Shoreline City Council to discuss utility unification and efficiency study at Monday meeting

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Shoreline City Council meets on Monday, April 21, 2014 in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 1750 Midvale Ave N. 

At a Special Meeting, 5:45pm, they will review the Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

The Regular Meeting at 7:00pm full agenda is here
Primary discussion topics:
  • Discussion of the Utility Unification and Efficiency Study
  • Discussion of Ord. No. 688 Stay Out of Drug Area
You can comment on agenda in person at the meeting or online.

Watch the meetings live on your computer.


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Photo: The tulips are blooming

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Guess who went to the Skagit Valley? Lee Lageschulte came back with many gorgeous photos of the famous tulips and other flowers - all suitable for framing - or for sharing with readers.


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Name the "New Park"



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Tech Talk: A HeartBleed Update

By Brian Boston

What a Difference a Week Makes – HeartBleed
The dust has settled on the alarm around HeartBleed, the bug in secure web connections between your computer and many of the web sites through which we shop, bank, and communicate. If you haven’t taken action to protect yourself, now is the time to do so.

What have web sites been doing to protect us?
Most sites have been patching their systems to eliminate the bug in SSL (or https-type) connections. As I mentioned in last week’s posting, the number of vulnerable sites among the top 10,000 sites has dropped from 630 pretty quickly to below a hundred. That should protect all of us going forward.


The next step many sites are taking is encouraging you to change your passwords on their previously vulnerable sites. This is a precaution to ensure your safety in case your current password or personal information was taken before the site was protected. I have seen notices posted on sign-in for various sites. Some have also be sending subscribers email either indicating no vulnerability was present or encouraging a password change.

Do I really need to do anything?
Yes. Do not wait to be notified, especially if you have a Dropbox, Facebook, GoDaddy, Google, Flickr, Netflix, USAA, Yahoo, or YouTube accounts. Those are sites that have indicated the need for a password change.

Aside from these sites, you can find out where passwords should be updated a few ways:
  • Mashable recently updated their list of sites that have issued statements on the topic and whether you should change a particular site’s password or not.
  • Use security consultant Filippo Valsorda’s testing results to compare which of the vulnerable sites he found on the 8th of have been patched (an important step before changing your password on a particular site).
  • Filippo’s testing site can be used to check your site’s vulnerability.
Bottom line: if there is any concern about your web site or web site account, change your password.

What about network routers? I heard they might have been affected.
Cisco and Juniper, two major networking manufacturers, have reported that some of their business-class routers have the bug and have fixes (Cisco’s list, Juniper’s list). This problem appears to be limited to them.

Linksys (formerly owned by Cisco until its purchase by Belkin last year) has said they don’t have the vulnerability. No other consumer routers wireless or otherwise have indicated a problem.

What this about Android?
Yes, a older version of Android (4.1.1) is reported by Google to have the bug on various tablets and smartphones. A fix has been issued to the device manufacturers who will be rolling it out as an update to the affected devices.

4.1.1 is an early version of Android’s Jelly Bean still used by around 34% of Android device users. You can check your version of Android, by going to Settings and scrolling down to “About device” at the bottom of the list. If you tap “Software Update, ” you can also check if for any updates to your version of Android.


Alternatively, you can install the free Heartbleed Security Scanner from mobile security developer Lookout to check your device for vulnerabilities and offer recommendations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

On Sunday, April 27th, Brian will be leading another Computer Q/A at The Commons session at Third Place Commons in Town Center at Lake Forest Park. The 2:30pm session topic is “Making Sense of Social Media.” More information at thirdplacecommons.org/calendar.


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Albertson's shopper surprised by gift from Earthbound Farms

Brent from Earthbound Farms
surprised Albertson's shoppers on Friday
Photo by Debbie Seger

Debbie Seger of Shoreline was focused on getting her Easter grocery shopping done at the Lake Forest Park Albertson's today. She was pleased to get a coupon for organic vegetables from a representative of Earthbound Farms and picked up some Kale and mixed greens.

"After completing my Easter Holiday shopping, $272 worth, he came back up to me in line and added more fresh produce to my cart, frozen berries, soy milk, gave me an Earthbound Farms hat and tee shirt ...... then paid my FULL grocery bill!!!!! ..... right down to the food dye and flowers I had picked out!!!  
"When he offered to 'get my groceries' I declined at first because I thought he was offering to unload my cart onto the conveyer belt. He then explained he was purchasing the groceries for customers that had used the coupon and purchased their products. He said he had just paid over $700 in grocery bills for others today. Wonderful blessing!"


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Shoreline Teacher of the Year named

Principal Bill Dunbar, Vicki Gorman, and Superintendent Sue Walker.

Vicki Gorman, who has taught physical education at Shorewood High School since its opening in 1975, has been selected as the 2014 Shoreline Teacher of the Year.

She will be honored at a reception on Monday, May 12 at 6pm in the Shoreline Center lobby prior to the School Board meeting that evening. The community is invited. The District will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 12 to 16 in honor of all certificated staff.

“Vicki is the heart and soul of Shorewood High School,” wrote her colleague in nominating her for the award. “Her dedication and commitment to our school is unparalleled.”

Vicki is head of the PE department, the cheer coach and the athletic director at Shorewood.

“Vicki is an exemplary teacher,” said Shorewood Principal Bill Dunbar. “When people say ‘Shorewood,’ they think of Vicki Gorman. She is the foundation of an excellent staff, and has led her department to consistently adapt and evolve the PE program with high standards for physical activity, skill development, fitness and growth. She is a person of the highest character who sets high standards and guides our young people in developing their character.

In 2008, Vicki was one of the first physical education teachers in the State of Washington to become a National Board Certified Teacher. She has since become a mentor to many other teachers wishing to obtain their own National Board Certification and become a scorer for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

Vicki is a University of Washington graduate and did her student teaching at Shoreline High School. After two years teaching in Kirkland, she joined the first staff at Shorewood when the school opened in 1975 and has been at the school ever since.

She is the athletic director and cheer coach at the school and attends a multitude of Shorewood events each year in support of all the T-Bird teams.

“Mrs. Gorman is my role model,” wrote one of the cheer captains in supporting her nomination. “She is one of the kindest, most genuine women I have ever met. She has truly changed me for the better by encouraging me to be my best self and by teaching me to be an effective leader. I am so happy to have her in my life and lucky to have met such an inspirational woman.”

The Shoreline Teacher of the Year is selected annually by a committee of certificated staff, administrators, parents and the public information officer from nominations received from around the District. The Teacher of the Year receives a professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and is forwarded for Washington State Teacher of the Year consideration.


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City of Shoreline responds to information in article about State Senator Chase's assumption bill

Friday, April 18, 2014

City of Shoreline press release

This is in response to (information in ) Evan Smith's March 27, 2014, article titled "State Sen. Chase's bill to prevent City of Shoreline from assuming Ronald Wastewater District without a vote passes Senate but dies in House". The article failed to provide a complete picture about the proposed bill, why the City chose to oppose it, and about the City's assumption of Ronald Wastewater in 2017.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6008 did not just impact Shoreline, but all cities in Washington state. It would have limited the ability of cities across the state from unifying utilities, which is currently allowed by State law, under their control and providing more efficient water and sewer services for their residents. The bill was also written very specifically to negatively affect the City's agreement to assume the Ronald Wastewater District in 2017.

Unification of utilities in Shoreline under City control has been a community goal for more than 15 years. In 2002, the City and Ronald Wastewater District entered into a joint agreement for the City to assume the District in 2017 as both parties saw the benefit of unifying the wastewater utility with City operations. Community members have affirmed the intent of that agreement through the recent election of two Ronald Wastewater District Commissioners that ran on platforms supporting the City’s assumption of the District. Additionally, duly elected Shoreline City Councils and Ronald Boards of Commissioners, past and present, have supported the assumption of the District by the City.

Some citizens have raised concerns that the City will automatically impose a substantial utility tax once the utility is unified with the City, simply because the City has the authority. However, the City has provided public utility service for many years, operating and setting rates for two utilities –solid waste and stormwater. Current utility tax rates for both utilities is 6% and has remained at 6% since first imposed on solid waste in 2000 and stormwater in 2005. The City Council has chosen not to increase utility taxes. Imposing a significant stormwater utility tax increase is not in the best interest of Shoreline citizens, just as imposing higher utility taxes on the wastewater utility will not be in our citizens’ best interest either.

Most importantly, unification of the wastewater utility into City operations will provide the Shoreline citizens and ratepayers with numerous benefits. By sharing facilities and equipment, reducing operational costs, such as having one legal department, and eliminating the cost of a second set of elected officials the ratepayers and taxpayers will achieve efficiency savings. Unification will also allow for better communication and customer service, greater transparency, coordinated capital improvement projects, and more robust emergency response. The Shoreline City Council and a majority of the current Ronald Board of Commissioners believe unification is in the community’s best interest, while ESSB 6008 was not.


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Sound Transit to begin field work for Lynnwood Link

Neighborhoods along I-5 may see test drilling
Photo courtesy Sound Transit

Over the past few months Sound Transit representatives have been completing field work and collecting additional data as civil and wetlands survey work is completed in the public right-of-way and on private property where permission has been granted.

Geotechnical drilling started this Monday in Mountlake Terrace and soon noise monitoring and vibration testing will begin in the public right-of-way and on private property where right-of-entries have been secured. Expect to see teams of field staff working in several neighborhoods along the Northgate to Lynnwood corridor close to Interstate 5 in the coming months as information is being collected and analyzed to better understand the potential impacts of the system.

Sound Transit appreciates the cooperation and assistance from property owners and jurisdictions for allowing property access. A handout describing the field work is available in the document archive.


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Jobs: Temporary Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) - Environmental Programs

Temporary Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) - Environmental Programs, City of Lake Forest Park

This position will perform a variety of administrative duties that include but are not limited to:

  • Organize files and create an up to date inventory of all sewer and stormwater rolled plans and flat files in archives to ensure efficient and timely customer service to Lake Forest Park residents; and,
  • Complete the scanning of sewer record drawings and labeling of electronic sewer records for shared drive storage.

This is a temporary and part-time position with a schedule of 24 hours/week. The employee will generally work Mon-Thurs, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; the schedule will be determined based on the City’s needs. Position will tentatively begin mid-May and end at the end of September.  This position will be under the supervision of the Environmental Programs Manager.



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Ballot drop van in Shoreline Saturday, Monday, Tuesday

Ballot drop van at Aurora Square Saturday, Monday, Tuesday

By Evan Smith

Voters can leave their completed ballots for the Tuesday, April 22, special election at a ballot drop van in the Shoreline-Aurora Square Shopping Center Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

The van and those at 11 other sites around King County will accept ballots from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Monday and from 10am to 8pm Tuesday.

The Shoreline-Aurora Square van will be parked on the upper level of the shopping center off North 155th Street near the bank and the road to Central Market.

Voters also can leave ballots at 24-hour drop boxes outside the Lake Forest Park City Hall and nine other sites around the county. The drop boxes close at 8pm Tuesday. They have been in place since April 3.

Anyone can vote in person using accessible voting units Monday and Tuesday at the Seattle Union Station, the County elections office in Renton and the Bellevue City Hall. The Seattle and Bellevue sites will be open from 10am to 5pm Monday and from 10am to 8pm Tuesday. The Renton site will be open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday and from 8:30am to 8pm Tuesday.

Mailed ballots must be sent so they are postmarked on or before Tuesday, April 22.

The only item on local ballots is the King County roads and transit proposition.

NOTE: Voting at the Renton elections office closes at 8pm election day, just as it does at every other site. An earlier post misstated the closing time at the Renton office.

NOTE: Ballots mailed on Election Day are accepted as long as the postmark says April 22. The last postmark time varies from post office to post office.


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Homebuying seminar in Shoreline April 30

Instant equity creation is the focus of a seminar for home buyers in the Seattle and Puget Sound area real estate market.

With the lack of inventory in the first time buyer market as well as the lower end of the real estate market, we are creating a way in which to purchase, renovate, and create the home you desire using the properties and financing options available in the current market.

You will learn how to find the perfect home and use as little as 3.5% down payment and include all of the repairs and upgrades to create the home you need and desire.

A FREE Community Service workshop will be held in the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St in Shoreline, on Wednesday April 30 at 7:15-8:45pm and another on Wednesday May 21 from 7:00-8:30pm.

Call Carl at 206-307-2754 for seating reservations.
Sponsored by: The Seattle and Puget Sound Home Dream Education and Wealth Network, serving Snohomish and King county.


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Take a virtual ride on the Lynnwood Link




This is a video simulation of the Lynnwood Link Extension’s preferred alignment identified by the Sound Transit Board and provides an animated view of the route and stations based on current designs.

The video starts at the Northgate station, heads north through the heart of Shoreline and finishes at the Lynnwood station. None of these stations or rails exist now. The Snohomish County section shows two routes - one along the west side of the freeway and one up the center of the freeway - because they have not decided on the route.

It is an approximation of what the light rail extension might look like once it is built, but is not intended to show every detail and will change as design progresses.

The preferred alternative was identified from a number of options evaluated in the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and it enables project staff to focus on advancing designs and refining analysis of environmental impacts and mitigation.

The final decision on the route and stations is expected in 2015 after the Final EIS is published, all alternatives in the Draft EIS are under consideration until then.


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Earth Day at Ballinger Thriftway next Tuesday

To celebrate Earth Day at Ballinger Thriftway on Tuesday, April 22, they will raffle off a Patagonia backpack filled with Clif Bar snacks and water bottle. Clif Bars will be on sale in the store for 99 cents.

Earth Friendly is a local, environmentally friendly company. For Earth Day, there will be sale prices on their Lemongrass and Lavender liquid hand soap and Grapefruit Dishmate liquid.


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Shorecrest meets Marysville Getchell in home tennis match Friday

Thursday, April 17, 2014

The Shorecrest girls' tennis team plays a home match with Marysville Getchell Friday after a Thursday match at Everett.

Shorecrest and Getchell meet at Kellogg Middle School at 3:30pm Friday, with junior varsity teams from the two schools playing at the same time at Marysville Getchell High School.

The meeting with Getchell will be the second of the year between the two teams. Shorecrest's 6-1 victory in March didn't count in Wesco 3A standings.

Shorecrest took a 2-3 Wesco 3A record (3-5 overall) into the Thursday match at Everett, after a 7-0 non-conference home loss to Woodinville, April 10, and a 4-3 home conference loss to Stanwood Tuesday

The Shorecrest JVs took a 1-4 (2-6) record into their home match with Everett Thursday after a 7-0 loss at Woodinville and a 6-1 loss at Stanwood.

WOODINVILLE VARSITY 7, SHORECREST 0
At Kellogg Middle School, Thursday, April 10

Singles:
Austin, W, def. Lauren Rutter, SC, 6-0, 6-2;
Springer, W, def Rachel Stevens, SC, 6-1, 7-5:
Miller, W, def. Rosa Rice-Pelepko, SC, 7-5, 6-0:
Naveena, W, def. Alina Tran 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles:
Mosebar/Banks, W, def. Karena Tien/Molly Mrozek SC, 6-3, 6-0;
Matthews/Stafford, W, def. Luci Sui/Zaya Tsolmon, SC, 6-3, 6-1;
McCaw/Koklic, W, def. Bianca Dang/Nora Var, SC, 6-3, 6-2.


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Charges added against Seattle lawyer accused of rapes

From our news partner The Seattle Times
King County prosecutors have filed two additional charges of attempted second-degree rape against Danford Grant, a Seattle attorney who now faces a total of nine felony counts in connection with alleged attacks on Asian massage therapists.
One of his victims was a Shoreline woman.

New allegations about the case says that Grant conducted extensive searches on Craigslist and Backpage.com for Asian massage therapists, "conducted online searches for 'rape scenes,' and told at least two of his alleged victims that his wife and children were killed in a car crash."



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New Hiking Trips through Shoreline Parks and Recreation



New Hiking Trips
  
Meet new people, get a workout and explore some of the best destinations in our state without having to plan a single thing. Hiking trips through Shoreline Parks and Recreation take care of all the details allowing you to focus entirely on having a great time.

Our experienced hike leaders know all the best places and will transport and lead you safely though some of the finest trails around. Hikes are designed for a wide range of ages and abilities with each being rated to help you safely select the best one for you. Call 206-801-2600 for more information or to register. 

Upcoming Hikes: 

  • Whidbey Island - History, Beach and Garden Hike - Saturday, May 10, 7:30am-6pm 

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Walmart donates $100,000 to Senior Services Meals on Wheels

As part of its Washington state giving program, the Walmart Foundation has donated $100,000 to the Senior Services Meals on Wheels program in Washington so they can help to ensure no senior experiences hunger.

"Walmart is thrilled to partner with Senior Services and their Meals on Wheels program, helping them to raise awareness of senior hunger," said Madeleine Havener, Vice President and Regional General Manager for Walmart in the Northwest. "We're proud to play a part in helping to keep older adults healthy and connected within their community."

Senior Services strives to ensure that no senior experiences hunger. They do this through their Meals on Wheels and Community Dining programs as well as referrals to other agencies and food banks. For many, meals are also an opportunity to socialize with other seniors at the senior center or with the delivery driver.

Meals on Wheels offers frozen home-delivered meals for older persons who are unable to leave their home to shop or prepare nutritious meals. The meals are prepared with the special dietary needs of seniors in mind and are adaptable to a variety of special diets. Complete nutritional information is available upon request. Meals are packaged in trays that can be placed either in the microwave or in the conventional oven.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to Walmart for this generous gift,” said Paula Houston, Senior Services CEO. “Meals on Wheels makes it easy for home-bound persons age 60 or more to eat well and remain independent. This $100,000 will provide nearly 20,000 meals for vulnerable seniors in King County.”

The Walmart Foundation, through its State Giving Counsel, recognized local organizations with over $300,000 in grants awarded at the grand re-open of the Walmart Renton store. Along with the $100,000 check presented to the Senior Services Meals on Wheels program, the celebration also included the presentation of checks to local community groups including: the WA United Services Organization, Pike Market Senior Center, Veterans Recreation Rehabilitation Center, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, Emergency Feeding Program of King County and Seattle, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle and King County, Hopelink, Share, and Boys and Girls Clubs of King County.


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City Light recognized by State Historic Preservation Officer awards

Ross Lodge in Diablo, Whatcom County
after renovation
Photo courtesy Seattle City Light

The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) recently announced that Seattle City Light is one of the 11 recipients for the State Historic Preservation Officer’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation.

Seattle City Light was nominated for its rehabilitation of the Ross Lodge in the company town of Diablo, in eastern Whatcom County. Before starting work on the historic Ross Lodge, Seattle City Light made sure that rehabilitation of the lodge would not damage sensitive archaeological resources in the project vicinity. The 75-year old dormitory has been repurposed as an executive conference center after having been abandoned for more than 20 years.

“We are thankful for the honor granted us by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. This recognition highlights Seattle City Light’s leadership in preservation work and demonstrates our efforts to make historic preservation a priority as the Nation’s Greenest Utility,” Chief of Staff Sephir Hamilton said.

Ross Lodge before renovation by Seattle City Light
Photo courtesy Seattle City Light

Other recent preservation efforts include rehabilitation on the Gorge Inn, the anchor building on old Main Street in Newhalem, part of the Skagit National Register Historic District. “The utility is embracing stewardship of their unique cultural resources in a bold and thoughtful manner. Our hats are off to Seattle City Light,” said Gretchen Luxenberg, a cultural resources specialist with the National Park Service.

The awards program is currently in its 24th year, and exists to recognize persons, organizations and projects that have achieved distinction in the field of historic preservation. This year, the ceremony will be held on May 13 in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building in Olympia. Washington State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks will be the event speaker. The event coincides with National Historic Preservation Month. The awards are given for preservation efforts that epitomize the spirit of the late Valerie Sivinski, a Tacoma-area architect who became Washington state’s first Capitol conservator.

Seattle City Light is the 10th largest public electric utility in the United States.

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What's cooking at Central Market

If you're looking for inspiration, answers, tips or new recipes - come by the Culinary Resource Center near Produce at Shoreline Central Market, upper level Aurora Square on Westminster Way.

There's often something to sample, and always recipes for the taking. Below is the lineup for demonstrations.The kiosk is staffed 10 am-6:30pm daily (9 am-5:30pm Sundays) with sampling noon to 4:30pm. If a line appears under the recipe or if the name is in color, you can click to go to the full recipe.

APRIL 18-22, 2014  

Bonus recipe     Bacon Corn Muffins


Sat. April 19   Lamb Leg Provencal
Red Fork Parmesan Mashed Potatoes 

Sun, April 20  Broiled Salmon with our Deli’s Tarragon Citrus Finishing Butter

Mon, April 21  Asian Slaw 

Tues, April 22   Naan Bread Pizzas 


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Holy Week at Richmond Beach Congregational United Church of Christ

Richmond Beach Congregational Church,
United Church of Christ
1512 NW 195th St
(corner of 15th NW and Richmond Beach Rd)
Shoreline 98177


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Northshore Fire Department announces recent promotions

 From left, Chief Jim Torpin, Captain Mitch Sauer, Battalion Chief Eric Magnuson

The Northshore Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Mitch Sauer to Captain and Lieutenant Eric Magnuson to Battalion Chief. Lieutenants Sauer and Magnuson were recognized for their achievements in front of friends and family at a formal ceremony at fire department headquarters on April 15, 2014.

“We are very pleased to recognize these two individuals for their personal accomplishment and excited for what they will bring to the organization in their new roles,” said Fire Chief Jim Torpin at the badge pinning ceremony.

Mitch Sauer started his firefighting career at the Northshore Fire Department in 1991. He was promoted to a Lieutenant in 2005 and served in the Training Division from 2007-2010. The promotion to Captain is an assignment to the Training Division. Captain Sauer has a real passion for training and is very excited to serve his second assignment to the Training Division.

Eric Magnuson joined the Northshore Fire Department in 1998. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008 and has been an active member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team since its inception in 2003. Battalion Chief Magnuson brings a strong set of administrative and operational skills to the position.


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Lyon Creek Flood Reduction Project Open House Tuesday

Lyon Creek December 2010
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Lyon Creek Flood Reduction Project Open House Tuesday, April 22, 2014 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Join the City, project engineers and environmental experts to discuss the Lyon Creek Flood Reduction Project. Discussion will include project design elements, park restorations, stream corridor improvements and traffic impacts.

Lyon Creek is prone to flooding that damages commercial and residential structures. In 2012, the City was awarded a $3 million grant from FEMA and a $1 million grant from King County to design and construct a flood reduction project.

The City modified its original plan to construct a flood bypass pipe to instead enlarge the culverts through the Town Center under State Route 522. The culvert replacement project will benefit aquatic organisms and provide the same level of flood protection.

Sheridan Beach December 2010
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

Lyon Creek originates in Mountlake Terrace and Brier, flowing through Lake Forest Park and into Lake Washington at Lyon Creek Waterfront Park. With a watershed area of only 2600 acres, it is one of the smallest Lake Washington tributaries. Despite its relatively small size, Lyon Creek causes devastating flooding in Lake Forest Park during large storm events.

The flooding is characterized by the creek overflowing its banks near the Town Center and flowing into McAleer Creek. The flooding causes over $4 million in damage to public and private property for each large event.

Following the December 3, 2007 flood event the City initiated a flood reduction study to identify the source of the flooding and potential solutions. The study was completed in 2009 and recommended that a high flow bypass or culvert replacement be pursued on Lyon Creek to reduce the severity of flooding experienced on lower McAleer Creek and Lyon Creek. 



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Overflow crowd expresses grave concerns about projected traffic from Point Wells

Overflow crowd for Point Wells meeting
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Point Wells Traffic Corridor Study Results disclosed at City Hall
Text and photos, Marc Weinberg


Wednesday, April 16, 9pm  .....Tonight's meeting at Shoreline City Hall regarding the Traffic Corridor Study for the Point Wells Development played to a packed and overflowing crowd. The City had to set up more chairs and that wasn't even enough for the standing room only group that spilled into the lobby. The crowd was estimated to be 200. Many were new faces which I had not seen or heard at other City meetings in this series.
Many of the previous community suggestions were displayed on slides, but there was continued grave concern among those in the most heavily impacted areas along Richmond Beach Drive, Richmond Beach Road and many of the customary 'cut through streets' that are used by residents. 

Doors had to be opened and chairs set up in the lobby
for the overflow crowd
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Those concerns were about the impact to individual neighborhoods, the volume of traffic on major traffic corridors like Richmond Beach Road and how changing that from 4 lanes to 3 with the center being a turn lane can accommodate a four hundred percent increase in volume.

Don't just stay tuned. Go the City website and get involved. The process isn't over and your concerns need to be heard. More people need to be at meetings like the one tonight to send a strong message. Watch for the City Council meetings and do not fail to attend those when this subject is on the agenda which we were told will likely be in June.

You can also write to Kirk McKinley, Transportation Planning Manager, and express your concerns.


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Shoreline Firefighters' Egg Hunt on the beach Saturday

The Shoreline Firefighters' Association will sponsor its "on the beach" Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 19, starting at 1:00pm.

The eggs will be hidden along the beautiful Saltwater Park beachfront. Parking is always challenging so walk or carpool if you can!

Bring your baskets and cameras, and be ready to kick up some sand and find those treasure eggs.




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Monthly Death Cafes at Bastyr Center for Natural Health begin April 23

Death is Not a Dirty Word – Let’s Talk About It!
“Every one of us has a terminal illness called life,” says Brad Lichtenstein, ND, who wants to help people more bravely broach the subject of death through a monthly Death Cafe series that starts Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Wallingford. 
“We have a culture of denial. That’s why researchers say we’re the most overweight, indebted and medicated society on the planet,” adds Dr. Lichtenstein.

It might sound like a grim subject for a gathering, but Death Cafes offer a chance to take a more light-hearted approach to a subject often considered taboo. 

“This is a serious conversation, but it’s not to be taken seriously,” Dr. Lichtenstein says. “Some of the people I’ve met who have the best spirit are those who are confronting death and can laugh.”

To add to the light-hearted approach of the often heavy-hearted subject, Bastyr Center plans to stick with the international Death Cafe theme that states: “At Death Cafes people drink tea, eat cake and discuss death.”

Cake will be provided by nutrition students from Bastyr University, along with Choice Organic Wellness Teas, which were formulated by a master herbalist at the University.

Death Cafes take place at Bastyr Center for Natural Health at 3670 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103. They are free and open to the public, and take place from 6:30-8:30pm Wednesdays on the following dates: April 23, May 28, June 25, September 17 and October 22.

The campus of Bastyr University is in Kenmore at St. Edwards Park.


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Chelsea Handler signs books at Third Place Books on Friday


Chelsea Handler
Uganda Be Kidding Me (Grand Central Publishing)
SIGNING ONLY  - TICKETS REQUIRED

Purchase your copy of Uganda Be Kidding Me at Third Place Books to receive your signing line ticket.

Friday, April 18 at 2pm

Chelsea Handler visits for an afternoon book signing to celebrate her latest book, Uganda Be Kidding Me. 


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Property taxes due for first half of 2014

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

Property owners in King County have until Wednesday, April 30 to pay the first half of their 2014 property taxes. After April 30, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill.

Owners with mortgages normally have their taxes and insurance paid by their mortgage company, but if you choose to pay separately or if your primary mortgage is paid off, you need to pay your own tax bill once or twice a year.

To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently. Tax payments can be made:
  1. By mail if postmarked no later than April 30, 2014. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.
  2. Online using King County's convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account. For taxpayers concerned about the Heartbleed bug, King County has reviewed security on its payment processing system and determined that the bug does not pose a threat to the system or to taxpayers' personal information.
  3. In person at Treasury Operations, suite 600 of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Wednesday, April 30, Treasury Operations will be open until 5pm.
  4. At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their area by visiting this website 
The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit this website.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website or through customer service at 206-296-0923. 

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor's Office at 206-296-3920.


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Shoreline honors its volunteers

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Volunteers gathered in the Shoreline City Hall Lobby at an event Wednesday to honor their contributions to the city.


City Manager Debbie Tarry and Parks Director Dick Deal expressed their gratitude for the many hours of work that volunteers contribute to the City.


As a "thank you" volunteers were treated to a catered dinner and given free admissions to several dozen local attractions.


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Shorewood plays host to MLT softball team Thursday after Tuesday loss at Meadowdale

The Shorewood softball team plays host to Mountlake Terrace Thursday after an 11-1 loss at Meadowdale Tuesday.

Shorewood takes a 1-2 Wesco 3A record (3-7 overall) into the game with Terrace (1-2, 4-6) at 6pm Thursday at Meridian Park School. The two teams are in a battle for the final berth in the Northwest District 3A tournament May 20-22 in Everett.

In Shorewood's 11-1 loss at Meadowdale Tuesday, losing pitcher Holly Ebel scored the T-birds' only run when teammate Shelby Wade was hit by a pitch.

Shorewood had lost a 17-0 non-league game at Casccade Frday in a game shortened to five innings by the mercy rule. Abby Gustafsoon hit a double for Shorewood.

The Shorewood junior varsity takes a 0-2 (3-7) record into a 4pm Thursday home game with Terrace after a 15-5 loss at Cascade and a 15-0 loss at Meadowdale.

CASCADE VARSITY 17, SHOREWOOD 0.
At Cascade High School, Everett, Friday, April 11

Shorewood -- 0 0 0 0 0 ---- 0 2 4
Cascade------- 4 4 6 3 x -- 17 10 0

MEADOWDALE VARSITY 11, SHOREWOOD 1
At Meadowdale High School, Tuesday, April 15

Shorewood -- 0 0 0   0 1 0 -- 1   1 0
Meadowdale -- 4 4 1  0 0 2 --11 10 0


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Shorewood JV Tennis Team plays home match Thursday after Monday, Tuesday losses

Shorewood girls JV Tennis Team
Photo by Betsy Rand

The Shorewood girls' junior varsity tennis team takes a 2-3 Wesco 3A record (3-4 overall) into a Thursday home meeting with Marysville Getchell after losses Monday and Tuesday.

The Shorewood and Marysvile Getchell JVs meet at Shoreview Park at 3:30pm Thursday.

The Shorewood JVs started the week with a 5-2 home loss to Meadowdale Monday and another 5-2 loss at Everett Tuesday.

The team had lost a 6-1 non-league home match to Woodinville Friday, April 11.


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46th District Democrats of Washington meet Thursday

The 46th District Democrats General Meeting is Thursday, April 17th, 7:30pm at the North Seattle Community College North Star Dining Room. 

The North Star Dining Room is located on the ground floor of the College Center Building next to The Security Office. Follow this link to a downloadable map.  

Parking is free in any lot between 5:00pm-10:30pm with a permit. Please print a copy and place face up on your dashboard.


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Five Shoreline Schools win state's highest honor

Five Shoreline schools are 2013 Washington Achievement Award winners. Winners were announced Wednesday, April 16 by State Superintendent Randy Dorn and State Board of Education Chair Dr. Kristina Mayer.

The Washington Achievement Award is sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. Award winners are selected using the state’s Accountability Index and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver.

“It is important that we use the revised Achievement Index to not only provide feedback to schools and districts on their progress, but also to identify schools with exemplary student performance,” said Mayer. “These awards shine the light on what is working well in schools across Washington.”

Shoreline Schools were recognized as top performers in these categories:

Overall Excellence: Lake Forest Park

High Progress: Syre

Reading Growth:
Highland Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Meridian Park, Syre

Math Growth: Highland Terrace, Lake Forest Park

English Language Acquisition: Shorecrest

The award-winning schools will be honored at a ceremony on April 24 at Timberline High School in Lacey.



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Shorewood comes back from non-league tennis loss with Monday and Tuesday wins, going into Thursday match at Marysville Getchell

The Shorewood girls’ tennis team came back from a non-league loss Friday with Wesco 3A victories Monday and Tuesday, going into a Thursday match at Marysville Getchell.

Shorewood takes a 5-0 Wesco 3A record (7-1 overall) into the match at Marysville Getchell at 3:30pm Thursday.

Shorewood lost 6-1 at Woodinville Friday for its first team loss of the season. The non-conference loss does not affect Shorewood’s first-place standing in the Wesco 3A South. Woodinville had a strong singles lineup, but the match was closer in doubles.

The T-Birds rebounded with a 7-0 Wesco 3A win at Meadowdale Monday. The team co captains all won, with senior Daniella Brengelmann at No. 1 singles winning 6-0, 6-0, junior Genevieve O’Malley at No. 4 singles winning 7-5, 6-1 and senior Yanne Corbett at No. 1 doubles joining junior partner Jenny Ahn to win 6-3, 6-4.

The team defeated the visiting Everett Seagulls 6-1 Tuesday at Shoreview Park. Daniella Brengelmann defeated Kindall Gordon of Everett, 7-5, 7-5, in a close match between two of the top singles players in the Western Conference. Shorewood dominated the doubles.

WOODINVILLE 6, SHOREWOOD 1
At Woodinville, Friday April 11

SINGLES
1. Austin W def. Daniella Brengelmann SW 6-0, 6-0
2. Stringer W def. Ellie Allen- Hatch SW 6-2, 6-0
3. Sathi W def. Marija Feller SW 6-2, 6-2
4. Miller W def. Genevieve O’ Malley SW 6-2, 6-2

DOUBLES
1. Mosbar/Banks W def. Yuanne Corbett/Jeny Ahn SW 6-3, 6-4
2. Mathews/Stafford W def. Emily Wright/Amy Buswell SW 6-4, 6-3
3. Jelena Bojic/Lilly Brons SW def. Renne/Kolic W 6-7, 6-1, (10-6)

SHOREWOOD 7 MEADOWDALE 0
At Meadowdale High School, Monday, April 14

SINGLES
1. Daniella Brengelmann SW def. Lee MD 6-0, 6-0
2. Ellie Allen- Hatch SW def. Lund MD 6-1, 6-2
3. Marija Feller SW def. Chand MD 3-6, 7-5, 6-0
4. Genevieve O’ Malley SW def. Nguyen MD 7-5, 6-1

DOUBLES
1. Yauanne Corbett/Jenny Ahn SW def. Nikolic/Pham MD 6-3, 6-4
2. Emily Wright/Jelena Bojic SW def. Rai/England MD 6-0, 6-1
3. Grace Taylor/Amy Buswell SW def. Daniggelis/ AlyssaValdez MD 6-0, 6-2

SHOREWOOD 6 EVERETT 1
At Shoreview Park. Tuesday, April 15

SINGLES
1. Daniella Brengelmann SW def. Gordon EV 7-5, 7-5
2. Smith EV def. Ellie Allen- Hatch SW 6-3, 7-5
3. Marija Feller SW def. Olson EV 6-2, 6-1
4. Genevieve O’ Malley SW def. Coughlan EV 6-2, 6-1

DOUBLES
1. Yuanne Corbett/Jenny Ahn SW def. Sidhu/Faith EV 6-2, 6-1
2. Jelena Bojic/Emily Wright SW def. Linkous/Heman 6-1, 6-1
3. Lilly Brons/Amy Buswell SW def. Overstreet/ Pountain 6-2, 6-3


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Shoreline's Nahshon George signs with Idaho

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Photo by Wilson Tsoi

On Wednesday, April 16, Shoreline's power forward Nahshon George signed with the University of Idaho. George was a member of the Dolphin Basketball team from 2011-2013. George has taken this past year off to focus on his education and basketball skills and will join the Vandal's Men's Basketball team next season.

"Congratulations to Nahshon. The entire athletic department wants to commend him on his hard work on and off of the floor. We wish him the very best at the next level," states Shoreline Acting Athletic Director, Steve Eskridge.

At 6'8" George was a dominating presence on the boards during his time at Shoreline, leading the NWAACC in rebounds in his sophomore season with 13.21 boards a game. He also was a strong scorer for the Dolphins with an average of 17.42 points.

In his freshman season George was a part of the fast paced and tenacious Dolphin team that gained national attention by scoring an average of 101.58 points per game. The team advanced to the conference championship and placed seventh in the NWAACC.

Nahshon came to Shoreline from Radford High School in his home town of Honolulu, HI.


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Updated: Car accident on Meridian snaps telephone pole

Photo by A J

Shoreline Area News Contributor A J took a snapshot of a vehicle that just slammed into a power pole, snapping it off at the base, along Meridian Ave North on the east side of the road in the grass between North 200th and North 195th Street around 6:10pm Wednesday evening.

The photo looks southbound on Meridian Ave N. The 2000 Blue Mercedes ML320 was already in the position you see in the photo with its horn stuck in the on position blaring constantly. 

AJ says, "It seemed quite more serious than normal with both the horn stuck on and a severed telephone pole. While I was talking to the 911 dispatcher I saw three Shoreline Police vehicles speeding north towards the accident with full sirens and lights."

No other vehicles were involved. The driver was alone in the car and suffered no apparent serious injuries.

Corrected and updated 04-18-2014 10:37pm


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What Happened? Lights and sirens and the need to know

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

What Happened? Lights and sirens and the need to know
By Melanie Granfors

If you live near a fire station, seeing the engine or aid car roll of out the apparatus bay, lights flashing and sirens wailing is no doubt a fairly common occurrence. But the sense of urgency and the wondering "what is happening" is often hard to ignore. 

Shoreline Area News is often asked about such occurrences long after the fact. A resident might email and say "hey, I heard an explosion, and TONS of sirens a few nights ago around 11:00pm. Do you know what was going on?” Chances are it was not a fire, and that it was a very routine call. A lot of folks don't realize how many calls we receive each day, the nature of those calls, and the fact that we sometimes need six or eight personnel on scene. Those personnel come in different rigs... ranging from the huge Ladder 61 to an Aid Car, Medic Unit or Fire engine. 

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline Fire responds to around 9,000 9-1-1 calls per year, averaging 15-20 per day. Eighty-five percent of those 9-1-1 calls are for medical emergencies or injuries. A substantial number of those calls are for falls, auto collisions, and non-emergency problems related to chronic illness. Most information about those medical calls is not released to the public -- and for good reason. Our patients' privacy is protected and we are very careful not to violate their rights. That is why you are discouraged from calling us to ask about what an Aid Car was doing at your neighbor's house, or what condition a patient was in when the Medic Unit transported him or her to the hospital. 

We never know when a call will be life threatening -- or involve multiple patients and agencies. We respond with the same game plan each and every time. We must get there in five minutes or less, be sure we have enough resources to deal with the problem, send a medical patient to the hospital as quickly as possible, and get back "in service" to be ready for the next call. These life-threatening situations, for the most part, do not make the news. Nor should they. Sometimes the best thing responders can do in a tragedy is to protect the victims' privacy.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Very frequently, we are co-responding to an incident with police. There could be as many as six or eight of our units (Aid Cars, Engines, Ladder Truck, Medic Units, MSO and Battalion Chief) responding -- along with several police officers. An example of this could be a cardiac arrest call, an altercation with injuries, several patients in a car crash, or other incidents that require multiple responders. That may sound newsworthy when it's happening. But those calls are a fairly routine situation for us, and not something we would issue a news alert about, unless there were related street closures, or if traffic was affected. 

If there is an event that could affect the public or public safety, The City of Shoreline, Fire Dept. and Police Dept. have notification systems in place, including using Twitter and FaceBook to post important messages about the impacts an incident may have. Check out @shorelinefire on Twitter and Shoreline Fire Dept. on Facebook. Follow us or "like" us to keep up with general news and incidents around the clock! You can also request information from us via those social media sites. 

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Of course, if you feel worried, frightened or concerned about something that happens in your neighborhood, you can always call the business line at the Police or Fire Department, and ask for someone who handles public information. The public information line for Shoreline Fire is 206-533-6564. Be sure you have accurate information about the date and time of the call, and your reason for concern. 

And, of course, never hesitate to call 9-1-1 when YOU are having an emergency -- or if you witnessing one! 


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