Op-Ed: Ronald Wastewater and the City’s Assumption

Friday, October 25, 2013

This is a personal statement from Robert L. (Bob) Ransom, MS, MPA, Retired Human Resource Director/Consultant (SPHR), former City Councilman and Mayor (2006-2008), and current Commissioner Ronald Wastewater District

By Robert L. Ransom

In 1999 to 2002 the City of Shoreline had the opportunity to take over Seattle Public Utility- Sewer as its utility. The City was created in 1995 and it still had a small staff and was building its organization. I was there as a city Councilman and participated in the negotiations and Inter-Local Agreement and contract.

The very small district that is now Ronald Wastewater was mostly Richmond Beach at that time. They argued to let them expand and do the connections and infrastructure and allow the City to assume them as a Utility in 15 years, when the City government was more developed. RCW 35.13A  allows for a City to assume a Utility District that is 60 % within its territory or 60% of its assessed valuation is within the City. It also allows for a City Council and a District Commission  to mutually agree to an assumption without a public vote. Both rules apply to Ronald which is almost entirely within the City’s territory and both groups had legal counsel to advise them. The City Council and Ronald’s General Manager Phil Montgomery, Commission President Arthur  Wadekamper, and Commission Secretary Arnie Lind signed it. Thus agreeing to the assumption in October 2002.

RCW 35.13A was passed in 1971 as the state law, and there have been many attempts to change the law since then, but none have passed the legislature. The efforts were principally to change the law to require a public vote, but that change has never been passed. Please note that nothing in the Inter-local Agreement Contract refers to or requires a public vote, but does have written binding requirements on the Ronald District about its assumption. Also, note the purchase of SPU – Water was approved by 70.5% vote of the public in 2012.

Now Arthur Wadekamper, a retired GS 14 IRS auditor and University graduate; and Arnie Lind, a claimed small manufacturing retired executive and university graduate, say they did not know what they were signing when they signed it. They want to nullify the contract agreement but keep all of the expanded sewer connections. They have by majority vote decided to sue the City of Shoreline to try to get out of the contract.

Ronald’s Financial Reserves – allegation’s are made that the City wants the District's $6 million in reserve for their use. Nothing in the RCW allows any City to move the Utility Reserves from the utility account to the general fund. The City is subject to annual audits by the State Auditor who will ensure the money will only go for Utility expenses. Yes, in some cases Cities have borrowed some of the money but it has to be strictly accounted for to the State auditor, and the time table to pay it back. The money will only go for Utility expenses.

Rationale for Assumption and Utility Taxes -  First the Growth Management Act and King County Policies actively encourage Cities to be full service Cities and include Water and Sewer services along with the normal Police, Fire, Parks, and Building Permits, along with storm water and garbage utilities. Of the 281 Washington Cities 141 (50+%) have water and/or sewer utilities and 90%  have both. The frequent claim is Cities want it for additional revenue is false. It is to provide a service to the community by having one policy and one stop shopping for business development. Little districts frequently inhibit & stop development with different policies and procedures on development. The Cities have the right for a Franchise fee for working in their right of way and usually charge a 6% fee, and over 50% of the Cities with Utilities only charge 6% or less when it is changed to a Utility Tax –the same amount as the Franchise fee.

Yes, a few small cities such as Granger, Wapato, and Zillah charge over 30% and when one asks why it is usually an agreement with the rate payers so they can pay for full time Police Officers. The City of Shoreline has been very fiscally responsible to the public. They have never charged more than the normal 6% for a franchise fee or a Utility tax when eligible. YOUR RATES WILL NOT GO UP IF THE City of SHORELINE ASSUMES THE DISTRICT, ONLY King County Sewage Treatment charges may go up. With Business Development your property taxes will be lowered. Remember, you rate payers are the people who elect the City Council Members.


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Appointed Ronald Wastewater candidate Matthews responds to challenger Webster’s charges over use of term “re-elect” in campaign advertising

By Evan Smith

I reported yesterday that Ronald Wastewater District candidate George Webster had filed a complaint with the State Public Disclosure Commission over appointed incumbent Richard Matthews’ use of the term “re-elect” in a joint mailing with a candidate for another position.

Matthews noted Friday that he has consistently referred to himself as an appointed member of the District Board and that the only use of the term “re-elect” was in a joint mailing with Ginny Scantlebury, who is running against Gretchen Atkinson for the other Ronald Wastewater position on the November ballot. It is that mail piece that Webster sent to the PDC as evidence.

A PDC spokeswoman confirmed Thursday that the commission had received the complaint and would issue a warning.

Scantlebury and Atkinson are running for the position that Art Wadekamper now holds. Wadekamper was eliminated in the August primary, when he placed third behind Scantlebury and top vote-getter Atkinson.

Matthews and Webster are running for the position that Matthews holds by appointment after Webster led Matthews in a three-way primary.

Matthews sent the following response to what he called Webster's personal attack:
“My opponent in the race for Ronald Wastewater District, Position 4, says he has filed a complaint with the PDC stating that my advertising materials used the term "re-elect." I was not informed of his concerns by him or his campaign, nor have I received any verification from the PDC that it has received such a complaint. I find it strange that my opponent would go to the news media without obtaining accurate information. If he has filed a complaint, I can report to the PDC and the voters that all of my materials accurately point out that I was appointed Ronald Wastewater Commissioner in 2012. None of my personal materials (mailer, handouts, or website) use the term "re-elect." However, I acknowledge that a joint mailer with another candidate erroneously used the term "re-elect." This piece has been distributed and cannot be recalled. The error was an oversight, as I would hope was the case in the more serious PDC violation of my opponent in failing to indicate on his materials who had paid for his newspaper advertising. 
“I believe a more serious issue is my opponent's inattention to facts related to the District and the actions of its Commissioners, as well as his ongoing and deliberate misrepresentation of my position on the issues involved. One example is his persistence in claiming that I am opposed to a city takeover of Ronald Wastewater. The truth is that I have consistently stated my commitment to supporting our ratepayers' right to vote on whether the city should assume control of the RWW District, a position that reflects state law, and that I will support our voters' choice at the ballot box. In the interim, as your advocate, I will continue to oppose the City's demand for increased control of its utilities before careful consideration of potential costs and future burdens upon Shoreline residents. 
“I ask for your vote so I may continue to serve you.”

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Music at The Bounty Saturday


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Five SCC Fall Sport Athletes Named to NWAACC All-Academic Teams


Shoreline Community College had five student-athletes named to the NWAACC All-Academic Team on Friday. Two volleyball players, two men’s soccer team members and one women’s soccer player were named to the honor, which requires minimum 3.25 GPA, 36 credits and in their 2nd year of competition.

For SCC Volleyball, Emily Denham (3.77 GPA) and Arianna Garcia (3.82 GPA) were named to the All-Academic Team while in Men’s Soccer, Obada Al-Attal (3.45 GPA) and Obianozie Ogochukwu (3.57 GPA) were named along with Women’s Soccer player Elle Blume (3.54 GPA).

Each player will receive a certificate from the NWAACC for their accomplishment.


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Shoreline School District's bond rating upgraded by Standard & Poor's


Standard / Poor's Ratings Services has raised its school district issuer credit rating (ICR) to 'AA-' from 'A+' on the Shoreline School District, and long-term rating to AA+.

S/P says its raised rating “reflects our view of the district's strengthened management practices and policies as well as its maintenance of strong reserves since fiscal 2010."

"The district benefits from strong community support, which has allowed the district to pass both M/O and capital projects levies, notes Standard / Poor's credit analyst Carl Hargreaves. “The district has ended each year since 2007 with a surplus operating result. This has allowed the district to build up reserves to levels we consider strong.”

S/P said the stable outlook on the long term ratings for Shoreline reflects recent growth in the district's full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. Enrollment has increased in 2013 by 2 percent to 8,882 after moderately declining during the prior five fiscal years.

The District projects continued enrollment increases during the next four years, partly as a result of an increase in elementary school enrollment and renewed residential development within the district. Comparisons of the district's budgeted and actual enrollment show a track record of conservatively budgeting for enrollment, with actual enrollment outpacing budgeted enrollment in all but one year since 2008.

The District plans to sell $10 million in new bonds soon of the $63 million remaining from the District's 2006 authorization. An improved rating makes bonds more attractive to investors.


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Trunk or Treat at Calvin on Halloween



Neighborhood Trunk or Treat, Thursday, October 31, 6:00 - 7:30pm, at the Calvin Presbyterian Church parking lot, 18826 3rd Ave NW, Shoreline 98177, 206-542-6181,

Free Chili and Treats for the whole family! Decorated car trunks, candy from costumed characters, bouncy house, music, and chili and cornbread. Bring your kids, grand kids, or come on your own to enjoy the fun and a bowl of chili.


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Kruckeberg Botanic Garden photo contest ends Oct 27

Four ton redwood sculpture, suitable for climbing
Photo courtesy Kruckeberg Botanic Gardens


The last Sunday in October is also the last day photographers can enter the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Photo Contest. Sponsored jointly by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and the KBG Foundation, the contest is the first project the two groups have collaborated on.

Full contest rules here. Enter up to five photos taken in the Garden at any time this year or previously -- by midnight, Oct. 27 to Eric Doit

Winning photos will be displayed at Shoreline City Hall, Oct. 30 through Jan. 24 and then at the Garden. They will also be considered for inclusion in a 2014 calendar to go on sale in late November.

KBG Executive Director Brianne Zorn gave photographers an extra reason to come to the Garden saying, "People are just amazed when they see our newest addition, a four-ton, thousand year old redwood sculpture. We are looking for some real good shots of this work of art that is also a playground piece for children or even adults who like to climb and explore."

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Auditions announced for first SCC opera


Shoreline Community College announced its opera schedule for 2014. Auditions for the first production will be held on Tuesday, Oct 29, 2013 from 3-6pm at the Campus Theater.


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WSDOT advises: Winter weather on its way - be prepared and slow down

Photo courtesy WSDOT
As state highway crews shift into winter gear, they have a few words of advice for drivers:
Be prepared and slow down.

Those simple words of wisdom could be the difference between a long wait on the highway or more time for family and fun.

“The last thing we want to do is see a car in the ditch,” said Mike Krahenbuhl, maintenance supervisor on Interstate 90 at Hyak. “That usually means the driver was going too fast or had to avoid someone else going too fast.”

Krahenbuhl has spent more than 40 years clearing snow and ice from Washington’s roadways. He said it takes just one person driving too fast or forgetting to prepare their vehicle for cold weather to cause a chain-reaction collision.

And it’s not just in the mountains, said Monty Mills, snow and ice program manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“Prepare your car and prepare yourself for the conditions you will be driving into,” said Mills. “When the temperature drops, drivers all over the state need to be ready. We’re working to keep the highways open but need drivers’ help.”

WSDOT asks drivers to always “know before you go” and get the most recent roadway information, winter-driving tips, car-preparation advice and information on the department’s winter driving Web page.

Here’s what drivers can do to prepare for wintry roadway conditions:

  • Download, print and carry the WSDOT Winter Driving Guide.
  • Download the WSDOT mobile app for smartphones.
  • Sign up for news and social media tools, such as Twitter.
  • Get your car ready and plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily-traveled routes such as Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and White Pass.
  • Carry chains and know current traction and chain requirements. Mountain-pass traction and chain requirements are available on the WSDOT website, highway advisory signs and highway advisory radio.
  • Preset 530 AM and 1610 AM on your vehicle’s radio before traveling.


Some vehicle manufacturers recommend against the use of tire chains. The Washington State Patrol provides a list of approved, alternative traction devices that are acceptable when chains or traction tires are required.

Studded tires are legal for use only between Nov 1 and March 31 in Washington state. Motorists are encouraged to visit a tire dealer to learn more about tires that provide traction and are legal for year-round use.

When highway advisories call for chains, drivers who don’t chain up will face a $500 penalty. The WSP will have a special chain-emphasis patrol to ensure drivers are carrying the appropriate number of chains, including spares.



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Shorecrest to play crossover football game against bottom Wesco 3A North team

The Shorecrest football team played host to Marysville Getchell Friday after the Scots finished their Western Conference 3A South season a week earlier with a 28-14 loss to Mountlake Terrace at Edmonds Stadium.


Shorecrest took a 1-6 overall record (0-5 Wesco 3A South) into the game with Marysville Getchell (3-4, 1-3 Wesco 3A North) at Shoreline Stadium.

As the No. 5 Wesco 3A South team, Shorecrest will play the No. 5 Wesco 3A North team Nov. 1, before finishing its season Nov. 7 or 8 against a team to be determined.

In Shorecrest’s 28-14 loss to Mountlake Terrace, Aaron Kelly scored on an 8-yard pass from Nik Hendricks, and Matt Brennan scored on a 72-yard run. Scot quarterback Hendricks went 14-for-20 for 119 yards.


Mountlake Terrace 28, Shorecrest 14
At Edmonds Stadium, Friday, Oct. 18

Shorecrest ------------- 0 0 14 0 -- 14
Mountlake Terrace --  7  7  7  7 -- 28

MT -- Chance Ragsdale 17 run (Jenson kick)
MT -- Ragsdale 52 run (Jenson kick)
SC -- Aaron Kelly 8 pass from Nik Hendricks (kick)
MT -- Ragsdale 19 run (Jenson kick)
SC -- Matt Brennan 72 run (kick)
MT -- Ragsdale 4 run (Jenson kick)


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Look beyond the labels: Seeing Neurodevelopmental Challenges with HANDLE Eyes

Peg Simon,
Certified Handle Practitioner

The HANDLE® Institute presents, “Look Beyond the Labels: Seeing Neurodevelopmental Challenges with HANDLE Eyes,” on Sat. Nov. 2, 2-3:30pm at The Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.

Are you concerned about learning or sensory challenges, autism, or other “labels?” Join us at this FREE presentation to look beyond the labels and learn about the role of neuroplasticity in restoring function to the brain and sensory/motor systems. We’ll look at how attention issues, learning challenges, eating limitations, language delays, and visual focus issues are interrelated. HANDLE’s pioneering approach gives you insights into the underlying causes of difficult behaviors, and the role of stress (and how to reduce stress in unexpected ways.) HANDLE is a gentle, non-drug holistic alternative that works for all ages.

The presenter,  Peg Simon  is a  Certified HANDLE Practitioner. Register ahead of time.


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RBCA Halloween Carnival Saturday


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Shoreline City Council Meeting Monday 10-21-13

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Shoreline City Council Meeting Monday 10-21-13
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

The Shoreline City Council voted to increase Council Members’ salaries from $700 per month to $1000 per month. The Mayor’s salary increases from $850 to $1,250 and Deputy Mayor’s to $1,100. The increases would provide for cost of living which the Council has not received for 16 years. Given state law, the new salaries will not take effect until after Council members are elected/re-elected in November, with the adjustments becoming effective in 2014. Any councilmember not up for election in November will not receive any adjustment in salary until after being reelected in 2015, making those adjustment effective in 2016. Mayor McGlashan said for the amount of work the members do outside of meetings their salaries would probably be less than a dollar an hour. Council member Roberts suggested in the future appointing an independent salary commission to review council salaries and suggest increases. Councilmember Salomon voted against the increase saying he would like to see more of a public process since raising salaries is a sensitive issue.

The Council heard review of city departments’ 2014 budget requests. The focus of the departmental presentations was on any significant changes between the department’s 2013 budget and the 2014 proposed budget of $71,900,115. In addition the presentations indicated how closely tied the budget requests are to Council Goals, City initiatives, and daily services. This will serve to expedite the budget review process and make the best use of the Council meeting time. The proposed 2014 budget has been made available to the public on the City’s website and at City Hall, the Shoreline Police Station, and the Shoreline and Richmond Beach libraries. Staff plans to complete department reviews through the Planning and Community Development Department on October 21. On October 28, the following budget reviews will be conducted before the Council: Public Works, 2014-2019 Capital Improvement Plan, Capital and Operating Surface Water Utility Budgets and a brief description of other funds. Future budget workshops will be held on November 4 and November 18. Public hearings for the 2014 budget will also be held on November 4 and November 18. Adoption of the 2014 property tax levy, budget and capital improvement plan is scheduled for November 25.

Snohomish County Jail services
The city’s Management Analyst John Norris presented many of the department budgets. He showed concern for future costs increases to incarcerate Shoreline prisoners in Snohomish County Jail. Now it costs about half as much to use Snohomish County Jail as to use King County Jail. But  Snohomish County is proposing to cap the number of inmates it will accept from Shoreline and in addition may not take mentally ill combative prisoners. If there are significant numbers of inmates turned away and sent to King County or other jails the cost could increase by a million dollars. Norris stressed there is no way to know what the impact will be yet. Councilmember Hall suggested that the city may need to take a comprehensive look at the cost of providing jail and public defender service through the city with the new police station instead of contracting the services out to other cities.

Councilmember Salomon said he is concerned that jail is an inappropriate place for mentally ill who act out  but there are very limited places to send them so they end up in jail and now “Snohomish County doesn’t want them.”  Salomon said Shoreline can’t be expected to create a place to treat these mentally ill, but “It’s something we have to deal with. I don’t believe we are ever going to be significantly successful in controlling access to guns and mentally ill with guns, bad deal. We need to step up our efforts to provide treatment on a regional level. It makes me angry that everyone wants to wash their hands of this issue.” 


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Notice of Public Hearing: Southern Gateway Village


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Southern Gateway Village: 

Application for Preliminary Plat and Commercial Site Development Permit, October 29, 2013 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 17425 Ballinger Way NE Lake Forest Park, WA

TO RECEIVE TESTIMONY PERTINENT TO THIS PROPOSAL

Attached you’ll find the Notice of Public Hearing that the City has issued for the applicant, Intracorp, who has proposed to develop the former Elk’s site.

The City invites you to review our webpage which now includes materials submitted for the Public Hearing. (Agenda here)

 Public comments may be submitted at the public hearing or to the Planning Department by 3:00 P.M., Friday, October 25, 2013.

All written comments should be mailed or hand delivered to the City of Lake Forest Park Planning Department. Comments may be submitted via email. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Lake Forest Park Planning Department at (206) 957-2832. 

 If you have any questions, please contact me, Ande Flower.


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Animal Acres is ready for winter, thanks to volunteers

Photo by Linda Holman

Volunteers put the finishing touches on Animal Acres last Wednesday. Park volunteers, Master Gardeners, and Rotary volunteers have put in many hours during summer work parties in all the parks of Lake Forest Park.

Photo by Linda Holman

Animal Acres is now ready for winter with compost-making and cover crops in the beds.

Wednesday was a sunny day, perfect for showing off the finished garden.

Photo by Linda Holman

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Thank you to Officer Obstler as she moves from community policing to patrol

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Officer Obstler

By Sgt. Katie Larson

This year has brought about many changes at the Shoreline Police Department. After over 17 years the Westside storefront has closed and been relocated to city hall. This coming year we anticipate closing the Eastside storefront as well and will relocate that operation to city hall.

Officer Obstler has been a police officer for 28 years with much of that time spent in Shoreline. For the past 12 years Officer Obstler has been our Westside storefront Officer. Office Obstler has been instrumental in the success of many of our Crime Prevention programs in Shoreline.

Officer Obstler at any one time oversaw up to 24 volunteers. These volunteers play a key role in helping several of our programs remain highly successful. Many of Officer Obstler’s volunteers have been with her since she took over and was assigned to the Westside Storefront. No doubt much of that longevity can be attributed to the positive environment that Officer Obstler created.

Officer Obstler oversees and provides community training in a total of 16 different programs. She also works collaboratively with city staff to spearhead the “Annual Night out Against Crime” campaign. This year 50+ neighborhoods participated in this event!

Additionally, Officer Obstler coordinated our annual Citizen’s Academy and Landlord/Tenant Training. She is also responsible for creating our Retail Theft Program which enables our local participating stores to complete and send in information regarding in-custody shoplifters thus freeing up our patrol officers. Officer Obstler then reviews the case and completes the necessary paperwork for criminal charges.

Officer Obstler has also developed and implemented our Memory Impaired Program and was instrumental in our “Give Graffiti the Brush Off” campaign.

Officer Obstler’s commitment to her craft and her pride and dedication to the Shoreline Police Department and the residents she serves is to be commended. In 2007 Officer Obstler was selected as the Shoreline Police Officer of the Year. In 2009, she was on the City Web Redesign Team which was selected as Team of the Year. Also since 2007, she provided free car seat checks to over one hundred city residents and others.

Officer Obstler returned to swing shift patrol here in Shoreline on October 8th. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Officer Obstler for a job well done.


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Letter to the Editor: Our right to know what we are eating


To the Editor:

I will vote YES on Initiative 522 because I deeply believe in our right to know what we are eating. 522 requires that genetically engineered foods be labeled in Washington State. As a senior, my life depends on it.

Our food labels already contain a lot of important information – sugar and sodium levels, whether flavors are natural or artificial, and if salmon is wild or farm-raised. We should also know whether the food we buy has been genetically engineered.

Even Consumer Reports advocates GMO labeling!

Food manufacturers regularly re-label their products with no price increase. In fact, U.S. companies already label genetically engineered foods for markets in the 64 countries that require labeling. Shouldn’t Washingtonians have that same information?

I-522 will provide shoppers with the transparency and power to make informed decisions about what foods we feed our families. Our grandchildren's lives may depend on it even more than mine.

Please join me in voting for our right to know what is in our food.

More information can be found on the YESon522 web site.

Carol Hiltner
Seattle


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Plant a Forest on Green Seattle Day



Join the Green Seattle Partnership to celebrate and restore Seattle’s beautiful forested parks for the 8th annual Green Seattle Day on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 10am to 2pm!

Green Seattle Day is a meaningful way to connect with nature and create a healthy and vibrant community by planting native trees and shrubs in a Seattle park. The event takes place in 17 parks city-wide. Seattle’s own West Duwamish Greenbelt is this year’s central hub site, which will be hosted by Nature Consortium and Forterra.

The Green Seattle Partnership is a collaboration between the City of Seattle, non-profit partners, and thousands of committed volunteers that seek to create a sustainable network of healthy forested parklands by removing invasive species and replanting with native shrubs and trees. Without a coordinated effort, Seattle is at risk of losing 70% of its forests in just 20 years.

Green Seattle Day is a celebration of Seattle’s 2500 acres of forested parks, the committed neighbors who care for them, and the kick-off event for the 2012-2013 restoration planting season.  We supply all tools and supplies. So, grab a water bottle, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to have fun in the forest!

Learn more and REGISTER for your preferred park.


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Winning Ts - Third Place Books design winners announced



Earlier this fall Third Place Books launched a T-Shirt design contest, calling for submissions from the community. 

According to Third Place Books managers, "We got a lot of great submissions and have chosen the winners!"

Above are the images of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. First and Second will have t-shirts and possibly mugs made out of their designs. 3rd place will be made into an original poster and displayed in-store.

All of the submissions will be displayed next week at our LFP branch info desk! 

T-shirts will be produced and hopefully in the store in December.


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Traveling with Technology workshop Sunday at Third Place Commons

Computer Q and A 2:30-4pm, Sunday, October 27, in Third Place Commons, upper level, Lake Forest Park Town Center, at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

Ask questions and get user-friendly answers during this free workshop. This month’s topic explores Traveling with Technology.


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Notice of Public Hearing: Shoreline Fire Department


PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Shoreline Fire Department will hold a Public Hearing on November 7, 2013 at 5:00pm at Shoreline Fire Department, 17525 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, Washington to discuss Shoreline Fire Department’s 2014 Budget. The meeting will be held in the public meeting room.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend and provide input.

This notice was posted pursuant to RCW Chapter 84.55 requiring taxing districts to hold a public meeting on revenue sources, which must include consideration of possible increases in property tax revenues.


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Shoreline City Council - Oct 28 meeting to focus on 2014 budget


At the upcoming City Council Meeting on Monday, October 28, 2013 the City Council will continue discussing the proposed 2014 Budget. Monday’s discussion will focus on the Public Works Department, the 2014 Capital Improvement Plan, and the Surface Water Utility.

Here's some background:

  • The City’s operating fund expenditures total $37,895,370 for 2014, which represents 53% of the total budget.
  • The City’s debt service expenditures total $3,371,617 and represent 5% of the total budget.
  • The City’s 2014 capital expenditures total $25,036,383, which represents 35% of the City’s proposed expenditures.
  • The Surface Water Utility Fund makes up the enterprise fund category and is 7% of the total. This includes all surface water related activities including operations and capital projects.
  • Finally, the proposed expenditures for internal services are just under 1% of the City’s total budget. 

2014 total projected expenditures represent a 2% decrease from the current 2013 budget. While operating expenditures are projected to increase by 1% ($518,526), capital expenditures are projected to decrease by 6% ($1.6 million). The primary reason for the decrease in capital spending is the one-time maintenance facility acquisition occurring in the General Capital Fund during 2013.


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Community Tree Planting Day in Lake Forest Park Nov 2


Join your fellow volunteers from the Tree Board and Environmental Quality Commission at a tree planting event on November 2, 2013 starting at 9:00am at City Hall front entrance in Lake Forest Park (lower level, NE corner of Town Center). 

The trees were purchased with coupons from Seattle City Light. Volunteers are hoping to plant the trees on a single street to make as big of an impact as possible. The trees will be planted in the right-of-way of homeowner's yards, near the street. Volunteers will be needed to dig the holes and plant the trees.

No prior experience is required. The City will provide tools but volunteers should bring work gloves and can bring their own shovel if they want (this is optional). Refreshments and fun will be provided!

Email Andy Bates, Tree Board/Environmental Quality Commission Volunteer, with questions or call 206-322-8407.


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Space available on local Ski Bus

Last year's group knew how to have fun!


Did you know there is a ski bus in our neighborhood?

The Innis Arden Ski Club was started in the 1960’s. Its members are a group of vibrant, avid skiers of all skill levels who participate and work together to make ski trips easy, accessible and fun.

The members come from all over the area; there are no club fees. Beginning in January the Innis Arden Ski Bus travels to Stevens Pass and Crystal Mountain on alternate Thursdays, for a total of eight trips. A first-class bus leaves from the Innis Arden Clubhouse at 7:00am and heads straight for the slopes, non-stop. On the trip home, the skiers relax and enjoy refreshments provided by the club.  The bus returns to Innis Arden by approximately 6:00pm. Being a member allows skiers to take advantage of group rate lift tickets at a considerable discount.

If you’re a skier looking for an easy and relaxed way to enjoy a day of skiing, or even if you’re a bit rusty and want to pick up your favorite sport once again, come join us. Skiers of all age groups and abilities are welcome!

For more information contact Ida Callahan.


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Ronald Wastewater candidate Webster files PDC complaint against opponent Matthews


By Evan Smith

Ronald Wastewater commission candidate George Webster has filed a complaint with the State Public Disclosure Commission against appointed incumbent Richard Matthews because Matthews has used the term "re-elect" in advertising materials despite a rule that forbids use of that term for anyone who has not been elected to the position he is running for.

A PDC spokeswoman said Thursday that a first offense for such a complaint would bring an order to cover or remove the improper word from any existing material, and a warning not to do it again.

Webster and Matthews are meeting in the November election after Webster led Matthews 39 percent to 37 percent in a three-way August primary.


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Photo: The Spider Web

Wednesday, October 23, 2013


Photo by Wayne Pridemore


THE SPIDER WEB

The spider spun a silver web
above the gate last night.

It was round with little spokes
and such a pretty sight.

This morning there were drops of dew
hung on it, one by one;
they changed to diamonds, rubies red
when they were lit with sun.

A spider’s nice to have around
to weave a web so fine,
on which to string the drops of dew
that catch the bright sunshine




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Thursday only: Peruvian wood carvers exhibit at Garden Essentia in Ballinger Village


The Consulate General of Peru in Seattle invites you to the private exhibit of


World famous Peruvian wood carvers from “Taller San Jose” Pomabamba Peru

 Thursday only, October 24, 2013

from 5 to 8:00pm

Garden Essentia Gallery, 20152 Ballinger Way NE 
Ballinger Village, Shoreline 98155

206-453- 3920

Proceeds of this special exhibit will benefit the school for Andean children of Ancash Peru


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Shorewood plays home match with Marysville-Pilchuck Thursday after soccer tie with Meadowdale Tuesday


The Shorewood girls’ soccer team plays host to Marysville-Pilchuck Thursday after a scoreless tie with Meadowdale Tuesday.

Shorewood and Marysville-Pilchuck meet at 7:30pm at Shoreline Stadium, with junior varsity teams from the two schools playing at 5:30pm.

Shorewood’s 0-0 tie with Meadowdale Tuesday came on a crazy foggy night at Edmonds Stadium.

Meadowdale was without Emily Critchlow, the league’s leading scorer.

Shorewood outshot Meadowdale 20-6 but could not find the net.

After two overtimes the game remained tied 0-0.

Ariel Garay was in goal for Shorewood.

Western Conference 3A South fourth-place Shorewood is 4-4-2 in league and 7-4-2 overall, while Meadowdale is 6-2-2 in league and 9-2-2 overall.

The Shorewood junior varsity defeated Meadowdale 3-0.


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Wadekamper endorses Scantlebury for Ronald Wastewater Commissioner


Incumbent Ronald Wastewater District Commissioner Art Wadekamper has endorsed Ginny Scantlebury for the position that Wadekamper now holds.

Wadekamper finished third in the August primary with 29.03 percent of the votes behind Gretchen Atkinson with 35.60 percent and Scantlebury with 34.67 percent, creating a November runoff between Atkinson and Scattlebury.

Wadekamper issued this statement last week:

 “After a closely watched primary for the Ronald Wastewater District Commissioner’s Position No. 2, Ginny Scantlebury won the chance to be in the general election. Ginny has been a supporter of many community groups in Shoreline. I would ask that all the ratepayers who voted for me in the primary now vote for Ginny in the general election.”

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The role of the UN in resolving international conflict, Thursday 12:30pm SCC

Dr. Trevor McMorris-Tate
will speak at SCC Thursday 12:30pm

In honor of United Nations Day on Thursday, October 24, 2013 the Shoreline Community College Global Affairs Center will present two speakers from the UNA-USA of Seattle and Bellevue College.
  • Dr. Trevor McMorris-Tate, Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Bellevue College
  • Dr. James Maynard, CLA Senior Fellow, Bellevue College, and Co-President, UNA-USA Seattle
Dr. James Maynard at SCC
Thursday afternoon 12:30pm

They will join forces to discuss The Role of the United Nations in Resolving International Conflict. This discussion will take place at 12:30pm in Room 1402 on the SCC campus.

These events are open to the public and FREE. 

The campus is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N. Metered parking is available onsite.


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A conversation about Russia's Worldview, free at SCC Thursday evening

Derek Norberg, Executive Director
Russian-American Pacific Partnership

The second in the series of conversation about the worldview of people in other countries will take place this Thursday, October 24, at 7pm on the Shoreline College campus, in PUB 9208, when the subject will be the worldview of Russia.

The premise of these discussions is that the world is increasingly shaped by people and governments with different experiences, facing different circumstances, and holding different ideas than our own about modernity, democracy, and security, among other ideas.

Guest speaker will be Derek Norberg, Executive Director, Russian American Pacific Partnership (RAPP), who has more than 20 years of experience working with and living in Russia. The Consul-General of the Russian Federation in Seattle has been invited to participate but as of this date has not accepted our invitation.  

These events are open to the public and FREE. Additional details on both events can be found here.

Presented by the Global Affairs Center at Shoreline Community College.


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Vocalpoint! Seattle presents “The Name Game”


Vocalpoint! Seattle presents “The Name Game,” a rollicking rock ’n’ roll romp through great ‘name’ songs from the 60s and 70s, directed by Joseph Crnko, October 24-27, 2013.

All performances will take place at Broadway Performance Hall at 1625 Broadway Avenue on Capitol Hill. Performance times are 7:30 pm Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. The production will close on Sunday, October 27.

The show features the vocal, dance and dramatic talents of the 32-member Vocalpoint! Seattle ensemble comprised of high school men and women from throughout the Puget Sound region, including Shorecrest student, 17-year-old Craig Simpson, who has been singing with the choir for a decade. 

Tickets are $19 (adult), $12 (senior and students) and student tickets are only $5 on Thursday nights! Seating is reserved and tickets are available online, where you can pick your own seats, by calling the Northwest Choirs at 206-524-3234, or at the door. The box office opens one hour prior to concert times.

Vocalpoint! Seattle is an affiliate ensemble of the highly-acclaimed Northwest Boychoir and part of the Northwest Choirs organization. It serves as an advanced educational and performance program for high school-aged men and women with vocal, dance and theater skills. The Northwest Choirs is a non-profit organization offering professional-level music education in the greater Seattle area for nearly 40 years.

Vocalpoint! Seattle presents: “The Name Game"
  • Thurs, October 24, 2013 at 7:30 pm
  • Fri, October 25, 2013 at 7:30 pm
  • Sat, October 26, 2013 at 7:30 pm
  • Sun, October 27, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
Tickets and more information or 206-524-3234 

Adult - $19, Senior/Student - $12
Students only $5 on Thursday night! | Reserved Seating | Advance Tickets Available


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Be part of a community gardening project in Ridgecrest



Ridgecrest residents are invited to a gathering of neighbors on Monday, November 4, 6:30 – 8:30pm  at Food Lifeline, 1702 NE 150th St, in their Volunteer Training Center. 

Cecily Kaplan, Ridgecrest Neighbor and Community Garden Enthusiast says, 
I would like to invite you to a gathering to discuss the possibility of creating a community garden in the Ridgecrest neighborhood in collaboration with Diggin' Shoreline.

Diggin’ Shoreline is a local non-profit organization formed to help inspire and nourish our community through gardening. Helping neighbors create community gardens is a vital part of Diggin’s mission. 

We will definitely want to talk about potential sites. Before we can move forward with any site though, we’ll first need to gauge the interest of our neighbors for working on the project. We will also need to envision what type of garden we might like: a vegetable garden with community gathering space? an orchard with benches to sit? a flower garden? a demonstration garden? large or small? 

Bring your interest and enthusiasm to help create a space that reflects the energy and diversity of our neighborhood. Let’s grow relationships that last a lifetime!

To RSVP or for further questions, contact Cecily by email.


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For the Birds: Black-capped Chickadees—The Up-side Down feisty Ones



By Christine Southwick
Photos by Christine Southwick

Ask anyone to list their favorite birds, and Black-capped Chickadee will be included.

These acrobatic, feisty little birds with their pleasant calls and dee-dee-dee alarms, have distinct black and white faces, and often seem to look at you with intelligence, weighing whether it is necessary, or not, to fly away before finding the heaviest seed available. 

Black-capped Chickadees have the most complex social order of all our local feeder birds. The dominant bird eats first, making it fun to watch as flock members dart out singly from a branch, snatch the best seed, and then fly back to the cover of a nearby branch to open it. While they are pounding on their prizes, others dart, one after another. If you are lucky enough to watch a feeder where color-banded chickadees feed, you can see that they take turns in order.

Inquisitive and friendly, chickadees will be the first to find your new feeder, and announce their find to the other neighborhood birds. In the winter, nuthatches, kinglets, and Downy Woodpeckers often tag along with chickadees because they know these non-migrating bundles of energy will find all the winter specials.

Chickadees are the local watch birds. They are the first to sound the alarm "Predator!" The more loud "dee-dee-dees" there are at the end of their call, the more danger. Humans nearby rate an extra dee-dee. A Sharp-shinned Hawk gets four or five extra dee-dees, and every bird around hits the bushes, no questions asked.

Want these up-side-down bug seekers in your yard? Serve black oil sunflower seeds—shelled or unshelled. Have another feeder of high quality seeds, and/or suet, and you will have chickadee visitors. If you add flowering current shrubs, trees like serviceberries, dogwood, or small crabapples, and some evergreen trees, plus year-round water, and you will have resident black-capped chickadees.

Chickadees will readily use nest boxes with 1 1/8 inch holes and some wood chips within. The male feeds the female while she sits on her four to five eggs, and he helps feed the fledglings. While the young will fly away, the bonded pair will stay in your yard, and usually will raise a brood year after year.

Welcome birds, like these cute Black-capped Chickadees to control your bugs. You will be pleased and entertained at the same time, while helping to make the earth healthier by not using manufactured pesticides.

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


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Jackson Park golf course: affordable and fun

Jackson Park in NE Seattle


By Zeth Peterka, Shoreline, age 13

This article is about a great, local public golf course that is affordable and fun. Jackson Park Golf Course in north Seattle has a par 70, 18 hole golf course and an executive short nine. The short nine is fun, challenging and is open all year around. The short nine has tees that are all mats, tree lined fairways, and no trouble. The 18 is open all year around and is also very fun and challenging. The tees are all grass on the 18. Bunkers and water come into play on the front and the back nine, and many of the fairways are undulated so you rarely have a flat lie. The 18 has tree lined fairways and good greens that are pretty sloped on some holes.

Jackson has many things to offer. It has a putting green, a chipping green, pro shop, restaurant, pull carts, gas carts, club rentals, lessons, snack bar, beer, wine, memberships, and a soon to be driving range. They also have junior camps available for all levels. Jackson has a new gravel walking path that perimeters the 18 and the executive 9. Jackson is also very cool because kids from 8-17 can play free every day after 3 pm if you print out the free golf coupon on their website.

Hole #6 at Jackson Park golf course

On their website, they also have other information like their score card for the 9 and the 18 hole, hours, contact info, junior golf camp sign up, rates, group events, clubs, and tee-times.

Seattle has many other public golf courses like West Seattle Golf Course, Jefferson Park Golf Course, and Interbay par 3, driving range and golf center, that are all local and affordable.

Jackson is open all year around and stays fairly dry in the winter. I recommend this course to anyone who is looking for a great round or is just looking to practice their short game on their great pitching and putting greens.

1000 NE 135th; Seattle, WA 98125
206-363-4747 (Pro shop)

Price for 18: $15/33 depending on season, age, and time of day.
Price for 9: $6/$8.50 depending on age.
Price for power cart: $25/$17.
Price for pull cart: $4.
Trail fee: $10 for personal carts.

You can print out the free junior golf coupons from the website. There is a News and Events box with scrolling information on the right of the page. Wait till it says "kids play free", then click on the link and print out the coupon.   


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Letter to the Editor: Fed up with Ronald Wastewater

To the Editor:


My household is about fed up with the Ronald Wastewater District Board’s determination to keep a white-knuckle grip on their comfy sinecures at all costs – i.e. “at our cost.”

These people need to go. Backing out of a signed contract defines a person as untrustworthy. Inventing appointed board seats to build a false majority shows the slipperiness of current board management. I don’t trust them with my money.

Now they’re spending our ratepayer money to litigate against the City of Shoreline, which is then obligated to spend our tax money to defend itself. The Board risks nothing in its fight for eternal control.

The 2002 Assumption Agreement for the City to take over RWD’s utility assets should surprise no one at Ronald. It was signed by the duly elected RWD Board at the time, including the gentleman pushing the lawsuit against… well, against all of us.

It's truly remarkable how much mud they’ve slung at the Shoreline City Council, which is trying to compel performance under a legitimate contract and has committed -- at least to my knowledge -- no malfeasance on this issue. The notion that Shoreline’s council “might” not perfectly manage Ronald’s assets is laughable when the current Board is using those assets to mail-bomb you at the same time they’re gearing up to sue you with your own money. The City ain't perfect, but at least it's not nakedly corrupt to the point where the smell reaches even to our politically uninvolved household.

Please consider casting your vote for Gretchen Atkinson, who has experience at transferring utility authority, and environmental engineer George Webster who – let’s face facts – is the only candidate who knows “poo” about Ronald’s actual operations.

Please mark your ballot in favor of less BS in waste handling, and vote for Atkinson and Webster. Thank you.

Jack Lewis
Shoreline (North City)


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Halloween at Third Place Commons - scary stories and trick or treat


Scary Stories for Brave Listeners 7-8pm
Tuesday, October 29

Local storytellers will share frightening, yukky, and true tales of ghosts and hauntings, followed by an open mike for audience members with a scary tale to tell!  Refreshments will be served (to survivors.)  This program is not recommended for young or timid listeners.

HALLOWEEN

Thursday, October 31
Celebrate at Third Place and the Town Center at Lake Forest Park. 

4 – 6 pm    Trick-or-treat at participating Town Center merchants.  Look for balloons outside participating stores.   

6:30 – 8 pm   Party in the Commons!  Eli Rosenblatt takes the stage to entertain with lively music and dance. Costume contests, games, crafts, and of course, more treats!  This is an Arts Crush North featured event.


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Seattle Times: Dalziel’s pride in alma mater leads her to coaching win No. 100

Mindy Dalziel, with flowers, poses with the Shorecrest soccer team
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Our news partner, The Seattle Times, has a story about Mindy Dalziel, PE teacher at Lake Forest Park Elementary and coach of the Shorecrest High School girls soccer team.

It was a rare moment where Shorecrest High School girls soccer coach Mindy Dalziel wasn’t prepared and caught off guard. 
She had no idea that a milestone victory awaited her on Tuesday, Oct. 15. 
It wasn’t until after her Shorecrest team’s 3-2 win over WesCo 3A foe Marysville Getchell on that fateful Tuesday night at Shoreline Stadium that she learned about her coaching feat.

The October 15 game against Marysville Getchell marked the 100th win of her coaching career.

Neither Dalziel or her players knew anything of this nature was on the horizon. However, in the background, Mindy’s husband, Don Dalziel, Shoreline School District athletic director, was calculating win-loss records and organized for friends, family, former teammates and former players to attend. 
The support, as much as the milestone, gave the moment more meaning for Mindy Dalziel.

Mindy herself was once a Shorecrest player, under former coach Teddy Mitalas.



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Ghoulish meal at the Senior Center Oct 30


Spooky Halloween Celebration, October 30, 2013

Come to the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and join the fun while enjoying a special ghoulish meal: 
Vampire’s Kiss (aka Pomegranate-Cocktail) 
Monster Slime (aka Green Goddess Dip with Crudités) 
Cadaver Ribs (Ribs with Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Sauce) 
Bug Guts Pasta (aka Fusilli with asparagus, zucchini and basil-mint pesto) 
Pumpkin Mousse Puffs (aka Cream puffs filled with pumpkin mousse) 

Meal starts at 11:45am. Arrive early to assure you will have a seat. A $3.00 donation for seniors 60 and older is recommended, participants under 60 can enjoy this meal for $6.00. It is not necessary to be a member.

The Senior Center is located on the Shoreline Center campus in the southern-most building, facing NE 185th.


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