Rash of mail thefts and two arrests in Lake Forest Park

Thursday, November 20, 2014

On November 17, dozens of residents in Lake Forest Park discovered that their mail boxes, both locking and unsecured, had been broken into. Over 40 reports of mail theft occurred in the Southern end of the City.

The thieves had traveled through the City, stopping and breaking into virtually every set of mail boxes on their path. 

Police had no leads or clues.

Then, on the evening of the next day, November 18, officers stopped two subjects in the south part of town. Both were on bicycles and had no reasonable explanation for being in the area. Both had outstanding warrants and were arrested at that time.

In their possession, they had mail and other items that were obviously stolen in LFP and Seattle. And, one of the subjects was riding a bicycle confirmed to be stolen.

Officers are working the follow-up and touching base with some of the LFP victims to verify the stolen mail items.


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Freeway panels: bump and grind

Things that go bump in the night
Photo courtesy WSDOT

WSDOT says, that "Lately, we’ve received a few questions from drivers asking why they experience a bump when driving over the new concrete panels on I-5 between Shoreline and Northgate.

"First of all, let me assure you that it’s temporary. After the panels are installed, we plan to grind all the lanes and that will remove the bumpiness and roughness. Because we’re doing the panel replacement work during overnight lane closures to reduce the impact on drivers, the contractor crews have a very short amount of time to close lanes, remove the old panels, and pour new concrete. 

"In order to get the lanes open in time for the morning commute, they’re using a quick-setting concrete. It sets so quickly, that there’s not enough time to smooth the new panels so they’re flush with the other panels. The grinding will take care of that. We hope to start grinding within the next few weeks and the entire project should be done in the spring."

And now you know.


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Photos with Santa and holiday tree lighting Nov 29 at LFP Windermere

Parent Map.com

Free Santa Photos and
Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 29th

Photos 3:30-5:00 pm / Tree Lighting 5 pm
Special Appearance:

Windermere Real Estate / Northlake
17711 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park
(North end of LFP Town Centre parking lot)
Please bring a non-perishable food item


Sponsored by Windermere Real Estate Co. / Northlake


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Last weekend for Anything Goes at Shorewood

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Shorewood's Anything Goes
Photo by Russ Day

Shorewood High School’s production of ANYTHING GOES finishes its run this weekend with shows on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and a matinee on Sunday.

Shorewood students in Anything Goes
Photo by Russ Day

All aboard for romance, gangsters, misbehaving, stolen identities, and celebrity on the S.S. American!

And a cast of thousands!
Photo by Russ Day

Tickets $12 on brown paper tickets. $9 students and seniors; $14 at the door. Shorewood High School Theater, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline. 

Anything Goes!
Photo by Russ Day

(It's worth the price of admission to experience the beautiful new theater! - Editor)


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Name chosen for newest superclass 144 car ferry

The Yakima is also a 144 car super class ferry
Photo courtesy Wikipedia

After gathering public input over the past few months, the Washington State Transportation Commission has selected Chimacum as the name for the next 144-car ferry.

The commission had considered four proposed names that were determined to meet eligibility requirements: Cowlitz, Sammamish, Suquamish and Chimacum.

Nearly 6,000 people from across the state shared their preferences for the next ferry name via an online survey sent to members of the Voice of Washington State (VOWS) and the Ferry Riders Opinion Group (FROG) survey panels. The commission also heard from about 100 people via email, and received input from members of Ferry Advisory committees throughout the ferry system and from Washington State Ferries.

Of the 23 vessels in the Washington State Ferry’s fleet, many have names reflecting the state’s tribal, geographic and historic heritage. The most recently named vessels: Samish and Tokitae are in keeping with that tradition.


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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Finny and the Boy from Horse Mountain

Finny and the Boy from Horse Mountain (ARC) by Andrea Young

14-year-old Finny loves horses, and works at an elite show-jumping stable in exchange for riding lessons. When she sees an emaciated horse by the side of the road, she arranges to adopt him (without telling her parents or the stable manager), and dreams of their success together. However, the horse is huge, untrained, and potentially dangerous. Can they ever find happiness together?

Yes, of course they can.  

All it will take is a handsome boy who happens to be a horse trainer, a kindly horse rescue lady who happens to be a retired world-class show jumping trainer, and a competent veterinarian who happens to enjoy under-billing kids for treatment and services.

Of course there are other impediments to happiness, like the Snobby Rich Girl, the Loving but Neglectful Mom, and the Greedy Uncle straight out of Central Casting.

The first third of the book was fraught with plot and terminology errors. However, the final two-thirds of the story rose up a bit from the mundane, ending with sweet romance and a thrilling horse race. Horse-loving readers may roll their eyes at some of the goofs, but they will read to the end and cheer at the finish line.

No cussing, no sex. Some bullying, some violence, some kissing. Grades 6 and up.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS


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Change a Life this Christmas with the Global Gift Guide

Shoreline's World Concern says "Make this the year you change someone’s life for Christmas."

World Concern’s Global Gift Guide offers tangible, life-transforming gifts like goats, chickens, school supplies, wells, and many others. These gifts equip those who receive them with ways to earn income, live healthier lives, and have hope for a brighter future beyond poverty.

And when you give a life-changing gift in the name of a friend or family member, your gift brings joy to your loved ones, too. Through your gift, you honor their heart for the poor and leave a legacy in their name.

Gig Harbor, Washington resident Renee Smith wanted to bless her sister-in-law Patti with something meaningful for Christmas. Patti was going through cancer treatment and told Renee she didn’t want anything for Christmas. She would rather help children during the holidays. Renee rounded up Patti’s supporters, and together they gave chickens, ducks, goats, and more through the Global Gift Guide in Patti’s name.

“It felt like the best gift I could have given her,” said Renee, who presented Patti with her gifts on Christmas morning. “She looked up at me with tears rolling down her face and mouthed the words, ‘thank you.’”

World Concern’s Global Gift Guide offers gifts that are matched 2x, 3x, even 4x, multiplying the impact of your gift. When you give a cow, mosquito nets to protect a family from malaria, or a rainwater catchment system to provide clean water, your gift will be multiplied— helping even more people! Plus, this year’s gift guide features some brand new ways to change a life, like a bee hive and training for income, or a water filter to provide safe drinking water.

Find something life-changing for every person on your list. Shop the Global Gift Guide online or call 800-755-5022 to order.

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life- saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. Part of the CRISTA family.



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Shoreline City Council meetings Monday Nov 24

SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Conference Room 303 · Shoreline City Hall 
17500 Midvale Avenue North
Monday, November 24, 2014

5:45 p.m.


~~~~~~~~~~
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING
Monday, November 24, 2014, 7pm
Council Chamber · Shoreline City Hall
17500 Midvale Avenue North

Regular meeting, 7pm

8.
ACTION ITEMS






(a)






(b)






9.
STUDY ITEMS






(a)






(b)












                                      PUBLIC COMMENT








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WSDOT says: prepare your vehicle for winter

WSDOT says: Winter will be here before you know it, so now’s the time to make sure you— and your vehicle— are ready for snow and ice. 

The keys to emerging from the winter-driving season unscathed: slow down and plan ahead. There are no major storms on the immediate horizon, but Washington State Department of Transportation officials say drivers still need to be ready.
“Prepare your car and prepare yourself for winter conditions,” said Monty Mills, WSDOT’s snow-and-ice program manager. “When the temperature drops, drivers all over the state need to be ready. We’ll be working to keep the highways open, but we’ll need drivers’ help.”

WSDOT asks drivers to always “know before you go” and get the most up-to-date roadway information and winter-driving tips on the agency’s winter driving Web page.

Here’s what drivers can do to prepare for icy and snowy roads:
·         Download the WSDOT mobile app for smartphones.
·         Sign up for email updates or follow any of WSDOT’s regional accounts on Twitter.
·         Download, print and carry the WSDOT Winter Driving Guide.  
·         Get your car ready and plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily traveled routes such as Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and White Pass.
·         Carry chains and know current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes, which are also available on highway-advisory signs and highway-advisory radio.
·         Preset 530 AM and 1610 AM, WSDOT’s traffic-information stations, on your vehicle’s radio.

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

Studded tires are legal for use only between Nov. 1 and March 31 in Washington state. Motorists are encouraged to visit a tire dealer to learn more about traction tires that are legal for year-round use. More information about studded-tired restrictions and requirements can be found in the FAQ on the WSP website


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State 1A and 2A girls soccer championship games will be played at Shoreline Stadium Fri and Sat

Eight teams will be coming - from near  (Shorecrest, Kings, University Prep) and far (Lakeside-Nine Mile Falls, Ephrata), and somewhere in between (Squalicum and Ridgefield), all contending for State Championships in 1A and 2A girls soccer Friday and Saturday at Shoreline Stadium.

The 1A schools kick things off Friday afternoon at 2pm in the semi-final match, as a pair of Eagles hope to fly high when Klahowya (19-2) from Silverdale faces Lakeside-Nine Mile Falls (15-3), from just north of Spokane. 

The second 1A semi follows at 4 o'clock when the local Kings Knights (19-1-1) go up against defending 1A champion, the University Prep Pumas.

The 2A schools take the field following the second game when the Ridgefield Spudders bring their 18-2-1 mark onto the home turf of the Shorecrest Scots (18-4).  Game time is scheduled for 6pm.

Friday's grand finale will see arguably the two best teams in the state as the Squalicum Storm (21-0-1) square off against the Ephrata Tigers (19-1) at 8pm.

Championships will be decided on Saturday.  Friday's 1A winners will play at 2pm, while the 2A winners battle for all the marbles at 4 o'clock.

Third and fourth place games will also be played Saturday. The 1A game goes off at 10am, while the 2A game follows at noon.


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Shorecrest Jazz Ensemble and Stage Band in free concert Tuesday

Vince Caruso and the SC Jazz Ensemble


Fall Jazz Concert at Shorecrest High School
Tuesday, November 25 at 7:30pm
in the Shorecrest theater
Admission is free
Performances by the Shorecrest Jazz Ensemble and Stage Band

5343 25th Ave NE (maps
Shoreline, WA 98155-7321
Phone: 206-361-4280



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King county burn ban until 6am Thursday

Due to continued weather conditions and air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for King County, effective today at 12 PM.

The burn ban will be lifted as of 6 AM tomorrow, November 20th.

All wood burning prohibited, including pellet stoves.
Outdoor burning prohibited. 

The front expected this evening is showing rain and winds that will clear the air. However, daytime winds will not be sufficient to significantly reduce pollution levels in King and Pierce counties, especially in areas where wood burning is common.

The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air usually due to excessive wood smoke. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation.

During a Stage 2 burn ban:

  1. No burning is allowed in any wood-burning fireplaces, certified or uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. Residents should rely instead on their home's other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled.
  2. The only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved 'No Other Adequate Source of Heat' designation from the Clean Air Agency
  3. No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimneys.
  4. Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
  5. It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 2 burn ban.

You can download the free app: Burn Ban 411, for up to date information on burn bans throughout the Puget Sound area. Visit the Burn Ban Status page and click the Mobile App tab.


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The Affordable Care Act in Washington - choosing a plan

Correction: enrollment deadline is Dec 15, 2014

This article was written specifically for the Washington State Health Insurance Exchange, but most of it applies equally well for people choosing individual plans, for people whose employers offer a choice of plans, and for people choosing among supplemental or Advantage Medicare plans.

Contributed article by Chris Blanton, BridgeSpan Health President

As part of the Affordable Care Act, open enrollment for the Washington State Health Insurance Exchange began on November 15th. To help consumers better understand and navigate this process, BridgeSpan Health President, Chris Blanton, has compiled a brief list of the most important things consumers need to know when evaluating and purchasing health plans.

For the hundreds of thousands of Washington residents who have not had health insurance for many years, or are signing up for the first time, the task can seem daunting due to the numerous options available to choose from. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Open enrollment starts Nov. 15, 2014 and ends on Feb. 15, 2014. 
    • In order to have coverage by Jan.1, 2015, you must enroll by Dec. 15, 2014.
  • Evaluate your annual healthcare needs and budget to determine the right mix of monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Monthly premium is only one component of the cost of health insurance and picking a plan just on a premium cost may not be the best decision.
    • If the plan selected has lower monthly premiums, the out-of-pocket costs may be higher.
    • A higher monthly premium may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
  • Visit the websites of the plans you are interested in for additional details and specifics about coverage and benefits.
    • Call the plan’s customer support line for any unanswered questions.
  • If you have established doctors and want to keep seeing them, you should confirm that they are in the network of the plan you are considering.
  • If you’re taking a certain prescription medication, is that drug covered, and how much of the cost will you be responsible for?
  • If you are eligible for a subsidy, make sure you evaluate the cost of the plan after the subsidy has been applied.
    • Even if you think you can’t afford health insurance, visit the Exchange to see how federal subsidies may reduce your monthly premium
  • If you had a plan through the exchange in 2014, visit the marketplace again to evaluate the new plan designs, new network options and new carriers on the market for 2015. You could find a plan that better meets your needs. 

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Saturday work party at Grace Cole


The rains have returned! It's the perfect time to add some trees and shrubs to Grace Cole Nature Park. They'll be well watered as they establish roots to endure the long dry spell next summer.
Join a work party on Saturday November 22, from 9am to 12pm. There are a number of Cedar trees, some Huckleberries, Salal and Oregon Grape to put in the ground.

Other tasks which need to be accomplished are sweeping leaves from the boardwalk and raking leaves from the trail.

Of course, there are always more blackberries and even ivy to deal with, if those you favorite endeavors!

Some tools will be available, but you're encouraged to bring your favorite ones, if you prefer. There will be some extra gloves on hand.

Beverages and snacks will be provided.

Grace Cole Nature Park, 30th Avenue NE and NE 166th Street. To reach, turn south off NE 178th Street onto 28th Avenue NE, travel 1/2 mile, the park is on your right.  

For more information, contact Mamie Bolender at 206-364-4410.


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Hurry - order your pumpkin pies today from Shorewood's Culinary Arts program

You probably have no idea how good the food is from the Shorewood Culinary Arts program because the infrequent events sell out so fast. If you are lucky, you might be at an event catered by the students.

Or, if you act immediately - since the deadline is today - Wednesday - you can get your order in for pumpkin pies - for Thanksgiving or any day of the week.

The school is at 175th and Fremont and the front entrance is next to the historic Ronald School. Or call 393-6802 or 393-4399.


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Kate Korpi Salon hosts grand opening in Cambodia

Reception area

The Justice and Soul Foundation is hosting the grand opening of the Kate Korpi Salon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Kate Korpi Salon teaches sustainable cosmetology skills to survivors of the sex trafficking industry.

The grand opening will be held November 22. Both Davide Bollati, Chairman and owner of Davines, and Josephine Toh, CEO of Derma Essentials will be attending the event to mark the occasion.

The event will be held on the rooftop of the beautiful Suncity Building, and will begin with guided tours of the salon, which is located on the sixth floor. The grand opening will also feature models showcasing hair and makeup styled by salon staff, and five unique fashion looks. Overall looks modeled will include professional, casual, evening, party, and trendy.

What started as an idea discussed over a cup of coffee five years ago blossomed into a full day of salon “practice” appointments for the soft opening in July. Kate Korpi Salon has become Cambodia’s premier hair salon, where students learn cosmetology and professional workplace skills from expert trainers from around the globe.

Waiting area

The Kate Korpi Salon has been developed and is managed by the non-profit Justice and Soul Foundation. The salon has been built thanks to several fundraising efforts, including a successful Fashion SOULstice event held in April that raised just over $47,000. The teaching salon was established to provide its students with the fundamentals of cosmetology (hair, skin, nails, and makeup). Students attending the school include survivors of sex trafficking and those at risk for sexual exploitation. They do not pay tuition, but are instead awarded scholarships. The program also includes a compensation plan for the students so that they can begin experiencing sustainable financial independence while learning this valuable trade.

The Justice and Soul Foundation works closely with local non-profits to ensure students have access to qualified therapists to address the trauma experienced by the victims while providing problem-solving and life skills necessary for independence and a full transition. A modified version of the Pivot Point cosmetology curriculum, which has been generously donated, is being used with special consideration given to the education levels of the students.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the new talent to invited guests. Our team is eagerly preparing for the fashion show and guided tours, and we’re thrilled to have Davide Bollati and Josephine Toh join us for this very special event. None of this would be possible without the support and generosity of hundreds of friends, family members, colleagues, and businesses around the world,” explained Justice and Soul Foundation Co-Founder Matthew Fairfax.

Salon

Kate Korpi Salon and Academy is Phnom Penh’s newest premier salon offering a full range of services, including hair, nails, makeup, and skin care, including Dermalogica Microzone treatments.

The Justice and Soul Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating the sexual exploitation of youth and children globally as well as the restoration of the survivors. Through the Founders’ shared connections to the salon and fashion industry, and, after several years of research, planning and interviews, they are enlisting the support of the beauty industry to create a sustainable, systemic solution that addresses the ongoing effects of sex trafficking.

The co-founder, Matthew Fairfax, is owner of the James Alan Salon in Shoreline.


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Knight Life at the Shoreline Library Thursday

Join Knights of Veritas for an exciting interactive program which includes sword fighting, facts and fun! Discover facts and myths about medieval height, diet, and medical care. Watch the Knights demonstrate the skill and physical prowess of authentic combat from the middle ages!

Join this adult program class at the Shoreline Library Thursday, November 20, from 7-8pm, 345 NE 175th Street, Large Meeting Room.


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Sadness when everyone is supposed to be happy - contact St. Dunstan's

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Group at St. Dunstan's will help you deal with loss and sadness during the holiday time.
Call the parish office to register for this free group. 206-363-4319 or email.


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Arts Club, Clay Club, and f-Stop Photo Club sale Thursday and Friday

The Art Club, Clay Club, and the f-Stop Photo Club are having a combined holiday art sale on November 20th and 21st in the Visual Art Center, Building #2000 at Shoreline Community College, 16161 Greenwood Ave N (maps).

The sale will be from 10am to 4pm Thursday, and from 9am to 2pm on Friday.

The preview show and silent auction in the building lobby began on Monday, November 17. Some of the best work will be displayed for bidding all week long. The highest bid at the end of the sale on Friday will win the respective art pieces.

There will be a RECEPTION Thursday, November 20, from 4pm until 6pm.

This is a combined arts department’s sale of the best of student and facility art. 100% of the funds will be used to help further enhance the students experience’s, with such things as workshops from experts in each of the students fields. The Art Department will be selling holiday greeting cards and prints, and there will be photographs from the Photo Club. The Ceramics Department will have a large selection of sculptures, vases, tea pots, platters as well as a wide variety of decorative objects.




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What's happening with area real estate


There are currently 145 residential properties (stand-alone houses) for sale in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park/Kenmore. These homes range in price from $242,000 to $5,450,000. 

There are currently 29 condominiums for sale in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park/Kenmore. These condos range in price from $128,000 to $573,000. Most of these homes have been on the market (for sale) for more than 30 days.

A little less than half of these homes have reduced prices by a significant amount ($10,000 or more), since they came on the market. In the last 60 days, 10 condos and 177 residential properties have been sold. The average sale price was $386,778 and the median sale price was $374,950. The properties were on the market an average of 35 days. Asking price to selling price ratio was 99.76%.
~~
Nan Skinner is a real estate broker who lives in Shoreline and works for Keller Williams Real Estate.


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In the Garden now: Beauty Berry Shrub

Monday, November 17, 2014

Beauty Berry shrub
In The Garden Now …. Beauty Berry Shrub
Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

These purple metallic berries look for all the world like someone spray painted them. But this is just another example of Mother Nature’s skillful use of color in the fall landscape. Look around and you’ll see this wonderful berried shrub in neighborhood gardens.

The purple berries, which typically last well into winter, follow small pink summer flowers. In fall the green leaves of summer often take on a purplish cast as well.

Beauty Berry is an easy to grow vase shaped deciduous shrub that grows to about 6 feet high and wide. It grows happily in full sun to part shade. The plant will stay more compact and you’ll have more berries in the sun.

Think about adding a dash of purple to your fall garden with a stunning Beauty Berry Bush.

Botanical Name: Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’
~~~~
Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.


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Free SCC lecture on how conflicts affect individuals

Susan Barclay
Anthropology
SCC
The last Global Affairs Center event this fall will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 12:30 pm, in Room 9208 (Quiet Dining Room).

Two members of the Shoreline CC faculty will discuss how past and ongoing conflicts affect individuals, based on research and travel in the Palestinian Territories, and in Cambodia and Laos. 

This is a FREE event and open to the public (a small fee is charged for parking on campus at the kiosks near the visitor parking lot).

Tim Payne
Economics
SCC
Coping with Conflict
Two members of the Shoreline faculty offer their observations about the individual effects of conflict in the Palestinian Territories (Susan) and in Cambodia and Laos (Tim).






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Attorney General’s Office presents argument defending rules requiring pharmacies to fill lawful prescriptions

Stormans case to be argued in federal Ninth Circuit court Thursday

PORTLAND, Ore. — This week, the Attorney General’s Office will defend rules requiring pharmacies to fill lawful prescriptions for time-sensitive medications.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. in Portland, Ore., the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear argument in the case of Stormans v. Wiesman, in which a pharmacy owner and two pharmacists challenge Washington rules requiring pharmacies to fill lawful prescriptions. 

The plaintiffs object to filling certain prescriptions for emergency contraceptives based on their religious beliefs. The state argues that the rules comply with the First Amendment and ensure that Washington residents have timely access to necessary medications.

“When Washington state residents are in need of medication to protect their health, they should not have to worry about whether the pharmacist will fill their prescription,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “My office will continue to vigorously defend the rules requiring pharmacies to fill lawful prescriptions and ensure Washington residents have access to needed medications.”

This case, formerly known as Stormans v. Selecky, has a long history. The rules at issue were adopted by the Washington Board of Pharmacy in 2007 after a lengthy process of discussion and public comment. 

Kevin Stormans, whose family owns Ralph’s Thriftway and its pharmacy in Olympia, and two pharmacists who work elsewhere sued in federal court shortly after the rules were adopted. 

Judge Ronald B. Leighton, of the Western District of Washington, concluded that the rules violated the First Amendment by impinging on the plaintiffs’ exercise of their religion, and he issued a preliminary injunction blocking the rules from being enforced. 

The state appealed, and in 2009 the Ninth Circuit reversed the preliminary injunction, concluding that the rules did not discriminate on the basis of religion and thus should be reviewed under the “rational basis” test, which asks whether there was any rational basis for the rules. The Ninth Circuit sent the case back to Judge Leighton for review under the rational basis standard.

Judge Leighton concluded, however, that rational basis review did not apply, and in 2012 conducted a trial regarding the rules. Although nothing about the rules had changed since the Ninth Circuit’s 2009 ruling and the rules had not been enforced in the interim, Judge Leighton again concluded that the rules violated the First Amendment by impinging on the plaintiffs’ exercise of their religion. 

The state appealed that decision in 2012, and it is this appeal that the Ninth Circuit will hear on Thursday. 

The Ninth Circuit has postponed the argument several times, most recently while awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Hobby Lobby case. Because the Supreme Court ultimately decided that case based solely on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, however, and not the First Amendment, it should have no impact on this case.

The state will be represented by Deputy Solicitor General Alan D. Copsey. Argument will take place in the Second Floor Courtroom of the Pioneer Courthouse, 700 S.W. Sixth Avenue, Portland, Ore.


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Sculptors Workshop 2014 Holiday Pottery Sale


Friday and Saturday, November 21-22, 2014 in Edmonds


Decorative and functional pottery galore! Garden art, vases, mirrors, platters, mugs, plates and bowls are just a sampling of the hundreds of one-of-a-kind artworks by local artists available at the Sculptors Workshop Spring Sale the weekend before Thanksgiving (November 21-22).

Come join the fun and visit the artists at the Frances Anderson Center (Rm. 210) at 700 Dayton St. in downtown Edmonds during these times:

  • Friday, November 21 (1 pm - 8 pm) 
  • Saturday, November 22 (10 am - 2 pm)

The Sculptors Workshop is a pottery co-operative infused with a rich 44 year history. This semiannual sale is a wonderful chance to meet some of the co-op's 20 artists, and at the same time find unique and handmade gifts for the holidays.

Ceramic plates by Julie Perrine

The co-op’s current longest-running member and current President, Tina Carpenter, joined the Sculptors Workshop in 1976 after taking too many chemistry classes. She needed some creative art in her life, and that she now certainly has! This year she even taught three classes at the Shaack gallery in Everett. Tina shares, “I enjoy teaching multigenerational classes. I love the group dynamics of the combination of creativity a 5 or 6 year old offers and the patience, talent and wisdom a 65 year old brings to the group.”

Studio members including Barbara Wyatt, Mike O’Day, Mary Ann Tokas/King, Jordana Rene, Julie Perrine, and Terry Sonomore, have had pieces accepted in various local juried art shows, including Edmonds Arts Festival, Mountlake Terrance Tour, and Schaack Arts Center show.

You won’t want to miss this year’s holiday sale for a great selection of local pottery and a chance to meet these artists! For more information, visit the Sculptors Workshop's Facebook page or email


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Working on partnerships to keep the Northshore Public Health Clinic open

From the office of County Councilmember Rod Dembowski

Earlier this year, facing a $15 million gap in the Public Health budget, County Executive Dow Constantine announced that up to four King County Public Health clinics could be slated for closure, including the Public Health clinic at Northshore. Today in its unanimous adoption of the 2015-2016 Biennial King County Budget, the Metropolitan King County Council saved the Northshore clinic along with three other public health clinics once slated for closure.

Clinics in Auburn, Federal Way, and White Center will remain open thanks to public and private partners stepping in to provide short-term funding support. In addition, nurses and other represented workers have agreed to concessions in compensation to help keep clinics open.

In an attempt to maintain the vital services the Northshore clinic provides to more than 4,000 patients annually, Councilmember Rod Dembowski has initiated a similar all-hands-on-deck approach with the North King County cities he represents on the Council.

“As a kid, I received my health care at a King County Public Health clinic. Keeping these vital services for women and children was my top budget priority. I am working closely with our city partners to form partnerships to keep Northshore Public Health Clinic open beyond 2015,” said Dembowski. “I believe more work is needed to develop a long-term strategy for delivering maternity support services and Women, Infant & Children program services, before we close the door on the 4,000-plus patients in our community who rely on Northshore each year.” 

Today’s budget action keeps the doors open at Northshore into December 2015, pending a series of steps, provided in budget language authored by Dembowski, that are intended to identify long-term revenue to maintain the clinics' services. Those steps include analysis of revenue-generating leasing options for the vacant portion of the Northshore clinic building, and the potential for revenue generated from the sale of the building to be used to fund the continuation of clinic services. 

“Early feedback from cities we are working to partner with has been positive. I am hopeful that over the coming months we can forge a partnership to continue serving these vulnerable populations. It is my belief that working together, we can continue these vital health services,” said Dembowski. “We all know the downstream adverse impacts that come when we walk away from making investments in our children. My hope is that any partnership we develop to keep these services would be on an interim basis, pending more permanent funding from the state or perhaps a county children’s levy next year.” 

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system and type in “2014-0394”


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Dragonfire Art Gallery debuts during November’s Art Walk Edmonds, “AWE”

Edmonds has a new, fresh, and exciting art gallery in the core of the city. Dragonfire Neighborhood Art Gallery at 529 Dayton St will formally open its doors for business and to welcome neighbors on November 20 during the monthly Art Walk Edmonds. The gallery opens with displays of photography, sculpture, digital creative work, and paintings.

The gallery is locally owned by Southam Creative which has assigned Kurt Mattingly as the Gallery Director who said, “we are so excited to be in Edmonds as we’re a natural fit for its culture, this pace, and its people.”  In its first show, Dragonfire is highlighting the Art of NASA with spectacular images made by the agency turned into “fantastic works of art which people really enjoy,” said Mattingly.

They are also collaborating with the Edmonds Food Bank and AWE (Art Walk Edmonds) and will be taking food donations for those less fortunate until November 22. Please bring in any non-perishable food items for the cause and they will give you a 10% discount on ANY purchase!

Ribbon cutting at 4:30pm proceeded by Art Walk Edmonds. Dragonfire will offer a full complement of champagne and treats and keep its doors open for fun and fellowship until 8:00pm.

Visit them on Facebook or visit their website online. They will be open seven days a week during the holiday season. In January, Dragonfire will settle into normal business hours and be open Tuesday – Saturday.


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Bank robber in rubber mask seems to be heading north

Nov 4 Home Street Bank 15th NW

The Seattle Safe Streets Task Force is seeking information about a bank robber nicknamed “The Man in the Rubber Mask.”

The unidentified bank robber is believed to have robbed at least four different banks, most recently Friday in the Seattle neighborhood of Ravenna.

The subject may be a white male in his late 50s, roughly 5’5” in height. During each robbery, he’s worn a different costume mask paired with gloves, a baseball cap, some kind of hooded sweatshirt or jacket, and jeans. The robber is armed with a handgun and, in the latest robbery, aimed a laser on the gun at employees.

October 30 Key Bank 35th Ave NE

The subject is wanted for his alleged involvement in at least four bank robberies:
  • Thursday, October 16 – Chase Bank on 35th Avenue NE, Seattle
  • Thursday, October 30 – Key Bank on 35th Avenue NE, Seattle
  • Tuesday, November 4 – HomeStreet Bank on 15th Avenue NW, Seattle
  • Friday, November 14 – Key Bank on NE Ravenna Blvd, Seattle

Oct 16 Chase Bank 35th Ave NE

This subject is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of the suspected robber should refrain from approaching him and is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Nov 14 Key Bank NE Ravenna Blvd

Anyone with information that can help identify this individual is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information given leads to an arrest and charge of the person(s) involved.

The Seattle Safe Streets Task Force includes members from the FBI, Bellevue Police Department, Auburn Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office (which includes Shoreline), and Seattle Police Department.


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