The difference between bottled water and tap water

Sunday, November 11, 2012


The difference between bottled water and tap water will be revealed in part two of the Lake Forest Park Environmental Program Fall Film Series: "Tapped" on Thursday, November 15th at The Commons.

"Tapped," takes a look into the differences between bottled water and tap water and how they affect our everyday lives. 

Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 7pm at Third Place Commons.
Lake Forest Park Town Center
17171 Bothell Way NE 

There will be a multitude of free giveaways encouraging recycling and waste reduction.

All are invited. This event is co-sponsored by King County Department of Natural Resources-Solid Waste Division


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Lady Dolphin’s soccer ends season in overtime at Clackamas

SCC Women’s Soccer should return the majority of the team
next season after strong showing in 2012.
Photo by Wilson Tsoi


The Shoreline Community College Women's Soccer Team dropped a tough 1-0 match to Clackamas Community College on Saturday night at the Oregon City High School Stadium in the NWAACC Quarter Finals.

It took 96 minutes for the loss to occur, as both teams fought to a 0-0 tie in regulation but Tayler Ficek took a loose ball in front of the SCC goal 6 minutes into overtime and put it in the net for a Cougar win and send SCC home from the NWAACC Playoffs. Ficek had won last year's quarter-final match for Clackamas in overtime as well against Green River CC.

Clackamas came into the game with the best defense in the NWAACC, as the team had allowed only 7 goals all season, but one of those goals was against SCC in a 1-0 loss to the Dolphins in September, but on this cold night in Oregon City, the SCC offense would not produce a goal and CCC would come out on top.

The Lady Dolphins finished the season at 10-6-4 and was tied for 2nd in the NWAACC Northern Region. The SCC squad missed the playoffs last season when they lost a "Play-In" game against Edmonds CC to advance to the playoffs. The Shoreline team was freshman dominated with 4 sophomores on the squad and should be a favorite next season to win the region and challenge for a spot in the NWAACC Women’s Soccer Final Four.

Clackamas is now 14-3 on the year and will advance to the NWAACC Soccer Championship next weekend at the Starfire Complex in Tukwila.


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Voters approve I-1240 to allow the option of public charter schools in Washington

From the Pro Charter School campaign

After comprehensively reviewing ballot returns to date, The YES on 1240 Coalition announced today that Initiative 1240, the Washington Public Charter Schools Initiative, will be approved by a majority of Washington voters. With over 2.6 million votes counted, Initiative 1240 is leading with 51% of the vote.

Chris Korsmo, CEO of the League of Education Voters, a founding member of the Washington Coalition for Public Charter Schools said “Washington now joins 41 other states across the country in offering the option of public charter schools for parents and students.”

Under I-1240, a maximum of 40 public charter schools may be authorized over a five-year period. These schools will be subject to strict oversight and public accountability, and their performance in improving student learning will be rigorously evaluated to determine whether additional charter schools should be allowed.

Shannon Campion, a spokesperson for the YES on 1240 campaign and Executive Director of Washington Stand for Children said “I-1240 will bring the best of what has worked in other states to Washington.” 
Korsmo said “Our coalition members are committed to working with parents, educators, elected leaders and communities to implement this initiative and to establish up to 40 high quality public charter schools over the next five years.”

The founding coalition members for the campaign who put the measure on the ballot – including Partnership for Learning, Democrats for Education Reform, Washington Stand for Children, and the League of Education Voters – have committed to continuing the coalition to lead efforts to support the effective implementation of I-1240. 

Jana Carlisle, Executive Director of Partnership for Learning said “In particular, in keeping with the intent of the law, we will work to ensure that priority is given to serving students who are most at-risk, including low-income students and those who are struggling in traditional public schools.”
“Washington voters clearly understand that public charter schools across the country are providing more opportunities for student success,” said Lisa Macfarlane, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform, also a founding member of the coalition. “And, voters expect accountability, as well as timely and faithful implementation of what they’ve voted on.”

Charter schools are independently-managed public schools operated by approved nonprofit organizations and overseen by a local school board or state commission with strict accountability and performance requirements. Public charter schools do not charge tuition, are open to all students and receive funding based on student enrollment just like traditional public schools.

Public charter schools are subject to the same academic standards as traditional public schools, and the teachers in them must meet the same certification requirements as teachers in other public schools. However, public charter schools are freed from many other regulatory requirements, so they have more flexibility to set curriculum and budgets, establish their teaching staff, and offer more customized learning experiences to meet the needs of their students.

According to Washington state law, election results will be officially certified and Initiative 1240 will take effect on December 6th. The initiative calls for members of the Washington State Charter School Commission to be appointed within 90 days of the effective date of the law.

Additional information about the initiative can be found on the Washington Coalition for Public Charter Schools website


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Early morning fire damages apartments on Richmond Beach Road


Meadowbrook Apartment fire
Photo by Keith McGlashan

Very early Sunday morning, a towering column of thick smoke marked a fire at the Meadowbrook Apartments at 1406 NW Richmond Beach Road. Shortly before midnight on Saturday, ladder trucks and Emergency Response Units from both Shoreline, Northshore, and Edmonds answered the call. The fire was largely confined to three apartments, one above another, on the back side of the complex.

The two alarm fire destroyed three King County housing apartment units -- and caused minor damage to at least six other apartments

Meadowbrook Apartment fire
Photo by Keith McGlashan

The Red Cross was at the scene, assisting three families who lost everything -- and numerous other evacuated residents who spent the night in a makeshift shelter at the Spin Alley Bowling Center.

The fire broke out around midnight in the Meadowbrook Apartment Complex at 1406 Richmond Beach Road.   

Shoreline Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames visible from units on the first, second and third floors.   

Meadowbrook Apartment fire
Photo by Keith McGlashan

Shoreline crews were assisted by Northshore Fire and Snohomish County Fire District One in the two alarm blaze.    

Fire crews knocked down the fire within 15 minutes and kept it from spreading throughout the large multi-family apartment complex. No one was injured during the incident -- but many spent the night awake, cold and uneasy as they watched fire crews battle the blaze, and during the all-night clean up and investigation.

Meadowbrook Apartment fire - the next day
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Dozens of residents evacuated will be unable to return to their homes until mid to late in the day Sunday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This is the second apartment fire in two days.



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Veterans Day 2012 through the eyes of children

Second and third grade students in Ms. Pinz’ class at Highland Terrace Elementary created a poster with flags and words to describe America’s Veterans.


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Shoreline Veterans event Monday at 2pm, City Hall

The Third Annual Veterans' Day event, sponsored by the Shoreline Veterans organization and the City of Shoreline, will take place on Monday, November 12, 2pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Organizer Dwight Stevens said that the keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Benjamin Starnes, MD, who ran a medical unit in Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Starnes is now practicing medicine at Swedish and the UW.

Two students from the Shoreline Youth Ambassadors organization will speak.

An Army chaplain will do the invocation, and the Navy Sea Cadets will present the colors.

In addition to Lt. Col. Starnes, three Army veterans will be honored during the ceremony.

The public is encouraged to attend, to honor all our veterans.


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63rd Annual Veterans Day Memorial Celebration at Evergreen Washelli Monday

Memorial Day at Evergreen Washelli
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


On Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11am, Evergreen Washelli will be celebrating its 63rd Annual Veterans Day. 

The event will take place at the Doughboy statue at the base of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. 

Veterans, their families and the public will gather for a special band concert and Service of Remembrance. A tent will be provided in the event of rain.

7:00 am Monday, November 12th - Flag placement at the Lower Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Each of the white marble upright markers in the Lower Veterans Section will receive a flag. The Chimes Tower will play after the program. The public is invited to listen to Patriotic music played by the Chimes Tower while visiting the graves of our Medal of Honor Recipients.

10:30 am - music will be provided by the Eagles and Letter-Carriers Band.

11:00 am - the Service of Remembrance begins. The program will conclude with "Taps" and a Rifle Salute.

The donation of flags for this event is greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate a flag or funds to purchase them, or for additional information, please contact Brenda Spicer or call our main Seattle office at 206.362.5200. Volunteers are also welcome to help place the flags.


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Government offices closed for Veterans Day

Monday, November 12
Veterans Day Holiday

  • King County Offices Closed
  • Shoreline City Hall closed for business, open for the Veterans Day celebration at 2pm
  • Shoreline City Council meets on Tuesday evening
  • Lake Forest Park City Hall closed
  • No mail delivery - post offices closed


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Book Review by Aarene Storms: War Horse

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
audiobook read by John Keating

Joey is a big farm horse, born in England before the start of WWI...and when England went to war, the horses as well as the soldiers shipped out to France to fight.

Joey himself narrates the story of his life in the tradition of Black Beauty. He tells about the hard work during basic training, comfort and companionship of his friend Topthorn, about his fear of the noise of cannons, as well as the injury, illness and death that horses and humans experience in wartime.

The audiobook is capably narrated by John Keating, who tells Joey's tale with a gentle and sometime incredulous voice that is totally appropriate to the character of a horse sent into bewildering circumstances like war.

This story was adapted for the stage in London using life-sized puppets; the production came to New York's Lincoln Center this year. View some amazing footage of the puppetry here

Stephen Spielberg's live-action film version of the story will be released in December 2011. The trailer for the film is located here.

Rating:
Recommended for animal lovers, and also readers who enjoy realistic historical fiction. Ages 10 to adult. Minor cussing, no sex, wartime violence and injury.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach Library, KCLS


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Shoreline voters approve City’s acquisition of SPU water system in Shoreline

From the City of Shoreline

By a vote of 70%, Shoreline voters have authorized the City to create a water utility, and thereby acquire and operate the Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) water system in Shoreline by moving forward with negotiating a final agreement.

Over the next year, the City will be working closely with the City of Seattle to finalize a purchase agreement. We anticipate continuing those discussions in December with the hope of having an agreement ready for review by Shoreline and Seattle city councils by the spring. Both councils will need to approve the agreement before it is finalized. The goal is to complete that process by the fall.

Once the purchase agreement has been signed, Shoreline will begin developing operations plans and preliminary work on the initial capital improvements that need to be completed before the transfer of the system in 2020. Planning work will take place over several years. Beginning in 2016, the City will also begin preparing a Comprehensive Water Plan, as required by the State. The plan will be adopted in 2017. Construction of initial capital improvements and separation of the water system will begin in 2018.

In the meantime, beginning in 2015, the City will work closely with Ronald Wastewater District (RWD) to prepare for merging the wastewater utility with the City in 2017. Planning for and integrating RWD into City operations at the same time we are planning for acquiring the water utility will allow the City to look for mutual operational efficiencies that benefit both utilities. These efficiencies or savings to the utilities could come from sharing the cost of billing services, equipment, facilities and personnel.

The City will continue to keep residents informed throughout the SPU acquisition process. There will be a number of opportunities along the way for residents to provide input. While moving into the water utility businesses is a big step for the City, we are confident that it will be successful and a substantial benefit to the community.


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Seattle Prep eliminates Shorewood volleyball in state match

The Shorewood volleyball team lost to Seattle Prep, 3-0, in a state 3A tournament consolation match Friday after the Thunderbirds lost to North Thurston, 3-1, earlier Friday.

Seattle Prep eliminated the Thunderbirds by game scores of 26-24, 26-24 and 25-22.


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Quick Start Shoreline Tues Nov 13

The Tuesday Quick-Start Shoreline Business Workshop for start-up, existing or potential business owners will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 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.



The Pricing Gurus (Mike Pritchard and Dan DeVries) will be speaking on November 13th about pricing – including different pricing models and how to research what people are willing to pay.  They are conducting some research into how companies currently establish prices and would like to invite QuickStart attendees to participate.

The survey is here. When you take the survey you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a summary of results when the research is complete.  You can also include your questions on pricing in your survey responses.

Pricing: Magic or Science


Do you get a feeling of panic when you hit “send” on the latest price list or proposal? Do you wish you had a better methodology for developing a price or pricing scheme? You are not alone!

Mike Pritchard and Dan DeVries (The Pricing Gurus) will share wisdom about pricing using examples of good and bad pricing, and the scientific basis for making pricing decisions. You’ll learn about different pricing models, and how price has a dramatic effect on profitability.



Learnings and Takeaways:
  • How to use value based—not cost base pricing.
  • How to be profit driven—not market share driven.
  • How to incorporate customer and competitive inputs into pricing decisions.
  • How to be proactive. Don’t race your competitor to the bottom.
  • How even respected companies made pricing mistakes, and how you can avoid them.



Mike Pritchard’s background at Intel, ICL and Sperry Gyroscope in senior marketing and engineering positions provides a solid foundation for consulting on technology, marketing, and marketing research, for leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon, Sharp, IBM, Netgear and Hewlett-Packard.  

Mike’s pricing experience includes startups, online services and industrial and consumer products around the world.  He holds a BSc in Electronics and an MBA.  Mike’s teaching experience includes Northwest Entrepreneurs Network and the University of Washington.



Dan DeVries is a seasoned executive with a strong background in marketing, business development and new product development.  He has a successful track record at leading organizations such as Microsoft, ATandT Wireless and Honeywell, and currently focuses on helping small businesses and start-ups achieve profitability and growth.  

Dan holds a MS/BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Marketing.  He teaches marketing at the University of Washington and Keller Graduate School.

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Third Place Books used book sale continues Sunday Nov 11

The semi-annual used book sale continues Sunday at Lake Forest Park town center. 40% off used books.


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Annual Comprehensive Plan amendment docket suggestions due by December 31, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

From the City of Shoreline

There are two required cyclical processes for updating a city’s Comprehensive Plan, which is the general, guiding policy document for a variety of elements over a 20 year timeframe. One is a major update, which occurs roughly every 8 years. Throughout 2012, the City has been conducting its major update of the Plan. The draft Comprehensive Plan update is scheduled for discussion at every Council meeting in November, with potential adoption in December 2012 or January 2013.

The other process for updating the Plan is adoption of an annual docket of amendments. Individuals can propose amendments to be included in the docket. Even though the Comprehensive Plan will have just undergone a major update, citizens may still propose additional revisions in 2013 as part of the annual update. The deadline for submittal of proposed amendments for next year’s docket is December 31, 2012.

Individuals are encouraged to propose changes to Shoreline’s Comprehensive Plan and submit them to the Planning and Community Development Department (P&CD). Application materials can be found on the City’s website on the Permits and Development Information page.

To be eligible for consideration, applications must be submitted by 5pm December 31, 2012 to Senior Planner Steven Szafran, P&CD, 17500 Midvale Avenue North, Shoreline, WA 98133 or emailed.

Once all amendments have been received, the City Council will develop a list of amendments to be studied in February of 2013. For more information visit the City’s website or contact Steven Szafran at 206-801-2512.

Citizens wishing to propose changes to the Comprehensive Plan as part of the current major update may submit comments to Council in November. For more information or questions regarding the major update, please visit the webpage or contact Miranda Redinger at 206-801-2513.


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Updated: 3A Girls State Swim & Dive Championships


3A Girls State Swim and Dive Championships
Friday, Saturday, Nov. 9-10

Final team standings – 1. Mercer Island, 376; 2. Bainbridge, 303; 3. Lakeside (Seattle), 194; 4. Hanford. 147; 5. Bellevue, 131; 6. Meadowdale, 100; 7. Shorewood, 99; 8. Liberty (Renton); 98; 9. Juanita, 95; 10. Marysville Pilchuck, 87; 11. John F. Kennedy Catholic, 86; 12. Oak Harbor, 79; 13. Foss, 65; 14. Hazen, 55, 15. Columbia River, 51; 16. Holy Names Academy, 49; 17. Southridge, 43; 18. Kennewick, 37; 19. Interlake, 35; 20. Auburn Mountainview, 32; 21. Peninsula, 26; 22. Highline, 24.5; 23. Mountain View. 21; 24. Mountlake Terrace, 14; 24. Enumclaw, 14; 26. Decatur, 13; 26. Hudson's Bay, 13; 28. Sunnyside, 7; 29. Wilson, 6.5; 30. Nathan Hale, 6; 31. Marysville-Getchell, 5; 31. Stanwood, 5; 31. Kamiakin, 5; 34. North Thurston, 2; 35. Glacier Peak, 1

200-Yard Medley Relay
1, Bainbridge, 1:47.75
4, Shorewood (Blomso, Garrison, Tardiff, Hecker) 1:52.61

200-Yard Freestyle
   1, Bottelberghe, Columbia River, 1:50.05
18, Annika Stenfjord, Shorewood, 2:05.19
21, Nicola Gerbino, Shorewood, 2:05.99

50-Yard Freestyle
1, Keane, Meadowdale. 23.36
5, Ann Hecker, Shorewood, 24.56

100-Yard Butterfly
 1, Kwan, Mercer Island. 55.85
16, Britt Blomso, Shorewood, 1:00.66 (Prelim - 1:00.34)

100-Yard Freestyle
1 Keane, Meadowdale, 50.60
 5, Anni Hecker, Shorewood, 53.53
18 Annika Stenfjord, Shorewood, 57.57

500-Yard Freestyle
  1 Grundman, Bainbridge, 4:58.40
22, Megan Ransom, Shorewood,5:47.89

200-Yard Freestyle Relay
1, Mercer Island, 1:37.12
4, Shorewood (Blomso, Stenfjord, Garrison, Hecker), 1:41.82

100-Yard Backstroke
   1 Archer, Bainbridge,56.18
14, Britt Blomso, Shorewood, 1:01.8 (Prelin = 1:01.31)
19, Nicola Gerbino, Shorewood, 1:03.37

100-Yard Breaststroke
  1 Williams, Bellevue, 1:03.49
17 Chris Garrison, Shorewood, 1:10.54

400-Yard Freestyle Relay
  1, Mercer Island, 3:33.41
13, Shorewood (Gerbino, Ransom, Arslanoglu, Stenfjord) 3:50.80
23 Shorecrest (Strathy, Semon, Coxon, Zylstra), 4:07.99.


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Wizard of Oz opens at Shorewood High School in Shoreline

Cast includes, from left, Joey Haeck, Jenna McElroy, Jack Will and Staggerlee Cole.


Shorewood's Wizard of Oz runs November 8-18. 

Shorewood High School Theater, 17300 Fremont Avenue N, Shoreline

November 8-11, 15-18; Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

$9 in advance at brownpapertickets or at Shorewood, $10 at the door

With 40 cast members, a crew of 30, a 26-piece orchestra, two professional choreographers, three directors (stage, musical and technical) and more than 150 costumes, Shorewood High School's Wizard of Oz opens big tonight in Shoreline. As the last musical in the original theater (a new school is currently under construction), producer and Shorewood drama teacher Barb Lachman says it's fitting this is the largest Shorewood production in at least the past 15 years.

“The Wizard of Oz is a grand way to begin our final year in the much-loved Shorewood Theater,” she says. “A production of this scope relies on dedication and a depth of talent we're fortunate to have at Shorewood – not just from actors, but from technical crew and orchestra as well. They've worked hard together to creatively bring their vision of this American classic to the Shorewood stage.”

Shorewood presents the classic Wizard of Oz characters, songs and adventure recognizable from the MGM musical based on the novel of L. Frank Baum. Though the movie is entrenched in millions of American's childhood memories, there is an additional scene in the stage production that was cut from the movie. Shorewood called on well-known Seattle dance instructor and Lindy Hop specialist Guy Caridi to choreograph the Jitterbug musical number.

The Wizard of Oz runs November 8-18, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at Shorewood High School Theater, 17300 Fremont Avenue N, Shoreline, (206) 393-4372. Tickets are $10 at the door or $9 in advance at Shorewood, through brownpapertickets or by contacting Kim Parker at (206) 393-4387.


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3A Girls' soccer: 2nd half goals lift Liberty past Shorecrest, 2-0


From our news partner, The Seattle Times

ISSAQUAH -- Fifth-ranked Liberty (13-3-1), the state runner-up a year ago, advances to the quarterfinals and plays No. 10 Bonney Lake at noon Saturday at Sunset Chevy Stadium in Sumner. Shorecrest finishes at 13-5-3.

The Patriots were relieved to get a ball past Shorecrest goalkeeper Frida Swensen. Swensen recorded nine saves while Liberty keeper Amy Ellenberg did not have to make one.

Shorecrest coach Mindy Dalziel conceded her team could not match Liberty's offensive tenacity.

"They kept up their attack to the bitter end," she said. "We couldn't get into our attack at all. The better team won."


• • •
Shorecrest went into the tournament as the No. 3 Northwest District team. District champion Meadowdale and second-place Everett both advanced.


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Gentle Giving Fair Saturday, Nov 10 at RB Congregational Church



Gentle Giving Fair
Holiday Giving with Justice

Richmond Beach Congregational United Church of Christ
1512 NW 195th St., Shoreline

Saturday, November 10, 2012      10:00am - 4:00pm


One stop Christmas shopping!  Local charitable organizations present will include the Church of Mary Magdalene, Hopelink, and Healthy Start. 

Heifer International will be represented, and there will be Fair Trade products from around the world, including jewelry, gifts, toys, and household items.  

Enjoy goodies from our bake sale, browse the used-book sale, relax with some hot soup.  

Tell your friends and neighbors!  There will be something for everyone on your gift list. 

Admission is free, but we encourage you to bring a can of food for the local food bank.  

Most vendors do not take credit cards, so please bring your checkbook or cash.  For more information please call Beth Seacord at 206-778-4686.



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Local donors are generous with blood donations after Hurricane Sandy

By Tom Petersen

The Puget Sound Blood Center bloodmobile was packed last Saturday in Richmond Beach as Shoreliners answered the call to help with the post-Superstorm Sandy recovery.

As many as 300 blood drives a day up and down the East Coast have been cancelled over the last two weeks because donation centers have been damaged or mobile units have nowhere to park.  Across the country, blood banks have stepped up recruitment efforts so that extra pints can be rushed to the storm-ravaged areas, shoring up depleted stocks. Extra donations will be needed for next several weeks because of Sandy. Then the holidays will be upon us, when the need for blood always spikes because regular donors leave town, people choose those vacation days for elective surgeries, and celebrants' mishaps send more people to emergency rooms.

PSBC has brick-and-mortar donation centers in Lynnwood and North Seattle that serve the greater Shoreline community. Bloodmobiles make frequent appearances in and around Shoreline; there are afternoon and evening blood drives this coming Tuesday in nearby Maple Leaf and the next Tuesday, November 20, at St. Luke's in Shoreline.

The website can be searched for blood drives, and appointments can be made online as well.

Appointments are not required but are recommended; they help cut down on wait times and help the staff prepare. 40 people came to the Richmond Beach event but the bloodmobile could only take 31; if more people had made reservations, a larger unit with more staff would have been dispatched.


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Lake Forest Park Elementary recognized as a national Title I, Part A Distinguished School

Photo: Lake Forest Park students at the school's Heritage Festival
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

The awards are given to schools that have exceptional student performance or that have demonstrated that they are closing the achievement gap between student groups.

The Title I, Part A Distinguished Awards program, which began in 1996, honors Title I, Part A schools for achieving high educational standards. The program is a joint project of the National Title I Association (NASTID) and the U.S. Department of Education. Title I refers to the first chapter of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It is a series of federal laws that provide financial assistance to states and school districts to meet the needs of educationally at-risk students. 

Every year states select two National Title I, Part A Distinguished schools.

Lake Forest Park, which is celebrating its centennial this year, was selected for closing the achievement gap between student groups in mathematics and reading.

In the past three years, the number of Lake Forest Park students receiving free or reduced meals has increased from 25 percent in 2009-2010 to 35 percent in 2012-2013.

LFP’s math and reading academic achievement has steadily increased over the past three years, even as the needs of its population have increased. District and state assessment data show that LFP students have made strong achievement gains in 2011 and 2012.

In 2011 and 2012, LFP met Annual Measurable Objectives in all student groups for reading and math. LFP exceeded the targets by large margins in some categories, including ELL (English Language Learners) and Hispanic students.

“We truly are closing the achievement gap at LFP,” said Principal Aimee Miner.

Over the last four years, Title 1 has also funded an extended day kindergarten at Lake Forest Park for 15 students that attend half-day kindergarten. This program provides 90 extra minutes of specially designed instruction in both reading and math. This program also provides students more exposure to school routines, social situations, behavior expectations and supports greater endurance for learning for longer periods of time.

“Tracking the students who have participated in this program progress through the grades has completely reinforced the need for early intervention for our students who display signs of academic need by age five,” Miner said. “Their continued growth academically is a true testament to the difference this intervention has made in their school career.”

Lake Forest Park will receive funding to be used to send a team to the 2013 National Title I Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, January 21–23 and $10,000 for future professional development of staff.


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Highland Ice - free skating for veterans Sunday, for everyone on Monday

Highland Ice Area offers free admission to veterans and immediate family on Sunday, Nov 11, 1:30 to 5pm. 

All Day Free Skate for everyone from 9:30am to 5:15pm Monday, Nov 12.

Skate rentals $3.00.

Highland Ice Arena, 18005 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133, 206-546-2431.

Celebrating their 50th year serving the Great Seattle community!


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Former 1st District congressman elected Washington State Governor

Friday, November 9, 2012

Updated 11-10-2012 7:43pm

Rob McKenna has conceded the governor's election to our former congressman Jay Inslee.

Inslee left his congressional seat a few months before the end of his term to concentrate on his campaign for the state's highest office. Everyone in the (old) 1st Congressional District voted for a candidate for the two months remaining of his term.

With newly drawn congressional districts, Shoreline and all of Lake Forest Park ended up in the 7th District, where Jim McDermott easily won reelection, even with new constituents. Suzan DelBene was leading in the 1st Congressional District, for both the two-month and full-length term elections.

Statement from our new Governor, Jay Inslee:

It is my great delight and a huge honor to say that I will be working for the next four years as the Governor of the State of Washington. 
Earlier this evening, I spoke with my opponent, Rob McKenna, and congratulated both him and his supporters on a very vigorous campaign. We had a good discussion about the issues, and now it's time for all of us to unite across the state to build a working Washington. 
During this campaign, I made it clear that I want to unite our state: east and west, urban and rural. So tonight, I want to say whether you're an orchardist in Yakima, a teacher in Bellingham, or a single mom in Vancouver, I'm going to get up every single morning for the next four years and do everything I possibly can to improve our economy and people's lot in life. I'm tremendously excited to have that opportunity. 
It's time to go build a working Washington. Let's get to work.

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Political signs near highways must be removed by Friday


State law allows 10 days to remove signs visible from state highways

Now that the elections are over, it’s time to remove campaign signs from private properties along state highways.

Campaign signs on property visible from state highways are allowed by Washington Administrative Code 468-66, but must be removed 10 days after the General Election. That 10-day period ends Friday, Nov 16.

Failure to remove the signs after being notified by the Washington State Department of Transportation can result in a misdemeanor pursuant to Revised Code of Washington 47.42.080(2).
                                  
For more information about outdoor advertising signs, contact Pat O’Leary, WSDOT outdoor advertising specialist, at 360-705-7296 or visit the WSDOT webpage.




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Briarcrest Neighborhood meets with North Seattle neighborhoods Nov 13


The Briarcrest Neighborhood Association's Tuesday, Nov 13 topic is "Cross-border issues: A discussion with our Seattle neighbors."

Deputy Mayor Chris Eggen and Officer Greg McKinney will join a discussion with representatives of the North Cedar Park and Little Brook neighborhoods in Seattle. Topics will include crime, development, traffic and green street projects. 

The meeting will begin at 7 pm at Seattle Congregational Church, 15518 27th Ave NE (rear entrance). 

Briarcrest is a neighborhood in southeast Shoreline, bordering Seattle between 15th Avenue NE and Bothell Way.

Briarcrest is light blue-green in this map

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Sound Transit to run shopping train the day after Thanksgiving

Updated 11-14-12 11:18am
From CEO Joni Earl


The day after Thanksgiving has become a traditional time of shopping, parades and meeting with family and friends. This year you can also make Sounder a part of your plans. If you want to spend a day in Seattle, or cities along the way, we’re offering special Sounder service on Friday, Nov. 23.

Besides a modified commuter schedule, we’re running a Sounder train from Everett to Seattle with its regular station stops. That train will leave at 6:45 a.m. and return from King Street Station at 5:05 p.m.

It arrives at the Edmonds station at 7:11am and Seattle at 7:44am.

ST Express buses will run regular weekday service.

Enjoy the day and the views from Sounder along the way.


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King County Sheriff’s Office not to focus on marijuana


Following a change in filing by the King County prosecutor’s office, King County Sheriff’s Office deputies will not be directed to arrest or charge individuals caught with one ounce or less of marijuana in unincorporated King county following of the passage of I-502.

On Friday, November 9, 2012 the King County Prosecutor’s Office made a prosecutorial decision to dismiss several cases of marijuana possession. 

 “Now that the initiative has passed, and now that the Prosecutor’s Office won’t be charging the individuals, we will also not focus on behavior that will be legal under Washington State law after Dec. 6th” said King County Sheriff Steve Strachan.

There are 12 municipalities, including Shoreline, that contract with the Sheriff’s Office for police services. It remains the policy decision of the municipal attorneys and policy makers of those cities to determine how they will proceed between now and Dec. 6th. This decision only affects the deputies working in unincorporated King County.


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Apartment fire behind Doug's Cadillac


Apartment fire on Linden Ave N (behind Doug's Cadillac on Aurora) on Friday, November 9, 2012.



Photos were taken just before 6pm Friday by Kim Christianson. As you can see, the area was roped off and multiple fire units responded.

According to Shoreline Fire,

Shoreline Firefighters quickly controlled an apartment fire tonight in the 900 Block of N 177th St. 
The fire broke out on the second floor of the unit around 5:00 pm. Shoreline Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the second story windows. Their quick work prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent units. 
The lone occupant of the apartment was able to escape with the assistance of a neighbor. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


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Photo: Passion flower - out of season

Passion Flower
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Marc Weinberg reports:

"While everyone, including me, is looking for beautiful Fall colors, I was so surprised to find this beautiful Passion Flower in full bloom yesterday in the afternoon sun. Sky Nursery said they won't have any of these for sale until about June."


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Would you give a rib for your sport?

Shorecrest’s qualifying relay team in state meet.
From left; Sarah Semon, Emily Strathy, Rachel Zylstra, and Margo Coxon.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

By Diane Hettrick

Would you give a rib for your sport? How about for your life?

Shorecrest junior Emily Strathy had to face this question at the age of 15.

On Friday, Emily will swim as part of the free style 200 yard relay team from Shorecrest in the State qualifying rounds in Federal Way - the only ones from the Shorecrest team to make it to State.

But it took a year of uncertainty, fear, confusion, and medical procedures to get to this point.

Coach Bill Murray met Emily when she was a bubbly eight-year-old in the Sheridan summer swim league team. He coached her every year in the summer league, then coached her at Shorecrest where she quickly established herself as a strong swimmer and part of the core of the team.

The Shorecrest swim team was particularly strong that year, so Emily had the experience of going to State with her whole team her freshman year.

Emily Strathy
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
She swam with her team during the summer between her freshman and sophomore years. 

But early into her sophomore year, Emily started having trouble with her arm. 

It would get numb or stiff. It wouldn't respond normally. Murray sent her to the doctor, who diagnosed a pinched nerve and cleared her to return to swimming. She wanted to keep going, so Murray modified her practice routines.

She continued to have problems. When she swam, her arm would turn gray and purplish. Back to the doctors, who said she had a condition common to swimmers and basketball players, and cleared her to swim. When it happened again, Murray had one of the other players take photos, which Emily took to her doctors.

After extensive tests, the doctors discovered that Emily has a genetic condition that makes her prone to blood clots. She had a large blood clot right over her heart that was blocking circulation. She had to stop swimming, stop playing basketball, and go on anti-coagulant drugs to dissolve the clot.

The clot had formed where it did because one of her ribs was pressing her vein against her clavicle, constricting the passage and creating a place for clots to form. She would have to stop swimming or risk more clots in the same location. It was likely the clots would return again, anyway.

There was one other option. If the rib were removed, the vein would have room and not provide the environment for clots.

At the age of 15, Emily had surgery to remove one of her ribs.

She missed an entire year of swimming, but fully recovered and healthy, she returned to her team this year, her junior year.

"Some swimmers lose a lot of ground when they take a year off," said her coach, "but Emily rebounded in a big way. She's swimming stronger than ever and her stats are already better than her freshman year."

Now swimming free style, she missed qualifying for state as an individual swimmer by a touch, but her relay team qualified, so she is back at state.

Although she is a talented basketball player, she is considering focusing on her swimming.

Keep an eye on Emily. As a teenager, she has already faced down a life-threatening condition, had major surgery, and come out of it mature, strong, and determined.


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Shorewood swimmers head to state meet as district champs



Shorewood and Shorecrest swimmers head for the state championships in Federal Way Friday and Saturday after Shorewood placed first and Shorecrest seventh in the 11-team Northwest District 3A championships.
            
Shorewood will have seven individual swimmers and three relay teams at the state meet, Shorecrest will have a 200-yard freestyle relay team of Strathy, Coxen, Semon and Zylstra.

Northwest District 3A girls’ swimming meet
Saturday, Nov. 3
*state qualifying time

Team scoresShorewood 517, Oak Harbor 443, Meadowdale 291.5, Stanwood 238.5, Glacier Peak 236.5, Marysville-Pilchuck 234, Shorecrest 196, Marysville Getchell 153, Mountlake Terrace 106, Everett 74, Ferndale 65.5
200-yard medley relay — Shorewood (Britt Blomso, Christina Garrison, Ann Tardiff, Anni Hecker) 1:53.36*.
200 freestyle — Morris, Oak Harbor, 2:02.20.
200 individual medley — Coleman, Marysville-Pilchuck, 2:13.30*.
50 free — Keane, Meadowdale, 23.80*.
Diving — Moss, Marysville Getchell, 340.0.
100 butterfly — Taylor, Marysville-Pilchuck, 56.71*.
100 free — Keane, Meadowdale, 52.11*.
500 free — Morris, Oak Harbor, 5:28.82.
200 free relay — Shorewood (Ari Norberg, Britt Blomso, Christina Garrison, Annika Stenfjord) 1:43.73*.
100 backstroke — Taylor, Marysville-Pilchuck, 57.84*.
100 breaststroke — Coleman, Marysville-Pilchuck, 1:08.73*.
400 free relay — Meadowdale, 3:44.54*.

Other Shorewood place winners:
50 freestyle-- 2, Hecker. 24.86
100 butterfly-- 4, Blomso, 1:01.45
100 freestyle-- 2, Hecker, 54.55
100 backstroke-- 4, Blomso, 1:02.29
100 breaststroke-- 2, Garrison, 1:10.70
400 freestyle relay-- 2, Shorewood (Gerbino, Ransom, Stenfjord, Hecker) 3:48.63



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Veterans: Brown Bear offers free car washes on Nov 11

Brown Bear Car Wash honors veterans and current service military with free car washes on Veterans Day (Sunday, November 11)

As a way of saying "thank you" to our military, Brown Bear offers free "Bear Essentials" car washes to all current or former members of the military on Veteran's Day this Sunday, November 11.

The Shoreline Brown Bear is located at 16032 Aurora N, Shoreline 98133.

 "The event is our way of demonstrating appreciation for those who currently serve our country and have made sacrifices on behalf of all of us," said Brown Bear Car Wash President Vic Odermat, who founded the company in 1957 and is a proud US Marine veteran. "It reflects our bond to the communities we serve, including a large armed services presence here."

Odermat said the offer will operate on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location at 15th Ave West in Seattle.  Through its parent company, Car Wash Enterprises, Inc., Brown Bear owns and operates a total of 42 car wash facilities in Washington State as well as a network of gas stations and convenience stores.  It is one of the largest privately held car wash chains in the U.S. and is widely recognized within the car care industry as being a leader in the environmental movement.


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Ridgecrest food drive for HopeLink



NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD DRIVE

Holiday traditions vary by culture and from family to family but they all revolve around meals with family and friends. Once again, our local food bank, HopeLink, needs our support.

Last year, Ridgecrest and North City neighbors donated over 600 pounds of food to support our own neighbors in need. This year, the need for non-perishable items is just as urgent. 

PLEASE DONATE AT CAFE AROMA, 165th and 5th NE (across from the Crest Theatre). Drop off inside or through the drive-thru, and enjoy a great cup of coffee! 

THANK YOU SHORELINE NEIGHBORS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


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ENSO update, winter outlook defined a little more, outlook unchanged

  • ENSO status and forecast
  • What does this mean for us and our winter?
  • A little about the PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) and what it has at play as well.
Today the NOAA Climate Prediction Center released their monthly ENSO status and forecast discussion.  The current ENSO status is now set to "Not Active".  This means conditions and forecast models now point to an ENSO neutral winter, so no watches or advisories are issued.  As I discussed in my previous ENSO outlook (Fall and Winter Long Range Outlook and ENSO status), conditions were favoring a neutral winter.  I suspected as such due to a cold phase PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) primarily, among other global oscillation phases currently going on right now.

What does this means for us for our remaining fall and winter season?
Generally with the neutral ENSO fall/winter/spring or our wet season, we average near normal for temperature and near normal for precipitation. However some of the most historic storms in this region occurred during a neutral winter season. The recently talked about Columbus Day storm of 1962 occurred during ENSO neutral fall. Our Winter storm cold snap of December 2008 shutting down the region for nearly 3 weeks was also during a neutral ENSO winter season. The chances of a repeat of winter of 2008-2009 are very strong. At least one snow event is likely, more likely that we will have several snow events and a few other strong storm systems as well. Make sure you are prepared for winter storms now, before it's too late to get supplies in the rush of storm warnings.  We may also see severe temperature swings, we could have a 2 week stretch of highs in the 60's, but then another one week stretch of sub-freezing temperatures, possibly lows in the teens at times.

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (also known as the PDO) usually switches phases once every 20-30 years. From about 1976 until about 2006 we were in what was called a warm phase. Really things started showing signs of switching right around the year 2000, and starting in 2008 we have been in a full blown cold phase mode. However the El Niño's and La Niña's have masked the typical activity of a cold phase PDO. 2008-2009 winter season was our last and only neutral winter occurring during a cold phase PDO in any recent history, particularly in Satellite history. Many of the most severe winter storms to strike our region occurred during an ENSO neutral winter season, with a cold phase PDO in effect. These were the conditions that we had in the Fall of 1962, and during many other major storms that have affected this region. Some of you may remember the sudden heavy convergence zone snow storm that struck December 18, 1990 stranding people at work and kids at school throughout everywhere between Sea-Tac and Lynnwood. Interestingly enough the PDO had for about 2 years during that time dipped into a slight cold phase before cranking back to its normal warm phase, and 1990-1991 happened to be an ENSO neutral winter season as well.

It is difficult to read clearly, but below is a line graph of the past 25 years starting January 1987 - August 2012 of the ENSO (blue line) index compared to the PDO (red line) index.  You can see where the little dip was in 1990, and also see how neutral years are uncommon.  A neutral year is defined when an index number is less than +/- 0.5.
Negative Numbers indicate Cold Phase or La Niña, Positive Numbers indicate warm phase PDO or El Niño.

So, these are some things to keep in mind while preparing for the 2012-2013 winter season, which has already started. We all hope we do not have any severe weather, except maybe the kids that want snow, however, weather patterns and global oscillations are favorable for a stormy and eventful winter this season.

My judgment on our local weather is based on my personal studies of historic weather coordinated with the known past of global oscillations and global events, including but not limited to the ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation.) Links to many of my resources can be found at Carl's Shoreline Weather Station, under weather links.
Twitter: @SWeatherWatcher


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Executive Constantine outlines process for filling vacancy created on the King County Council by Bob Ferguson's election


King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated Bob Ferguson on his election as state Attorney General, and outlined the process for filling the vacancy his election will create on the Metropolitan King County Council:

“I am elated that state voters recognized Bob’s extensive legal and public service and have elected him to serve as our state Attorney General.

“Bob has been a hardworking, independent member of the King County Council and I know he will make an outstanding Attorney General.

“His election will create a vacancy on the Council, and I will work to ensure the people of his district are represented by a qualified councilmember.

“When the election is certified, I will convene a stakeholder committee that is representative of the district. The committee’s job will be to vet the candidates who apply for the vacancy, and pass along all qualified candidates to me. I will transmit three names to the Council for confirmation.

“This will enable the Council to fill the position as soon as it officially becomes vacant. Applicants should plan to submit a resume and statement of qualifications to the stakeholder committee after the election is certified.”


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Executive Constantine thanks voters for renewing Automated Fingerprint Identification System levy

Thursday, November 8, 2012

King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked voters for renewal of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System levy, or AFIS:

“Approval of the AFIS levy is an important victory for public safety here in King County. 
“This valuable crime-fighting program has served the people well at a reasonable cost for more than 25 years. Thanks to King County voters, it will continue to serve the region for another six years.”

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Seattle City Light Crews head to New York for Hurricane Sandy Recovery Effort

Seattle City Light has sent 14 employees and support equipment to New York to assist in Long Island’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy. They left from Joint Base Lewis-McChord Saturday morning, Nov. 3.

Two five-person line crews, two engineers, a supervisor and a safety adviser are being sent along with large bucket trucks and digger derrick trucks that dig holes for setting utility poles. The crews are trained in construction methods for both transmission and distribution work.

 “We reached out to our sister utilities on the East Coast to see how we could help and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) told us they could use our help,” City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said. “No utility can respond on its own when a storm of this magnitude hits. Our mutual aid agreements are in place for a time when we might need help. At a time like this, we are truly a community of partners ready to offer a helping hand.”

City Light’s crews and equipment traveled to New York on a military transport plane from Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Saturday. It is rare that a military transport would be used to carry utility equipment for this type of recovery work. City Light is very grateful for the help from Gov. Gregoire’s office and for the Obama Administration to make this military deployment possible.

Like City Light, LIPA is a non-profit, municipally owned utility. At the height of the storm, they lost nearly 950,000 customers. At last count, 550,000 customers were still without power, with a new storm coming.

City Light anticipates that its crews will be in New York for two weeks.


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Road Trip: Highway 2 photo

View from Highway 2
Photo by Jan Hansen

Road traveler and photographer Jan Hansen says "I love the second week in November.  It’s like the week after finals; all is done that can be done. Driving over Highway 2 did bring me back to center and the beauty that surrounds even this silly season. We are so blest."


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