Fight Fraud! Common scams against seniors, and how to prevent them

Sunday, February 16, 2014

You have not won the Nigerian Lottery, your grandson is not in jail, and your friend did not lose her passport in a foreign country

On Tuesday, February 18th from 10:30 – 11:30am, Shoreline Officer Steve Perry will talk at the Senior Center about Cons, Scams, and Identity Theft. 

He will cover common scams, whether perpetrated over the phone, internet and in person, identity theft, and how to reduce your possibility of becoming a victim.

The Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center is located in the southern-most building on the Shoreline Center campus, facing N 185th. Call 206-365-1536 for more information.


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Valentine's season in Sheridan Heights

Valentine's Day in Sheridan Heights
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Now it's time for the shamrocks on bushes and blow up leprechauns on rooftops!


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Rowing into the Son at Third Place Books Feb 19

Rowing into the Son:
Four Young Men Crossing the North Atlantic
Wednesday, February 19, 7pm
Held at Third Place Books.
Presented by Jordan Hanssen.

On June 10, 2006 four college friends Dylan LeValley, Greg Spooner, Brad Vickers and Jordan Hansen stepped into a 29-foot rowboat as the only American competitors in the first North Atlantic Rowing Race. Join Jordan for this engaging slideshow presentation, as he recounts his adventures rowing across the northern ocean.

Third Place Books is on the upper level of Lake Forest Park Town Center at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way.




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Annual pancake breakfast brings Legion members and families together


The Starr Sutherland Jr. American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline held its annual pancake breakfast on Friday morning at their building on the corner of NE 146th Street and 17th Avenue NE.

The guys in the kitchen
Dwight Stevens in his usual spot

Diners had a good time with good food, but rumor has it that the guys in the kitchen have the most fun.

Never too young to learn the Boarding House Reach

Photos by Jerry Pickard.


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How To Attract Birds to your Garden —Molbak’s seminar February 22

The Twinberry blooms mid summer
and is a favorite of hummingbirds
Photo by Christine Southwick

For the Birds Columnist Christine Southwick will be giving a seminar on “How to Attract Birds to Your Garden” next Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Molbak's Garden + Home in Woodinville, 13625 NE 175th St, Woodinville 98072. 

Create an oasis for both yourself and the birds. Learn the five things that birds need, and the plants that can help give the birds what they want. Christine talks about easily grown attractive native plants, and the birds that are attracted to them, with pictures showing both.

Christine is well versed on which feeders, seeds, berries, mini-habitats, and planting practices will bring in the three types of songbirds — generalists, specialists, and generalized-specialists. 

Anna's Hummingbird with pollen from Twinberry on bill
Photo by Christine Southwick

Knowing which birds you want to attract will help guide which plants you plant first. Even gardens with cutting flowers and other non-natives can become bird friendly by your gardening methods.

Come hear Christine talk enthusiastically about the wild birds she loves and respects, and the plants and habitats that gardeners can create.


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Shorecrest girls eliminated from district basketball tournament

The Shorecrest girls’ basketball season ended with a 51-49 home loss to Marysville-Pilchuck in the second round of the Northwest District 3A tournament.

The Scots trailed 13-11 after the first quarter, but led 27-26 at halftime and 39-38 at the third quarter before falling behind in the final period.

Free throw shooting spelled the difference, as the Scots were 2-for-12 from the line in the fourth quarter.

After Senior Samantha Tidwell banked in her third 3-pointer of the night to cut the Tomahawks' lead to 1 with 4.8 seconds to play, the Tommies' were fouled immediately. Leading scorer Jenika Anglim made the second of the two shots to extend the lead to two. A last ditch shot by the Scots from close in wouldn't fall at the buzzer.

M-P       13    13    12    13    51
SC         11    16    12    10    49

The young Scots team, with only two seniors, finished the season with a 15-7 record after losing both of its tournament games, while M-P improved to 9-13 going into another elimination game Wednesday against the loser of a Saturday semifinal game between Mountlake Terrace (17-4) and Meadowdale (8-13). The winner of the Wednesday game will play for the District's No. 3 State berth in a game at Lynnwood High School Saturday, Feb. 22, against the winner of another Wednesday elimination game.


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Goodbye to Shorecrest

Saturday, February 15, 2014


Shorecrest students, faculty, and staff get lined up in front
of the old Shorecrest building. The remodeled Performing Arts Center
is to the right. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Valentine's Day was the final day for classes in the old Shorecrest main building. 

Shorecrest students and staff gathered in front of original Shorecrest building Friday afternoon for an all school photo.

If you can't spot yourself in the photo, try the We Feel Awesome video

The new Shorecrest High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Classes will resume in new facility on February 24th, after mid-winter break. Following an all school assembly in the gym (which was the first new building, completed last year) at 7:50am, students and staff will walk together over to the new building for its first day on the job.

Removal of the temporary modular classrooms in expected in March, with demolition of the current building expected to begin in April. This would be followed by excavation and installation of stormwater detention tanks underground. Parking areas will then be constructed, followed by landscaping with completion expected for the 2014-15 school year in September.

For regular construction updates, visit the school district website.


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Be Mine on the E Line - shiny new red and yellow buses meet the public on Valentine's Day

Shiny new red and yellow buses mark the start
of Rapid Ride in Shoreline
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Thousands of Metro Transit riders bid farewell Saturday to the Route 358 on Aurora Avenue, one of the busiest routes in the system.

But what better time than Valentine’s Day to strike up a relationship with the honey riding in to take its place -- a shiny red and yellow addition determined to steal the affection of riders from Shoreline to Seattle.

Metro street team member talks with rider
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Metro street teams were out along Aurora Avenue North on Friday introducing riders to the new RapidRide E Line, which began service Saturday, Feb.15. The street teams talked with riders about expanded all-day service and other amenities such as well-lit shelters, real-time “next bus” signs, off-board ORCA card payment and free Wi-Fi.


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Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra is reborn from the ashes of the Bellevue Philharmonic

Michael Miropolsky directs

The newly formed Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Miropolsky, will present its inaugural concert 3:00pm on March 9th at the Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center in Kirkland.

Featured works will include Die Fledermaus Overture by Johann Strauss Jr., Swedish Rhapsody No. 1 by Hugo AlfvĂ©n, Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 2, and Scheherazade Op 35 by Rimsky-Korsakov.

The Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra is a group of professional musicians who previously played together as the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra. The BPO folded in 2011 for financial reasons, but the musicians have remained committed to keeping the orchestra alive and have been working to reorganize under a new board of directors. They are pleased to continue performing under the direction of conductor Michael Miropolsky, who took the orchestra to its peak of musical artistry during the BPO's last two seasons.

TICKETS online or by phone 1-800-838-3006, $15-$25. Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center, 12033 NE 80th St, Kirkland 98033. For more information, contact Beverly Setzer, Board President, 206-307-7418.


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Susan Will art reception Monday, Feb 17 at Darrell's

Susan Will, artist
Join Shoreline resident Susan Will at Darrell's Tavern on Monday, February 17, to celebrate her first local art show in many years.

The reception starts at 5:00pm and the artist will be available throughout the evening.

Free food prepared by Dan Chittenden will be available. Drinks are available for purchase. Live music begins at 9pm.

See her art and order prints online but she says "I'd really love to see you in person Monday!"

Darrell's is located at 18041 Aurora Avenue N in Shoreline.


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Celebrating Black Republicans of King County

By Lori Sotelo, Chair, King County Republicans

Our county is named for one of the greatest African Americans in the 20th century — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With his legacy in mind, the KCGOP commemorates Black History Month and the pivotal role of black Americans in shedding light on dark hours for freedom and civil rights in our nation’s history.

Respect for one another isn’t something human nature is naturally inclined towards—the events of 20th century serve as all too palpable reminders of our flaws. Yet, even in our darkest hours, there is hope. Hope springs from the examples of men and women willing to fight injustice, willing to risk everything for a better tomorrow. The power of hope can even ignite a movement that changes the heart of our communities and the course of our history.

That’s why I am so proud of the Republican Party’s long legacy of nurturing hope. From our party’s father President Abraham Lincoln to abolitionist Fredrick Douglas — two Republicans whose February birthdays mark this month as Black History Month, our party has played an instrumental role of ushering in a better tomorrow for our nation. Because enduring change starts at home, I invite you to consider how the leadership of black Americans has impacted our communities in King County.

Seaborn J. Collins

Seaborn J. Collins migrated to Seattle in 1885 with his wife and son. By 1892, Collins — a charter member of the First African American Republican Club — became the first African American to hold public office in King County. Collins’ legacy is one of community. A leader, businessman and pastor, Collins dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him, all while remaining firm in his faith and principles.

Horace R. Cayton

Horace R. Cayton, an ex-slave, came to Seattle in the late 1880s. By 1894, Cayton founded the Seattle Republican which, at one point, became the second most widely circulated publication in the city. A member of the Republican State Central Committee and secretary of the GOP’s King County convention in 1902, Cayton once said his paper “stands for right, and champions the cause of the oppressed. The success of the Republican Party is one of its highest ambitions.”

Charles Moorehead Stokes

In 1950, Charles Moorehead Stokes became the first African American to serve a King County legislative district in the Washington State Legislature. Stokes — a dedicated Republican and vice president of the Young Republican National Federation — represented the 37th district in Seattle. During his legislative tenure, Stokes co-sponsored the Civil Rights Omnibus Bill and placed Washington State at the forefront of the civil rights movement. A lawyer by profession, Stokes would later become the first black judge to serve on the King County District Court.

As champions for the cause of the oppressed, these men were trailblazers for a movement that would begin to convict the conscience of our community and work to change hearts and minds across our nation — a movement led by our county’s namesake, Dr. King. I look forward to many more years of leadership by our party, leadership that will continue to usher in hope for a better tomorrow.


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Tech Talk: Do you accommodate technology too much? Sizing up the options


By Brian Boston

The tension is obvious. Head and neck pitched forward; shoulders hunched; brow furrowed, eyes squinting … all supporting the virtual manipulation of objects on a computer screen. I see it all the time, not just in client’s offices and home, but at internet-enabled cafes and in other public spaces. We work very hard to create, modify, read, and navigate our computers and mobile devices.

As a result, we develop CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome), a combination of headaches, eye and neck problems from staring fixedly at the screen. 90% of people who use a computer screen three hours or more are likely to experience these problems. Besides display-related problems, repetitive motions like typing and mouse clicking also take their toll in the form of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and RSI (Repetitive Stress or Strain Injuries).

Most of the time of we work harder than we need to, accommodating how information is presented on the screen or how information is entered, instead of having the screen or software, or input devices accommodating us. It doesn’t have to be that way, because there are many ways to adjust existing settings to improve the experience.


Making things easier to see

Most icons, mouse pointers, cursors, and text are too small to comfortably locate or understand at today’s high screen resolutions. Icons and pointers, for example are usually 16x16 or 32x32 pixels (picture elements). This was fine years ago on a 19” monitor with 1024x758 pixel resolution. However, a common scenario today is closer to a HD screen (1920x1080 pixels) on a 15” laptop. This reduces the relative size of these objects tremendously. Here are some ways your system can adjust this relative size.


Change the size of your mouse pointer

Mac: On older Macs, go to Universal Access in System Preferences, choose Mouse and Trackpad. For newer Macs, locate Accessibility in System Preferences (or press Command-Option-F5, choosing Preferences) and select Display. In all cases, locate the cursor size slide control and adjust the slider to your desire pointer size.

Windows: Choose one of the large or extra-large Schemes in the Pointer tab of Mouse Properties. In Windows 7 or earlier, you can quickly search for Mouse Properties by typing “mouse” directly in Control Panel (upper right-corner) or from the Start Menu. In Windows 8/8.1, use the Search charm to locate this Control Panel item.


Change the pixel size or DPI (dots per inch) of your text and icons

Mac: Right-click on the Desktop and choose Show View Options from the menu. This will display a panel that lets you adjust both icons and text for the Desktop. There are also additional options for adjusting finder windows and applications.

Windows: Right-click on the Desktop and choose Screen resolution from the menu. Click on the link “Make text and other items larger or smaller.” The Control Page that displays will let you switch from the default of 100% to 125% or 150% (the last item only appearing on systems supporting at least 1200x900 pixels). You can also set a custom or larger size using the “set custom text size (DPI) link on the left side. For Windows 7 and later, this is consistent. The procedure changes for Windows Vista and Windows XP.

For Windows 8/8.1, these settings do not impact the new Windows 8 UI or apps. For those, go to Ease of Access in PC Settings at bottom of the Settings charm and turn on “Make everything on your screen bigger.” This option is disabled on displays less than 1024 pixels high.


Other sizing and accommodation alternatives

Of course, your web browser also has the ability to resize text on web page. We will explore some of those options next week.

In addition, my next Computer Q&A at the Commons session on February 23rd in Lake Forest Park will be discussing similar tips in a discussion titled, “Using Accessibility or “Ease of Access” Tools in Everyday Life.”

Do you have a follow up on this topic or technical question on that needs to be answered or explored?

Please share it with me at brian@bostonlegacyworks.com. Your question may show up here on Tech Talk.

Brian Boston supported Microsoft products during his 18+ years with the company and now teaches, consults, and troubleshoots a wide range of software and hardware devices for Boston Legacyworks.

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Six Shorewood wrestlers, two from Shorecrest qualify for regionals Saturday at Glacier Peak

Six Shorewood wrestlers and two from Shorecrest qualified for the regional championship Saturday at Glacier Peak High School after placing first or second in the Western Conference 3A tournament.

Wesco 3A South finals

Team scores—Glacier Peak 342, Mountlake Terrace, 217.5, Shorewood 184, Shorecrest 174, Meadowdale 140.

106—Mahmoud, GP, dec. Rhaye Samson, Shorewood, 8-6.
113—Abiel Tesfamariam, Shorewood, inj. def. Tae Thongdee, Shorewood.
120—Hetherington, MT, dec. Ahn, MT, 8-3.
126—Matthew Floresca, Shorewood, dec. Kim, GP, 8-1.
132—Ricky Moraguez, Shorecrest, maj. dec. Cruz, GP, 9-1.
138—Barr, GP, dec. Castleton, MT, 3-2.
145—Braden Kalloway, Shorewood, dec. Kranz, GP, 9-3.
152—Oiferovskiy, MT, dec. Poole. GP , 4-1.
160—Coleman, GP, inj. def. Davis, Me.
170—Thomas, GlP, pinned Chris Seyfried, Shorecrest, 0:39.
182—Springberg, MT, pinned Becerra, GlP, 3:15.
195—Ball, Me, maj. dec. Potter, MT, 10-2.
220—Smith, Me, dec. Palmaffy, GP, 3-0.
285—Fifita, GP, pinned Erca Erdenebayer, Shorewood, 1:28.


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Arts Council presents business workshops for artists


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is hosting three workshops to help artists who are interested in selling their work at festivals. These workshops are appropriate for both first time festival artists, or seasoned festival sellers who would like to increase sales and learn some new tricks.

All workshops will be held at the Shoreline Center Arden Room and will start at 6:30pm. The first workshop is free for anyone who is interested, the second and third workshops are $10 each.

February 25, Tuesday, 6:30pm
Shoreline Center: Arden Room
Art/Business Workshop: Session 1
Planning the Ideal Season: Getting into the events that best fit you

How to find events, types of events, applications and photos: what juries are looking for, planning your season. Getting In: What to look for when choosing events, preparing applications and photos to impress the juries. Getting info and equipment you'll need.

Are you new to the art of art festivals (or returning and want to learn a few new tricks)? Want to get a better handle on balancing your art and your business in a festival venue? As we near the start of the 2014 summer festival season, the coordinators for the Shoreline Arts Festival's Artist Marketplace, Jody McCrain and Sella Rush, offer their perspective on the festival scene, share their successes and secrets, and hopefully spark new ideas for you.  
Shoreline Lake Forest Park Arts Council Marketer Lorie Hoffman will be on hand to answer any questions specific to the Shoreline Arts Festival.

March 18, 6:30pm
Laying the Groundwork for Success: Marketing and prepping for your shows
Tickets $10

April 1, 6:30pm
Becoming a Festival Standout: Selling your work and yourself to customers
Tickets $10

About the Instructors:

Jody McCrain
Co-founder of McCrain Photography, Jody McCrain has been involved with the art festival world for the past nine years. She and her husband, Phil McCrain, have participated in many local and regional festivals throughout the Northwest. She has also served as co-director of the Shoreline Artists' Market for the past six years (last five with Sella Rush).  She is a member of the Northwest Art Alliance (Best of the Northwest) Board, and she recently accepted the position of Artist Selection and Jury Pool Coordinator.  Having experienced festivals from both the artist and business side, Jody is excited to share with other artists the highs and lows of this journey.

Sella Rush
Shoreline-based jewelry artist Sella Rush (of Shi-Shi Design) has been selling her handmade pieces in the Pacific NW for eight years. During that time, she's been accepted, wait-listed, and--shockingly--rejected for festivals and markets throughout the area. Sella has also served as co-coordinator (with Jody McCrain) of the Shoreline Arts Festival's Artist Marketplace for the past five years. As an active artist and festival organizer, Sella is very happy to share with her fellow artists the lessons she's learned on both sides of the glass.

Lorie Hoffman
Marketer for the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, Hoffman knows the ins and outs of putting your best foot forward. She has sat on the Board of Directors for the Sweet Pea Arts Festival which boasts an annual audience of over 15,000, has directed three art galleries, has sat on countless juries, and has owned and operated her own Fine Art Business for the last 10 years.  In addition to being on staff with the Arts Council, Hoffman does business consulting with artists ready to increase their level of professional polish and make their art their business.


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Point Wells - Snohomish County environmental review - Scoping meetings

Friday, February 14, 2014

Point Wells - Snohomish County environmental review  - Scoping meetings

Snohomish County will host two scoping meetings as part of the environmental review process for the proposed development at Point Wells. Scoping is the community’s opportunity to comment on the project’s impacts, identify alternatives and how to address the impacts. The two meetings will both be held on Tuesday, February 18, with one meeting in Everett and one in Shoreline. The locations and times of the two meetings are as follows:

Everett
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m.
Snohomish County Administration Building Court Complex
3000 Rockefeller Ave.
Everett, WA 98201

Shoreline
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m.
Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Avenue NE
Shoreline, WA 98155

If you are unable to attend either meeting, you can submit your comments:

1.       Via email to: Darryl.Eastin@co.snohomish.wa.us

2.       In writing to:
Darryl Eastin
Snohomish County Planning and Development Services
3000 Rockefeller Ave. M/S 604, 2nd Floor
Robert Drewel Building
Everett, WA 98201
Through Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act, when a proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts, the lead agency is required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS).  In the case of Point Wells, Snohomish County is the lead agency. The EIS reviews the project’s impacts and provides reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The first step in the  process is to conduct “scoping” which is the community’s opportunity to comment on the impacts, identify alternatives, and how to address the impacts.



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King County Assessor Lloyd Hara: Property values near pre-recession levels

Property tax bills for 2014 will be mailed to King County residents on February 14, and should arrive at taxpayer mailing addresses shortly thereafter. Total property valuations are approaching pre-recession levels at $340.6 billion, (2008 total property value was $341 billion) up 7.6% overall from 2013 ($314.7 billion).

“Property values for King County have continued to show signs of strengthening as we emerge from the Great Recession,” said King County Assessor Lloyd Hara. “Of the 86 residential geographic areas in King County designated by the Department of Assessments, we saw a residential valuation decrease only in 10 areas for the 2013 assessment year.”

Commercial real estate valuations have also reflected this upward trend, the overall valuation for commercial property in King County has increased from $110.1 billion in 2013 to $120.3 billion in 2014.

In some parts of King County, up to 50 percent of your 2014 property taxes might be voter-approved tax measures. In the majority of cases, an increase in property taxes is due to voter-approved property tax measures. These are typically school, fire, or other levies or bonds. Find out your tax levy rate and more property related information by visiting eReal Property Search on the King County Assessor’s website.

2014 property taxes in King County have increased 5.64 percent overall, from $3.72 billion to $3.93 billion. However, your property tax increase will vary depending on where your property is located and what voter-approved levies were passed.

Countywide, voters approved a six-year temporary lid lift for the renewal of the Parks levy at a rate of $0.18 cents per $1,000 of all taxable assessed value that would generate $63 million in revenue, and a six-year renewal of the Emergency Medical services (EMS) levy at a rate of $0.335 cents or less per $1,000 of all taxable assessed value.

Some property owners who are seeing property values decline but property taxes increase may be wondering why that is.

Washington State operates under a revenue or “budget-based” property tax system in which taxing districts, such as counties, cities, ports, and fire, library, and school districts submit their annual adopted budgets or revenue requests to the assessor. The assessor then determines the taxing rate that is necessary to generate enough revenue to meet the adopted budgets. The tax rates are based on the value of residential, commercial, and personal property in each county, which is established by the assessors. Washington voters in 2001 initially approved Initiative-747, which imposed a 1 percent cap on revenue per year unless voters approve additional levies and bonds.


State and local schools receive 53.8 percent of property tax revenue collected in King County. Cities and other local governments, such as fire districts and hospital districts, receive about 26 percent of the property tax collection (there are 161 local taxing districts in King County). King County government receives approximately 17.8 percent, and the Port of Seattle receives just under 2 percent of the property tax.

2014 Property taxes are levied against assessed property valuations established the previous year. For example, the property tax bill for 2014 is based on values that were established as of January 1, 2013 (July 31, 2013 for remodels and new construction). Property values for 2014 are being established by King County Assessor’s Office appraisers right now and throughout this year, and will be used for the 2015 property tax bills. 

“Our goal is always to make sure our property valuations are accurate, fair, and equitable, so that each property owner pays only their fair share of property taxes – no more nor no less than they are required to by law,” Hara said. The Assessor or his staff members are available for community meetings.

In King County, Treasury Operations, not the Assessor, collects the property taxes on behalf of the state, cities, and taxing districts, and then distributes the revenue to the correct government. Homeowners who do not pay their property taxes through a mortgage lender can pay quickly and easily online. Residents can also pay using check, cash, or by credit card (convenience fee added) in person at King County Treasury Operations, 500 Fourth Ave., Suite 600, Seattle, Washington.

Payments by check may only be made in person at any of the six King County Community Service Centers located throughout the county. The Shoreline Community Service Center is located at 18050 Meridian Ave. N. (inside the Shoreline District Court building) Shoreline 98133, phone 206-477-2723. Fridays, 8:30am to 4:30pm., Closed 12:00-12:30 (staff lunch). All Community Service Centers are closed on King County holidays. Check the holiday closures schedule for details.

To avoid interest and penalties, first half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by April 30, 2014. Second half property taxes must be paid or postmarked by October 31, 2014.

Property tax relief programs in King County include:
  • Senior and Disability Exemptions: 206-296-3920
  • Current use reduction for farm and agriculture or forest land: 206-263-2374
  • Current use reduction for open space or timber: 206-205-5170
  • Remodeling/home improvement exemption: 206-263-2338
  • Destroyed property reduction: 206-263-2332
  • Deferral of taxes: 206-296-3920

For property tax questions, call King County Treasury at 206-296-0923. For assistance with tax matters, contact the King County Tax Advisor at 206-477-1060. The number for the King County Assessor is 206-296-7300 or visit the Assessor's webpage.


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Dine out for Spree - eat at Lake Forest Bar & Grill Tuesday


Next week on February 18th, the Lake Forest Bar and Grill at the LFP Town Center is generously donating 10% of all proceeds between 5-10 pm.  Come on down to the Grill and support Shorecrest Senior Spree!


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Shoreline City Manager's update for the week of Feb 10

Update for the week of 2/10/14
From City Manager Debbie Tarry

Council Meetings

No meeting February 17 (President’s Day)

Legislative Update

The cutoff for policy bills to be voted out of committee was last Friday. If a bill was not voted out at that time, it is generally finished with the exception of bills leadership finds important. Fiscal bills must be voted out of committee by Tuesday, Feb 11th – so we’re nearing the half way point of session. By Friday we will have a much better sense of what’s actually moving.

  • Marijuana (HB 2144) – This bill includes both a revenue component for cities and a section about preemption of local city land use regulations. The bill was heard last week in House Appropriations Committee with mixed results. While we support the funding provisions, the preemption issue is very problematic.
  • Indigent defense (HB 2497) – Authorizes increases in certain fees and assessments associated with criminal offenses, and requires funds collected attributable to the increases to be used to support local court operations and criminal justice functions that have a clear connection to indigent defense cases. The bill passed out of the policy committee and is moving to the appropriations committee. If passed, it would provide funding to address the new court rules that are increasing indigent defense costs for cities.
  • Sharing liquor/marijuana tax proceeds with cities – Due to the fact that there is dire need for more education funding, finding ways to share liquor and marijuana tax proceeds with cities is not getting much traction. AWC and cities will most likely make a strong push for at least some of these funds to be shared with cities. Once we reach the fiscal cutoff next week there should hopefully be a clearer picture.

Marijuana Applications

Wednesday the City received notice from the Liquor Control Board (LCB) of an application by Emerald City Industries for a Producer Tier 2 license. The proposed location is 1539 NE 177th (in North City). Staff is reviewing the application and we will have 20 days to file any objections with LCB.

Federal Legislative Trip

The Mayor, Intergovernmental Relations Manager Scott MacColl, and I had a successful trip to Washington DC. We had the misfortune of being there on the same day as the Seahawks parade, but had good meetings regardless (I think we passed Senator Cantwell in the air somewhere over Nebraska…). We covered three main topics with the delegation:

  • Long Term Strategy – Lay out the challenges – and opportunities – facing the City in preparing for light rail in 2023, including reconstruction of 145th, Transit-Oriented Development adjacent to the new light rail stations, and the water, sewer and electrical infrastructure needed to prepare for density and growth.
    • Our Community Vision for growing our community around transit. This is our umbrella concept for a number of significant project in Shoreline around light rail station area development, infrastructure investment, and reconstruction for 145th St.
    • The City’s message about using all of the tools currently within its legal authority (e.g. vehicle license fee, property tax increases, etc.), but still needing assistance from regional, state, and federal funding partners to meet the needs of light rail coming to Shoreline resonated very well.
  • Transportation Funding - Ensure the delegation understands that the City is using every available tool it has to meet infrastructure opportunities – but cannot build them without funding support from other levels of government.
    • Federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill – Thanks to our proven track record on the Aurora project, the City is trusted by the delegation and was specifically asked to provide an analysis of the most recent Transportation bill, MAP-21, and suggest changes the delegation could work on as Congress considers reauthorization of the bill this year.
    • Secure support from Congressman McDermott to reach out to Rep. Rick Larsen about raising the population threshold for designating one-third of the TIGER grant funding toward cities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. Shoreline would like to see the population threshold increased so as to include cities of Shoreline’s size.
  • CBDG Direct Allocation – Ask Senator Murray to protect the status quo for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocations that are under threat by the current Administration to allow Shoreline to keep its direct allocation. If enacted, Shoreline would lose more than $250,000 annually from the City’s budget and would be required to compete for funds on a year-to-year basis, making multi-year planning very difficult. Shoreline was the first Washington City to bring this to her office’s attention. The day after our meeting, the Murray staffer had already contacted the Obama Administration on behalf of the City and responded to us with a complete debrief.

Light Rail Update

The second series of 185th Station Design Dialogue Workshops will take place February 19 and 20. The Design Dialogue Workshops consist of 8 small stakeholder group discussions, followed by a community meeting. The community meeting is on Thursday, February 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visit shorelinewa.gov/lightrail for more information.

Planning Commission Applicants

The Council Sub-Committee (Councilmembers Hall, Roberts and Eggen) will interview the following Planning Commission candidates on Saturday, February 22: Lee Fenton, Jack Malek, Laura Mork, Marc Mignogna, Donna Moss, Terri Strandberg, and Shelly Rae Watson.

Saltwater Park Bridge Repair

The bridge over the railroad tracks as Saltwater park needs repairs, which will extend its life 20+ years. The repair is included in the 2014 CIP; however, getting the work done this spring will be difficult, possibly extending into early summer. With heavy park use during good weather this option is no longer being considered and the bridge work will be pushed back to January through March 15, 2015. An earlier structural assessment confirmed the need for the repairs, but also stated that the bridge main structure is sound. As a result the short delay will not cause any additional safety issues.

This and That

The City has been selected to receive the “Outstanding Leadership in Green Building” Award by King County Green Tools Program on March 13 for our work in environmental sustainability, green building, and climate action.


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Driftwood Players accepting submissions for Festival of Shorts

The Driftwood Players Fifth Annual Festival of Shorts will celebrate another great Theatre of Intriguing Possibilities Season with this exciting finale! A great line-up of playwright finalists exhibit their most innovative, hilarious, or profound 15 minutes of stage-time and the audience gets to choose the winner! This year’s theme is TRANSITIONS. 

Showtimes are July 11, 12, 13, 2014. Fri 
and Sat @ 8pm; Sun @ 2pm
Tickets are $14.00.

Playwrights, ready for the challenge?  Check out the guidelines below and get those creative juices flowing!

DRIFTWOOD PLAYERS FIFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SHORTS
SCHEDULE & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: * guidelines have been revised this year

Submitted short plays must be less than 15 minutes long, centered on the theme transitions. 
Submissions MUST NOT BE previously produced. Only one submission per author will be accepted.

Eight finalists will be chosen by a panel of readers. Reading will be blind, so AUTHOR NAME and other author information CANNOT BE ON THE PAGES OF THE PLAY but only on the cover page (which will not be distributed). Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

Rules of the game:

  1. DO NOT include the cover page (author’s name) as part of the main pdf (send as a separate pdf or in the text of the email)
  2. Pagination should begin on page 1 of the text. Please include name of play on each page
  3. Submit in pdf format by EMAIL.
  4. Use no more than 5 characters in your play.
  5. Be aware that selected plays will be staged with minimal sets, props, costumes, lights and sound. 

The eight selected plays will be assigned a director (at random) who will cast actors and present the work as he/she sees fit.

The eight finalists have the chance to compete for an audience “peoples’ choice” award as well as judges’ awards. 

Lastly, we are a community theater, so please no X-rated scripts.  We simply can’t perform them for our audiences.

Accepting submissions - From now until March 15, 2014 at Noon. Finalists will be announced on May 1, 2014.

Submit by e-mail to: shortssubmissions@driftwoodplayers.com
Scripts will not be returned.

Good luck!


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Music Calendar - Feb to May - at Shoreline Community College

There's always something to do in Shoreline - Lake Forest Park. Here's the calendar of music events at Shoreline Community College. For more information, check out their website. Click on the flyer and it will open in a larger version on your computer.


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History class was never like this: Wicked Ways and The Lighter Side of Lincoln

Two Great Programs, at Two Different Libraries
on the Same Great Day!


At the SHORELINE LIBRARY
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday, February 15
345 - NE 175th, Shoreline 98155

For Children and the Young-at-Heart:

The Lighter Side of Lincoln!

Storyteller Norm Brecke performs a lively program of stories and anecdotes told by or about Abraham Lincoln. Brecke will also mix in music that Lincoln enjoyed in his lifetime. 

You will agree, Abe was not only honest - he was funny, too! 

Co-sponsored by the
Shoreline Historical Museum and the Shoreline Library, KCLS


At the RICHMOND BEACH LIBRARY

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Saturday, February 15
19601 - 21st Ave. NW, Shoreline 98177

For Mature Audiences:

Our Wicked Past: Historic Crime in Northwest King County

 Shoreline Historical Museum Director Vicki Stiles makes clear, in words and pictures, why the "Good Old Days" weren't necessarily so good after all...

Co-sponsored by the 
Shoreline Historical Museum and the Richmond Beach Library, KCLS


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WSDOT says: Headed south for Presidents Day? Read this!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Crews will be replacing expansion joints on I-5 this weekend
Photo courtesy WSDOT

By Mike Allende, WSDOT

Presidents Day weekend is almost upon us and if you’re planning on heading south of Seattle, be prepared for some heavy congestion. Southbound Interstate 5 from Pine Street to I-90 will be reduced to one lane from 9pm Friday to 5am Tuesday so that contractor crews can replace four aging expansion joints.

When we did a similar closure a few weeks ago, we saw delays of 45-60 minutes through the work zone. So what can you do? First, add extra time to your drive because backups are definitely going to happen. Consider using I-405 or SR 99 but be sure to check our Seattle traffic page and listen to traffic reports in case those routes also become congested.

Follow our @wsdot_traffic Twitter feed for regular updates on traffic conditions, download our mobile app. If you’re going to downtown Seattle, you can use the express lanes from 8am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday (5am to 3pm Monday), otherwise avoid them, they won’t help you bypass the closure. It’s not going to be the easiest weekend to get south but with some patience and preparation, you can make your trip as painless as possible.


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You can’t get a refund unless you file a tax return.


Tax time is here and for many low and moderate income families this is an opportunity to boost their incomes by applying for tax credits. Families can save even more by using one of the free tax sites in Shoreline, Kenmore, and Bothell.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most important of the tax credit programs, bringing several million dollars of refunds to families in North King County. These refunds help families make ends meet and give a boost to our local economies.

Special thanks to United Way of King County and AARP for sponsoring the free tax sites in North King County and to the many volunteers who make this program happen.


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Aurora Corridor - weekly construction update - work on Firlands Way N

Weekly Construction Update - Updated February 13, 2014
Work on Firlands Way N

Construction crews working on the Aurora Corridor Project will temporarily close access to Firlands Way from Aurora during the day through Friday, February 14 (weather permitting) to haul excavated material off site. During the closures, local access will be maintained for residents at Firlands Way Condos. Access to Firlands Way N will reopen at night.

Aurora Avenue Construction - Firlands Way closure map

Next Week’s Work

Crews are scheduled to close access to Firlands Way from Aurora Avenue in the coming weeks to install a new waterline. This work will take approximately two to three weeks to complete. During this work, Firlands Way will have a 24-hour closure; however, local access will be maintained for residents at Firlands Way Condos.

Utility work will occur in various areas. Flaggers will be directing traffic around the work zones. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and drive carefully.

Vegetation will be cleared along N 195th and Firlands Way N and between N 192nd and N 195th Streets.

What to expect during the closures

  • During the closures, crews will provide Local Access Only to residents at the Firlands Way Condos from Aurora Avenue.
  • Temporary traffic and pedestrian detours will be in place around the work area.
  • Flaggers will be on-site to assist with traffic control.
  • Parking on Firlands Way N will continue to be restricted.

Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes to access businesses. All businesses are open during construction and the City of Shoreline encourages shoppers to utilize local businesses. Business driveways will remain delineated with construction barrels and marked with blue “Business Access” signs.

2014 Activities

Activities on the west side of Aurora that will continue through most of this year include asphalt pavement removal, excavation, utility work, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, retaining walls, and paving.

Work will start on the N 200th to N 205th section in March.

Left and U-turn options

(See map at left for more information)

• There will no longer be a center median turn lane. 

Traffic access may be controlled at specific locations by uniformed police officers when there is night work.

• Left turns on and off Aurora will only be allowed at N 192nd and N 200th Streets.
U-turns are permitted only at these signalized intersections when there is enough room to safely make a U-turn.

• Left turns will no longer be allowed at N 195th, N 198th, and N 199th Streets.

Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes to access businesses. All businesses are open during construction and the City of Shoreline encourages shoppers to utilize local businesses. Business driveways will remain delineated with construction barrels and marked with blue “Business Access” signs.


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CORRECTION:Shorecrest girls open district basketball tournament Wednesday with loss at Ferndale

Shorecrest girls open district basketball tournament Wednesday with loss at Ferndale

The Shorecrest girls’ basketball team opened play in the Northwest District 3A tournament with a 55-51 loss at Ferndale. The Scots take a 15-6 overall record into a District 3A loser-out game with Marysville-Pilchuck on Shorecrest’s home court Saturday at 7pm.

As the No. 3 Wesco 3A South team, Shorecrest had to travel to Ferndale, whose record in the Northwest 3A/\2A/1A Conference was better than the conference record of the No. 2 team in the Wesco 3A North.

Ferndale 55, Shorecrest 51
At Ferndale High School, Wednesday, Feb. 12

Shorecrest -- 11 8 14 18 — 51
Ferndale --- 14 14 14 13 — 55

Shorecrest Scorimg—Lindsey Shattuck 4, Wurrie Njadoe 4, Jazlyn Owens 0, Keyonna Jones 7, Onyie Chibuogwu 17, Savannah Tidwell 2, Jalyn Hizey 7, Uju Chibuogwu 10.

Final Regular–Season Girls’ Basketball Standings

Wesco 3A South
 Conf.  
Overall
 Team
W
L
W
L
**Glacier Peak
11
2
18
2
**Mountlake Terrace
11
2
16
4
*Shorecrest
10
3
15
5
Shorewood
5
8
11
9
*Meadowdale
5
8
7
13
 *Qualified for Northwest District 3A tournament
**Host team in first-round tournament game

Wesco 3A North



W
L
W
L
**Stanwood
8
5
11
9
*Everett
8
5
12
8
*Marysville-Pilchuck
5
8
8
12
Marysville-Getchell
2
11
5
15
Oak Harbor
0
13
0
20
Northwest Conference 3A
**Ferndale                       10          2       16         4

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said that Shorecrest had defeated Ferndale and advanced to the District semifinals. --Evan Smith 



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Seattle Safe Streets Task Force Arrests “Cyborg Bandit” wanted for series of bank robberies throughout two counties

The "Cyborg" bandit may also be
the Elephant Man bandit
On Tuesday, Seattle Safe Streets Task Force officers arrested a man whom they believe is both the “Cyborg Bandit” and the “Elephant Man” serial bank robbers.

Police are talking to the man about 30 bank robberies, including two in Shoreline - the Whidbey Bank on Ballinger and the US Bank

See our previous stories:

On February 11, 2014, shortly after 4:30 pm, the Seattle Safe Streets Task Force (SSSTF) arrested a 44-year-old man who resides in Everett, WA, immediately after he exited a Key Bank in the University District of Seattle.

SSSTF investigators nicknamed the bank robber who wore a metallic-like, textured fabric over his face the “Cyborg Bandit” because of the material’s similar appearance to cyborgs and cylons in science fiction productions. SSTF investigators nicknamed the bank robber who covered his head with a shirt or other material bearing two small eye holes the “Elephant Man Bandit” because of the similarity to a character in a movie of the same name. Combining bank robberies attributed to each nicknamed robber, the SSTF believes the subject in custody may be responsible for 30 bank robberies throughout King and Snohomish Counties.

Through the lengthy, joint investigation with partners across the two counties, SSSTF investigators identified a van they believed was associated with the “Cyborg Bandit.” Around 2 pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, the van with a lone, white, male driver began to drive around the Key Bank on 25th Avenue NE in the University District of Seattle. After two hours of apparent surveillance of the bank by the individual, he was observed putting on a mask and entering the bank. Key Bank reported a robbery by a masked man around 4:30 pm. When the previously observed individual exited the bank, SSSTF agents arrested the man on probable cause.

A search warrant was immediately sought for the subject’s North Everett residence. Everett Police Department served the search warrant at approximately 12:00 am (midnight), February 12, 2014, with the assistance of SSTF and other FBI personnel. Investigators recovered sufficient evidence to support proceeding with the investigation.

The SSSTF continues to investigate the bank robberies attributed to the Cyborg Bandit and/or the Elephant Man, including:

 February 11, 2014 (Tue) – Key Bank, Univ. Village Branch, Seattle, WA
 February 4, 2014 (Tue) – US Bank inside Fred Meyer, Lynnwood, WA
 Jan 24, 2014 (Fri) – Key Bank, Mukliteo, WA
 January 13, 2014 (Mon) – Banner Bank, Everett, WA
 January 4, 2014 (Sat) – Chase Bank, Lynnwood, WA
 December 31, 2013 (Tue) – Key Bank, Woodinville, WA
 December 16, 2013 (Mon) – Whidbey Island Bank, Everett, WA
 December 14, 2013 (Sat) – Wells Fargo, Bellevue, WA
 December 4, 2013 (Wed) – Sterling Bank Northgate, Seattle, WA
 November 30, 2013 (Sat) – Wells Fargo Totem Lake, Kirkland, WA
 November 13, 2013 (Wed) – Key Bank, University Village, Seattle, WA
 November 7, 2013, (Thu) – Home Street Bank, Marysville, WA
 October 30, 2013 (Wed) – Banner Bank, Everett, WA
 October 23, 2013 (Wed) – Whidbey Island Bank, Bothell, WA
October 18, 2013 (Fri) – US, Shoreline, WA
 October 2, 2013 (Wed) – Banner Bank, Woodinville, WA
 September 24, 2013 (Tue) – Key Bank, Bellevue, WA
 August 29, 2013 (Thu) – US Bank, Mukilteo Branch, Mukileto, WA
 August 12, 2013 (Mon) – Whidbey Island, Mill Creek Branch, Mill Creek, WA
July 17, 2013 (Thu) Whidbey Island, North Seattle, Shoreline
 July 12, 2013 (Wed) Whidbey Island, Woodinville Branch, Woodinville
 July 5, 2013 (Fri) Whidbey Island, North Creek, Bothell WA
 April 29, 2013 (Mon) Banner Bank Evergreen Way, Everett, WA
April 26, 2013 (Fri) – Whidbey Island Bank, North Seattle, Shoreline, WA
 April 22, 2013 (Mon) – Bank of America, Everett, WA
 March 29, 2013 (Fri) – Whidbey Island Bank, Bothell, WA
 March 1, 2013 (Fri) – Whidbey Island Bank, Everett, WA
 February 19, 2013 (Tues) – Whidbey Island Bank, Mill Creek Branch, Mill Creek
 February 5, 2013 (Tues) – Banner Bank, Everett, WA

The bank robberies usually took place in the late afternoon and the subject (of both nicknames) generally wore latex gloves and covered his face.

The Seattle Safe Streets Task Force includes members from the FBI, Auburn Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, and Seattle Police Department. This joint investigation also combines the investigative and analytic expertise of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and Bothell, Edmonds, Everett, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, and Shoreline police departments.


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