and provide services to a growing population. We have to do that with limited resources, and at a time when public trust in government is still very low. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Executive Constantine and the County Council on their ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges.”

Hall, 49, grew up in unincorporated King County between Renton and Bellevue. He has degrees from the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Washington. He moved to Seattle in 1991 and then Shoreline in 2000. He is married to Laurie Lindblad, a native of south King County.

“Growing up here, Laurie and I are connected to the community. We’ve hiked all over the Cascades, gone scuba diving in Puget Sound, and enjoyed the social, cultural, and neighborhood events that make King County a special place,” said Hall. “We also believe in giving back to our community, as we have for many years. I would be honored to take that service to the next level on the King County Council.”

Bob Ferguson has served on the King County Council since 2004. His election as Attorney General will result in a vacancy representing the north King County district that covers Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and parts of Kirkland and Seattle.

To fill the vacancy, the County Executive will go through a process to identify and nominate three qualified candidates. The County Council will have up to 60 days after the vacancy occurs to make an appointment. The position will be up for election in 2013.


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Incumbent 32nd District State Reps. Kagi and Ryu both winning with more than 72 percent of vote

Incumbent 32nd District State Reps. Ruth Kagi and Cindy Ryu both were on the way to winning re-election Wednesday night, with both having more than 72 percent of the vote.

Kagi was leading Republican challenger Robert Reedy 73 percent to 27 percent. Ryu was leading Republican challenger Randy Hayden 72 percent to 28 percent.

Both Kagi and Ryu won in Snohomish County by 67-33 margins, In King County, Kagi won 78-22 and Ryu won 76-24.

King County officials had 11,241 uncounted 32nd District ballots on hand Wednesday night.

The King County part of the district includes Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle. The Snohomish County portion includes Lynnwood, part of Mountlake Terrace, south Edmonds, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County. 




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Shoreline water proposition holds more than 70 percent of vote

Shoreline Proposition 1, for acquisition and local control of Seattle water services in Shoreline, appeared headed for victory with a 70.07 percent “yes” vote from City votes counted Tuesday and Wednesday.

King County officials had counted 15,935 Shoreline votes through Wednesday out of 25,752 City votes that had arrived at the County elections office in Renton by 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The 25,752 ballots mean that 75.46 percent of Shoreline voters had returned their ballots, compared to a projected final turnout of 81-87 percent.


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Frockt, Farrell, Pollet winning in 46th Legislative District

Voters in the 46th Legislative District apparently have elected David Frockt to the state senate, and Jessyn Farrell and Gerry Pollet to the state house of Representatives.

Appointed incumbent Democratic State Rep. Pollet led Democratic challenger Sylvester Cann 66 percent to 33 percent through the Wednesday vote count in a repeat of the August primary, when Pollet had outpolled Cann 60 percent to 40 percent, with only two candidates on the ballot.

Democrat Farrell led fellow Democrat Sarajane Siegfriedt 64 percent to 36 percent for the position that retiring Democratic State Rep. Phyllis Kenny now holds. The two had emerged from a six-candidate primary in which Farrell took 30 percent to 22 percent for Siegfriedt.

Democrat Frockt was unopposed for the last two years of the term that he holds by appointment. and won 99 percent of the vote.

Frockt had won election as a state representative two years ago and won appointment to the senate after the death of the late Sen. Scott White. Pollet then won appointment to Frockt’s House seat.

Redistricting expanded the northeast Seattle district to Lake Forest Park and Kenmore.

King County officials had counted 40,611 votes Monday and Tuesday out of 70,462 ballots that had arrived at the County elections office in Renton. Those 70,462 ballots make up 78 percent of district voters compared to an expected final turnout of 81-87 percent.


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King County Executive thanks voters for passing Referendum 74 and extends hours for marriage licenses

King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked Washington voters for approving Referendum 74:


“Marriage equality is now the law of the land in Washington State, thanks to voters who have made our state, Maryland, and Maine, the first in the nation to recognize this civil right at the ballot box. We can all be proud that our state is on the right side of history.
“This is a journey that started back in 1971, when Faygele Ben-Miriam and Paul Barwick were denied a marriage license by King County. Faygele did not live to see this day, but I think he would be proud of what we’ve accomplished.
“I want to thank all the legislative leaders for their tenacity in keeping the issue in front of the state Legislature. I have one of the pens Governor Gregoire used to sign the marriage equality bill into law, and I look forward to using that same pen to personally issue the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in King County on the first day the law goes into effect, December 6. 
We expect large numbers of applicants for marriage licenses in those first few days, so our King County Recorder’s Office will be open for extended hours for the issuance of marriage licenses on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6 and 7, and even on Saturday, Dec. 8.”

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More than 75 percent of local voters had returned ballots by Wednesday

More than 75 percent of local voters had returned their general-election ballots by Wednesday.

Shoreline City voters had a ballot return rate of 75.46 percent.

The King County part of the 32nd Legislative District – Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle – had a return rate of 76.30 percent. The return rate in the Snohomish County part of the district -- Lynnwood, part of Mountlake Terrace, south Edmonds, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County -- was 73.62 percent.

The 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle had a return rate of 78.00 percent.

The King County average is 75.54 percent.


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32nd District Dems meet Nov 14; collect items for Tent City #3



32nd District Democrats Monthly Meeting
November 14, 2012 Wednesday
6:45pm Socialize
7pm Meeting
Masonic Hall Shoreline, 
753 N 185th St, Shoreline (map)

Agenda: Election recap
Collect donations for Tent City #3

Donation list
  • Immediate Need for Warm Blankets
  • Disposable plates, cups and utensils, as there is no way to safely sanitize reusable items.
  • Food items for the pantry, such as tuna fish, chili, canned or instant soups, coffee, sugar, canned food of any kind.
  • Informal clothing, appropriate to the season
  • Clothes presentable for work - both physical labor and office work
  • Underwear in all sizes for men and women
  • Tents: one person, two-person
  • Heavy-duty tarps, to shield tents from rain/snow and to help make camping tents last longer.
  • Good-quality pallets, used to raise tents off the ground
  • 1/2" plywood, 4'x4' and 4'x8', placed on top of the pallets and under tents
  • Gorilla tape (extra heavy duty duct tape), used to patch tents and tarps
  • Portable carports, used to create covered public areas in the camp
  • Cots, air mattresses, blankets, sleeping bags
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors
  • Warm, waterproof jackets
  • Wool socks
  • "Hotties" (hand and foot warmers)
  • Warm clothes for layering, such as pants and sweaters, especially in larger sizes (2X and 3X)
  • Closed shoes and boots, all sizes
  • Long underwear, all sizes
  • Wool hats
  • Gloves, especially heavy work gloves to keep hands warm when moving the camp
  • Batteries

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Save the Yellow Piano from the scrap heap



This is a message from  the Werner Café Piano, the bright yellow instrument that was in the Park at Town Center throughout August:

Hello Shoreline agencies,

I am the bright yellow piano with paintings of café scenes and flowers that sat in the Park at Town Center across from Shoreline City Hall during August 2012 and I’m looking for a new home. Lots of people enjoyed playing me, although some were concerned about the sag and drag of my lower register, and I brought smiles to many faces.

The City has decided that I am not suitable musically for another outdoor August Piano Time event in 2013 so has de-accessioned me. That means that I can find another home in a Shoreline non-profit or other governmental agency where people might like to play me as I am.

I am currently sitting on the upper level of the City Hall Parking Garage, mostly covered in plastic while awaiting my fate. If you are accepted as my new owner you would need to pick me up and move me to your location. The City can arrange this through Prosser Piano for $75 at your expense or you can pick me up with volunteers and a truck with a lift.

If no one wants me by November 5th I will be discarded as scrap.

Please respond to Ros Bird, Public Art Coordinator at the City of Shoreline, if you are interested in having a cute, but tired piano at your facility. We could make beautiful music together!

Thanks,

The Werner Café Piano



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Humane Society waives fees for older cats and dogs

Seattle Humane waives fees for older cats and dogs this month


Are you ready for a mature relationship? Adopt a senior pet at Seattle Humane Society and find out for yourself why senior pets are the best! All month long, adoption fees are waived on cats 7 years and older (normally $25), and dogs 7 years and older are $50 (normally $199-275, training not included).

At some shelters, dogs and cats over the age of three are not considered “adoptable,” but at the Seattle Humane Society, we know that older pets make amazing companions. Just ask Kaarin, who recently adopted Nicolette, an 11-year-old Australian Shepherd mix. Kaarin is a widow whose dog had passed away. When she saw Nicolette at seattlehumane.org, her heart went out to this senior pup who found herself homeless in her golden years. She decided to adopt Nicolette and give her a loving home. In less than 24 hours, Kaarin wrote to Seattle Humane to say that Nicolette was enjoying naps stretched across her feet, happy to be part of a family.

Top 5 Reasons to Adopt a Mature Pet:

MELLOW PERSONALITY
You know exactly who you are adopting because his or her personality is formed Plus, these great dogs and cats tend to have just the right level of playfulness for busy families.

ALREADY HOUSE-TRAINED
Most mature pets have already learned many of life’s lessons –including potty lessons! 

MAKE THEMSELVES AT HOME
Older companion animals seem to acclimate more quickly to new settings.

HAVE A LOT OF LOVE TO GIVE
Many of our adopters say that senior dogs and cats really seem to appreciate it when they are adopted and bond to their new family more readily than younger ones.

YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG (OR CAT) NEW TRICKS!
With older pets, you don’t have to spend time teaching them all the basics – they already know them! Instead, have fun teaching them new tricks!

Visit the Seattle Humane Society at 13212 SE Eastgate Way in Bellevue to meet your perfect pet today or see our adoptable pets online

Seattle Humane Society has been awarded the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator for the fourth consecutive year! Founded in 1897 to bring people and pets together, Seattle Humane Society provides incredible companion animals for adoption 7 days a week, pet workshops and training, a pet food bank, a low-fee spay/neuter surgery program, humane teen club, a visiting pets program and more. 

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Free service helps caregivers maintain their own well-being

Are you a caregiver? If you care-without pay-for an older friend or family member or an adult with a disability, then you’re probably under a lot of stress. Between activity planning, meal preparation, managing health care, financial, and/or legal issues, and dealing with challenging behaviors often associated with care situations, you may feel your own life unraveling.

How do you find time for yourself? How do you balance work, caregiving, other family responsibilities, and personal time? And when change occurs, like needing to hire help or select a home care agency or assisted living facility, decision-making really gets difficult. Even professional caregivers need advice and coaching.

Fortunately, help is available and it’s free! Unpaid caregivers can consult with a caregiver specialist by contacting any one of nine agencies in the King County Caregiver Support Network. Free consultations, advice, and coaching, or even respite care (respite services are charged on a sliding fee scale) help you maintain your own well-being and help you to provide even more effective care for a loved one.

The King County Caregiver Support Network is sponsored by Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County. For more information, visit the website, call toll-free 1-888-4ELDERS, or email


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Veterans: Dick's Drive In provides free hamburgers


Dick's Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is offering free burgers, fries, and sodas in honor of Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11. Any burger on the menu including the famous, quarter-pound Dick's Deluxe, plus an order of Dick's hand-cut fries and a 16 ounce soda will be served free throughout the day at all 6 Dick's Drive-In Restaurants to any veteran or active military member as a way to honor past and present military service.

"It's a full-meal thank you," says Jim Spady, vice president of Dick's Drive-Ins and son of namesake and co-founder Dick Spady. "In the past we've celebrated Veterans Day with free cheeseburgers, but this year we wanted to do more. Nothing compares to the great sacrifice of our veterans and the level of service expressed by our men and women in uniform. They deserve our recognition and gratitude."

Beginning at 10:30am until closing on Sunday, Nov. 11, all veteran and active duty military members who can show any form of military identification or wear their military uniform will receive one free burger, plus fries, and a regular-sized soda at all 6 Dick's Drive-In Restaurants at the Wallingford, Broadway, Holman Road, Lake City, Queen Anne, and Edmonds locations.

Spady added, "My dad, Dick, served in the Navy in World War II and the Air Force during the Korean War. My mom was in the Navy when she met my dad and now my daughter serves in the Navy. Our family holds a deep respect and admiration for our veterans and service members."


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Car stolen from 16500 block of Wallingford Ave N

Car stolen from 16500 block of Wallingford Ave N between 6pm Nov 6 and 10am Nov 7. 

Black 1995 Honda Accord LX Station Wagon, WA license plates 288 VHR. Tinted film on rear windows, parking stickers on the drivers side windshield.

If anyone spots it parked somewhere or has other info, please call 911 and/or Brian at 206-605-3008.



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SCC volleyball battles hard but drops match to Bellevue

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Lauren Deatrick is SCC’s lone sophomore
and leads the team in digs for her final home match.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi


The Shoreline Community College Lady Dolphin Volleyball Team battled hard on Tuesday night in the SCC Gym, but still dropped a 3-0 match to Bellevue College, 25-23, 25-19 and 29-27. 

SCC could have won either the first or third set, as both games were close throughout and the SCC served 3 times with set point in their favor for the 3rd set, but Bellevue hung tough and showed why they are region champs in 2012 to hold off SCC and win the match.

SCC was lead by Emily Denim with 16 kills on the night followed by Arianna Garcia with 14. Jalyn Anderson had 41 assists from her setter position.

SCC's lone sophomore, Laruen Deatrick was honored before the match and she led the Dolphins in digs with 17 on the match.

Both Shoreline and Bellevue advance to the NWAACC Volleyball Championship next week at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon. SCC finished third in the NWAACC Northern Region behind Bellevue and Olympic Colleges who tied for first place. 

SCC finished the regular season at 14-18 overall, but 8-4 in the region. Bellevue is 27-9 overall and 11-1 in the region. 

The Dolphins will face Green River Community College next Thursday at the NWAACC Championship at 4:30pm in the opening round. GRCC finished 2nd in the NWAACC Western Division.


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Lady Dolphins defeat Highline CC 1-0, advance to play on Saturday

Kayla Browne scored the lone goal of the match
in the 88th minute to lead SCC to a playoff victory.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi


The Shoreline CC Women's Soccer Team defeated Highline Community College on Wednesday at the Starfire Complex in Tukwila, WA 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the NWAACC Women's Soccer Playoffs. SCC travels to Clackamas Community College on Saturday to play the Cougars at 7:00pm at the Oregon City High School Field.

Freshman Kayla Browne, from Monroe High School, scored for SCC in the 88th minute on an assist by Maria Reyes as HCC did not clear a SCC corner kick well and SCC jumped on the chance to score in the closing minutes.

SCC moved to 10-5-4 on the season while Highline dropped to 10-6-5 to end their season. The Dolphins now face the Southern Region Champions in Clackamas CC, but CCC is a team the Dolphins beat earlier in the season, 1-0, at Dolphin Field. CCC is 13-3-0 overall and feature the toughest defense in the NWAACC, allowing only 7 goals in 16 matches.

If SCC wins on Saturday they will advance to the NWAACC Final Four at the Starfire Complex next weekend.


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Photo: Election Day

Normally on the other side of the camera, Lee Lageschulte poses with a kindred spirit at Costco for this Election Day portrait.


Lee says "While shopping at Costco, this little girl and I made quite a statement, God Bless America! We love the Red, White, and Blue will strive to keep America free. We believe in America. Bless her mother for training her up well."



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Attorney General election night results


If the election night voting trends continue, it looks like we will be getting a new King County Council rep, as our current rep will have a new job. (Currently Bob Ferguson)

Attorney General

Candidate

Bob Ferguson
968,309 
52.92%

Reagan Dunn
861,583 
47.08%

Total Votes 1,829,892 100%

Results from the Secretary of State's webpage

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Legislative candidate results as of election night


From the Secretary of State's website

State Reps (Shoreline voters)

State House District 32, Position 1
Randy Hayden      10,216 27.75%
Cindy Ryu            26,602 72.25%

State House District 32, Position 2
Ruth Kagi            26,697         72.79%
Robert Reedy        9,981         27.21%

State Reps (Lake Forest Park and Kenmore voters)

State Senator
David Frockt      32,093       100%

State House District 46, Position 1
Sylvester Cann   12,245        32.91%
Gerry Pollit         24,957        67.09%

State House District 46, Position 2
Sarajane Siegfriedt   12,969    36.05%
Jessyn Farrell            23,011    63.95%



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Shoreline Water proposition holds more than 70 percent of vote

Tuesday, November 6, 2012


Shoreline Water proposition holds more than 70 percent of vote as of Tuesday night, Nov 6.

Shoreline Proposition 1, for acquisition and local control of Seattle water services in Shoreline, appeared headed for victory with a 70.12 percent “yes” vote from City votes counted.

More than 65 percent of Shoreline voters had returned their ballots through Monday, compared to a projected 81-87 percent.


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WeatherWatcher: Weekly Weather, Warmer, then cold coming.

  • The remainder of the week forecast, cold air is arriving.
  • Snow event not likely in November
  • Last week's Highlights
  • Weather data
Forecast:
The remainder of the week will be cooling off. We have a cold showery air mass moving in from the Gulf of Alaska. This is the second time this type of air mass has come in, last one was around October 21st - 23rd. We won't receive much rain out of this system, but it'll be cold with lows dipping down to the low-mid 30's. It's possible we may have our first frost or freeze, so it's a good time to get things winterized and bring in those frost sensitive plants. Make sure those outdoor water faucets are protected against freezing temperatures. Some wet snow flakes might be mixed in with some heavier rain showers.

Significant November snow? Probably not this year:
We are looking at a couple of cold shots for November, however I do not think we will see any significant snow events as a result. I've been monitoring the cold air in Western Canada, and some of the Pacific storms have pushed waves of cold air out of Western Canada and into the Mid-west.  Right around Thanksgiving and the weekend afterwords we may have nights dropping below freezing. Now, there may be some moisture in the area during that time which may lead to some wet snow overnight or early morning, but again nothing major. December looks a lot more threatening, I'll have more on that later.

Last week's Highlights:
We had a pretty strong plume of tropical moisture make its way into our region last Tuesday and Wednesday making up for all the missed rainfall in September. Tuesday and Wednesday alone we received 4.93 inches.

Last week:
High temperature: 59.9°F (Monday)
Low temperature: 47.9°F (Saturday)
Rainiest day: 2.56 inches (Tuesday)
Total rainfall: 7.31 inches
Warmest day: 55.6°F (Monday)
Coldest day: 50.1°F (Saturday)
Average temperature: 53.7°F (6.2°F warmer than normal)
3-Year average temperature for the week: 47.5°F

Warmest and coldest days are based on average temperature of the entire day, starting at midnight. All other averages are based on the whole week, starting Saturday morning at midnight. All weather data unless otherwise noted is sourced from Carl's Shoreline Weather Station.

For fall and winter storm updates, check out my weather station web page or follow me on Twitter: @SWeatherWatcher

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For the Birds: Western Grebe- the “Swan Grebe”

Western Grebe with fish
Photo by Doug Parrott
By Christine Southwick

I don’t know about you, but when the weather is bleak and drizzling, I seem to end up near the water—Lake Washington, Carkeek Park, the Locks, or one of the many other choices nearby. I usually find Western Grebes, with their long white throat and black neck, in these, their wintering waters.

Western Grebes breed inland on open lakes and marshes which have edges of emergent vegetation (rooted water plants that stick up into the air). That’s why we only see their flocks locally from September thru March or April when they migrate to saltwater and open lakes along the Pacific Coast. Western Grebes feed almost exclusively on fish, and their neck structure has evolved to enable these grebes to move their long thin yellowish-olive bills like spears, or grab fish with clamp-like strength. Another adaptation—they eat large quantities of soft body feathers, and even feed them to their newly-hatched young, to protect their digestive tracts from sharp fish bones.

Western Grebe
Photo by Doug Parrott

Sometimes nicknamed the “Swan Grebe”, Western Grebes are known for their distinctive mating dance, called rushing: they run in unison, side by side on top of the water with their long necks gracefully stretched forward.

Both male and female use plant materials from under the water to build the floating nest, and both incubate the three-to-four eggs. Upon hatching, the non-striped young immediately leave the nest, and begin riding on their parent’s back. These water birds have legs far back on their body for swimming, not walking on land, and therefore are highly affected by the health of the bodies of water in which they live and swim. Rain run-offs with garden pesticides, oil spills, fishing nets and lines are real hazards to the Western Grebes that use our local waters for about six months of the year. 

Western Grebe
Photo by Doug Parrott

Even though there are plenty of Western Grebes right now, there is concern that their population is rapidly declining near the edges of their range, especially in British Columbia (winter), Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin (some of their summer breeding grounds).

During our winter season, scan the waters for Western Grebes.  Their blacks will be grayer, but their long necks supporting their black heads with white below their eyes will still take your breath away, and make you glad you looked for these elegant grebes.


Christine Southwick is on the Board of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory and is their Winter Urban Color-banding Project Manager. She is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Steward, having completed their forty hour class. We're happy that she is sharing her expertise with us about the birds in our backyards.

For previous For the Birds columns, click on the link under the Features section on the main webpage.


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Welcome Tent City 3 to Shoreline

Guest and resident entrance
to Tent City #3
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Updated 11-7-20122 1:43pm
By Marc Weinberg

On November 17th Tent City 3 returns to Calvin Presbyterian Church (3rd Ave NW and 185th Street). Tent City 3 is a portable, self-managed community of up to 100 homeless men and women.

Tent City 3 is a necessity because there are not enough indoor shelters for all who need a place to stay in King County. It provides a safe place to leave ones belongings, flexible hours for those who have a work schedule, and the ability for couples to stay together. According to King County Code this form of temporary housing can remain in one location no longer than 90 days. Therefore, November 17th is one of those required move days.

Our assistance is needed, especially on Saturday the 17th, to help set up their homes for the following 90 days. They are moving from Tukwila and the long drive will add to the burden of setting up all the tents during the shortened winter daylight. The move must be completed on this one day for all 100 adult residents.

What you can do to help  

Plan to arrive at the church by mid-morning ready to add your emotional and physical support.  There are tasks of all kinds that need to be accomplished. Some are light duty and others require more physical effort. Whatever your capacity, you will leave knowing you have contributed to a deserving group of people. 

As always, your help is appreciated in supporting this mobile camp of residents with much needed supplies to sustain their daily life with the items you and I take for granted. For current items on their ‘wish list’ please visit the website Greater Seattle Cares where you will also find suggestions on what you can do throughout the year.

Let’s show the residents of Tent City 3 that we care. Bring a friend and share the moment.  Rain or shine, it will happen on the 17th so please plan to be there.

More about Greater Seattle Cares

Greater Seattle Cares, a faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2005 to provide a vehicle for local communities to connect with Tent City 3 for the provision of the residents’ daily needs and to facilitate their transition to independent living. To achieve this mission, we strive to:

  • Build a network of caring individuals and community partners committed to enhancing the quality of life of the residents.
  • Coordinate efforts to deliver meals, clothing and supplies to the residents.
  • Communicate needs and advocate for Tent City 3 at community meetings and potential host Sites.
  • Collaborate with local organizations to develop opportunities for the residents to further their own development and self-sufficiency.

Greater Seattle Cares' vision: a world without homelessness in which communities come together to promote a better quality of life for those in need.


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The Magical Journey art exhibit at Shoreline City Hall Gallery

Chamber music with violinist Cecilia Archuleta
and pianist Dr. Charles Enlow
Photo courtesy Shoreline LFP Arts Council

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and the City of Shoreline celebrated an evening of art and music and an open house on Thursday November 1 at City Hall. 

Visitors saw the wonderful work of artists Frank Dobrushken, Don Haggerty, Judith Heim, and Roger Shurtleff, and heard fantastic music by faculty and students of Shoreline Community College. Musicians included pianists Charles Enlow, Avery Caldwell, violinist Cecilia Archuleta, and vocalists Cheryl McLin, Erin McMullen, and Katie Poor.

“The Magical Journey” art exhibit continues through January 25, 2013.
Shoreline City Hall Gallery
“The Magical Journey”

Frank Dobrushken, photography


Don Haggerty, figurative paintings

Judith Heim, mixed media/collage

Roger Shurtleff, encaustic sculpture

October 31, 2012 to January 25, 2013
Monday to Friday 9 - 5
Shoreline City Hall. 
N 175th St and Midvale Ave N              

Shoreline City Hall is located at 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133. For more information contact the Arts Council at 206-417-4645,


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Sunset school demolition contract awarded; Aldercrest demo underway

Aldercrest demolition
Photo by Suzanne Gugger



Demolition of Sunset, Aldercrest Annex moving forward

The Shoreline School Board has awarded a contract for the demolition of the vacant Sunset Elementary School building.

The project would begin in mid-November, with completion expected in January. The contract was awarded to Construction Group International with a total bid amount of $276,075, including abatement, demolition and removal of the foundation.

Sunset closed in 2007 and the community, led by the Friends of Sunset Park, have worked for several years to bring their vision of a park on the site a reality.

The Sunset building has been targeted for vandalism since its closure and the demolition of the building will go a long way to making this public facility safer and a recreation site for the community.

The School Board approved a resolution declaring that the Sunset site is not currently required for school purposes and authorizing the temporary surplus of the property. The District will be removing the building and its foundation and the city would take over the maintenance, utilities, supervision and scheduling of the site for recreational purposes.

The demolition of Aldercrest Annex (the former Kellogg Middle School site) is under way. The building was severely damaged in a fire attributed to arson in August and the school district has been working with city of Shoreline and the Shoreline Fire Department to complete the process of demolishing both the fire damaged building as well as the adjacent classroom wing. Only the gymnasium will remain on the site.


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Majority of local voters had returned ballots by Tuesday

By Evan Smith

More than 65 percent of local voters had returned ballots by Tuesday

Shoreline City voters had a ballot return rate of 65.23 percent.

The King County part of the 32nd Legislative District – Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle – had a return rate of 64.14 percent.

The 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle had a return rate of 64.30 percent.

Those figures exceed the King County average of 62.76 percent.


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Shorecrest girls open state soccer tournament Wednesday at Liberty

The Shorecrest girls’ soccer team opens state 3A tournament play against Liberty High School at 7pm Wednesday at Liberty Stadium south of Issaquah.

The winner advances to a Saturday match against the winner of Wednesday a match between Kelso and Bonney Lake.



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FOUND: Missing Shorecrest boy returns

The family of Younis Ali has let us know that he was found this morning and is back with his family.


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Last day to vote - Tuesday - by 8pm

Election Day - last day to vote
Photo by Carl Dinse
By Diane Hettrick

Tuesday, Election Day, is the last day to turn in your ballot.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, or placed in the Lake Forest Park drop box by 8pm, in order to be counted.

By all indications, there are a number of state races which will be very close, so every vote really does count - and recount.

There was once a Shoreline City Council race which was won by 16 votes in the second recount and there have been several other squeakers through the years.

So unbury your ballot from that pile of paper on your desk (yes, I'm talking to you!) and turn it in.

If you want to know if Elections believed your signature (you did sign your ballot, didn't you?) go to King County Elections and follow the Ballot Tracker link.

We will be watching the elections and bringing you information on the local races.

Get out the popcorn, I think we're in for a long ride.


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Historical Museum to announce Trillium award winners at annual meeting

The annual meeting of the Shoreline Historical Museum will be held on Saturday, November 17th, at one pm at the Ronald Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline 98133.

Highlight of the meeting will be special recognition of three older buildings in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and North Seattle. The Trillium award is given annually for the historical preservation and maintenance of the original construction of these properties.


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Notes from Monday November 5th Shoreline School Board Meeting

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Monday November 5th Shoreline School Board Meeting
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Director of Assessments Dr Monpas-Huber said district students outperformed state and national SAT scores. However more analysis and test results are needed to determine why Shorewood’s scores decreased last year. Board President Ehrlichman said she wasn’t surprised since they were encouraging more students to take Advanced Placement classes to prepare for college and that meant a wider range of students testing.

The Board approved a resolution to declare Sunset Elementary School temporarily surplus since it is not currently required for school use. This action meant the city of Shoreline could move ahead with plans to assume responsibility for maintenance, utilities, supervision and scheduling the recreational use of the Sunset site following demolition of the building. The Board unanimously approved the construction bid for $276,075 to demolish the building, footings and concrete slabs.

The District Instructional Materials Committee (DIMC) recommended the board not approve the play “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” until it had been revised to make it more appropriate for a younger audience. The play had been recommended to the committee for approval by staff from Shorecrest High School. Board Vice President Mike Jacobs wondered what the committee’s criteria was for adult content and wanted to see the objectionable parts. Director of Teaching and Learning Teri Poff said there were graphic sexual themes and language. Superintendent Walker said that in the future the parts that the committee judged inappropriate would be sent to the board members so they could judge for themselves. President Ehrlichman said she appreciates what the DIMC committee does.


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Fundraiser at Lake Forest Bar & Grill for family of Briarcrest child with cancer

Volunteers from Briarcrest Elementary are holding a fundraiser on November 8 for a Shoreline family of nine that has a ten year old boy battling cancer (Stage III Lymphoma). He attends Briarcrest Elementary.

The fundraiser is Thursday November 8th from 6pm-10pm at Lake Forest Bar and Grill in Lake Forest Park Town Center.

Even with insurance and financial support, cancer is a very expensive disease. The goal of the fundraiser, says organizer Amanda Schmidt, is just to ease the family's financial burden a little, and to show them they have community support.

We would love to pack out the house and raise a lot of money for this family.  

All people have to do is have dinner at the Lake Forest Bar and Grill between 6-10pm and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the family.

If people are interested in sending a donation they can do so by contacting Amanda. A bank account is being set up in the family's name.


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Court of Appeals to hear Point Wells appeal on Wednesday

Court of Appeals Hearing This Wednesday at 9:30AM


Last year, Save Richmond Beach and the Town of Woodway asked King County Superior Court to overturn the vesting and put an injunction on the Point Wells development project because it didn’t comply with the State Environmental Policy Act. We won and the developer appealed, citing the Washington State’s vested rights doctrine.

The appeal will be heard this Wednesday November 7 at 9:30am in the Washington State Court of Appeals.

Location
Court of Appeals Division I
Hearing session starts at 9:30 AM

One Union Square
600 University Street,
Seattle, WA

Judges
The Honorable Ronald Cox
The Honorable Linda Lau
The Honorable C. Kenneth Grosse

People are welcome and encouraged to attend. The courtroom is small, but if you can make it please come!

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YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program


YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program starts November 14th 6:30-7:30pm at the Dale Turner YMCA,  

19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133, 206-363-0446.


A 16-week program to reduce your risk of acquiring Type II Diabetes through promoting healthy weight management, increasing activity and improving nutrition in a friendly group environment.

For more information contact Brie Davis 206-344-3181.     


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Letter to the Editor: What about paying back the bonds and loans?

To the Editor:

The latest mailer by the “Yes” campaign for Proposition 1, and Councilmember Doris McConnell’s use of it in her letter to the Shoreline Area News, undermines the “Yes” campaign and her own credibility. Both mislead voters, which is very disappointing.


The mailer and Ms. McConnell says that ratepayers with have “100 percent reinvestment” in infrastructure. What about paying back the $40+ Million in bonds and short-term loans that Shoreline City Hall will need and the additional $50+ Million after 2020?

Both say that voters specifically mandate the acquisition price, but Shoreline’s City Attorney said that the price can vary without becoming a legal problem.

Ms. McConnell and the mailer say that water bills will not increase, but minutes of negotiations between SPU and Shoreline (dated 2-22-2012) reveal that Shoreline’s rates will be higher than SPU’s.

All that the citizens of Shoreline expect is that their elected officials will be honest and above-board in their decisions. Why is that not happening?

Art Maronek
Shoreline


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Shorewood Pep - Gangnam style

Shorewood Pep Band goes Gangnam at half-time
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

At half time in the Shorewood and Stanwood football game last Friday, the pep band does a little Gangnam Style dance. Shorewood won the game, 28-14 in the second game of a football double header at Shoreline Stadium.

Shorewood’s Pep Band goes Gangnam Style.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


Not to be outdone, the Shorewood Cheer Squad
displays their Gangnam moves.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore



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Shorewood opens state volleyball tournament Friday against North Thursday

Shorewood will open play in the state 3A volleyball tournament against North Thurston Friday at 11:45 a.m. at Saint Martin’s University in Lacy, north of Olympia.

As Northwest District 3A champion, Shorewood will be the official home team, even though the match will be played less than two miles from North Thurston High School.

The winner will advance to a quarterfinal match Friday evening against the winner of a match between Columbia River of Vancouver and Seattle Prep. Losers of the same two first-round matches will meet in a Friday evening elimination match.

North Thurston comes into the tournament after a 3-2 loss Saturday to cross-town rival Timberline in the West Central/Southwest bi-district tournament.

Shorewood comes off a 3-0 victory Thursday over Stanwood in the Northwest District 3A championship match at Glacier Peak High School. Shorewood won by game scores of 25-20, 25-19 and 25-11. For Shorewood, Monica Postor had 23 digs and 10 kills; Ellie Rettenmier had 10 kills and 12 digs; Marianne Kellogg had 33 assists; Delaney Hopen had 13 digs and eight kills; and Joely Shepard had 19 digs.


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FOUND: Shoreline boy missing - family asks for help from public

Monday, November 5, 2012

UPDATE: Younis Ali was found and is back with his family.


Younis Ali is a student at Shorecrest High School and has been missing since Friday morning. 

His family and friends do NOT believe he has run away and ask your help in finding him.



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Turn in ballots by Tuesday

Photo by Carl Dinse
Local ballot return still running behind County average

Shoreline area voters still are returning ballots at a slower rate than the King County average.

Shoreline City voters had returned 43.01 percent of their ballots through Sunday night, compared to the countywide average of 44.30 percent.

The King County part of the 32nd Legislative District, including part of northwest Seattle in addition to Shoreline, had a return rate of 43.88 percent. 

The Snohomish County part of the district – Lynnwood, part of Mountlake Terrace, south Edmonds, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County -- had a return rate through Friday afternoon of 39.83 percent.

The 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle, had a return rate of 44.79 percent, a little higher than the county average.

Ballots must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, or placed in the drop box by Lake Forest Park City Hall by 8pm Tuesday.


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Quick Start Shoreline Tuesday November 6

The Tuesday Quick-Start Shoreline Business Workshop for start-up, existing or potential business owners will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 from 12 noon to 1:30pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Avenue N. The workshop is free; feel free to bring a snack or a brown bag lunch.


Speechcraft - Communicating the Toastmasters Way

Confident, effective communication is critical in all aspects of business, from getting the job, to closing the sale, to being the best manager you can be. Whether you are petrified in front of a crowd, or looking for the last bits of polish for your public speaking career, Toastmasters' proven communication method can get you were you want to be. In this introductory session, we will be covering the public speaking basics mixed with a few fun impromptu exercises. Swing by if you'd like to learn:
  • The benefits of being a better speaker
  • Why public speaking is so hard for most people
  • The 10 keys to communication
  • How to master the leadership potential you already have
Lake City Toastmasters has been providing a no-pressure, encouraging environment to aspiring and master speakers alike for over 60 years. At Toastmasters we know that getting your hands dirty is the fastest way to improve. Each Lake City Toastmasters meeting is a self-contained learn-by-doing workshop with opportunities to grow as a speaker, leader, and inspiration to your peers. Our club has helped hundreds of members gain the confidence and skills they needed to succeed in business and in life.


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Downtown Seattle bus route changes on Monday

By Brian Doennebrink

In an effort to help speed evening rush hour trips for routes heading north from downtown, these route and stop changes will start Monday, November 5:

  • For Metro Transit, routes 301 (to Shoreline), 306 (Lake Forest Park, Kenmore), 308 (Lake Forest Park), and 312 (Lake Forest Park, Kenmore) will shift from Olive Way to Pike Street
  • For Sound Transit, route 522 to Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and beyond will now turn right onto Pike Street from Fourth Avenue and use the Pike Street entrance to the I-5 express lanes in the afternoon. Its last stop downtown will be on Pike Street just west of Sixth Avenue.
  • To help keep Fourth Avenue moving, the change requires closing the bus stop at Fourth Avenue and Union Street. All buses that currently serve that zone will now stop on Fourth Avenue just north of Pike Street adjacent to Westlake Park. These northbound Sound Transit Express routes will now use the stop at Westlake - 510 and 511 to Everett (via Shoreline off-peak), 512 to Everett via Shoreline (presently only runs on Sundays), 513 to Everett via Mountlake Terrace. Northbound Community Transit routes 405 to Edmonds Park / Ride and the 416 to Shoreline and Edmonds are among the routes that are impacted.


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OP-ED: Council Member Doris McConnell - say Yes to local control and investment

Doris McConnell was elected to the Shoreline City Council in 2007 and reelected in 2011.


Please Vote YES for Shoreline Prop 1
And Say Yes to Local Control And Local Investment!

By Council Member Doris McConnell

These are some of your Shoreline friends who have endorsed Shoreline Proposition 1:  

ProShoreline, Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan and Shoreline Deputy Mayor Chris Eggen. Shoreline City Councilmembers Doris McConnell, Shari Winstead, and Will Hall. 32nd Legislative District Representative Ruth Kagi. Former Shoreline Mayors Ron Hansen and Bob Ransom. Former Shoreline Deputy Mayor Terry Scott. Former Shoreline City Councilmembers Rich Gustafson and Kevin Grossman. SPU Advisory Steering Committee members Gretchen Atkinson, David Harris, Joseph Irons, Lee Michaelis, William Montero, Edith Nelson and Sis Polin. Melissa Anderson, Jamie Andrews, Wes Brandon, Herb Bryce, Sue Coulter-Armstrong, Craig Degginger, Todd Fiala, Maurice Hamington, Jan Hansen, Paul Herrick, Carolyn Hope, Tiffany Kopec, Sheila Long, Jack Malek, Paul Reed, Mary Reeve, Sophie Scheier, Mike Shelton, Judy Simon, KristaTenney, David and RoseannTousley, and LaNita Wacker.

I have studied materials regarding the possible SPU acquisition for the city of Shoreline from the city’s website, Local Control for Shoreline website and the No Blank Check website. The Shoreline City Council feels a responsibility to move the city forward for the good of its citizens. This case is no different. ALL seven of the city council voted to put this acquisition on the November ballot.  Five of us have donated to the campaign that supports this acquisition and all council members have helped behind the scenes in one manner or another. 

I believe as a city, we will look back and view SPU acquisition as one of the top accomplishments of this city. This acquisition ballot measure has been a long time coming and I believe it may be Shoreline’s only shot to break away from SPU. As we have the youngest “pipes” in their entire system, Shoreline will continue to be on the bottom of the maintenance plan as the rest of the SPU system averages well over 60 years old (reference: SPU 2013 Water System Plan and Shoreline Water System Engineering Review on city’s website and in Prop 1 information brochure, sent to all Shoreline residents in mid-October).

It doesn’t matter that SPU has reinvested some money back into Shoreline.  It is not enough and it is not our fair share. After acquisition, all Shoreline revenue will be reinvested back into Shoreline.  Experienced utility workers will be hired, not retrained staffers with little background in utility work. That’s just common sense. 

Why VOTE YES for Shoreline Proposition 1?

Shoreline ratepayers west of I-5 will have 100% reinvestment back into Shoreline infrastructure.
    
Voters specifically mandate the acquisition price (refer to ballot measure in Voters Pamphlet).
    
Your water bill will NOT increase because of acquisition (refer to specifics in the ballot measure).
    
Shoreline will implement a “main replacement” program, thereby improving the system. SPU does NOT have a replacement program for Shoreline either now or in the foreseeable future (city of Shoreline website, SPU acquisition link).
    
Shoreline will join Edmonds, Bothell, and Everett who operate their own water utility; all at average annual bills lower than Shoreline Water District (independent water utility east of I-5).
    
The City of Shoreline has a long history of fiscal responsibility and conservative spending practices.  They have earned the trust of the citizens (source: 2012 citizens survey, city website). 
    
The City of Shoreline has THREE directors with previous experience in water utility management who will assist in overseeing transition from SPU. Experience matters and they have it!


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