Shorewood opens soccer season with victory at Lakewood Tuesday

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


The Shorewood girls’ soccer team opened its season with a victory Tuesday at Lakewood.

The 3A Thunderbirds defeated 2A Lakewood, 3-0 at the north Snohomish County school.

Shorewood coach Bill Wilkins said that Tuesday was “a splendid night to take the pitch for our first game.”

Shorewood came out with strong pressure on the host Lakewood Cougars. At the 15th minute Sienna Helland scored the first goal of the year for the Thunderbirds on an assist from Salyna McDonald.

Six minutes later, Zoe Vincini scored an unassisted goal for a 2-0 lead as the half ended.

In the second half Vincini scored her second goal at the 42nd minute.

Ariel Garay was in goal for Shorewood, earning the shutout.

Shorewood takes its 1-0 non-league record into its home opener against Garfield Saturday at 7 p.m. at Shoreline Stadium, 


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Shoreline City Clerk moves to Edmonds position

Scott Passey


Edmonds resident and current Shoreline City Clerk Scott Passey has been appointed the new Edmonds City Clerk, replacing long-time City Clerk Sandy Chase, who is retiring.

Mayor Dave Earling announced Passey’s appointment on Wednesday. Passey will begin his work with Edmonds on October 1, 2013.

The City received 23 applications, and invited five individuals to interview in front of a five-person panel, including department directors, City Clerk staff, and a City Clerk from another jurisdiction. Earling then interviewed all five applicants. The field was narrowed to two, who each went through another round of interviews, after which the Mayor made the final selection.

Passey has been the City Clerk for the City of Shoreline since June 2005. Prior to that, he was the Deputy City Clerk, and Communications Assistant for Shoreline since 2002. Before coming to Shoreline, he worked as a legislative assistant for three years. Passey has his Bachelor of Arts Degree from 1992, Master of Arts Degree from 1995 and is a Master Municipal Clerk from 2011. Passey has served in a leadership role in the Washington Municipal Clerk’s Association and is currently the association president.

Passey enjoys music composition, physical fitness, cooking, scuba diving and time with family.


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Photo: Edmonds Classic Car Show

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Edmonds had a big car show and street party recently and Marc Weinberg was there, checking out the cars. These are his favorites.


1928 Essex Super Six Sedan, copyright Marc Weinberg


1929 Ford, copyright, Marc Weinberg


1936 Auburn Boat Tail with a $26,000 paint job. It was a custom built car for the movie Welcome To My Nightmare, copyright Marc Weinberg


1936 CORD, copyright Marc Weinberg


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Off the beaten track in Kenmore – Saving Money on Utility Bills

James Colver and his service truck
Photo by Victoria Rhoades


Allied Complete Furnace and AC Repair, owned and operated by James Colver, 206-604-0092, has been in operation for five years. Not only does Mr. Colver repair furnaces and air conditioning units, but he also can help you with saving money on your utility bills by the targeted use of newer and evolving technology.

With autumn coming soon, we are all considering how to save money on heating this winter, and Mr. Colver can help.

He first became interested in helping with the fundamental needs for heating, air conditioning, and hot water, when he was working in Africa while his wife was doing a residency.

He saw how simple changes could make for profound economic and quality of life results.  Hence, he has a huge interest in helping us here in the US, to reduce what’s called our ‘carbon footprint.’ 

That footprint reflects the energy consumption for individuals and families. The smaller the footprint, the less energy consumed – translating into not just reduced carbon emissions, but into very real cost savings with bills. Additionally, the more people who take advantage of newer technologies, the greater the overall energy consumption in the US – a savings for us all.

James Colver, right, and friend with a solar panel
Whether advising or installing on your household energy use, his top three priorities are reliability, efficiency, and simplicity.

These three priorities combine to reduce home service calls, repair costs, and decrease energy needs, and thus save on utility bills.  

Furthermore, Mr. Colver knows which systems allow for tax credits and PSE tax credits, realizing yet another savings.

Mr. Colver also evaluates systems when repairs are needed, and repairs systems as needed.  He looks to simple solutions, such as checking ductwork for leaks, or checking insulation. Many times, you can save money on bills by fixing simple things, rather than replacing a furnace that may actually still be in good operating condition.

If you are investigating newer technologies, consider calling him before making a final decision.

While technology is continually being perfected, there are several specific items that you may want to consider for your own home, including heat pumps, tankless water heaters, solar panels, and drain waste heat recovery systems. He is knowledgeable regarding energy efficiency of different types of products, and can help you make the right decision for you. He installs these systems at rates that are competitive with much larger companies.

What did I learn just from sitting with him for this interview? Well, our tankless hot water heater should really be serviced annually to keep it working well. Also, solar panels can (and do) work well in the Pacific Northwest, if you know what you are doing. He has them, and sells his excess energy back to the utility company, which I’ve heard of others doing.  More money in the bank!

On a personal note, Mr. Colver is married with two children, and lives in Kenmore. 


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Shoreline Water District Hosts Savvy Gardener Class Sept 19

Shoreline Water District is proud to host its first Savvy Gardener class on September 19, 2013 at 6:00pm at their administration office located at 1519 NE 177th Street, Shoreline 98155.

The class, Fall Fireworks in the Garden, is sponsored by the Saving Water Partnership which is made up of 18 local water utility partners including Shoreline Water District. The Saving Water Partnership hosts an entire series of classes around the region to inspire and provide real gardening solutions that are both beautiful and healthy – for you and your family and the environment. The Saving Water Partnership Savvy Gardener classes promote healthy, sustainable gardens that do not demand excessive watering, pesticides or fertilizers.

Susie Egan
About the Speaker

Susie Egan is the owner of Cottage Lake Gardens, a landscape design business as well as a private garden and plant nursery located in Woodinville, Washington.  Susie is also a WSU Master Gardener who advocates “sustainable gardening” principles that use the most environmentally friendly gardening practices. Her focus in recent years has been the study and propagation of woodland shade plants particularly propagation of Trillium, an endangered wildflower.

Susie is a member of the Northwest Horticultural Society, the American Horticultural Society, the Arboretum Foundation, the Northwest Perennial Alliance, the Washington Native Plant Society and the Hardy Fern Foundation.

How to Register

If you are interested in attending “Fall Fireworks in the Garden”, visit Brown Paper Tickets to sign up. The class is free, however we do ask that you register for the class ahead of time. A complete listing of classes offered by the Saving Water Partnership.


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Sheriff Urquhart's testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee

Testimony of Sheriff John Urquhart to the Senate Judiciary Committee September 10, 2013

Good afternoon members of the committee, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for having me today. My name is John Urquhart, and I am the Sheriff of King County, WA.

Seattle is located in King County, and with almost 2 million residents, we are the 14th largest county by population in the United States. I have over 1000 employees in the Sheriff’s Office and a budget exceeding $160 million.

As Sheriff, I am therefore the top law enforcement official in the largest jurisdiction in the country that has legalized marijuana.

I have been a police officer for 37 years, and I was elected as King County’s Sheriff last year. During my career I’ve investigated everything from shoplifts to homicides. But I’ve also spent 12 years as a narcotics detective. My experience shows the War on Drugs has been a failure. We have not significantly reduced demand over time, but we have incarcerated generations of individuals, the highest incarceration rate in the world.

So the citizens of the state of Washington decided it was time to try something new. In November of 2012 they passed Initiative 502, which legalized recreational amounts of marijuana and at the same time created very strict rules and laws.

I was a strong supporter of Initiative 502 last year, and I remain a strong supporter today. There are several reasons for that support. Most of all, I support 502 because that’s what the people want. They voted for legalized marijuana. We — the government — have failed the people and now they want to try something else. Too often the attitude of the police is “We’re the cops and you’re not. Don’t tell us how to do our job.”  That is the wrong attitude and I refuse to fall into that trap.

While the title of this hearing is "conflict between state and federal marijuana laws,"  I don’t see a huge conflict.

The reality is we do have complementary goals and values. We all agree we don’t want our children using marijuana. We all agree we don’t want impaired drivers. We all agree we don’t want to continue enriching criminals. Washington’s law honors these values by separating consumers from gangs, and diverting the proceeds from the sale of marijuana toward furthering the goals of public safety.

Is legalizing and regulating the possession and sale of marijuana a better alternative? I think it is, and I’m willing to be proven wrong. But the only way we’ll know is if we are allowed to try.

DOJ’s recent decision provides clarity on how we in Washington can continue to collaborate with the federal government to enforce our drug laws while at the same time respecting the will of the voters.

It’s a great interim step, but more needs to be done.

For example, we are still limited by not knowing the role of banking institutions as we go forward.

Under federal law, it is illegal for banks to open checking, savings, or credit card accounts for marijuana businesses.  The result is that marijuana stores will be operated as cash-only businesses, creating two big problems for us: (1) Cash-only businesses are prime targets for armed robberies; and (2) cash-only businesses are very difficult to audit, leading to possible tax evasion, wage theft, and the diversion of resources we need to protect public safety.

I am simply asking that the Federal government allow banks to work with legitimate marijuana businesses who are licensed under state law.

In closing let me make one thing absolutely clear. What we have in Washington State is not the Wild Wild West. And as Sheriff, I am committed to continued collaboration with the DEA, FBI, and DOJ for robust enforcement of our respective drug laws. For example, I have detectives right now assigned to Federal task forces, including a DEA HIDTA Task Force. It’s been a great partnership for many years and that partnership will continue.

Furthermore the message to my deputies has been very clear: You will enforce our new marijuana laws. You will write someone a ticket for smoking in public. You will enforce age limits. You will put unlicensed stores out of business. In other words, the King County Sheriff’s Office will abide by the standards and laws voted on and adopted by the citizens of the state of Washington, and the guidance provided by the Department of Justice on August 29th.

Mr. Chairman, I say to you and the members of this committee, I do appreciate the deference the federal government has shown to my constituents, and I look forward to continuing that cooperation. Thank you.


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Falls Prevention Workshop and dedication of adult exercise equipment

September is National Falls Prevention Month “Preventing Falls, One Step at a Time”

The Hillwood Community Network and Calvin Presbyterian Church are sponsoring a Falls Prevention Workshop on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 1pm at the church. 18826 3rd Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

Falls are the leading cause of injury death for older Washingtonians, averaging 2 deaths every day.
            
Every day in Washington, there are 38 fall-related hospitalizations among older adults; 70% of all injury-related hospitalizations in older adults are due to a fall.
            
Washington State older adults who were hospitalized for a fall, about 63% were moved to skilled nursing facilities or to intermediate care facilities for additional care

Washington State, the Calvin Church Community Wellness Program and its Contractor, Mud Puddle Fitness, LLC are members of the Falls Free© Coalition, which includes over 40 state coalitions and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injury and death among older adults.


Adult Fitness Equipment for Hillwood Park

Three pieces of adult exercise equipment are on order for Hillwood Park. They include a two seat leg press trainer, a two sided Rotator and a self-weighted rower. "Real exercise equipment for real adults." It will be placed near the children’s playground equipment with the idea that parents can work out while the kids play. A ground breaking is planned in conjunction with the Falls Prevention class. 


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Mobile Food Fight for Hunger Sunday at CRISTA

Mobile Food Fight for Hunger
at World Concern in Shoreline
Eat well and do good at the Mobile Food Fight for Hunger.

Ten of Seattle’s top trucks will rally at World Concern’s headquarters in Shoreline on Sunday, September 15 from noon to 4pm.

Feel good about what you spend on gourmet street food, like crepes from Crisp Creperie, knowing you are helping fight global hunger with your purchase.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2nd Annual Mobile Food Fight for Hunger will support World Concern’s sustainable agricultural programs, creating lasting solutions to global hunger in places like Chad, South Sudan and Somalia.


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Hidden Lake Bridge is in need of replacement

Photo from City of Shoreline website
Hidden Lake Bridge
Hidden Lake Bridge is functionally obsolete

The Hidden Lake Bridge was originally constructed in 1931 and is a two lane, 310 foot long concrete bridge built into the side of a hill along a ravine above Hidden Lake. The bridge was retrofitted in 1996 to address several deficiencies. 

Despite these measures, the bridge is classified as functionally obsolete due to the narrow deck width and has experienced deterioration of several components. Due to these deficiencies, the bridge is currently rated at 51.3 (bridges less than 50 should be considered for replacement). 

The Bridge is where the map says 10th Ave NW,
north of Innis Arden Way

The bridge as it currently exists is in poor condition. Many concrete elements are spalled or cracked, exposing reinforcing steel. The bridge railing is in poor condition and presents a hazard for vehicles due to the steep slopes. There are signs of soil sloughing around the foundation of the bridge. One footing has been exposed. The bridge was reinforced with wood supports to retain some of the soil and prevent cave-ins at the sidewalk above. A load rating determination has been recommended by King County to reassess the load carrying capacity of the bridge. 

The existing bridge is currently deteriorating and is in need of either rehabilitation or replacement. The currently bridge rating of 51.3 (out of a rating of 100) meets the threshold for rehabilitation (a minimum score of 80 is needed) and borders on replacement (a minimum score of 50 is needed). 

Current available funds will support the predesign phase of this project with the following work to be done:
  •     The load carrying capacity of the bridge will be evaluated
  •     A revised bridge rating will be determined
  •     A recommended option to address the bridges deficiencies
  •     An engineer’s estimate for construction
  •     Prepare grant applications for design and construction of the recommended alternative

Continued work beyond the predesign phase is dependent on additional funding made available. Once full funding is secured, the recommended alternative will be designed and constructed.


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Photo: Edmonds sunset

Monday, September 9, 2013

Edmonds sunset by Jan Hansen


Jan Hansen says, "Our 10 footer did drift a bit north of Shoreline last night, but the sunset was the same. Dolphins, seals, salmon, and a sunset playing on Puget Sound. We live, work and play in one of the earth's most beautiful spaces."


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Commentary/Evan Smith: Attack Syria only if we’re willing to sacrifice

Commentary by Evan Smith

Tonight, we’ll either hear the President’s arguments for attacking Syria or learn that diplomacy has averted the crisis.

An attack would be aimed at stopping the slaughter of innocent people and the spread of chemical weapons.

It’s a noble objective, but it comes at a time when Americans have lost thousands of lives and billions of dollars on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If Americans believe an attack is worth doing, we should be willing to sacrifice with a special tax to pay for the action and a draft in case we need a larger military.

If we take military action, it should come with sacrifice. If we aren’t willing to make the sacrifices, we shouldn’t do it. 

We fought in Iraq and Afghanistan with no financial sacrifice and with the fighting sacrifice falling only on a few. If we fight this time, we should be willing to sacrifice.


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Are you the One? Get Involved, Go Back To School

Power of One volunteer Bill T works with a student at Echo Lake
Photo by Martha Nichols


With the new school year underway, The Power of One Community Volunteer program is looking for people to help students in Shoreline Public Schools.

Volunteers are community members who can give at least an hour a week on a consistent basis. Volunteers are dependable, positive role models. They include former teachers, college students, grandparents, family friends and neighbors of schools who like to connect with kids and want to support education.

As a volunteer, you support academic success, development of social skills and motivate students to become life long learners. A majority of volunteers help in elementary classrooms during the school day working with students one-on-one or in small groups. Some volunteers work with English Language Learner students. Others help in libraries, shelving books, checking materials in and out, or with book covering. Volunteers also mentor students who may need extra academic or social support.

Becoming a volunteer is easy. There is an application process followed by training and orientation. Power of One Volunteers must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check.

Benefits of joining Power of One include access to free training and resources, a school district badge, and coordinator support. The Coordinator helps connect you to the classroom/teacher/school that best fits your interests, schedule and availability.

The fall orientation is Wednesday, September 11, 12:30-2:30pm at the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline 98155.

More information is available here. To apply to the program, contact volunteer coordinator, Karen Kessinger, 206-365-1169. 

About Power of One Community Volunteer Program

The program started in 1996 and is a partnership of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and the Shoreline school district. During the 2012-13 school year, a core of about 55 Power of One Volunteers put in nearly 4000 hours of time at Shoreline schools and programs. The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation also supports Power of One.

The purpose of the Power of One Community Volunteer Program is to assist the Shoreline Schools to achieve excellent education for all students. We believe as caring adults we can assist all students to become successful learners.


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Experience a part of local history - tour the Alexander H. Reid house in Lake Forest Park

The Alexander H. Reid home in Lake Forest Park
Photo courtesy Shoreline Historical Museum


See Lake Forest Park as it was a hundred years ago with the Shoreline Historical Museum's home and garden tour of the Alexander H. Reid home in Lake Forest Park, on September 21, 2013.

The Alexander H. Reid house was built in 1913, shortly after Lake Forest Park opened as a North Seattle Improvement Company development.

The beautiful home, its surrounding grounds, and the 100 year-old first Lake Forest Park Schoolhouse are located on 3.5 acres of the original estate, nestled in the genteel past of the community.

Alden Reid with car and dog
Photo courtesy Shoreline Historical Museum

Order tickets online or call the museum at 206-542-7111 and pick them up the day of the tour at the time you have selected between 11:00am and 3:00pm. No day-of tickets will be issued.

There will be a Will-Call table at Third Place Commons (upper level of the Lake Forest Park Town Center), and tickets will be distributed by purchased time slot.

The home is within a short walking distance of the upper level of the Towne Centre, and the Museum will provide a courtesy shuttle for those wishing to ride back and forth. A map and extensive brochure will be given to ticket-holders the day of the tour.


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Katie LeClerc Greer: Kids, Teens + Technology



We live in a digital age with instant access to technology. For kids and teens, this can mean constant contact with each other, strangers and adult content. How do we keep kids safe? This September ParentMap presents Kids, Teens + Technology a lecture by leading youth technology and internet safety expert Katie LeClerc Greer.

Join Katie LeClerc Greer, national expert in youth technology use and cyber-safety, to get informed on the latest risks for kids and prepare for tough, but essential, conversations about responsible internet use. Topics include social media sharing, cyber-bullying, privacy, sexting, gaming and parental controls. Relevant for parents of kids/teens ages 8-18yrs.
Wednesday, September 25th, 7pm at University Prep

8000 25th Avenue NE, Seattle 98115 Google Map

Tickets $20, available online


Katie LeClerc Greer
Katie Greer is an expert in teaching kids about safe technology use. A former intelligence analyst for the Massachusetts State Police, Greer has been a pioneer in the field of kids' cyber-safety, visiting hundreds of schools around the country over the last 7 years. She is now a board member of Internet Keep Safe Coalition, has been featured in TIME, Vanity Fair, USA Today and on CNN.

ParentMap Mission Statement

ParentMap inspires and supports a growing community of parents by providing intelligent, trusted and thought-leading content to equip them for their essential role, as their child’s first and most important teacher.


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Op-Ed: Time to bridge rift between city and neighborhood

by Susan Will, Richmond Beach Community News editor

Communications between the City of Shoreline and the Richmond Beach neighborhood are broken. There is a vacuum – a black hole – where too much information disappears and critical, long-term knowledge seems to have been lost.

Who does this serve when it comes to Point Wells?

Let me be blunt. There are uncomfortable facts both sides need to swallow whole and without bitterness if we want a shot at something even a bit more palatable.

The good news? Neither side is satisfied with the status quo. So let’s say what needs to be said and lay it to rest so we can move forward with more purpose.

Being clear on basic premises would focus Richmond Beach residents on better impacting how the project unfolds. May not be fluffy tap-dancing kittens, but neither is it really news.

Development at Point Wells has been inevitable for some decades now. Inevitable because this is a rare piece of Puget Sound waterfront and there are property owner rights protected by law. No jurisdiction – no county, city or town – can unduly delay or limit development permitted by law.

This is not the City of Shoreline’s project. It has no official role and essentially has the same input devices afforded individuals under the environmental review process.

The only access is through Shoreline. The City of Shoreline has primary responsibility (now and in perpetuity) for maintaining public amenities in our neighborhood. As Shoreline taxpayers, it will cost us even more if Point Wells is not annexed by the City of Shoreline.

Public rights-of-way, regardless of how they appear, are owned by all of us as members of the public. Property owner encroachment into adjacent right of way by way of landscaping or building is at that property owner’s (and subsequent property owners’) risk.

The good and bad news for the City of Shoreline is that this is its problem to solve. If the city can’t get those circled wagons out of the way fast enough to consider the following, it has already failed. Again.

Start focusing on public education. It is insufficient to simply announce facts. You must explain in plain language what the community needs to know for it to effectively participate in the decision-making processes available to it.

Your neighborhoods deserve respect; they’ve supported the city since incorporation. To have any one of them so distrustful and up in arms is shameful. To have one of the oldest, most organized and formerly supportive in this condition should be alarming.

Addressing why residents don’t think the city is on their side should be the first step, quickly followed by preparing residents for the scoping process and traffic corridor study.

Yet there is hope to be found here that we can move forward together.

The city and community do have common goals.

The city and community both want improved communications.

The time to identify impacts and potential mitigation for those impacts is ahead, not behind, us.

The developer does have cause to negotiate with the city and neighborhood if for no other reason than to provide predictability on costs.

The Richmond Beach community has a long history of effectively participating in these types of situations. The neighborhood is thirsty for information that will help it successfully navigate the Point Wells issue.

The City of Shoreline has a good reputation for working with individual property owners during the design of road improvements to successfully minimize impacts property by property, street by street. The Aurora Corridor Project is an excellent example. Fortunately, some of the key staff that made that project successful are also working on Point Wells.

Now is the time for everyone to do their part in moving back to working together.

Once we get past this communications rift we can better meet the challenges and make the most impact on the significant change on the horizon presented by development at Point Wells.


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32nd Democrats meet Wednesday


The next meeting of the 32nd District Democrats is September 11, this Wednesday at 7pm at the Richmond Masonic Hall, 753 N 185th in Shoreline (map).


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Shoreline light rail visioning workshop Thursday Sept 19


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Shorecrest, Shorewood volleyball teams meet Tuesday at Shorewood


The Shorecrest and Shorewood high school volleyball teams open their seasons Tuesday at Shorewood. The varsity match is scheduled for 7pm.


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SummerSet Arts Festival in photos

The Peterka Family Band played on one of the
four stages. Photo by Patricia Hale.

The SummerSet Arts Festival: Celebrating Ronald Bog transformed the normally peaceful park into a beehive of activity for four hours on Saturday afternoon, September 7, 2013.

Four stages held performers for the entire event. One of the most popular was the Shoreline-based Peterka Family Band.

The Bubbleman
Photo by Bob Pfeiffer
With multiple activities for children, the Bubbleman easily created the most excitement.

Insect Hotel
Photo by Bob Pfeiffer
The backyard Insect Hotel was auctioned off to the highest bidder in a silent auction. At the Diggin Shoreline booth, children were able to make small insect hotels in milk cartons. "Stuff around that bugs like. Hugelkultur wood / plant material / soil / mulch"  Contact Diggin Shoreline.


Bog Nest for Humans
Photo by Bob Pfeiffer
The Bog Nest art installation was meant to be interactive - for people to sit inside the nest and look out. Wool  / hypertufa / plastic and fabric / pvc / wood. By Cynthia Knox and friends.

Mary Lou Slaughter shows the tribal art
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
The Duwamish Indians used to use Ronald Bog as a portage. They were back at SummerSet, drumming, dancing, and showing their weaving abilities. The artist is the great-great-granddaughter of Chief Sealth.

Turtle on the Roof
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Turtle, by Cynthia Knox. Last year he was floating on the Bog. After being seen at various events around town this summer, Lee Lageschulte found him on top of this sod roof at SummerSet.

Winding Willow School
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
The storyteller from the Winding Willow School was - where else? - under the willow.


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Evan Smith on Politics: Time to move primary-election date

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Evan Smith on Politics:

The Aug. 6 primary election drew only about 30 percent of registered King County voters. That number is enhanced by a more than 35 percent turnout in the City of Seattle, with its hotly contested race for mayor.

Turnout was even lower in some nearby areas. Lynnwood had a four-way contest for mayor, a four-way race for one city council position and three-way contests for each of two council positions. Yet the primary drew less than 25 percent of registered voters.

August is a terrible time for an election, even a mail election.

Until about a decade ago, Washington had a wonderful system: Candidates filed in July, the primary was in September, and the general election was in November. However, counting primary ballots didn’t get done soon enough to print general-election ballots in time to get those general-election ballots to overseas voters in time to meet federal requirements for military and overseas voters.

So Washington has moved its primary to early August, when voters’ minds are on anything but voting.

Some states allow primaries for local elections a few weeks before the general election. Washington, however, has decided to follow the same schedule for local elections in odd-numbered years that we have for federal and state elections.

Former Secretary of State Sam Reed suggested a June primary, before people disperse for the summer.

In odd-numbered years, that would run into the rule that prohibits state officials from campaign fundraising during the legislative session. However, legislative and statewide elections are all in even-numbered years, except when there is a special election to fill a vacancy.

A June primary would have one other advantage. It could have a partisan ballot for a presidential primary.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com


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J.A. Jance leads off a week of authors at Third Place Books

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA  98155
206-366-3316
September 10-14. 2013


J. A. Jance
Second Watch (Simon / Schuster)
Tuesday, September 10 at 7pm

New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance delivers an emotional and resonant mystery that takes us deep into Seattle detective J. P. Beaumont's past and raises challenging questions about duty, honor, and the debt that is owed to those who sacrifice their lives for their country. This is the 21st installment in the Beaumont series.


Pamela Proehl
The Heartbreak Killer
Thursday, September 12 at 7pm

A fan of murder mysteries, Proehl's debut novel is a psychological thriller set in Seattle. Locals readers will recognize Washington's signature landmarks as the backdrop to nerve-wracking drama unfolds. Pamela spends her time between writing and her two teenage sons.


Young Adult Author Panel
AntiGoddess by Kendare Blake and Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young
Friday, September 13 at 7pm

The Goddess War begins in Antigoddess, the first installment of the new series by acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake. And two fantastic authors Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young have teamed up to bring you Just Like Fate - One decision changes everything in this Sliding Doors meets Anna and the French Kiss novel that explores split realities of romance and family loyalties.


Larry Edwards
Dare I Call  It Murder? (Wigeon)
Saturday, September 14 at 7pm

In 1977, Loren and Joanne Edwards left Puget Sound aboard their 53-foot sailboat Spellbound, destined for French Polynesia. Six months later, they lay dead aboard their boat in the middle of the Pacific. Larry's memoir tells the story of his parents death and generates greater awareness of violent loss, its impact on the survivors and their families, and the troubling effects of PTSD.


Kirby Larsen
Duke (Scholastic)
Sunday, September 15 at 5:30pm

A poignant World War II story about a boy and his dog and his dad, and the many meanings of bravery, from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson. Once again Kirby has delivered an exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic historical adventure. A portion of the evenings sales will go to support Reading with Rover.


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WeatherWatcher: Weekly Weather, Last week's lightning



  • Forecast
  • Last week's highlights
  • Last week's data

Forecast: Summer is returning this week with sunny skies and highs in the upper 70's and low 80's. Our nice weather will be pretty much consistent until the Friday to Saturday time frame when a stronger marine air flow will take over and bring is mostly cloudy days and cooler air. Showers may be possible later into Saturday and Sunday.

Last week's highlights: We had some very significant thunderstorm activity spread over 2 days last week. Due to an area of low pressure off the coast of Oregon we had a humid air flow all week long, with convection development starting Wednesday evening as the low pressure system moved inland. We had thunderstorms Thursday early morning (1-2am), mid Thursday morning, with a break in the afternoon, then about 8-9pm the thunderstorms were back with the most intense activity we've seen in several years. The activity lasted until 1-2am, and we had yet another cell move over us around 9-10am Friday morning.

Rain associated with these storms was heavy at times bringing in a total rainfall last week of 2.14 inches. 0.71 inches of rain fell in a 1 hour period from 8-9am Thursday morning. The average total rainfall for the month of September for the last 3 years has been about 2.77 inches, so we are already very close to the normal total monthly rainfall for September. Currently September 2010 holds the station record at 6.01 inches of rain.

Last week's data:
High temperature: 84.4°F (Sunday)
Low temperature: 55.0°F (Saturday)
Rainiest day: 1.10 inches (Friday)
Total rainfall: 2.14 inches
Warmest day: 67.3°F (Monday)
Coldest day: 59.9°F (Thursday)
Average temperature: 63.5°F (3.3°F above average)
Station historic average for this week: 60.2°F

Daily Average temperature compared to historic average.

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 weather station located in the Echo Lake neighborhood of Shoreline, Washington. For up to the minute weather conditions and historic data, as well as links to weather information and resources, check out my page.

Follow me on Twitter: @SWeatherWatcher for any updates on weather events approaching our area.


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Annual fall tree and shrub sale at Kruckeberg's MsK Nursery in October



Annual Fall, Tree, and Shrub Sale
MsK Nursery at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
October 11-13 and 18-20

Fall is our favorite time to plant! 

For two weekends enjoy discounts of 10-50% on all trees and shrubs in the nursery. Clearance items and select perennials also on sale. Bring your family to enjoy a cup of hot cider and a stroll through the garden to view the fall foliage.

Free Events:

  • Oct 12 and 19 (Saturdays) at 1pm – Guided tours of the garden. Learn the history of the Kruckeberg Garden in a 1-hour tour.
  • Oct 13 and 20 (Sundays) at 1 PM – The Right Plant for the Right Place Seminar. Experienced KBG horticultural staff highlight unique plant choices for difficult situations including dry shade and slope stabilization.

For questions about the sale, please contact Roseann Beaudry, Nursery Manager, 206-546-1281x50



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Girl Scouts bake sale raises money for HopeLink

Troop 42074 bake sale at the Farmers' Market
Photo by Jerry Pickard


On Sunday, Kenmore Girl Scout Troop 42074 held a bake sale at the Lake Forest Park Farmers' Market to raise funds for Hopelink charity.

They sold cookies, muffins and other baked goods as well as a delicious lemonade. They were well positioned next to the dining tent and sales were brisk.


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End of Summer Solar Tour, Saturday Sept 21

Ribbon cutting for solar panels on City Hall garage


Solar Tour, Saturday September 21, 2013, 10 am to 4 pm

Visit Northwest Mechanical to learn about Solar electric and Solar Hot water and enjoy a bite to eat before heading out on a self guided tour of homes in the area that have solar installations. This is an opportunity for interested individuals to learn how simple, affordable and accessible solar energy is today.

Locations in Shoreline, Seattle and Lynnwood can be visited. Where indicated on the maps that will be provided the homeowners are making themselves available to answer questions. The City of Kenmore and the City of Shoreline also have installations that can be viewed during the tour.  This tour represents work done by Northwest Mechanical, Puget Sound Solar and West Seattle Natural Energy and solar equipment from a variety of providers so people make comparisons.

Seattle City Light and Northwest Seed have also organized two kickoff Solar Q/A sessions at the Ballard Library and Jefferson Community Center from 10:30 to 11:30am.

For a list of additional tours with dates and events go to Solar Washington’s website.


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Crime in Shoreline A-Z: Five DUIs and still on the road

Date corrected 09-15-2013 1:13pm

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Crime in Shoreline A - Z
August 19-25, 2013

Every week - death investigations, suicide attempts, domestic violence, child abuse, violent people with mental issues, arrest warrants, drivers with suspended license, credit card identify theft, runaway kids, wandering seniors, natural deaths, driving violations with DUI drivers

A - Victim allowed woman and her son to stay with him but threw them out when he found her shooting up heroin in his bathroom. Since discovered she was using his checking account to pay for a storage unit.

Alcohol and cars - DUI driver in accident NE 178th and 5th NE at 12:51am - car impounded and driver taken to Harborview with dislocated hip

Alcohol and pedestrians - 10:32pm 175th and Midvale, highly intoxicated individual making threats to others / Intoxicated male at transit center unable to care for himself

Assault - Man walks up to car at 76 Station and asks female driver for a cigarette. Male in back seat gets out and punches him. Bystanders call police. 

Burglary - Homeowner found a woman burglarizing his home - came in through open bedroom window 171xx Midvale / Non-forced entry burglary 11xx NE 185 / Window broken 11xx NE 155th / Broke window to break into Lovers' Package / Collector coins stolen from 192xx 11th NE

Car prowl - Parked vehicle and equipment trailer prowled at 15xx NW 186th and high value equipment taken / 163xx Stone N 

Cars and parts stolen – Put car up on blocks and stole the wheel at 145xx Stone / Vehicle theft from Costco parking lot / Motorcycle with key in ignition stolen from driveway at 8xx 202nd NE

Drugs - Subject passed out on sidewalk 152nd and Aurora 9:02pm / Heroin overdose, victim taken to Northwest Hospital

Forgery - Subject arrested at Bank of America at AV for forgery 

Found - Subject high on drugs causing disturbance in neighborhood, leaves his cell phone behind 193xx Meridian N / Skateboarders at Aldercrest Annex discovered a hole in the wall of a building there with backpacks inside /

Fraud - Someone paid for pizza with a counterfeit $10 bill

Identify theft - Resident applied for a car loan and discovered that someone using his credit and social security number had opened a Comcast account in Michigan and charged $1220

Indecent exposure - on the Interurban Trail at 175xx and Midvale 

Larceny, public places –  Shoplifter at Sears / Shoplifter at Goodwill tried on clothing and left it on / Victim left card in BECU ATM and someone used it to withdraw $500 / Cell phone stolen from shopping cart at Home Depot / Victim dropped wallet at Ace Check Cashing and returned soon after to find some of his cash gone / Shoplifter at Costco / Costco shopper stuffed her purse with ink cartridges

Larceny, grocery stores - Shoplifter drops purse running away from security at Aurora Safeway / Male shoplifter steals alcohol from Aurora Safeway / Unknown female conceals $1,170 in items in a backpack, walks out of Central Market and abandons backpack and cart in parking lot / Wine stolen from Haggen's / Shoplifter at Aurora Safeway 

Mail theft - none this week

Stalking/Harassment - Someone posted flyers and internet postings with negative and untrue information about the Royal Unicorn Restaurant  

Trespass - Patron at Club Hollywood was asked to leave and pushed the bouncer / Subject trespassed for disturbing library patrons at Shoreline Community College / Subject trespassed from Whidbey Island Bank and Sterling Bank for bothering customers / 

Vandalism - Friend kicks car door in anger / House egged 18xx N 150th - no juveniles in residence / Car egged at 5xx N 172 

Vandalism at public places - Graffiti at South Woods / Graffiti at Richmond Beach Park / Graffiti at Twin Ponds / Vehicle doing "donuts" in newly paved and painted St. Luke parking lot

Z - Driver picked up for DUI had at least two priors for DUI, plus a reduced DUI (Neg 1), and a fourth DUI that was dismissed on a technicality. Booked Sno Co jail

For other weeks of Crime in Shoreline, see the Features section on the front page.


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Volunteer community to be recognized in ribbon cutting event at Jacob's Well

Volunteers at Jacob's Well this spring


The new Vision House project, Jacob’s Well, for local homeless single moms and their children, will see what may be the biggest ribbon-cutting ceremony ever in the Pacific Northwest. Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

It begins with a huge barbeque-potluck and tours at 1:00pm, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:00pm. Guests have been invited to bring a potluck dish, and their own scissors to cut the ribbon. 500 guests are expected, composed almost entirely of community volunteers, contractors and their families.

Vision House kids

The single moms and children eagerly awaiting their safe warm homes will be able to get their feet back on the ground soon, thanks to the generosity of more than 300 businesses, churches, foundations and organizations; and more than 1000 volunteers.

Hours volunteered and supplies and services donated equate to over a million dollars saved, allowing Vision House to build this structure completely debt-free.

Jacob’s Well is located at 19630 20th Ave NE in Shoreline. When complete, the facility will have 12 apartments for homeless families, an after-school care program, crisis counseling offices and a community center. A second phase will be built in the future - adding 8 apartments, a licensed child care center and a food and clothing bank to support resident families.

Vision House is a non-profit agency providing transitional housing, child care and support services to homeless mothers and their children, and separately to men recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Vision House owns and operates four housing facilities and a child care center in south King County.

Thousands of volunteers have worked at Jacob's Well

The new Vision House Jacob’s Well complex in Shoreline is being built debt-free, thanks to local businesses, churches, foundations and community groups that are rallying with funding, in-kind donations and thousands of volunteer hours.  For more information about Vision House or Jacob’s Well, visit the website or call 425-228-6356.

On behalf of the families who will soon call Jacob's Well home - thank you for your support of Vision House.

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