Sound Transit CEO update - long range plan, bikes and transit, Lynnwood Link, M's Sunday

Friday, June 13, 2014

By Mike Harbour, Deputy CEO, Sound Transit

Long-Range Plan

Sound Transit is continuing an important process that includes your thoughts on how, where and when regional transit should continue growing after our current voter-approved projects are complete in 2023.

The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for updating the regional transit Long-Range Plan is now available for comment. We’ve scheduled a series of public hearings around the region in July as well as offering an online survey. The comment period runs through July 28. Learn more at soundtransit.org/LongRangePlan.

Increasing congestion from a million more residents living here by 2040 — a jump of 30 percent — will create even more demand for mass transit. In many congested corridors, transit is the best option for significantly increasing the transportation capacity.

The Long-Range Plan is the blueprint for how the system should expand through future ballot measures. Let us know your priorities.

Bikes & transit

Last month we wrapped up another successful Bike Month at Sound Transit with 100 employees taking part in the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Commute Challenge. It doesn’t stop there, however. The conclusion of the month is a reminder that bikes and transit are a good fit all year.

Bicycles are welcome on all ST Express buses as well as Sounder, Link and Tacoma Link trains, and we have bicycle parking at all Sound Transit facilities. Because it only takes around 15 minutes to travel about three miles, biking is a great way to skip driving and get to your bus or train.

To learn more about all the benefits see bikes.

Lynnwood Link Extension

Planning is moving along well on the Lynnwood Link Extension and this summer there will be plenty of chances to learn more about the preferred route and station alternatives.

Information booths and community drop-in sessions start next Wednesday and Thursday. Two more are scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26.

At those meetings, Sound Transit staff will be on hand to share preliminary information on station locations and site plans, the route and property owner interests.

For times, locations and more information visit the Lynnwood Link Extension page.

Lynnwood Link is an 8.5-mile extension of light rail running between Northgate and Lynnwood with service scheduled to begin in 2023.

M’s Sunday

Here’s a quick reminder that Sounder trains are running to the M’s game on Sunday against the Texas Rangers. Trains leave Lakewood and Everett and arrive at King Street Station near Safeco Field.

And as always, our Link trains and ST Express buses running their regular schedules will take fans close to Safeco Field.

See schedules for details.


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Volunteer drivers needed - give more than rides

Be a volunteer driver for Senior Services
Getting to the doctor’s office can seem daunting for many local seniors. Poor vision or medical conditions prevent them from driving; limited mobility makes it impossible to take the bus; taxis come with prohibitive costs; and loved ones have full-time jobs that render them unavailable to help.

Yet, since 1975, Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation has served as a trustworthy resource for older adults throughout King County. With its force of kind and reliable volunteers, the program provides the missing link between seniors and their necessary medical care.

But the value of Volunteer Transportation extends far beyond the rides themselves. A volunteer driver serves as a friendly escort-- a companion-- someone to talk to along the way. Volunteers turn previously stressful ordeals into pleasant, meaningful experiences.

You can help more seniors get “on the road” to improved health and peace of mind! More volunteer drivers are needed throughout King County.  If you have a reliable vehicle, clean driving record, and some weekday availability, this is the role for you. Call 206-748-7588, email Hilary or visit the website to find out more. Discover why rides change lives!


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Friday Nights at the Market returns

Jose Shdo of the band Hot Box
will play at Central Market Aug 15
Friday Nights at the Market will return to the Shoreline Central Market this summer.

The popular event features a live band and outdoor dining in the parking lot outside the store. The deli serves a outdoor barbecue dinner for $5.99 plus tax, or people can get their food at the deli inside and bring it to the tables to enjoy the music.

There are three days scheduled: June 20, July 18, Aug. 15

Gather the family and visit the Market to listen to some great music and grab dinner 6-8 pm. Choose from an outdoor barbecue dinner option ($5.99 plus tax, includes sides and bottled water) or the Deli dinner available inside ($7.99 plus tax).

Here’s the lineup for 2014:

June 20: Classic Rock and Blues by Moon Daddy Band. Outside barbecue dinner option is a Southwest Burger. The Deli option is a Hot Pastrami Sandwich.

July 18: Blues, R&B and Roots from The New Rhythmatics. Outside barbecue dinner option is a Mushroom & Onion Cheeseburger. The Deli option is a Kalbi Steak Bowl.

Aug. 15: Classic Rock from the band Hot Box. Outside barbecue dinner option is a Hawaiian Burger. The Deli option is a Beef Brisket Sandwich.

Shoreline Central Market is located on the upper level of Aurora Square (Sears) just off Aurora Avenue at 15505 Westminster  Way N, Shoreline 98133. 206-363-9226.


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Elegies For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens at Wade James Theatre in Edmonds


Elegies For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens features songs and monologues inspired by the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology.

Each of the monologues is written from the perspective of characters who have died from AIDS and the songs represent the feelings of friends and family members dealing with the loss.

The theater department from Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Washington will be offering several performances and then take the production to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland in August. The music is memorable and be ready for an evening of humor, healing and tenderness.

All seats- $10.00 donation Tickets available at door 

Hosted by Edmonds Driftwood Players

July 5th (Sat. 8:00 pm*) Edmonds- Wade James Theatre
950 Main St. Edmonds, WA 98020 

*ASL will be provided at evening performances.


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Photo exhibit at Shoreline City Hall: family homelessness

As Shoreline moves toward its 2029 vision of Housing For All, a touring exhibit shared by Seattle University's Project on Homelessness is available for viewing from June 2 through June 19. 

The exhibit began its tour in Washington D.C. before coming to Washington state and features work of prominent local photojournalist Dan Lamont, SU journalism fellow. More details on this project.


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Shorecrest girls 7th in State 3A track

The Shorecrest girls’ team placed seventh in the State 3A track and field meet May 29-31 in Tacoma.

Wurrie Njadoe of Shorecrest placed fourth in the 100 meters, and Onyie Chibuogwu of Shorecrest placed fourth in the discus.

Team Scores: 1. Kamiakin 123, 2. Holy Names Academy 102, 3. Mountlake Terrace 51, 4. Columbia River 36, 5. North Central 34, 6. Enumclaw 30, 7. Shorecrest 25, 8. Decatur 22.5.

100 meters: 1. Musa (Holy Names) 12.14 … 4. Wurrie Njadoe (Shorecrest) 12.40.

4x100: 1. Mount Spokane 1:42.25 … 7. Shorecrest (Amanda Banks, Kate Hildahl, Kayla Holland, Gabby Lacson) 1:44.27.

Discus: 1. Grandemange (Kamiakin) 144-11 … 4. Onyie Chibuogwu (Shorecrest) 127-1.


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Primary ballot will be short

By Evan Smith

Shoreline and Lake Forest Park voters will have a short ballot for the Aug. 5 primary election.

Local ballots will be short because no jurisdictions in the area have offered ballot measures for August and because no judicial or other non-partisan offices in the area have more than two candidates.

The only items on local primary ballots will be partisan contests for Congress, the state legislature and county prosecuting attorney.

The top two vote getters for each position on the primary ballot, regardless of party, qualify for the November general-election ballot.

Here are positions and candidates on local primary ballots:

* Incumbent

U.S. Representative 7th Congressional District – 2-year term:
  • Scott Sutherland (Prefers Republican Party)
  • GoodSpaceGuy (Prefers Work and Wealth Party)
  • *Jim McDermott (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Craig Keller (Prefers Republican Party)
  • Doug McQuaid (Prefers Independent Party)
State Senator—
32nd Legislative District (Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace) -- 4-year term:
  • *Maralyn Chase (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Chris Eggen (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Robert Reedy (Prefers Republican Party)
46th Legislative District (Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, northeast Seattle) -- 4-year term:
  • Val Sperry (Prefers Republican Party)
  • *David Frockt (Prefers Democratic Party)
State Representative--
32nd Legislative District position 1 – 2-year term:
32nd Legislative District Position 2 – 2-year term
  • *Ruth Kagi (Prefers Democratic Party)
  • Alvin A. Rutledge (Prefers Republican Party)
46th Legislative District Position 1, – 2-year term
46th Legislative District Position 2– 2-year term
  • Branden Curtis (Prefers Republican Party)
  • *Jessyn Farrell (Prefers Democratic Party) 
King County Prosecuting Attorney -- 4-year term
  • *Dan Satterberg (Prefers Republican Party)

Reach Evan Smith at schsmith@frontier.com


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Not too soon to plan for the Winter Holidays - apply for a spot at the Shoreline Crafts Market

The City of Shoreline’s Holiday Crafts Market will be held on Saturday, November 22 at the Spartan Recreation Center from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and features 65 artists.  This is a juried show and all items must be handmade.  

To submit an application download the form from this link.
Deadline is September 5, 2014.


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Letter to the Editor: I have issues with vision 2029

To the Editor:

I read the latest issue of Currents (Vol16, No.5), as I normally like to do. However, I have issues with ‘Vision 2029’. It’s being represented as fact when it’s projection. My family, like others, is still trying to regain value in our home from the latest economic disaster. Why is Shoreline more concerned with future residents than current residents?

Richmond Highlands recently went through an unpleasant episode with city council and Ronald Methodist church. The council allowed the church to subdivide their property, so the back half could be sold to Hope Link. This back half holds the last group of older trees in our neighborhood on Linden Av. It will be replaced with an apartment building that will dwarf the surrounding homes.

Linden Ave is considered a residential street to us and is in a school zone with no sidewalks. So when we discuss future growth, what price will we pay for allowing an increased density of people on an infrastructure built for a smaller load?

The adjacent Aurora corridor has many unused lots. My least favorite is the strip club that has sat vacant for 5 years.

Hope Link talks about building community. This green space is where residents walk their dogs and could easily hold a playground where families could meet. What’s occurring though, is a division between neighborhood and church and a mistrust of city officials who failed to be advocates for their constituents.

My hope is that the space is donated to the city and preserved. In return, Hope Link receives a more concerted effort from city and community to obtain and build on a lot on Aurora Av. Taxpayer dollars are already funding Hope Link’s project. As a Tree City, Shoreline should make this effort

Vision 2029 is not in the interest of homeowners. It’s too aggressive and needs to be mitigated.

Michael Bachety
Shoreline


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Shoreline Farmers' Market opens Saturday at Shoreline City Hall


The Shoreline Farmers' Market opens for the season on Saturday, June 14 on the upper level of the City Hall parking garage at 17500 Midvale Ave N in Shoreline. 

During severe weather, the market has the ability to move to the lower, covered level of the parking structure.

Hours are 10am to 3pm, every Saturday from June 14 through October 4.


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Op-Ed: Ridgecrest Neighborhood weighs in on light rail station at 145th

Planning is beginning for the light rail station at 145th and residents are urged to come to planning meetings and express their opinions

My name is Stefanie Gendreau. I am writing this letter on behalf of the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association (RNA) Board of Directors, to express our opinions regarding the light rail station at 145th Street, the proposed parking structure, and what we envision for our neighborhood in the future.

The development of this project will result in an unfortunate loss of homes for some of our residents and a unexpected change in lifestyle for others, so we are sensitive to the challenge this change brings to a number of our neighbors. Although some of us still feel a station at 155th would have served the residents of southern Shoreline more effectively, without a doubt, we are excited about light rail coming to Shoreline and the potential benefits to the Ridgecrest neighborhood.

Ridgecrest is the largest single-family neighborhood in Shoreline and we are proud of it. We are an eclectic mix of long-time homeowners who raised families and retired here and new, first-time homeowners with young families, that moved here for the schools and neighborhood atmosphere. We watch movies at the Crest and drink coffee at Cafe Aroma. We are walkers, runners, bicyclists, and park-goers, and we criss-cross our neighborhood streets with regularity. Change is coming, but our neighbors are adamant that the safety, sense of community, and single-family identity not be trampled by poorly planned transit and overwhelming development.

The City of Shoreline has a huge opportunity to implement forward-thinking transit ideas and plan for elegant density. For many reasons, we strongly encourage the City Council and staff to reconsider their support of a 500+ space parking structure. The result of an endless stream of individual commuters flowing from cities outside of Shoreline into our small neighborhood will overwhelm the capacity of our residential streets, strain the resources of our City, and greatly affect the quality of life of our neighbors. Instead, we would propose a much smaller garage in conjunction with a residential parking permit system and offer these ideas to effectively move commuters to and from the light rail station:

  • Increase the capacity of existing park and ride lots in Shoreline and Seattle.
  • Expand the number of park and ride lots, utilizing many large, empty church parking lots, including in the Parkwood Neighborhood and in North Seattle on 5th and 15th NE.
  • Implement a robust shuttle system from park and ride lots and area business hubs.
  • Encourage bicycle commuting by enhancing existing trails and establishing new routes utilizing neighborhood parks and side-streets.
  • Secure the safety of pedestrian and bicycle commuters by insisting on a pedestrian/bike bridge over I-5, connecting communities west of I-5 to the station and over 145th, connecting to the new trails that circumvent Jackson Park.
  • Insist on a large amount of bicycle storage space available at the station.
  • Implement "pay to park" for vehicles, again to encourage alternate methods of reaching the station.

We understand that ridership requirements exist for each station to make the stop financially viable but turning the largest Shoreline neighborhood into a car-centric transit hub for the region doesn't benefit the citizens of Ridgecrest, Parkwood, or Shoreline. We implore the Council to make bold moves now to protect what our citizens love about Shoreline neighborhoods.

Now that Otak has been secured as the consultant for the 145th station area, we will work to communicate our vision of compact, mixed-use development of the main thoroughfares, connecting to the 165th/5th NE business hub, with a focus on independent and local businesses.

Regardless of varying opinions about garage size or density planning, we are unanimous in what is important to the residents of the Ridgecrest Neighborhood;

  • A station design that does not overpower the single-family neighborhood.
  • Inclusion of a green space around the station to offset the loss of a portion of Ridgecrest Park.
  • A multi-use community space as mitigation for parking structure.
  • A parking structure that has adequate and safe facilities for bicycles (access, storage, etc.).
  • An effective solution for traffic control, including enhanced signal controls.
  • The development of a robust sidewalk and biking network on both main and residential streets.
  • An increase in street lighting and effective crosswalk signals.
  • Effective noise mitigation, including the detailed study of sound that travels up the ridge, (hence our RIDGEcrest name) into the heart of our neighborhood.
  • The addition of mature trees and plantings to replace trees that will need to be removed and to help alleviate sound impacts.
  • More frequent service by KC Metro during peak travel times, with a focus on an increase of east/west routes.

As the project moves forward, the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association will continue to be part of the visioning process and will work within our neighborhood to be a conduit for information between our residents and both Sound Transit and the City of Shoreline.

We are both excited and optimistic that we can work together to create a successful segment of the Link light rail system through Shoreline that best serves Shoreline residents (more specifically Ridgecrest Neighborhood residents) and enhances regional mobility for all.



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WSDOT: UW Graduation this weekend means major traffic

UW Graduation
Photo courtesy UW

Thousands of graduates and their fans will take over the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium on Saturday, June 14. Whether or not you will be in a cap and gown, holding a sign for your favorite graduate or driving into Seattle, you will be impacted by heavy traffic.

While the ceremony doesn’t start until 1:30pm, traffic will start backing up as early as 10am on Interstate 5, State Route 520 and all city streets in the University District. Best advice? Leave early! Find your parking spot and grab a coffee! Traffic will remain heavy throughout the day until the early evening.

And don’t forget about dad! Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15! Traffic should not be as congested as Saturday, however, there are several smaller graduation ceremonies that will take place around the UW. Just give yourself a few extra minutes to get to your Father’s Day brunch/lunch/dinner.

Traffic tools

Here are some tools from WSDOT to help you navigate around traffic this weekend.

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NE 178th Street Project Open House June 18

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Google Map
NE 178th from 33rd Ave NE to Brookside Blvd ND

NE 178th Street Project Open House June 18, 6:00-7:30pm at Brookside Elementary

The City of Lake Forest Park will be hosting an informational open house to present preliminary design plans for the NE 178th Street Phase 2 project. The open house will take place in the Brookside Elementary foyer on June 18, 2014 from 6:00-7:30pm. 17447 37th Avenue NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

Interested parties can review proposed project features and ask questions of city staff and representatives of design consultant Gray & Osborne.

The project scope includes sidewalks on both sides of 178th between 33rd Avenue NE and Brookside Boulevard NE. In addition, a bike lane will be constructed on the north (uphill) side. A sidewalk will also be constructed on 35th Avenue NE from 178th to the Brookside school parking lot.

Project features include:
  • Permeable concrete sidewalks in appropriate locations
  • Two pedestrian activated crosswalks
  • Replacement of the McAleer Creek culvert under 178th
Construction is expected to begin in May 2015 and be completed in October 2015. During construction 178th will be closed to through traffic: access will be provided to residents and emergency vehicles, mail and garbage service will be maintained also.

Project funding is provided by grants from the federal government, the state Transportation Improvement Board, Washington State Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program, and the State Department of Ecology.


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Take Sounder train to Mariners game Sunday

Popular game day train will run for Mariners vs Texas Rangers game this weekend

Baseball fans can take Sound Transit's special game day Sounder train to watch the Mariners play the Texas Rangers Sunday at 1:10pm.

The train from the north will leave Everett at 11:15am and arrive in Edmonds 11:41am. Return trains will leave King Street Station 35 minutes after the game.

Sounder trains will serve five other Mariners games through August. A complete schedule of game day train service is available online.

Many ST Express buses also drop off passengers near the stadium. Link and ST Express bus schedules are available online.

Regular fares apply for all Sound Transit services. Getting an ORCA card is a great way to skip lines at ticket vending machines. Cards only cost $5 for adults, plus whatever amount a rider chooses to load in the card's E-purse or the cost of a pass that is good for unlimited transit trips. ORCA works on trains, buses and ferries throughout the region. More information is available online.


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Shoreline Farmers Market opens this Saturday


The Shoreline Farmers Market Opening Day is this Saturday, June 14, celebrating the beginning of its 3rd season. It will again be located on the upper level of the Shoreline City Hall parking garage, 17500 Midvale Ave N. Hours are 10am - 3pm every Saturday through October 4.

This year the market looks to continue growing and supporting a healthy, active and involved Shoreline community through the promotion of local farmers, fresh food, artisans and non-profits, among others.

There will be free Organic Coffee from Shoreline’s Café Aroma at our information booth, music throughout the day starting with the Northwest Junior Pipe Band, games for the kids, contests, a raffle, and other giveaways. In other words, a whole lotta fun!

The market is open rain or shine and the Shoreline Farmers Market is proud to have access to King County’s only “flex market” that can go completely under cover in the event of unseasonable weather. This happened last second on a stormy day last September and although it was a slow day, the market viewed this as a huge opportunity to use this flexibility as an asset in 2014.

The Shoreline Farmers Market Association also believes a key component of a healthy community includes access to high quality local foods for all. In 2013 market vendors donated over a ton of fresh local food to Hopelink and other food banks. The market also matched funds for low income families to stretch their SNAP dollars further. In 2014 the Shoreline Farmers Market is looking for sponsorship opportunities to keep the SNAP Matching program active.

Will you be at the market Saturday? If you can’t make it for opening day have no fear, the market is open every Saturday until October 4th this year. If you have any questions or would like to get involved contact the market.

Updated 06-13-14 12:47am

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Lake Forest Park girl earns Girl Scouts' highest award

Sophie Knudson achieves
Girl Scout Gold Award
Sophie Knudson of Lake Forest Park has just completed requirements for the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. Fewer than six percent of all Girl Scouts ever receive this award.

The Gold Award challenges girls to change their communities - and the world - in a way that has a sustainable impact. The quest is to solve a problem and Sophie identified and addressed just that by organizing an event to educate her community about the tremendous number of deaths caused by malaria throughout the world.

Last year, Sophie organized the first annual "One Day 5K run" to help combat malaria in rural Africa.

This year the race was organized by the Lake Forest Park Youth Council, of which Sophie is president. Held on April 13 at Kellogg Middle School, 16045 25th Ave NE, it raised enough money to provide 647 mosquito nets to families living in rural Kenya.

The Youth Council has agreed to host the 5K annually.

She is glad that she was able to explore her passion and showcase her dedication with the project, adding, “My mission isn’t only about combating malaria, it is also about building youth leaders to make a change in our local as well as global community.”

Lake Forest Park Youth Council
and volunteers at the 5K run

Scout research has shown that Girl Scout Gold Award recipients do well in life. They rate their general success in life significantly higher than their peers and report higher success in reaching their life goals. 

Knudson will be honored for her accomplishments at s special Gold Award Gala at the Tacoma Art Museum on June 22.

Girl Scouts of Western Washington information here.


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Thursday at the libraries

Living with three libraries means not only a lot of books, but also a lot of classes, groups, and learning opportunities. Here's a look at what's available on Thursdays in June.

Writer's Workshop with Frances Dayee
Date: Every Thursday 
Start Time: 10:00 AM 
End Time: 12:00 PM
Library: Lake Forest Park Library
Location: Meeting Room
Description: This series of workshops will help you learn to write for fun or for publication, find the right market and tantalize the editor. Writers (and closet writers) of short stories, articles, essays and books are all welcome. Benefit from positive feedback from this published author of three books and writing teacher with over 30 years experience. Attend one or all sessions. 
Other: Registration not required. Drop-ins welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library. 

SCORE Counseling
Date: First and Third Thursday of Every Month 
Start Time: 10:00 AM 
End Time: 3:00 PM
Library: Shoreline Library
Location: Small Meeting Room
Description: Free counseling for small business from the Service Core of Retired Executives.
Other: Please call 206.362.7550 to schedule an appointment, or visit the Shoreline Library's Information Desk.

Free ESL Classes 
Date: Every Thursday through June 12th
Start Time: 6:30 PM 
End Time: 8:30 PM
Library: Shoreline Library
Location: Small Meeting Room
Description: Learn and practice daily English language skills including reading, writing, speaking and listening. 
Other: Please register at the library or call 206.362.7550. Space is limited.

Computer Class: Beginning BiblioCommons Library Catalog
Date: 6/19/2014 
Start Time: 4:00 PM 
End Time: 5:00 PM
Library: Shoreline Library
Location: Small Meeting Room
Description: Learn the basics of searching the library catalog, understanding your results, placing holds, and registering your account. Please note: this class is taught lecture style in a meeting room and is not hands-on. 
Other: Please call 206.362.7550 to register.

Computer Class: Advanced BiblioCommons Library Catalog 
Date: 6/26/2014 
Start Time: 4:00 PM 
End Time: 5:00 PM
Library: Shoreline Library
Location: Small Meeting Room
Description: Learn about managing your library account and BiblioCommons settings in My KCLS, advanced searching, using your Shelves and Lists, and how to participate in the BiblioCommons community. Please note: this class is taught lecture style in a meeting room and is not hands-on. 
Other: Please call 206.362.7550 to register.

eReader and Digital Downloads Demo
Date: 6/26/2014 
Start Time: 4:30 PM 
End Time: 5:30 PM
Library: Richmond Beach Library
Description: Learn how to download KCLS eBooks to your eReader device or computer during this digital downloads demonstration.


Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155
Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave. NW, Shoreline 98177
Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155


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Bartell Drugs and its customers donate $100,000 to Salvation Army for Oso slide relief

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Bartell Drugs presents a $100,000 check to
the Salvation Army of Oso slide victims

Bartell Drugs and its customers teamed up to donate $100,000 to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services for ongoing recovery efforts for those affected by the March 22 Oso mudslide in Snohomish County.

Bartell Drugs customers donated $80,248.23 to support on-the-ground recovery efforts in Oso and surrounding communities, with Bartell Drugs adding an additional $19,751.77 to bring the total to $100,000. Nearly 10,000 customer donations were collected at Bartell Drugs’ 63 locations in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties.

“Once again, the generosity of our customers underscores the sense of community we share here in the Puget Sound area,” said Bartell Drugs’ Chairman and CEO George D. Bartell. “The impacts of this tragedy continue, and this donation will be committed to on-the-ground recovery efforts.”

The Salvation Army is partnering with a group of non-profit organizations to provide long-term recovery in the area. The Salvation Army is currently working with 60 families (cases) to provide funding for repairs, utility bills and temporary housing costs, and has deployed five caseworker / advocates to assist the families in identifying needs and navigating the system, including preparation of paperwork to receive FEMA aid.

Bartell Drugs owns and operates 63 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Founded in 1890, it is the nation's oldest drugstore chain.


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City Council special work session Thursday followed by regular meeting

City of Lake Forest Park
City Council Special Work Session Meeting
Thursday, June 12, 2014, 6-7pm
17425 Ballinger Way NE

  • Contract Extension with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) for Red Light Cameras
  • Establishing Policy for Unpaid Days Off for Reasons of Faith or Conscience
  • Amending Municipal Code Relating to Council Work Session Date and Time

City of Lake Forest Park
City Council Regular Meeting
7-10pm
Full agenda
  • Recommendation for name of new park
  • Items from work session
  • Discussion of public engagement plan


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State Rep. Pollet praises efforts to increase diversity in public higher education

By Evan Smith

Democratic State Rep. Gerry Pollet has praised efforts by the president of Western Washington University to diversify the student population at public colleges and universities.

Pollet, vice chairman of the Higher Education Committee in the State House of Representatives, joined a coalition of groups in urging unity in face of backlash that followed University President Bruce Shepard's late April call for greater diversity.

Pollet and the organizations urged a public show of unity against the "disgusting intolerance of those displaying or supporting messages on a public campus such as ‘diversity = white genocide.’”
Pollet said the coalition of organizations that work to increase access and equity through the ladder of education, from preschool through graduate school, "is proud to stand with President Shepard, students, and the greater community of the state of Washington who want to ensure that every student can get a college degree."

Several weeks ago, Pollet applauded Shepard for addressing the issue head-on.
       "As our state of Washington becomes more diverse, we must work harder to ensure that every resident has access to opportunities and dreams offered by attending our state’s higher education institutions," Pollet said. "I applaud President Shepard’s recognition of this mission, and his recognition that, as he said, a public educational institution fails if it does not serve all segments of our state and does not provide every student with the important opportunity to learn in classrooms that reflect our full diversity.
"Every public official in Washington should unite to reject the disgusting racial response to planning for a public institution to reflect our state’s diversity," Pollet said in response to Republican State Rep. Jason Overstreet’s news release, which includes a link to an organization that called Shepard’s comments "Caucasian cleansing."

Legislation passed in the recent legislative session implemented a goal set forth by the Washington Student Achievement Council: At least 70 percent of Washington adults ages 25 to 44 should earn a certificate or degree from a community or four-year college by the year 2023.

Pollet said, "In an increasingly diverse state, we cannot meet this important goal unless our public higher education institutions become much more diverse."

Pollet represents the 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.


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Rotary Club car show in Lynnwood July 12 features Brass Era automobiles


According to Wikipedia, "The automotive Brass Era was an early period of automotive manufacturing, named for the prominent brass fittings used during this time for such things as lights and radiators. It extended from the Veteran era until about World War I.

"The term "Brass Era automobile" is a retronym for horseless carriage," the original name for such vehicles, which is still in use today. It is known in Britain as the Veteran era  (pre-1904) or the Edwardian era (1905 onwards). It was followed by what many collectors call the Vintage era.*"  

The beautiful vehicle in the photo, along with others, will be on display on the 18th fairway of the Lynnwood Golf Course for the Concours d'Elegance at The Wood Saturday, July 12 from 1pm to 5pm.

The Gala is Friday, July 11, 6pm to 10pm.


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Poem: I dream of a place

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Hand drawn digital art
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

I dream of a place
with a beach
on the Sound
with hawks and salmon,
a cedar canoe
and old growth trees
all around.


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Shoreline Library Book Discussion Group June 23

Shoreline and Richmond Beach have joined with Lake Forest Park READS again this year, marking the tenth year of this community literary event. Come for a lively discussion of The Boys in the Boat by Daniel Brown. New members are always welcome.

Lake Forest Park/Shoreline READS is sponsored by the City of Lake Forest Park’s Library Advisory Committee, the City of Shoreline Library Advisory Board, Friends of the Shoreline, Richmond Beach, and LFP Libraries, Friends of Third Place Commons, and Third Place Books.

Monday, June 23, 2014, 7-9pm, Shoreline Library large meeting room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155.



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Fire Commissioners change meeting date

NOTICE OF MEETING DATE CHANGE

As required by RCW Chapter 42.30, Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the July 2014 regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department have been changed as follows:

July 3                    rescheduled to July 10, 2014

July 17                  rescheduled to July 24, 2014

The regularly scheduled meetings will be held at Shoreline Fire Department, 17525 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, Washington.


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Frazier of Shorewood fifth in State 3A boys' javelin

Shorewood senior Taz Frazier placed fifth in the State 3A boys' javelin at the state track and field championships May 30 in Tacoma.

Frazier had a best throw of 171 feet 6 inches, behind the winning 185-foot throw by an athlete from Mt. Spokane.


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Shoreline City Manager report week of 6-9-2014

Update for the week of 6/9/2014
From Shoreline City Manager Debbie Tarry

Council Meetings
·         June 9
o   Dinner Meeting (5:45 p.m.): Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed and Bothell City Manager Bob Stowe shared with Council the steps they have taken to achieve their community’s vision in revitalizing their downtown core.  These actions included acquisition of property, building infrastructure (roads, pedestrian connections, parks, utilities), and negotiating development agreements with specific investors for their downtown area.
o   Regular Meeting:
§  City Manager Report: During the City Manager report, representatives from the Council of Neighborhoods that attended the Neighborhoods USA conference provided an overview of the conference and a brief thank-you to Council for providing budget funds to attend the conference. Also representatives from the Parkwood Neighborhood, who won 2nd place as Neighborhood of the Year,  shared an excerpt of their presentation and the actions they are taking to create community in their neighborhood.
§  Award of the Landscape Contract for the City’s right-of-ways: Authorized the City Manager to sign a contract with TruGreen LandCare for right-of-way landscaping services. This contract does not allow TruGreen to use non-organic herbicide or pesticide treatments.
§  Amendment to City’s Personnel Policies: The proposed amendments included two mandatory items that are required as a result of a new State law requiring local governments to provide their employees with two unpaid holidays per calendar year to use for a “reason of faith or conscience” Also a recent decision on the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals provides employees with the ability to waive their rights to FMLA protections. In addition there are three optional items that Council considered:
1.    Removing the 240 hour cap for vacation cash out for retirement eligible employees (Public Employee Retirement System II & III). Although this recommendation was brought forward and it is not unique to policies of some of our comparable cities, this item will be delayed and reviewed as part of the 2015 Compensation study.
2.    Amending the language related to sick-leave cash out related to retirement consistent with the current language in the policy for retirement vacation cash out. The City has historically applied both the vacation and sick-leave cash out for retirement eligible employees in the same way. This language change will have both policies read the same.
3.    Tobacco Free Work Place Amendment. The change would expand the current “smoke free” work place to make the City a “tobacco free” work place. I recommend that Council make this change.
§  Discussion on Cost of Development: Economic Development Manager Dan Eernissee reviewed costs that investors in Shoreline have to pay, such as permits and utility connection charges.  Dan also provided an overview of how this compares to other surrounding cities, including potential impact fees that investors would need to pay.

Ronald Wastewater District Update:
We held our first Committee of Elected Officials on Thursday, June 5. Future meetings will be held on the 4th Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. at City Hall. We received notification from Snohomish County that our Notice of Intent packet is legally sufficient. We are still working with Ronald to get an accurate legal description stamped by a licensed surveyor (Snohomish County did not require a stamped legal description) acceptable to King County.

SPU Update
Public Works Director Mark Relph and I met with Ray Hoffman, Andrea Riniker, Nick Harper and SPU staff on Monday, June 9, and will meet with Seattle Councilmember Tim Burgess on June 11.

Economic Development Update
·         Last week Economic Development Manager Dan Eernissee learned from the broker who was working with a buyer of the Marshall's property that ROIC had purchased the property. ROIC purchased the property on which the north half of Central Market sits about 2 years ago.
·         In May the City issued 115 new business licenses, of which 65 were in the City of Shoreline.

Financial Update
April 2014 Sales Tax, Real Estate Excise Tax, and Development Revenue Report. Year-to-date sales tax receipts are 10% higher than projections, but 0.3% lower than the year-ago level. This was anticipated, as the 2014 adopted budget anticipated a decline in construction related sales tax. Retail related sales taxes are 5.9% greater than projections and 1.0% greater than year-ago level. Real estate excise tax collections through April 2014 total $488,346 and are running ahead of projections by $66,533 or 15.8%. Development activity continues to be strong, with permit revenue currently 64.2% ahead of projections and 29% ahead of the year-ago level.

This and That
·         Seattle City Light sent a letter and a map to affected Shoreline customers regarding SCL's plans to replace aging utility poles beginning this summer and running through mid-September.

Calendar Items
·         June 14 – Kick-off of the 2014 Shoreline Farmers Market!


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LFP Elementary class learns about gardening and parks

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Students plant squash, pumpkins and runner beans
Photo by Linda Holman

Tuesday, June 10, the volunteer gardeners of Pfingst Animal Acres welcomed the 2/3 grade class of Ms. Pettiross from Lake Forest Park Elementary School in Lake Forest Park.

Everyone met for a picnic lunch. Master Gardener Carolyn Barden was there with another group but came over to read the class a story.

Mayor Goss tells the students about the history of the park
Photo by Linda Holman

Lake Forest Park Mayor Goss talked to them about the history of the park and walked them to the viewing platform.

Then back to the garden where Master Gardener Marty Byrne and park volunteer / Rotarian Janet Norem helped them plant squash, pumpkins and scarlet runner beans.

Linda Holman reports that they all had a great time and the volunteers were delighted to share this experience with them.

Animal Acres Park is located at 17411 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.


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For the Birds: Birds attacking innocent humans

American Crow dive-bombing Bald Eagle
Photo by Bill Anderson

By Christine Southwick

Now is a time that people find themselves under attack from crows and other local birds, seemingly for no reason at all.

Birds don’t go around attacking larger-than-life entities for fun. Life is hard enough for birds, without expending energy trying to drive away something that can possibly end their lives. So why would neighborhood birds, especially crows, owls, and even smaller birds, suddenly rise up and start warring with their neighbors, which they mostly ignored, or hid from before?

American Crow chasing Red-tailed Hawk
Photo by Craig Kerns

It is breeding time, and the parents are protecting their territories where the nests and nestlings are being fed and raised. Some species start protecting and driving off interlopers in their territories as soon as the eggs are laid, but most become vociferous when nestlings emerge from the eggs, and start making noises that predators recognize. Nests can be dangerous for survival, so many birds, especially crows and owls, have evolved to nestlings climbing out onto limbs or onto the ground, and finding a variety of hiding places. Crows often leave the nest before they can fly, so the parents scare away anything that might think a baby crow is fair game.

American Crow strafing Raccoon
Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
The parents’ main job then is to feed them, and keep them safe. Anything that potentially will eat their babies must be driven off before the babies are harmed. Humans have historically hunted and eaten birds (I don’t know exactly which birds are in a “five and twenty blackbird pie”, but crows are quick learners).

Crows and owls are large enough and strong enough to hurt any one walking or running in that bird’s family territory, so we pay attention to these “random acts of aggression”. No one likes to have scrapes on their heads from an avian attacker.

Red-winged Blackbird chasing American Crow
Photo by Dasha Gudalewicz
So what is the answer? People need to stay out of the territory of the attacking bird, until the babies have flown away. That can be 10 to 28 days, depending upon the species. Crows often build nests high in street trees or yards, and this may mean detouring, for a period of time. As inconvenient as that may seem, being willing to regard this behavior as a sign of good parenting by detouring, acknowledges that birds have a right to live in our city too.

To avoid being “dive-bombed” by protective crow parents, here is a link where you can report “Crow Attacks”, and thus know where to avoid walking or running for the next couple of weeks.


For previous For the Birds columns, see Features on the main webpage.


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Home Girls: Local real estate market is hot

Everything You Wanted to Know about the Local Real Estate Market (But Were Afraid to Ask)


By Nan Skinner

Residential Homes Market

The residential category includes single family properties and townhomes.

In May 2014, there were 56 homes for sale in Lake Forest Park and Shoreline. The average current list price was $657,514 and the original list price was $667,112. This shows that some homes were priced too high for this market resulting in price reductions on 20 homes. The median list price was $429,700; the high was $5,850,000 and the low for May was $199,950. The average number of days on market was 41; the shortest was 10 and the longest was 491 days. Two of these 56 homes are new construction and the rest (54) are resale. The average price per square foot of these 56 homes is $237.62.

Sales in May 2014

In the same month, 80 homes were sold following the trend of lower inventory (more homes sold than available to purchase). The average current list price (LP) of these homes that sold in May 2014 was $401,501 which was a little less than the average original list price (OLP) of $403,652. The average sale price was above both the LP and the OLP at $406,178 which is 101.88% of list price. Fifty-one homes sold for asking price or over asking price (more sold for over asking price). 

The median list price was $370,000; high was $930,000 and low was $179,900. The average number of days on the market was 23; the shortest was 1 day and there were 4 at 2 days. What does that mean? It means that as soon as the property came on the market, buyer(s) made offers and those offers were accepted right away and the listing status was changed to pending. Buyers and sellers still had to wait for the closing process to be completed. The highest priced sale was $930,000 (OLP was $1.1M) and the lowest priced sale was $179,900 (OLP was $190,000). Two of the homes sold were new construction and they both sold for their original list price (OLP – in the $500K-560K range). Seventy-eight sales were resale homes. The average price per square foot of these 80 sales was $214.62.

Active residential listings



Condominium Market

In May of 2014, there were 12 condominiums for sale in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The average OLP for these condos was $248,842; the current average LP is $245,925, price reductions have taken place. The median price of these condos is $201,950; with a high price of $565,000 and a low price of $89,900. The average number of days on the market was 20; shortest 8 days; longest 40 (also the lowest price). These are all resale property and the average price per square foot is $208.45.

Again, the number of sales was more than the number of active listings showing that the condo market is pretty good. There were 16 condos sold with an OLP of $256,671 and an LP of $253,339 indicating price reductions in the condo market as well. The average sale price was $250,493, 99% of list price. Median sale price was $228,500. The highest sale price was $630,000 and the lowest sale price was $91,500. The average number of days on the market was 36 with the shortest time being 1 day and the longest at 127 days. Three condos were new construction and 13 were resale. The average price per square foot was $179.28.


Hottest Market Neighborhoods

These are the neighborhoods with the most activity for current listings and sold listings. For May, the most sales took place West of I-5 in Richmond Highlands, Meridian Park, and Parkwood. Out of all the current listings, most of them are located in Richmond Beach, Richmond Highlands, and Lake Forest Park.

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